Taiwan Express

Arrive in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, where you will be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel to check in for the next 3-nights. Depending on your time of arrival, the remainder of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.

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.

This morning depart Taipei by private car to Sun Moon Lake, a designated National Scenic Area. Explore a tea plantation set in picturesque rolling hills complete with tea tasting, then visit the imposing Wenwu Temple, built on the shore of the lake with beautiful views. Set sail on a cruise of the lake itself soaking up spectacular panoramas of forested shores, turquoise blue waters and the mountains beyond. Stay overnight at Sun Moon Lake.

Depart Sun Moon Lake by car for Bantaoyao Craft Park, a former pottery factory where you'll take part in a mosaic workshop - learning the proper technique and decorating your own tile. Stop by the Museum of Old Taiwan Tiles (closed on Tuesdays). Lunch today will be traditional hot pot, cooking various meats and vegetables in a delicious broth. Check into your hotel in Chiayi for a 2-night stay.

Travel by car to Yuyupas, a cultural park where you can learn about the indigenous Tsou Tribe and enjoy a coffee or tea tasting experience. Then begin your exploration of the beautiful Alishan Forest Recreation Area and ride the scenic Alishan Forest Train - the highest narrow-gauge railway in Asia - as it winds through dense forest. Continue your sightseeing around Alishan stopping at natural sights such as the Sister Pond, Brother Tree and Three Generation Tree. Return to Chiayi.

Journey back to Taipei, pausing en route at the fascinating Changhua Roundhouse, a railway roundhouse built in 1922. You'll also visit Lukang Old Street, known for its many temples and atmospheric narrow lanes. Then, transfer to Changhua train station and say goodbye to your guide. Board the high-speed train, reaching speeds of up to 300km per hour, approximately 1.5 hours back to Taipei. 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. Late check-out is not included.