This package does not include international airfares from your home airport. Any flights within your tour itinerary are included. If you would like to add international airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available after your booking is made.
Designed to take you to iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a rich blend of must-see sights. Travel with no more than 26 people (on average 16-20), allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience.
This tour is either fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader or guided by experienced local guides at each destination. If your itinerary includes local guides, a new guide will meet you in each location, and any internal flights will be unescorted. For further details, please refer to the Essential Information for this tour.
Our Steady tours offer a good mix of guided sightseeing and personal free time. With a combination of 2-3 night stays and occasional 1 night stops in key locations, this pace allows for deeper exploration while minimising long travel days.
✓ 7 nights in 4-star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ One-day Taipei double-decker sightseeing bus ticket
✓ Ride on the Alishan Forest Railway
✓ Private, air-conditioned coach transportation throughout
✓ Fully guided by an English-speaking local guide
✓ Arrival and departure transfers in Taipei
✓ 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.
From the streets of Taipei to the heights of Alishan, this is Taiwan at its most varied. Ride the historic forest railway, look out over Sun Moon Lake, wander Lukang's old streets and temples, and finish among Kaohsiung's pagodas and lively night markets.
Welcome to Taiwan! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Special Information
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.
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, discover Taipei on your own using your 1-Day Taipei Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus ticket.
The Red Route takes in Taipei 101, Huashan 1914 Creative Park and similar areas. The Blue Route takes in the Shilin Official Residence, National Palace Museum and similar areas. There is onboard English audio-guide information.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast, meet your tour guide and drive to Sun Moon Lake via the picturesque Central Cross-Island Highway and Wuling on Mt. Hehuan , the highest spot (3275m above sea level) of the highway and the best place to have a panoramic view over the Central Mountain Ranges. Continue to Sun Moon Lake, a designated National Scenic Area, and drive along the lake to indulge yourself in the natural beauty all around. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit a Holy Monk Shrine, see the Tse En Pagoda and experience the Ita Thao Village.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours
Start your morning with a scenic journey to Lukang, a captivating town in Changhua steeped in centuries of history and culture. Stroll through the atmospheric Lukang Old Street and its historic district, visiting the iconic Mazu Temple and the enchanting Osmanthus Alley Artist Village, where traditional architecture meets creative artistry.
From there, head south to Chiayi to explore the Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park and the tranquil Hinoki Village — a beautifully preserved enclave of Japanese-era cypress buildings that tell the story of a bygone era. As the day winds down, settle into your Chiayi hotel and recharge for the adventures ahead.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
After breakfast, we will drive to Alishan National Scenic Area Sunrise, sea of clouds, railway, forest and sunset are the images of the five wonders that always come to mind when Alishan is mentioned. As soon as dawn arrives in the early morning, a glimpse of sunlight slowly makes its appearance above the mountain, and a new day begins. At dusk, the orange red sunset is another breathtaking scene. On the other hand, Alishan’s sea of clouds, one of the top 8 scenes in Taiwan, are usually seen during sunrise and sunset on a sunny autumn day. Here, you will visit the YUYUPAS Cultural Park, the Brother Tree, Sister Pond and the Three Generation Tree.
Next, take a ride on one of the three remaining mountain railways in the world. It was built to transport wood in the past, but nowadays it has transformed to a tourism train, and shuttles tourists throughout the forest. Visitors who don’t want to take the train can take a walk on the trails and enjoy the nature and fresh air. You will discover the charming side of an alpine forest.
For the afternoon, we will enjoy a trip from the beautiful Alishan to the ancient capital of Tainan. For over 200 years, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan. To this day, it retains a traditional vibe, with some of the country’s most important historical attractions and temples. Many locals also consider it the food capital of Taiwan.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours
After breakfast, we head to Kaohsiung to visit the Chihkan Tower and the first Confucian Temple to be built in Taiwan to get an insight into the ancient Confucian ceremonies and rituals.
We will then visit Anping Old Fort, formerly known as Fort Zeelandia. A historical site in Tainan, it was originally built by the Dutch East India Company over a ten-year period from 1624 to 1662. The fort served as the administrative center for the Dutch regime in Taiwan and was a hub for trade.
Afterwards, continue on to Kaohsiung and visit Fo Guang Shan Monastery, the largest monastery in Taiwan. Explore the Main Shrine and the Buddhist Museum before enjoying a light vegetarian lunch at the monastery.
Check in the hotel in the late afternoon. Tonight, stroll through the Liu He Night Market where you can try a variety of delicious seafood on offer. Bring your appetite and enjoy the downtown energy!
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours
After breakfast, visit the colourful Dragon and Tiger Pagoda located on Lotus Lake. Afterwards, visit the Spring and Autumn Pavilions to capture the beautiful reflection of this unique building over the lake. Then, visit Lukang which is famous for the Longshan Temple and markets. Follow the winding Lukang Old Market Street to traditional Taiwanese styled houses, the narrow alleyways and the array of seafood and traditional foods. After this, your tour guide will take you back to Taipei city where the rest of the evening is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours
Today marks the end of your incredible tour. At the appropriate time, join your transfer to Taipei Airport for your onward journey.
Special Information
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.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Pre/post accommodation
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.
Upgrades
Not available
Airport Transfers
On this tour, the arrival transfer in Taipei and the final departure transfer in Taipei are both included. If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation, and the tour includes transfers, note these will be forfeited; transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations where available.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not 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 $750.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire trip.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers. All rooms provided to single travellers will be smaller than the twin rooms we recommend for two people. Unfortunately, this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a twin-size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.
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 as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller 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
Payment Information
This product requires a $99 deposit per person and full payment within 48 hours to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
Cooling Off Period
A refund will be available within the 7-day cooling-off period unless otherwise restricted by the purchased product.
Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days of departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.
Terms and Conditions
Please review our terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/in/page/terms-and-conditions
Starting Point
Your starting hotel in Taipei may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation, provided approximately 14 to 30 days before departure, for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest doing so only once you have received your final hotel list, using a flexible rate that can be cancelled without penalty.
Arrival Details
Arrival transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met on arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, after immigration, customs and baggage collection, and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so your transfer can be confirmed.
Welcome Meeting
On arrival in Taiwan you will be met by a local guide who will coordinate your activities for this part of the tour.
Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel in Taipei may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation for your confirmed hotel list. Check-out time is generally between 10am and 12pm; you are welcome to leave your luggage at reception and explore until departure.
Departure Details
Departure transfers are included as part of your package, provided you are departing Taipei as per the purchased itinerary. Your local guide will confirm the pick-up time from your hotel, which depends on your flight; generally you will need to be at the airport approximately 3 hours before departure. If you have purchased a post-tour extension, the transfer is forfeited and you will need to make your own way to the airport.
Tour Suitability
Trusted Travel Partner Tour
Your chosen tour will be operated by one of our trusted travel partners. These are meticulously crafted tours designed by established travel partners we know and trust. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the world, packed with incredible sights and experiences.
Personal Medication
If you regularly use certain medications, check your home government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements before departure, and carry medication in its original packaging.
Activity and Mobility
Pace
Steady
Our Steady tours offer a good mix of guided sightseeing and personal free time. With a combination of 2-3 night stays and occasional 1 night stops in key locations, this pace allows for deeper exploration while minimising long travel days
Activity and Mobility
This tour is categorised as: 3 out of 5 - Balanced
Our Balanced tours involve a moderate level of physical activity and are designed to suit the majority of travellers. Be prepared for walking on varied surfaces, which may include cobblestones, gravel paths, and noticeable inclines common in historic towns and natural areas. You must be confident on your feet and capable of navigating multiple flights of stairs and uneven ground without assistance to fully participate.
Activity level
Mostly easy to moderate walking, generally 1 to 2.5 hours at a time at a relaxed pace with regular stops.
Typical daily walking distances
Around 2 to 4 km on sightseeing days, on a mix of paved streets, footpaths and heritage-site surfaces.
Named optional longer walks
Alishan National Scenic Area: forest trails and boardwalks at altitude (easy to moderate, weather dependent).
Terrain and key walks by area
Mobility and accessibility
Hotels, transport and climate
As a general requirement across all of our tours, 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, some of which is conducted on uneven ground and terrain.
Group Size
Minimum: 2 people, Maximum: 24 people
Escorted Style
In Taiwan you are accompanied by a local guide who coordinates your activities and is your point of contact.
Tour Type
Our expertly crafted Small Group Tours take you to iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a rich blend of must-see sights. Unwind in premium accommodations after each day filled with sightseeing alongside your dedicated tour leader, leaving you free to explore at your own pace during designated free time. Benefit from smaller group sizes, creating a truly unforgettable travel experience.
Exclusions
Getting Around
In Taiwan you will travel by dedicated, private, air-conditioned coach. Expect some long coach journeys, with comfort stops along the way where you can stretch your legs and buy refreshments. Lunch stops are generally taken at rest stops that can accommodate the group.
In your free time, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is a convenient way to get around Taipei and Kaohsiung; a rechargeable EasyCard works on buses, the MRT and at many convenience stores.
Hotel Ratings
Star ratings can differ between countries, reflecting diverse standards and amenities. To give you the most accurate picture, we don't rely on a single source: we research trusted travel websites such as Tripadvisor and Booking.com to analyse a wide range of genuine reviews, giving you a well-rounded understanding of a hotel's typical star rating, so you can book with confidence.
Accommodation Details
In Taiwan, accommodation is 4-star hotels with private bathrooms, located near convenience stores and transport. Breakfast is generally buffet style with a mix of local and Western choices, though Western-style dining may not always be available, so we encourage an open mind. If you have specific dietary requirements, please consult your local guide.
We recommend travelling with one piece of luggage per person, and you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times.
Packing Essentials
We recommend packing as lightly as possible, ensuring you can carry and lift your luggage and walk with it for short distances or up and down stairs. A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal; we recommend keeping your main luggage around 15kg and no more than 20kg. You will also need a day pack for water, a camera, a jacket and your essentials while touring.
Pack light layers, comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Bring rain gear, particularly during Taiwan's typhoon season (June to August), and a warm layer for higher elevations such as Alishan and Mt Hehuan.
Climate
Currency and ATMs
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). Credit cards are not always accepted, especially at smaller shops and night markets, so it is a good idea to carry cash. ATMs are widely available and accept foreign cards.
Food and Allergies
Your tour includes breakfast daily. While many meals are eaten together as a group, not all meals are included, giving you flexibility in where and what to eat. Taiwanese cuisine is famous for its night markets and street food, with vegetarian options widely available, including at Buddhist sites. If you have dietary requirements or food allergies, please let our Customer Support Team know before departure; your local guide can also suggest restaurants.
Local Customs
Taiwanese society is relatively casual and people are friendly and helpful. It is a good idea to learn a little about local customs before you travel, and your guide will help you through any cultural differences. Dress modestly at temples and religious sites.
Dress Code
Taiwan is casual, but it is best to dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites. Pack climate-appropriate clothing for the season; casual wear is fine for general sightseeing.
Responsible Dining
We are supporters of the protection of endangered species. We do not visit places that serve whale meat on any of our tours, nor will your guide lead you to where it is offered.
Tipping
While gratuities are not included in your tour price, tips are a welcome gesture of appreciation and are entirely at your discretion. In Taiwan, tipping is generally not expected, even for guided day trips; a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated but not required.
Peak Travel Times
In Taiwan, the typhoon-prone summer (June to August) and Lunar New Year can be busy or weather-affected. Autumn (September to November) offers the most comfortable conditions.
Safety and Security
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice. We recommend checking your own government's advice before departure and ensuring your travel insurance covers all destinations and activities. Your local guide will accompany you on all included activities; in free time, please use your judgement when selecting activities, as Inspiring Vacations makes no representations about the safety of activities outside the itinerary. Your guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if deemed necessary for safety.
Apps to Download
Useful apps include Google Translate (the lens function helps read labels, signs and menus), Google Maps with offline maps downloaded, and WhatsApp for communicating with other group members. In Taiwan, the EasyCard app lets you top up your transit card on the go.
ours offer a good mix of guided sightseeing and personal free time. With a combination of 2-3 night stays and occasional 1 night stops in key locations, this pace allows for deeper exploration while minimising long travel days
Itinerary Changes
Occasionally, unexpected conditions such as weather or crowds mean your guide may adjust the itinerary slightly to improve your experience. Your guide will keep you informed of any changes and the reasons behind them.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our trips. At a minimum you must be covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We also recommend cover for cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage. Before you depart, please submit your travel insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account.
Health, Wellness & Fitness Requirements
All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully. Please read the itinerary carefully to assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or any necessary vaccinations before departure, and carry a first aid kit and any personal medication in its original packaging.
Customers with Mobility Limitations
If you require the use of a mobility aid such as a cane, walker or wheelchair, please disclose this at the time of booking. Our tours may involve moderate walking, uneven terrain or stairs; while some adjustments may not be possible, we will do our best to find alternative solutions within the planned activities.
Information for CPAP Users
If you use a CPAP machine, please let us know at the time of booking. Power outlets are available in hotel rooms.
Documentation
Tour documentation is typically emailed to the lead passenger or travel agent between 14 and 30 days before departure, and will include your final hotel list.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here are some helpful links to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Connect with fellow travellers on Facebook
During your booking journey, you might have received an email inviting you to join a special Facebook group dedicated to your chosen destination. These vibrant online communities are exclusively for Inspiring Vacations travellers headed to the same incredible place. Joining this group unlocks a wealth of information and connections. Swap travel tips, share packing insights, or even see if anyone's interested in travelling together.
We also regularly host insightful webinars featuring travel experts who share their tips and tricks for navigating your destination and maximising your itinerary. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and get even more excited about your upcoming trip!
Travelling in a Group
Travelling in a group means experiencing both the pleasures and, at times, the frustrations of travelling with people you don't know. Your fellow travellers may come from different parts of the world and different age groups. We ask you to be understanding of the needs and preferences of your group. If you are asked to be at a place at a certain time, please respect this request from your guide.
Community Guidelines
Inspiring Vacations does not tolerate violence, harassment or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. Any behaviour that prevents your guide from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes these guidelines may result in removal from the tour. If something concerns you, please speak to your guide immediately, or contact our Customer Support team and select the On-Tour option.
Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader vs Guide
While both enrich your experience, their roles differ. Tour leaders often accompany you for an entire trip, handling logistics and acting as your point of contact. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites, offering deeper knowledge of local history and culture.
Coach Transportation
The size of your coach will comfortably accommodate your group, with luggage stored underneath or in a dedicated trailer. Wi-Fi and charging outlets may not always be available, so we recommend charging devices beforehand or bringing a portable charger. For longer journeys, we include restroom breaks along the way, as facilities are not on board.
Staying Connected
To access reliable internet on tour, you can purchase a virtual SIM (contact your mobile provider), add a roaming plan to your existing contract, or purchase a local SIM on arrival. We also recommend WhatsApp for communicating with group members and your guide.
Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed you will receive a post-purchase survey, and towards the end of your travels you will receive an in-depth trip survey. Your feedback helps us continue to meet and exceed expectations.
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.
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