8 Day Premium 5 Star Taste Of Taiwan
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Expect a memorable stay throughout with hotels often centrally located, with creature comforts and unique features.
Hotel stars are based on local ratings provided and the expected standard may differ depending on the destination. Hotels listed within the itinerary are indicative of the typical hotel we intend to use for that package but is subject to change.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Martyrs' Shrine, National Palace Museum, Sun Moon Lake, Historic Anping Old Street and Fo Guang Shan Monastery
✓ 7 nights in luxury 5-star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
After landing at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), a private car will escort you directly to your hotel for your arrival. You have the rest of the day to discover the city at your own pace.
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Please note: if you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Taipei. Start with the grand Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, then snap a pic at the iconic Grand Hotel. Catch a glimpse of the Presidential Office Building en route, before witnessing the moving guard change ceremony at Martyrs' Shrine. Conclude your day at the world-famous National Palace Museum, brimming with over 700,000 treasures spanning 8,000 years of Chinese history - an unforgettable cultural immersion!
Today your island adventure begins! Leaving bustling Taipei behind, you'll journey to the heart of Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area. This captivating freshwater treasure lives up to its name, with the eastern side reflecting the sun and the western resembling a crescent moon. Separated by Lalu Island, the lake embodies breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage. As the ancestral home of the Thao people, one of Taiwan's indigenous groups, Sun Moon Lake offers a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant traditions.
After lunch, a scenic bus tour will unlock the lake's hidden gems. Your first stop: Ita Thao village, where you'll delve into the fascinating culture and traditions of the Thao people. Next, prepare to be captivated by the majestic Ci'en Pagoda, a landmark built by the late President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother. Your exploration continues with two significant temples. Find serenity at Xuanzang Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary dedicated to the esteemed monk Xuanzang. Next at Wenwu Temple, an imposing Taoist landmark, discover the halls dedicated to the Martial God and the God of Literature.
After breakfast, you will depart for Tainan, Taiwan's oldest city. Immerse yourself in history at Fort Zeelandia, a Dutch East India Company legacy, and stroll along Anping Old Street, savouring local delicacies like shrimp rolls and tofu pudding. This 300-year-old haven boasts the first officially named street in Taiwan, making your walk a delectable journey through time.
Continue south to Kaohsiung, the vibrant harbour city pulsating with life. Find serenity at Fo Guang Shan Monastery, where the majestic Great Buddha Land, featuring the tallest standing Buddha in Southeast Asia, inspires awe. Engage with a monk to gain insights into Buddhism, the island's dominant religion before retiring to your hotel for the evening.
After a hearty breakfast, your journey takes you south, where Taiwan's first national park awaits. Kenting National Park boasts breathtaking coastal landscapes, unique geological formations, and a vibrant marine ecosystem nurtured by its tropical climate. Marvel at Maopitou, a rock formation resembling a crouching cat, and Chuanfan Rock, reminiscent of a ship's sail or even a presidential profile. Stand at the historic Eluanpi Lighthouse, once recognized as one of the Eight Views of Taiwan, and witness the vast Pacific Ocean from Longpan Park, a coral limestone plateau sculpted by time.
As the day winds down, embark on a scenic drive along the South Link Highway, savouring the ever-changing landscapes before reaching Taitung. Tonight, indulge in a tranquil stay at a hot spring resort in Chihpen . Renowned for its revitalising carbonate springs, Chihpen is the perfect place to rejuvenate after your day of exploration.
Today, your Taiwanese adventure continues along the stunning East Coast where you will explore captivating landscapes and unique geological formations. At Xiaoyeliu, nicknamed "Little Yehliu," marvel at whimsical rock formations like the "Queen's Head" and "Mushroom Rock," sculpted by wind and waves. Next, on the picturesque island of Sanxientai, connected to the mainland by a bridge, immerse yourself in the beauty of coral reefs and panoramic ocean views.
Travel back in time at Shitiping, a natural classroom showcasing millions of years of geological history through impressive rock formations, cliffs, and sea grooves. Then, prepare to be captivated by the miniature marvel of Fanshuliao. This breathtaking canyon boasts dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Taroko Gorge. Delve into the heart of Hualien's history with a visit to a local marble factory, witnessing the intricate process of marble processing and gaining insights into this significant industry. As day fades, unwind in the luxurious comfort of your 5-star resort in Yilan county.
Begin your adventure with an early morning departure from Yilan, a region celebrated for its picturesque landscapes and hot springs. A short drive brings you to the first highlight of your tour, the Kavalan Distillery. Nestled in Yuanshan Township, the Kavalan Distillery is a must-visit for whisky enthusiasts. As Taiwan’s premier whisky producer, Kavalan has garnered international acclaim for its exquisite single malts.
Next, continue your exploration at the National Center for Traditional Arts. This cultural gem showcases Taiwan’s traditional arts and crafts within a beautifully designed environment. Wander through artisan workshops, where you can observe master craftsmen at work, creating intricate wood carvings, delicate paper cuttings, and exquisite pottery. Spend time exploring the interactive exhibits and perhaps try your hand at crafting a unique souvenir. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Taipei and reach your hotel for your final evening in Taiwan.
Today marks the end of your tour. Enjoy your final moments in Taiwan at your own pace until check-out. A private car will transfer you directly to the airport for your departing flight.
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, click here.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a ‘3’
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,545.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Minimum: 1
Maximum: 38
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
