10D9N NORTHERN & CENTRAL TAIWAN

10D9N Northern & Central Taiwan

Day 01 – ARRIVE TAIPEI 
On arrival at Taipei Airport, your driver will meet you at the arrival hall and drive you to your hotel in Taipei.  Rest and relax for the rest of the day.

Day 02 – TAIPEI – YANGMINGSHAN – BEITOU – FISHERMEN’S WHARF – TAIPEI   [B] 
Head to Yangmingshan National Park, one of the 9 national parks of Taiwan renowned for its beauty and the numerous parks and hiking trails, not least its ever-popular hot springs.  Next, visit the countless hot springs in Beitou where the hot spring facilities reflect a lasting Japanese influence in the area.  Continue on to Tamshui Fishermen’s Wharf, well known for its beautiful sunset and great seafood.   

Day 03 – TAIPEI – TAICHUNG   [B]
Enroute from Taipei to Taichung, visit Hsinchu, the oldest city in North Taiwan and a base for traditional industries including glass-making and noodle-making.  Hsinchu today features a restored canal zone with heritage buildings and small personalised shops and eateries.  Continue on to appreciate the “19 Hectares Grasslands”, a lovely and vast green pasture for nature lovers, within the hills of Xiangshan in Hsinchu.  Next, journey on to Sanyi (in Miaoli County), the undisputed woodcarving capital of Taiwan, followed by the colourful Chung-She Flower Market and the Gaomei Wetlands Preservation Area.  In Taichung city, enjoy a gastronomic experience at the Fengjia Night Market.

Day 04 – TAICHUNG – NANTOU   [B]
In Taichung, see the famous street art featuring large, colourful paintings of cartoon and anime characters.  Embark on a Lukang cultural tour and visit Lukang Glass Gallery – an array of artistic glassware housed in an intriguing building with a glass tunnel and maze.  Experience an exhilarating walk across the Nantou Sky Bridge – a suspension bridge 204m long with a 150m drop to the valley beneath.  Thereafter, treat yourself to some luxury chocolates at the local Feeling 18 Degree Chocolate Factory.  Finally, end your day enjoying a personal in-room hot spring onsen in your minsu.

Day 05 – NANTOU – TAROKO NATIONAL PARK – HUALIEN   [B]
Visit Qingjing Leisure Farm – a unique attraction offering exquisite scenery throughout the four seasons of the year, and an unusual tranquil pasture filled with sheep.  Thereafter, head towards Taroko National Park, another one of the 9 national parks in Taiwan.  Travel on the highland roads and enjoy a top of the world view at Yuan Feng Peak, and also on Wuling –  the highest mountain road in Taiwan at 3,275m above sea level.  Along the way, see the picturesque Mt Hehuan, and an old police post at 3,085m above sea level in Kun Yang.  On arrival at Taroko Gorge, see the famed sights including Shakadang Trail, Buluowan, Swallows Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, Lushui, and Tiansiang.  Finally, end the day in Hualien.

Day 06 – HUALIEN – YILAN   [B]
Journey to Qixing Beach – an idyllic pebble-strewn beach at Hualien and one of the most beautiful beaches in Taiwan.  Continue on to Qingshui Cliff, designated as one of the eight wonders of Taiwan, and enjoy 21km of coastal cliffs.  Continue on and arrive at Nanfang-Ao Fishing Harbour in Yilan for the freshest seafood.  At Yilan, see the Jimmy Plaza, the National Centre for Traditional Arts, and also the themed decor of the Yilan train station.  Arrive at the town of Jiaoxi (in Yilan County), well known for its hot springs.  Hidden in the woods is the impressive Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park – a world-class hot spring resort with extensive foot bath areas, beautifully arranged stone paths, small wooden bridges, and a steaming hot spring river that altogether avail excellent open air onsen opportunities to its visitors.  Enjoy a soak at the Yilan Jiaoxi Hot Springs Park, and perhaps again at the personal in-room onsen in your minsu.

Day 07 – YILAN – TAIPEI   [B]
Journey to Wai’ao, and enjoy this beautiful coastal beach in Yilan.  Check out Mr Brown Coffee Castle.  For whisky lovers, an alternative itinerary may be to visit the Kavalan Distillery that makes the famous single-malt Kavalan Whisky.  Thereafter, bid farewell to Yilan as you head to the rural quaint towns of Jiufen, Shifen and Pingxi.  Jiufen is a mountain town in Northeast Taiwan, known for its narrow alleys, traditional teahouses, street food and souvenir shops.  The history of this old gold mining hub dates back to the Japanese-era gold rush that is succinctly portrayed in the Gold Mine Museum.  Located in the Pingxi area, Shifen has an array of small lanes and alleys around the Shifen railway station area.  Originally built to transport coal during the Japanese era, the railway station and track actually runs through the village.  The marketplace area surrounding the station and tracks is a great place to try some local snacks and buy souvenirs.  Whilst there, you may wish to write your wishes on a Chinese lantern and release this “heavenly lantern” to the sky.  End the day in Taipei.

Day 08 – TAIPEI   [B]
For these 2 days in Taipei, enjoy Taipei at your own pace and leisure.  You may wish to visit the iconic Taipei 101 building, the National Palace Museum, the popular and countless F&B eateries at Yongkang Street area, the many night markets and more.

Day 09 – TAIPEI   [B]
Continue to enjoy Taipei at your own leisure.

Day 10 – DEPART TAIPEI   [B]
Free time until your transfer to Taipei Airport for your departure flight.

Whether you prefer the above itinerary “as-is” or have it customised, if you will indicate the start/end dates of your intended travel and provide your contact details, we will get in touch with you to discuss the itinerary on a no-obligations basis on your part.