Taiwan by Rail

Arrive in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, where you will be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel to check in. Depending on your time of arrival, the remainder of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture. Taipei is a laidback and vibrant city that, as well as being packed with the upmarket and ultramodern, is a bastion of Taiwan's wonderfully rick heritage. Its beauty lies in its blend of Chinese culture with a curious fusion of Japanese and Southeast Asian influences.

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel lobby and head to Taipei railway station by public transportation. Board the train to Ruifang, where you start your guided tour along the scenic 8-mile Pingxi Line. There are 12 stations on Pingxi Line and your guide will recommend the best places to hop on and off to explore the country villages and waterfalls. A stop at Shifen Old Street is a must for all travellers, where you can purchase a sky lantern to carry wishes and hopes for the coming year. After touring, take train back to Taipei and return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Today you will explore Taipei by public transport with your local guide, starting with visit to the National Palace Museum. Start with a visit to the Chiang Kai-Shek (CKS) Memorial Hall, a monument dedicated to the former leader. Inside are various artifacts including two of his Cadillacs, documents and items from his daily life. Take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck on the 89th floor of Taipei 101 for a birds-eye view of Taipei. Later, explore Longshan Temple, and in the evening visit one of Taipei's night market, famous for a snack-focused street food. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

After breakfast, an English speaking assistant will accompany you by taxi to the train station where you will take the 2-hour scenic East Coast Line to Hualien, travelling unescorted on the train. On arrival meet your English-speaking guide/driver for your tour of Taroko Gorge, the only marble gorge in the world. Explore the stunning Taroko Gorge Gateway, Tunnel of Nine Turns, Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grotto and Buluowan suspension bridge. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel followed by an aboriginal singing and dance performance.

This morning travel approximately 5 hours by road to Sun Moon Lake, travelling along the picturesque Central Cross-Island Highway, said to be the most picturesque route in Taiwan. Stop at Wuling on Mt. Hehuan, the highest point of the highway at 3,275 metres, for a panoramic view over the Central Mountain Ranges. Continue to Sun Moon Lake, a designated National Scenic Area, and drive along the lake to indulge yourself in the natural beauty all around, visiting Wen-wu Temple with a beautiful lake view. Stay overnight at Sun Moon Lake.

Depart your hotel after breakfast, travelling approximation 2-hours by road to the charming and historic Jiji Old Town. After exploring the towns sights with your guide, continue 1.5-hours to Yuyupas, an indigenous cultural park dedicated to the education of the Tsou Tribe and part of an Alishan tea garden. Enjoy a tea-tasting experience before transferring to your Alishan accommodation for an overnight stay.

This morning, start your exploration of the beautiful Alishan Forest Recreation Park. Enjoy a 30-minute Forest Train experience on the highest narrow-gauge train in Asia as it winds its way through mist-covered mountains, dense forests, and picturesque valleys. Continue your sightseeing around Alishan stopping at natural sights such as the Sister Pond, Brother Tree and Three Generation Tree. This afternoon, transfer 1.5-2 hours to Chiayi train station for your high-speed train approximately 1.5 hours back to Taipei (unescorted on the train). Meet your English-speaking assistant on arrival and transfer to your hotel by taxi for an evening at your leisure.

After breakfast and check-out, the day is yours at leisure until it’s time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight.