- Ride nostalgic railways through Taiwan’s most scenic regions
- Meet Indigenous communities and cook traditional mountain cuisine
- Harvest oysters and craft brooms with Kinmen locals
- Wander heritage streets and night markets with expert guides
- Watch the Alishan sunrise above mountain peaks
Taiwan Rail Explorer: Scenic Routes and Offbeat Encounters
This itinerary is ideal for curious travellers, whether it’s your second visit or you’re after more than just the usual highlights. It’s designed at a steady pace, combining Taiwan’s vibrant cities, coastal towns, mountains, and offshore islands. Travelling mostly by train, you’ll experience some of the country’s most scenic routes like the Breezy Blue and Alishan Forest Railway, while still enjoying the comfort of guided support and seamless transfers.
You’ll meet Indigenous communities in Taitung, soak in hot springs, bike through forest parks, or meet locals and experience island life in Kinmen. Nights are spent sampling night market food or staying in hot spring hotels, and waking early to catch sunrises over tea-covered hills. The journey wraps up in Taipei, with enough time to dive into temples, heritage streets, and the capital’s best-known landmarks. This is an itinerary that gives you real variety: culture, landscapes, food, and slower travel moments without the hassle of sorting out the details. We’ll handle all bookings, connections, and coordination, so all you need to do is enjoy the ride. And if you'd like to tweak anything, we can tailor the experience to suit your travel style.
Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Taipei and meet your guide at the airport for a smooth transfer to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to rest after your flight. You’ll have a chance to adjust and ease into the city’s rhythm - Taipei’s energy is subtle but captivating, with its mix of tradition, modernity, and excellent food. This quiet start sets the tone for a deeper dive into Taiwan’s culture and landscapes in the days ahead.
Take the morning train from Taipei to Taitung, passing through mountains and coastlines along the way. After a local lunch, explore Taitung Forest Park by bike, an easy ride through shaded trees, quiet lakes, and open coastal views. It’s a peaceful introduction to the slower pace of Taiwan’s east. End the day at a hot spring hotel, where you can relax and enjoy dinner surrounded by nature. (B,D)
Spend the day with the Etolan tribe and gain insight into Taiwan’s Indigenous culture. Walk through the village, hear stories passed down for generations, and head into the mountains to forage and prepare a traditional lunch together. Learn local cooking techniques and take part in a hands-on craft session using natural materials. This is a rare chance to connect with a community that holds deep roots in Taiwan’s history. Return to your hotel, with dinner at a local spot recommended by your guide. (B,L)
Start the day at Taitung Park, then board the nostalgic Breezy Blue Express - one of Taiwan’s most scenic train rides. This charming coastal route winds past fishing villages, palm-fringed beaches, and quiet mountain towns like Jinlun and Dawu, offering a slower, more intimate view of southern Taiwan. Switch trains in Fangliao and continue on to Chiayi. Once there, dive straight into the local flavour at Chiayi’s buzzing night market, where you’ll find everything from turkey rice to herbal broths. It’s the perfect way to wind down before settling in for the night. (B)
Board the VIVID Express from Chiayi to Fenqihu, a scenic mountain train journey winding through dense forest and tea-covered hills. Arrive in Fenqihu, a historic village known for its narrow alleyways, nostalgic wooden architecture, and traditional bento lunchboxes once served to railway workers. Then continue into Alishan National Scenic Area, where ancient trees, quiet temples, and high-mountain views await. This serene retreat offers a refreshing change of pace, perfect for reconnecting with nature. (B)
Catch the sunrise in Alishan, best viewed from the Alishan Forest Railway. Spend some time exploring the Alishan National Scenic Area, with its ancient trees and scenic trails. Then, head to Chiayi HSR Station and take the high-speed train to Taichung. Once in Taichung, visit the bustling Fengchia Night Market for a taste of local street food. Wrap up the day with a comfortable night at your hotel. (B)
After breakfast, head to Taichung Airport for your flight to Kinmen. Start the day with stunning views from the Mashan Observation Post, followed by a visit to the Kinmen Museum of History and Folklore, offering insights into the island's rich past. Enjoy a local lunch, recommended by your guide, before exploring Juguang Tower and the Troops Headquarters. Next, dive into the art scene at the Houpu 16 Arts and Culture Zone. End the day with a serene sunset at Jiangongyu Islet. After dinner, return to your hotel for a restful night. (B)
Start your day with a hands-on broom-making workshop using kaoliang straw, a traditional craft that’s slowly disappearing. Then head to the coast for an unforgettable oyster experience, where you’ll wade into the shallows and learn how locals harvest these delicacies. Explore the haunting Jiugong Tunnels, carved into granite during wartime, and visit the Beishan Broadcasting Wall, once used to send messages across the sea. End the day with sweeping views at Cihu Luo Ri Guan Hai Platform, the perfect spot to catch the sunset before dinner. (B)
Fly back to Taipei this morning and settle into your hotel before enjoying some free time to explore the capital at your own pace. Your guide can suggest where to eat tonight - perhaps a cosy local spot or a buzzy street food favourite. (B)
Start at Longshan Temple, a living part of the city’s heritage where locals come to pray amid detailed carvings and burning incense. Then visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a landmark that reflects Taiwan’s modern history through bold architecture and quiet symbolism. Lunch is at Din Tai Fung, known for its handmade xiao long bao and precise cooking. Head up to the Taipei 101 Observatory for a wide-angle view of the city and surrounding hills. In the afternoon, explore Da Dao Cheng and Dihua Street - Taipei’s oldest trading area, now home to teahouses, fabric shops, and traditional medicine stores. Wrap up with street food and local energy at Ning Xia Night Market. (B,L)
Enjoy a final wander through Taipei - perhaps picking up last-minute souvenirs, revisiting a favourite café, or simply soaking in the city’s rhythm one last time. Depending on your flight, there’s time to explore at your own pace. Your guide will then meet you at your hotel for the transfer to the airport. (B)
Pricing Information
Price Includes
- Return International flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes & security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrance fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Price Notes
- This is a suggested itinerary that can be customised to suit your preferences. We can remove certain excursions or add other destinations as needed. This provides an overview of what you can experience in the area but is by no means exhaustive. Please reach out to one of our travel specialists who can assist you in creating your ideal holiday.
Tour Route Map
- Taiwan, Taipei
- Taiwan, Taitung
- Taiwan, Chiayi
- Taiwan, Alishan
- Taiwan, Kinmen Island
- Taiwan, Taipei
Tour Accommodation
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