The Soul of Taiwan: A 12-Days Luxury Exploration

Arrival in Taipei

Upon arrival in Taipei, your local WildTaiwan guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel (approximately a 1-hour drive, traffic dependent). Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a stunning landmark known for its grand architecture and peaceful reflecting pools. Taipei offers a vibrant mix of traditional temples, modern skyscrapers, and lively night markets, along with a rich culinary scene ranging from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants—making it the perfect introduction to Taiwan’s culture, history, and charm.

Overnight in Taipei – Humble Boutique Hotel or similar

Taipei City Discovery

After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a full day of discovery in Taipei. Begin at the National Palace Museum, home to over 700,000 ancient artifacts from China’s imperial past. Enjoy a creative lunch at Silks Palace Restaurant, where dishes are inspired by the museum’s treasures. In the afternoon, take part in a calming taiji (tai chi) lesson, then visit the iconic Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to witness its striking architecture and changing of the guard. Continue to Taipei 101 for sweeping views from the 89th floor and a stroll through its upscale mall. Wrap up the day with a delicious dinner at Din Tai Fung, famed for its expertly crafted xiaolongbao. Your guide will return you to your hotel afterward.

Overnight in Taipei – Humble Boutique Hotel or similar

Historic Taipei Highlights

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to start the day. Begin with a walk along Dihua Old Street, a charming 800-meter stretch filled with shops selling dried goods, tea, fabrics, and festive items—especially lively before Lunar New Year. Continue to Dadaocheng, Taipei’s most historic neighborhood, where weathered storefronts offer traditional remedies, handmade lanterns, and custom tea blends. Dive into the vibrant energy of Ximending, a pedestrian-friendly hotspot buzzing with neon lights, street food, fashion, and culture, all centered around the historic Red House Theater. Wrap up the day at the nearly 300-year-old Longshan Temple, a colorful spiritual hub that has survived centuries with its rich traditions, dragon pond, and fortune tellers. After a full day of cultural discovery, your guide will return you to your hotel.

Overnight in Taipei – Humble Boutique Hotel or similar

Journey to Shitiping via Hualien

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to start the day. Board a scenic 2.5-hour train from Taipei to Hualien, a coastal city framed by ocean and jungle cliffs. After arrival, enjoy a relaxing bike ride along Qixingtan, a 3km path with ocean views, pebble beaches, and driftwood art. Then embark on a stunning coastal drive along Highway 11 to Shitiping, passing seaside tunnels, marble cliffs, and quirky cafés. Stop at Shimen Cave for a short walk into a wind-carved cavern framing the sky and sea. Arrive at Shitiping, famous for its volcanic rock terraces and vibrant tide pools teeming with marine life. In summer, keep an eye out for dolphins and whales offshore. Your guide will help you check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Shitiping – Adagio Shitiping or similar

Leisure Day in Shitiping

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to start the day. Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Shitiping, with your guide and driver available for up to 8 hours upon request. Relax at your own pace or explore more of Hualien’s scenic coastline and natural beauty. Whether you choose to revisit tide pools, spot marine life, or simply unwind by the sea, your Travel Consultant is happy to offer personalized suggestions to make the most of your day.

Overnight in Shitiping – Adagio Shitiping or similar

Tea Route & Indigenous Culture

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to start the day. Begin with a scenic 1-hour drive to Ruisui, where you’ll explore the Mixiang Black Tea Road—a beautiful stretch of tea houses nestled in Wuhe Terrace, known for producing fragrant, honey-like black tea shaped by natural leafhoppers and mountain breezes. Continue with a 1.5-hour drive to Taitung and visit a traditional Bunun Indigenous village, where you’ll enjoy sweeping valley views, grilled pork by the fire, and witness a mesmerizing eight-part vocal performance. Explore tree-bark crafts, millet traditions, and savor a homemade platter featuring local veggies and passionfruit sauce. End the day soaking in the healing waters of Zhiben Hot Spring, known for its therapeutic, mineral-rich baths—an ideal way to unwind before heading to your hotel.

Overnight in Taitung – Hotel Royal Chihpen or similar

Hot Springs & Free Day in Taitung

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to start the day. Today is yours to explore Taitung at your own pace, with your guide and driver available for up to 8 hours upon request. Whether you choose to relax in town, visit nearby cultural sites, or enjoy the region’s natural beauty, your Travel Consultant is happy to offer tailored suggestions to help you make the most of your day in this laid-back coastal city.

Overnight in Taitung – Hotel Royal Chihpen or similar

Drive to Historic Tainan

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to start the day. Begin with a 3.5-hour scenic drive to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, known for its rich heritage, vibrant festivals, and legendary street food. Dive into local life at the bustling Shuei Sian Temple Market, a lively maze of fishmongers, produce stalls, and beloved eateries surrounding one of Tainan’s oldest temples. Then, explore the historic Tainan Confucian Temple, built in 1666, where traditional halls, stone inscriptions, and antique architecture tell the story of Taiwan’s Confucian roots. End the day with a relaxed stroll among locals beneath the temple’s red walls before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Tainan – Local Boutique Hotel or similar

Free Day in Tainan

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to start the day. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Tainan at your own pace. Whether you're uncovering hidden temples, sampling famous street snacks, or simply soaking in the city's historic charm, your guide and driver are available for up to 8 hours upon request. For personalized recommendations, your Travel Consultant is happy to help you plan the perfect day in Taiwan’s cultural capital.

Overnight in Tainan – Local Boutique Hotel or similar

Travel to Alishan

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to start the day. Set off on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the majestic Alishan National Scenic Area, a beloved mountain retreat known for its ancient forests, cultural heritage, and dramatic landscapes. Step aboard the historic Alishan Forest Railway, once used for logging, now offering a peaceful ride through lush valleys, tunnels, and towering red cypress trees. Then, lace up for a refreshing hike through Alishan’s alpine trails, where misty paths and sacred trees reveal the spirit of this once Tsou homeland. After a day of nature and history, your guide will return you to your hotel.

Overnight in Alishan – Alishan House Hotel or similar

Alishan Tea Culture & Leisure

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to start the day. Begin with a visit to a serene Alishan Oolong tea plantation in the misty Shizhuo region, where you’ll discover the art of high mountain oolong—Taiwan’s prized “champagne of teas.” Learn the full journey from leaf to cup, then join a traditional tea ceremony hosted by a local tea master, where harmony, mindfulness, and flavor come together in a peaceful, once-in-a-lifetime experience. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to further explore Alishan or simply relax amid the mountain tranquility.

Overnight in Alishan – Alishan House Hotel or similar

Departure from Taipei

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to start the day. Begin with a scenic 2-hour drive from Alishan to Chiayi, where you’ll board a high-speed train to Taoyuan (approx. 1.5 hours) accompanied by your WildTaiwan guide. Upon arrival, a new private chauffeur will greet you and transfer you to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (~20 minutes, traffic dependent). Your guide will assist with check-in for your departing flight, ensuring a smooth and stress-free farewell.