Taiwan by Train & Kinmen Island

• Hotel Description

Enjoy a full day city sightseeing tour of Taipei including the city's oldest temple, Longshan, Ching Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the observation deck of Taipei 101 the tallest building in Asia and second tallest in the world, and the National Palace Museum, which holds an extensive collection of Chinese treasures . The rest of the day is free to explore at leisure or take an optional night market tour. (B)

• Hotel Description

Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel and transfer to Taipei train station for journey by train to Ruifang before switching to the 8-mile long Pingxi line, a beautiful stretch of rail originally used to transport coal. Savour the beauty of mountain cliffs, streams and waterfalls along the way and experience the rustic lifestyle of country villages and small mining towns. Stop off at any of the 12 stations along the route with your one day pass. After that take a train connection to Yilan Londong where you will overnight. In the evening you can enjoy the night market here. (B)

• Hotel Description

Today, you’ll experience an authentic tea journey at a local tea farm, run by a master tea producer who supplies the renowned National Palace Museum. You’ll start by picking fresh tea leaves from the fields, followed by a hands-on lesson in selecting, drying, and baking the leaves to perfection. The highlight comes at the end when you brew and taste the tea you’ve crafted, immersing yourself in the rich tradition of Taiwanese tea-making.

Next, we’ll visit the National Center of Traditional Arts, a vibrant cultural park filled with traditional craft stores and workshops. You can explore at your own pace, visit Chinese craft stores, take a relaxing boat ride, and sample local food at the park's food court. Later, we’ll continue our journey to Hualien, passing the stunning Qingshui Cliff, where you’ll catch breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline. Upon arrival in Hualien, you’ll check in at your hotel and unwind for the evening. (B)

• Hotel Description

With your guide, journey along Taiwan’s scenic east coast, making stops at Sanxiantai, Tunghe, and Xiaoyehliu. These locations offer stunning coastal views and unique rock formations that capture the rugged beauty of the area. After a day of exploration, you'll arrive in Chihpen, a charming village renowned for its natural hot springs. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day soaking in the rejuvenating hot springs, a perfect way to relax and unwind in a serene setting. (B)

• Hotel Description

Enjoy a leisurely morning to relax or explore the local surroundings at your own pace. Later, transfer to Chihpen train station to board your train bound for Kaohsiung. Sit back and enjoy the scenic journey through Taiwan's picturesque mountainous terrain. Upon arrival in the vibrant southern city of Kaohsiung, you'll transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay, ready to discover more of what the city offers. (B)

• Hotel Description

Start your adventure to Kinmen Island with a short, one-hour domestic flight from Kaohsiung. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay, giving you plenty of time to explore this fascinating destination. In the afternoon, visit the Zhongshanlin Visitor Centre, where you’ll gain insight into the island's rich history and culture. From there, continue to Kinmen National Park, which spans 3,780 hectares and covers nearly a quarter of the island. The park offers natural beauty and historical significance, making it a perfect introduction to Kinmen's unique charm. (B)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, set off on a full-day tour exploring the rich cultural and historical heritage of Kinmen Island. Begin with a visit to the traditional Southern Fujian settlements, where ancient architecture and local customs provide a glimpse into the island’s past. Discover the unique Wind Lion God statues, believed to protect the island, before heading to the Tomb of Qiu Lianggong, an important historical figure.

Continue your journey through Kinmen’s wartime history with visits to key battle sites. Explore the Guningtou War Museum, learn about the island’s defence at the August 23 Artillery Battle Monument, and wander through the impressive underground Zhaishan Tunnel, used during military conflicts. It’s a day filled with fascinating stories of Kinmen’s resilience and heritage. (B)

• Hotel Description

Fly back to Taichung and embark on a scenic journey to the serene Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s most iconic natural gem. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing cruise across the tranquil waters, taking in the breathtaking landscapes that surround the lake. Visit the majestic Wen Wu Temple, perched above the lake, and take a peaceful hike along the shoreline, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Choose to ride the cable car to the Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village for a cultural experience, rent a bike and follow the picturesque paths around the lake, or simply unwind and take advantage of your hotel's amenities. It’s the perfect balance of relaxation and discovery in this stunning destination. (B)

• Hotel Description

Begin your day with a transfer to the charming village of Checheng, the last stop on the historic Jiji Line. Visit the beautifully restored Checheng wooden station, a glimpse into Taiwan's railway past. Continue your journey along the Jiji Line to Changhua, where you'll stop at the fascinating Changhua Roundhouse, a rare and still-operational roundhouse built in 1922 with 12 tracks. From Taichung, hop aboard the high-speed rail for a swift and comfortable ride to Taipei. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in for an overnight stay. The rest of the day is yours to explore Taipei at your own pace—whether you choose to stroll through night markets, visit iconic landmarks, or simply relax. (B)

• Hotel Description

Transfer to the airport or railway for onward connections. (B)