- Taiwan Private Tours
- Discovery of Timeless Taiwan - Private Tour
Explore the secrets of vibrant Formosa, from bustling night markets and spiritual temples; to delectable street food and breathtaking natural landscapes – Taiwan’s diverse beauty is a joy to discover, characterised by rich cultural experiences and warm hospitality.
Upon arriving in Taipei, you'll be greeted by your local representative and be transferred to your hotel. Once you reach your hotel, you'll have the opportunity to check in and settle into your room. The rest of the day will be at your leisure, giving you time to unwind.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A day in Taipei unveils cultural riches and modern wonders with the city's famous blend of Chinese, Japanese, Southeast Asian, and American cultures. Start your day at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a grand monument dedicated to the former President of the Republic of China. Next, delve into Taiwan's culture and history at the National Palace Museum, which houses an extensive collection of ancient Chinese artifacts. Afterward, marvel at the cityscape from the Taipei 101 observatory, offering breathtaking views from one of the world's tallest buildings. Finally, end your day with spiritual tranquility at Longshan Temple, renowned for its vibrant folk faith and unique architecture. This itinerary provides a perfect blend of historical, cultural, and modern experiences in Taipei.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel from Taipei to Hualien, known as the "Gateway to the Taroko Gorge." Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit the National Center of Traditional Arts, where you can immerse yourself in Taiwan's rich cultural heritage through various exhibitions and performances. Next, indulge in the craftsmanship at the Kavalan Whisky Distillery, renowned for its award-winning single malt whiskies. In the afternoon, you'll be taken on a tour around the charming streets of Hualien City.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast experience the lifestyle of the aborigines of Huadong and local aboriginal culture. Learn some traditional archery skills and use fresh bamboo from the mountains as utensils to make natural bamboo-flavored rice. After lunch visit the Pine Garden which used to be a military official's residence during the Japanese colonial rule. while enjoying spectacular views of the whole city. Explore Mambo Park and its War Tunnel. Take a stroll along Qixing Lake known to locals as Qinxintan Beach, with its elegant arch shape beach, there is a mix of crystal clear sea water and green mountains. Later visit the Dondamen Night Market where there are over 400 food stands.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, you'll be traveling to Chihpen. On the way, you'll have the chance to explore the coastal beauty of Shitiping, known for its stunning natural stone steps and rich marine life. You'll also delve into the vibrant Amis Folk culture, experiencing traditional music, dance, and crafts. Next, witness the scenic Sanxiantai Beach and Island, famous for its long footbridge and unique rock formations. Finally, marvel at the unique geological formations at beautiful Xiaoyehliu, where inverted sandstone and mudstone layers create a striking landscape.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Embark on a tour around Longpan Park revealing breathtaking landscapes. The iconic Eluanbi Lighthouse offers panoramic views over the water. Continue to Kaohsiung, arguably Taiwan’s most liveable city, home to airy cafes, waterside parks, a vibrant music scene, beaches, and forest. Take a leisurely stroll along the charming ‘Love River’.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Discover Fo Guang Shan, or "Light of Buddha Mountain," the center of Buddhism in Taiwan and the largest Buddhist monastery in Southeast Asia. Here, you can explore the serene grounds, impressive statues, and learn about Humanistic Buddhism. Next, indulge in the vibrant creativity of the Pier 2 Art Centre, a cultural hub featuring art installations, galleries, and unique shops housed in repurposed warehouses. Finally, be enchanted by the aromatic allure of Qijin Island, just a short ferry ride from Kaohsiung.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
En route to Sun Moon Lake, you’ll have the chance to explore historical Anping Fort, resonating with echoes of the past – and the whimsical Anping Tree House in Tainan. Then continue on to the stunning landscapes of Sun Moon Lake. The eastern part of the lake is round like the sun, while the western part is shaped like a crescent moon. In the middle of the lake (between the ‘sun’ and the ‘moon’) is an island which has long been a sacred place for the Shao people.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
In the morning visit the spiritual Wen Wu Temple, famous for the Chinese guardian lions at the entrance, and explore the elegant Ci En Pagodas on top of Mount Shabalan. The day will be completed with a private boat tour at tranquil Sun Moon Lake with its panoramic vistas, if you are feeling energetic there is also the option of a bike ride. Return to Taipei for a relaxing evening at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your final day of the tour will be spent exploring an incredible geological marvel at Yehliu Geographic Park, strolling through the enchanting Jiufen Old Village’s narrow lanes, and witnessing the nostalgic allure of Shifen Railway Station. In the evening you’ll be treated to the magical experience of releasing sky lanterns – making a wish as you see them ascend over the horizon as you end your amazing tour of Taiwan.
Breakfast
Today you’ll be taking your return flight back to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
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The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
You must complete a Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) within three days before your arrival in Taiwan. This must be submitted online via the Ministry of the Interior National Immigration Agency website - https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/. A visa is not required for your trip to Taiwan for stays of up to 90 days. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity. It is a requirement of Taiwan's Government that British visitors to the country possess a valid 10 year passport and that the passport has at least six months validity left after your return from holiday. Please check that your passport complies with this decree well in advance of travel.
Please note we will require your APIS/Passport information at least 2 months in advance to pre purchase your tickets to the aboriginal culture centre, this can be uploaded via our website on "Manage My Booking".
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. The tour pace of Discovery of Timeless Taiwan is rated Intermediate. A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, and may be getting on and off coaches, trains and boats and climbing steps which may be irregular. You will stay in variety of hotels throughout the tour. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
The currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan dollar. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in your local currency. Money can be exchanged at the airport or branches of government banks. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and some shops and restaurants; a charge is sometimes added for using them.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. Approximately £200 - £300 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.
It is at your discretion to tip both your driver and guide. We would recommend to tip approximately £6 per person per day. This is a total of £66 per person to budget for tips on your trip. Tips are accepted in the local currency.
This is a fully escorted tour with local guides throughout ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Taiwan. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
Breakfast (when included) is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way.
Chinese New Year is the most important event in the Taiwanese calendar, and it is a time for people to be with their loved ones and celebrate the Luna New Year. During this time many shops and business close for the celebrations which generally run for up to a week.
On your arrival in Taipei you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Asian Trails China holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/ Asian Trails China representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.
Please find below the emergency contact details for Asian Trails China Telephone number 24 hr: + 886 2 2563 5313 (Taiwan Office) or + 86 131 2124 4962 Email Address: lily.li@asiantrailschina.com
