Best of Taiwan

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Sitting off the south-east coast of China, the island nation of Taiwan –is one of the most densely populated places in the world. With the interior of the island being mountainous, the majority of its 23 million strong population lives in cities strung out along the flatter west coastal belt. Taiwan is therefore a land of contrasts: crowded cities with a plethora of restaurants, shops and entertainment options in one part, and lush forested mountains, sandy beaches and marble-walled gorges in the other. It may surprise some people to know that Taiwan has eight national parks protecting its wildlife-rich tropical forest.

Tour highlights:
♦ Sun Moon Lake – a gentle journey through the history, culture and scenery of this remarkable place
♦ Fo Guang Shan Monastery - the Buddhist center of South Taiwan
♦ Kenting – Taiwan’s first national park
♦ East Coast National Scenic Area - Taiwan's last unspoiled land
♦ Taroko National Park – Taroko Gorge, Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grott

Itinerary

Day 1. Saturday. Taipei
Arrival to Taipei airport and transfer to your hotel. Accommodation. The rest of the day is free.

Day 2. Sunday. Taipei
After breakfast half day city tour of Taipei: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, National Palace Museum where 5,000 years of Chinese imperial arts and jade collections are exhibited, Martyrs’ Shrine of traditional architecture and change of Honor Guards, a local Taiwanese temple. The rest of the day is free. Overnight in Taipei.

Day 3. Monday. Taipei－Sun Moon Lake
8.00 ~ 9.00 a.m. Pick up from the hotel and departure to Sun Moon Lake - the most famous lake attraction in Taiwan. With over 8 square kilometers, it got its name because the northern part of the lake has the shape of the sun and the southern part has the shape of crescent moon (those two parts are separated by Lalu Island). We shall make a Lake Bus tour, including Wenwu Temple, Holy Monk Shrine, Ci-en Pagoda. Overnight in the vicinity of Sun Moon Lake.

Day 4. Tuesday. Sun Moon Lake－Fo Guang Shan Monastery－Kaohsiung
We leave Sun Moon Lake in the morning on our way to the Buddhist center of South Taiwan in Kaohsiung County. It was established by Master Hsing Yun and his disciples. At the southeastern side of Fo Guang Shan Monastery the most prominent landmark of the region is found: a huge golden statue of Buddha Amitaabha (120 meters).
We continue to Kaohsiung - the second largest city of Taiwan. The tour will take you to Love River and Liuhe Night Market - a variety of delicious food, specialties, cold drinks, ices and seafood are offered here. Overnight in Kaohsiung.

Day 5. Wednesday. Kaohsiung－Kenting－Taitung (Chihpen Hot Springs)
Today we are heading south to Kenting. We shall visit the first Taiwan’s National Park – Kenting, established on January 1st 1948 and superbly located on the Hengchun Peninsula. It faces the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Bashi Channel to the south, and the Taiwan Straits to the west. Some of Taiwan’s largest coral reefs lie off the coast and the forests along the park’s western edge are the last of Taiwan’s coastal tropical forests. We shall stop at Eluanbi Lighthouse, called “The Light of East Asia” and revealing a splendid panorama, after that at Maobitou – an exceptionally gifted sightseeing spot and in the evening we shall arrive in Taitung. Overnight in the region of Zhiben Hot Springs.

Day 6. Thursday. Taitung (Chihpen Hot Springs) －East Coast National Scenic Area－Taroko
Leaving Taitung we shall drive on the East Coast Highway to the East Coast National Scenic Area, known as "Taiwan's last unspoiled land". It stretches 170 kilometers down the east coast of the island from the mouth of the Hualien River in the north to Xiaoyeliu (Little Yeliu) in the south. To the east it is bounded by the Pacific Ocean; to the west rises the Coastal Mountain Range. The land here consists of volcanic rock, classic rock and shale. Weathering, erosion, and accumulation have produced a wide range of landforms here. This varied topography provides habitat for a rich diversity of flora and fauna. In the end of the day we reach Hualien County and have accommodation in a hotel in Taroko National Park.

Day 7. Friday. Taroko National Park－Taipei
Today we are going to visit Taroko National Park, which is famous for its spectacular mountains and marble canyons, stretching along Liwu River. The road is winding through the steep marble cliffs and tunnels of Taroko Gorge, named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Asia. The coach will pass through 38 separate tunnel before reaching the Eternal Spring Shrine. It serves as a memorial to those Taiwanese veterans who lost their lives in the construction of the tunnels. The shrine is built around a natural spring, from which water appears out of the cliff seemingly from nowhere and is quite a remarkable geological formation. Our next stop is Swallow Grotto. Due to long-term erosion by the Liwu River the marble cliff faces were scoured into hundreds of potholes, which have become a natural nestling location for swallows. Hence the name Swallow Grotto. Do not miss to find the Chieftain’s profile rock that bears an uncanny likeness to that of an Indian Chief. We will then drive back to Taipei with a stop at Chingshui Cliffs, drive through Syue-Shan Long Tunnel (12.9 km) to arrive at around 18:00 h in Taipei, where we will spend the night.

Day 8. Departure
Transfer to the airport and departure.

Visa: Citizens of most European countries and North America do not need a visa to enter Taiwan. Please, check the latest requirements regarding your country.

Price Includes:
7 nights in a double room at 3-star hotel in Taipei and 5-star hotels in the other cities
daily breakfast
air-conditioned coach
English speaking guide
entrance fees
transfer from/to the airport (no guide)
Tour insurance

Not Included:
Flight tickets to/from Taipei
tips
personal expenses
drinks and meals not mentioned in the program
insurance

Additional Services:
Accommodation at 4**** or 5***** hotel in Taipei: on request

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