Taiwan National Parks holiday
Price
£2495excluding flights
Duration
13 Days
Type
Tailor made
More info
Price includes accommodation on twin/double basis, airport transfers, touring with English-Speaking Guides, rail journeys and meals as stated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Description of Taiwan National Parks holiday
Taiwan is a small country which packs a big punch. Known as 'Ilha Formosa', or the beautiful isle, Taiwan boasts numerous national parks and an active populace keen to explore its quieter corners usually by foot or pedal power. Discover this incredibly green island on a tailor-made tour taking in the key national parks of country.
Trek the trails of mountainous Yangminshan National Park and board the tilting Taroko Express to beautiful Taroko National Park, a popular draw for locals and visitors alike. Explore the coastal national park at Kenting which sits on the southern tip of Taiwan and offers an abundance of activities from hiking and cycling to surfing, diving and snorkelling. Rise early to board the local train for a panoramic sunrise you're unlikely to forget in Alishan National Scenic Area and cruise the tranquil waters of Sun Moon Lake with a visit to Wenwu Temple with its superb views.
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Land Taipei. Meet the driver and transfer to a city centre hotel. If time allows enjoy a walking tour in Beitou, a mountainous suburb north of the city. Visit the plum garden and hot spring museum to enjoy a hot spring bath. |
| Day 2 | Spend today exploring the city. Visit the city's oldest temple, Longshan, to see samples of unique temple art and architecture, before continuing to Chiang Ka-shek Memorial Hall. Take the high-speed lift to the observation deck of Taipei 101 for panoramic views of the city and discover fascinating art pieces in the National Palace Museum. Enjoy a free evening or pre-book a night market tour. (B/L) |
| Day 3 | Meet the guide and drive to Yangmingshan National Park, located a short drive from the city. The park boasts waterfalls, volcanic craters, terraced rice paddies and steaming hot springs. Explore the park on foot with visits to Chingtienkang, Lengshuikeng and Hsiaoyukeng. Return to the city. (B/L) |
| Day 4 | Transfer to the railway station and board the tilting Taroko Express train for the journey south to Taroko Gorge National Park. Disembark and meet the guide for an afternoon tour of Taroko Gorge. Visit the Swallow Grotto for a perfect photo opportunity and the memorial shrine complex the Eternal Spring Shrine. Also explore the Tunnel of Nine Turns, largely regarded as one of the most scenic parts of the gorge. End the day at a hotel inside the park. (B/L/D) |
| Day 5 | Enjoy a free day to explore the park. There are numerous treks available in the park including the famous Jhuilu Old Trail and the shorter, popular Baiyang Trail which leads to the Water Curtain Cave. You could also enjoy a soak in the Wensham Hot Springs. (B) |
| Day 6 | Today board the train south to Kaohsiung, a journey of approx. 5.5 hours. Take the Kenting Express coach into Kenting National Park and check into the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B) |
| Day 7 | This morning your guide will take you on a full day tour of the park. Visit the Forest Recreation Area, once an undersea coral reef and now an unusual landscape festooned with the strangling roots of banyan trees. Continue to Sheding Nature Park, Eluanbi Park and lighthouse and the Lungpan grasslands. (B/L/D) |
| Day 8 | Enjoy a free morning to explore further. Return to the railway station and board the high-speed train to Chiayi which sits at the foot of Alishan. Overnight. (B) |
| Day 9 | This morning board the famous forest train on lines built by the Japanese Colonial Government in 1912 for the purposes of logging. Arrive into Alishan and enjoy an afternoon in the park to discover the Alishan's giant trees. The trails here are easily negotiated and signposted and take you deep into the forest. Overnight Alishan. (B/L/D) |
| Day 10 | Rise early and transfer to the railway station to board the 'sunrise train' which will take you to the best spot to experience the panoramic sunrise. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then spend the morning enjoying an easy trek in Alishan. After lunch depart on the journey towards Sun Moon Lake. On the way a stop may be made (time permitting) in Yushan National Park which is home to a rugged landscape of deep valets, thick forest and rocky peaks. End the day at Sun Moon Lake. (B/L/D) |
| Day 11 | Board a boat and take a cruise on Sun Moon Lake, the largest body of fresh water in Taiwan. Visit Wenwu Temple which sits in a prominent position to allow for superb views of the region. After lunch transfer back to Taipei. Evening at leisure. (B/L) |
| Day 12 | Today is free to explore the city at leisure. The city has a host of interesting sites to explore including a number of bustling night markets, temples, shopping areas and the city now also offers a lively nightlife scene for those looking for a fast paced finale to their trip! (B) |
| Day 13 | Transfer to the airport for your onward or return flight. (B) |
Price information
£2495excluding flights
Price includes accommodation on twin/double basis, airport transfers, touring with English-Speaking Guides, rail journeys and meals as stated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Departure information
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel guides
Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, can create contemporary culture shocks although traditional Chinese heritage is never far from the shiny surface, especially...
I am a grown man, and have travelled all over Africa. But the first time I saw a tiger in the wilds of India, I cried.
Responsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
As a destination Taiwan does not tend to attract huge numbers of visitors and as a result environmental considerations which are now common-place in many other parts of the world often get overlooked. We work with our local agent to encourage environmental responsibility where possible. Such things as not asking for new towels every day in the hotel and turning lights off when leaving a room are strongly encouraged by our local agents and the hotel but can be still slow to catch on.All food served on the tour is sourced locally which not only helps the local communities but minimises the environmental impact of transporting goods.
We use the country's extensive rail network which means fewer vehicles are required to transport visitors thus avoiding excess vehicle fumes being released into the atmosphere. Where applicable, drivers of the vehicles are also advised not to leave it 'idling' to avoid release of pollution into the air.
People
Our local Taiwanese agents have been operating tours to the country since 1971 and they are an important employer of local Taiwanese drivers and guides.This tour stays in a locally owned and run guesthouse at Sun Moon Lake which employs local staff from the surrounding villages. This is a small but important employer for the local community. It also stays in a traditional hotel in Taroko National Park which offers guests the opportunity to learn a little about the local aborigine cuisine and performances.
The various entrance fees paid by the local agents as part of the tour go towards supporting the museums, temples and national parks and stops are made to give visitors the opportunity to buy handicrafts direct from the craftsmen themselves. The trip is guided by English-speaking Taiwanese guides which not only provides revenue for the local guides themselves but also provides the most current information on the country.
Popular similar holidays
Taiwan small group holiday
From £1845 - £2990 11 days excluding flights
Travel to the heart of tantalising Taiwan
Taiwan small group tour
From £1295 8 days excluding flights
A comprehensive small group tour of Taiwan
Taiwan tailor made holiday
From US $2869 7 days excluding flights
Immerse in the wonderful culture & nature in Taiwan
