Highlights of Taiwan I My Way Travel USA - Absolute Asia Tours

On arrival in Taiwan, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your Taipei hotel.

Set out for a day exploring this complex city, travelling like the locals do on Taipei’s efficient MRT (mass rapid transport). First stop is the grandiose Chiang Kaishek Memorial, Taipei’s most notable historical landmark, built to honour the late president Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek. Get there early to experience the memorial at its most serene, sharing the space with groups of locals who congregate here at first light to practice tai chi. Continue to the National Palace Museum, arriving before the crowds, to see the world’s largest collection of Chinese artefacts, dating back over eight millennia. Take time to peruse the museum’s treasures before heading on to the Martyr’s Shrine, dedicated to the fallen Kuomintang soldiers of the Chinese Civil War, to witness the silent, solemn changing of the guard. Walk inside and see the beautiful Chinese architecture before enjoying the rest of your day at leisure.

Take the MRT to Taipei 101, an iconic 1,666 ft high tower that was the ‘world’s tallest building’ for five years. Ride the high speed lift to the 89th floor observation deck (in just 40 seconds), to enjoy panoramic views over the city. Step back in time with a visit to the significant and atmospheric Longshan Temple, to see the colourful phoenix and dragon figures that adorn the roof, and enormous bronze incense burners fill the air with the scent of incense. Wander along Narrow Herb Alley, where a traditional market that has been here as long as the temple sells all manner of medicinal herbs. As the sun sets, head to the sprawling Shilin night market to sample tasty Taiwanese treats such as oyster omelette, stinky tofu and an astonishing array of barbecue. Shop, snack and soak up the atmosphere before returning to your hotel.

Travel by train across the mountains towards Taiwan’s dramatic east coast. Disembark at Xincheng station and make the short drive to the breath-taking Qingshui Cliffs: towering coastal land that drops almost vertically into the ocean. From Qingshui, it’s just a short drive to Taroko National Park. Pause at the well-run Visitors Centre to get some background to your time here, before proceeding to your hotel in the heart of the national park, where the rest of your day will be at leisure.

Spend a full day exploring Taroko Gorge’s many highlights. As well as visiting Swallow Grotto and the Eternal Spring Shrine, escape the crowds and appreciate the area’s natural beauty with a walk along one of the National Park’s numerous trails. The Lushui Trail offers fantastic views over the gorge and Liwu River from its elevated cliff-cut sections, whilst the Shakadang Trail runs along the bottom of the gorge, following an old indigenous hunting track. The Swallow Grotto Trail follows an old section of road, and presents a particularly photogenic perspective of this narrow valley carved through seemingly endless sheer cliff-faces.

Start early for a higher chance of clear skies as you drive across the Central Mountain Range, following Taiwan’s highest road across the spine of the island. Banana palms and bamboo make way for pines, then steep sided pastures as you climb higher where the views are reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. Wuling is the highest point of the highway at 10,740 ft and from here the road descends again. Pause at the newly-opened, ¾ mile long Qingjing Skywalk from where you can enjoy even more panoramic mountain views, before continuing on to Sun Moon Lake where the rest of your day will be at leisure to sink into the serene surroundings.

The 20.5 mile undulating road that encircles Sun Moon Lake has been touted as one of the most breathtaking cycle routes in the world. The path is dotted with interesting pagodas and temples, small beaches and lush flora, and offers a picturesque perspective of the lake. Set off early to avoid the heat and the crowds, cycling for as little or as long as you like. Swap your bicycle for a private boat and head out onto the water, circling sacred Lalu Island and passing traditional floating bamboo cantilever fishing nets. Back on land, make a visit to the impressive Wen Wu Temple. On a hillside overlooking the lake, this temple’s dazzling orange roof affords a dramatic foreground to the azure lake, and the pagoda-clad hills and mountains beyond. The rest of your day will be at leisure to enjoy the lake.

Journey north to Taipei Airport in time for your onward flight.