Discover Taiwan in 5 days

Arrival at Taipei airport early morning. Most flights from Canada arrive at around 5-5h30 am. Transfer to the hotel and drop luggage. (*** Early check-in not included, available with supplement $).
08:30 AM Meet with tour guide in the hotel lobby (pick-up time can be modified to your convenience).
Your tour starts with a stop at the Grand Hotel Taipei, a historic hotel built in the 1950s, where the government hosted banquets for many foreign dignitaries who visited Taipei. Then, you will visit the world-renowned National Palace Museum that houses the largest collection of ancient Chinese artifacts in the world, where the exquisite art pieces will blow your mind. (Closed on Mondays)
Next visit will be the heart of Dadaocheng, Dihua Street, once the most prosperous place in Taipei more than a hundred years ago. Even now, it is still a popular spot to shop for dried goods and herbal medicines. Every year, the Chinese New Year Street Bazaar takes place in Dihua Street, and is always crowed with people getting ready for the coming new year.
Then visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a prominent monument that symbolizes a significant period of Taiwan’s history. Your Taipei guided visit will end with Taipei 101, that showcases the modern technology and globalization of the city. Of course, there is much more to discover on your own if you’d like after the tour.

After breakfast, drive to Sun Moon Lake. Today’s tour includes Sun Moon Lake motor boat, Wen Wu Temple and Itathao Village.

Sun Moon Lake, the largest freshwater lake on the island, is divided by Lalu Island. The eastern side of the lake resembles the sun, while the western side resembles the crescent moon, giving the lake its unique name. This picturesque area is also the ancestral home of the Thao people, one of Taiwan’s indigenous groups. With its rich indigenous culture and abundant natural beauty, Sun Moon Lake has earned its place as one of Taiwan’s premier destinations. When it comes to Alishan, it is always related to “Sea of Clouds”, “the Sacred Trees” and “the Mountain Railway”. Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is located in Chiayi County, covering an area of 1,400 hectares that includes the most popular hot spots in this county. You could take a relaxing walk and experience a nature therapy in the misty and dreamy forest. Start with a train ride from Zhaoping Railway Station that was built a century ago, and enjoy the stunning view along the railway.

After breakfast, drive to Alishan directly. You will visit Alishan National Forest Recreational Area, including the small train inside the park. Then, drive to hotel in Chiayi City.

After breakfast, drive to Tainan City directly.
After the Qing pacification of Taiwan in 1683, the Taiwan Prefectural Capital was established in Tainan. In 1885, Taiwan became a province and Tainan’s position changed to that of Tainan Prefectural Capital, from which its current name derives. Tainan remained the political, economic and cultural center of Taiwan up to the late nineteenth century. As a result, Tainan is home to many famous historic sites. It also is the city with the longest history and earliest cultural roots in Taiwan.

Today, you will visit Ten Drum Creative Park, Chihkan Tower, Anping Old Fort and Old Street.
Then, drive to Kaohsiung City.

Kaohsiung is the 2nd biggest city of Taiwan.
The first stop is Fo Guang Shan, a large monastery founded by Master Hsing Yun in 1967. The signature of the temple is the huge statue of Buddha Amitabha in gold colour that can be seen from miles away. After the monastery tour, move down Lianchi Lake (Lotus Lake), which is the iconic attraction in Kaohsiung. From the north edge to the south edge, famous attractions like Confucius Temple, Spring and Autumn Pavilions and Dragon, and Tiger Pagodas are situated around the lake.

After breakfast, visit Fo Guang Shan Monastery and Lotus Lake. Then, transfer to Kaohsiung high speed rail station.
Take high speed rail (standard class) from Kaohsiung to Taipei.
Upon arrival, end of tour at Taipei Main Station, take a private transfer to the airport for your onward travels or add an additional night in Taipei (rate in the “Dates & Prices tab”).