Taiwan Travel: 10 Days of Tantalising Flavours

Highlights of the Trip

From North to South, in this 10-Day Taiwan holiday you can experience the full spectrum of flavours hidden in Taiwan’s charming cities. This 10-Day tour starts in Taipei, where you will be greeted with wonderful culinary delights from a customary Taiwanese breakfast to a unique family run tea factory in Dadaocheng. You will also encounter the chance to put your culinary skills to good practice with an exceptional Taiwanese Cooking Class created with fresh market ingredients. After Taipei, wander over to charming Alishan where you will uncover how to create the finest coffee, journey through a 50-mile narrow-gauge railway at sunrise, and hike some of the most picturesque tracks in Taiwan. Next, discover Tainan, a coastal city bursting with serene temples and relics of a tumultuous past. Here you can meet the farmers, old and new, running the island’s 300-year-old salt fields and growing award-winning coffee and cocoa beans. On your final stop on this sensational tour, you will explore Kaohsiung. This destination is famous for its vibrant night markets with endless cuisine delights and is home to the largest religious site in Taiwan. This 10 day holiday in Taiwan offers an abundance of cuisine and local culture.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Taipei 

• National Palace Museum: The museum’s collection encompasses a wide range of items, including ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, and jade carvings.
• Taipei 101: An architectural marvel standing at a height of 1,667 feet.
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: The main purpose of the memorial hall is to honour the life and contributions of Chiang Kai-shek.

Alishan 

• Alishan National Scenic Area: An enchanting range of forested 2,000-meter peaks ensconced in the island’s mountainous heart.

Tainan 

• Chihkan Tower: A testament to the enduring spirit of Taiwan and its ability to preserve its cultural heritage amidst a constantly changing world.
• Tainan Confucian Temple: An important cultural and historical landmark that holds great significance in the country’s heritage.

Kaohsiung

• Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Centre:  A magnificent testament to the principles of compassion, wisdom, and universal love.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Ningxia Night Market: This market is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. As soon as you enter the market, you are greeted with a wide array of colourful lights and the delightful aroma of various street foods. The market stretches for several blocks and is lined with countless food stalls and vendors selling everything from traditional Taiwanese dishes to international favourites.

Dadaocheng Tea Factory: During your Taiwan holiday, experience a true local and cultural experience. Here you can learn about, sample, and purchase some of their most remarkable brews.

Taiwanese Cooking Class: No Taiwan travel would be complete without a cultural cooking class. Spend time searching for and selecting the most delicious and freshest ingredients at a local market, before visiting a local kitchen with an expert chef.

Alishan Forest Railway: A historic and scenic railway in Taiwan that has been attracting tourists for over a century. The railway was first built in 1912 during the Japanese colonial period and was primarily used for transporting timber from the Alishan region to the lowlands. However, due to its breath-taking views and engineering marvels, it soon became a popular tourist attraction. Today, the railway is one of the most popular ways to experience the beauty of Alishan’s mountainous landscapes and the stunning sea of clouds that the region is known for.

Jingzaijiao Salt Fields: These salt fields, also known as the Crystal Salt Fields, have a history that dates back over 300 years. They are made up of nearly 40 hectares of land divided into small, shallow pools used for salt production. The salt fields are situated along the coastline, offering a stunning view of the ocean and mountains in the distance.

Pingtung Organic Cocoa Farm: Here you can experience the process of cocoa from seed-to-bar first-hand, ending with a unique DIY chocolate bar creation finale to treat your tastebuds!

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Taiwan

During your holiday in Taiwan, embrace many culinary delights that guarantee to satisfy your tastebuds! From exploring Guohua Old Street – Taiwan’s foodie capital to taking part in an exciting Wood-Fired Black Bean Soy Sauce experience where you can learn from the third-generation owner of Yudingxing soy sauce, each step required to craft the finest all-natural soy sauce. You can also explore the high-altitude coffee plantation of Zou Zhuyuan. Here you can journey from bean (plantation) to cup (factory) detailing each step when creating the finest coffee. Finish with a unique tasting of six different types of coffee. You will also get a chance to discover the Alishan tea plantation and dine at various Michelin Star Restaurants. 

During your Taiwan travel, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including beef noodle soup, a hearty and comforting dish made with aromatic broth, tender braised beef, and chewy noodles. Another beloved dish is stinky tofu, a fermented tofu that has a pungent odour but a surprisingly delicious and addicting flavour. We particularly recommend, the Tainan specialties of shrimp rolls (xia juan) and salty rice pudding (wan guo).

Accommodation of this Tour

Taipei: Le Meridien, Taipei

Alishan: Alishan House Hotel

Tainan: Silks Place, Tainan

Kaohsiung: Silks Club

Itinerary

Day 1: Taipei Arrival

When you arrive in Taipei, you will be greeted by your guide at the arrivals hall. Your private vehicle will be ready to take you to your hotel. The journey from Taipei Taoyuan International Airport to downtown Taipei usually takes approximately one hour, depending on traffic.

Dinner Recommendation for your Taiwan holiday: RAW (2-Michelin Star Restaurant).

Day 2: A Day full of wonderful culinary delights

Step inside a typical Taiwanese breakfast shop to start your holiday in Taiwan. The aroma of freshly-made soy milk (dou jiang) will fill the air, with varying levels of sweetness and smokiness depending on the shop. The main attractions are a range of options such as crispy fried dough sticks (you tiao), oven-baked sesame flatbread (shao bing), fluffy egg and scallion pancakes (dan bing), savoury turnip cakes (luobuo gao), and the renowned soup dumplings (xiaolongbao). Join the locals and savour your preferred choices for a wholesome and satisfying traditional Taiwanese breakfast experience.

Visit the National Palace Museum. The National Palace Museum boasts a vast collection of 700,000 ancient Chinese artifacts spanning across centuries, making it one of the most extensive in the world. Embrace Din Tai Fung – a must-eat global dumpling sensation. Visit Taipei 101 – the world’s tallest building from 2004 – 2010. You will also visit Dadaocheng – the most historic area in all of Taipei. Here, age-worn shop fronts selling all manner of goods, produce, spices and medicines await. You will also experience a Dadaocheng Family Run Tea Factory. Here you can learn about and sample some spectacular tea. Finally, embrace culture with a visit to the bustling Ningxia Night Market.

Day 3: Explore Taipei further and delight in a Taiwanese Cooking Class.

Meet your guide at 9.00am. Today during your Taiwan travel, explore Yongkang Street, discover the iconic Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (on the hour, you can observe the changing of the guards), Longshan Temple, and Herb Alley. Your visits to Yongkang Street and Herb Alley will offer you a glimpse into tradition and culture. Yongkang Street offers an array of culinary delights, from trendy coffee shops to towers of shaved ice (a Taiwanese speciality dessert), allowing you to enjoy the culture while savouring traditional culinary delights. Herb Alley offers a fragrant burst for the senses. For over 100-years Herb Alley has been serving concoctions to patrons, offering you a spectacular glimpse into the world of natural remedies. You will also visit Bopiliao Historic Street, where you would be forgiven for thinking that you have stepped back in time.

Today also includes an unforgettable Taiwanese Cooking Class. Select the most delicious and fresh ingredients at a local market, before visiting a local kitchen with an expert chef. Here you will discover a selection of Taiwanese dishes, each requiring various skills. For lunch, enjoy the delicious, finished products, while also learning about the local cuisine from your guide and chef. Today you will also be able to select from the plethora of colourful shops selling Taiwanese bubble tea and savour this famous drink in its homeland.

Day 4: From Taipei to charming Alishan

Meet your guide at 9.00am who will transfer you to the train station for a high-speed train ride to Yunlin (1.5 hours). You will then be transferred to a car where you will be driven to Alishan (2 hours) for your further Taiwan travel adventures. Today also includes visits to Xiluo Old Street. Here you can wander around and admire the Japanese-era and mid-century Chinese colonial buildings, before selecting your alluring lunch from the local snack stalls to Omakasi sit-downs.

You will also visit the Alishan National Scenic Area, which provides you with an enchanting range of forested 2,000-meter peaks ensconced in the island’s mountainous heart. Here you will also find the Alishan High-Altitude Coffee Plantation, and take a unique Wood-Fired Black Bean Soy Sauce experience. Learn from the third-generation owner of Yudingxing soy sauce each step required to craft the finest all-natural soy sauce and explore the high-altitude coffee plantation of Zou Zhuyuan. Here you can journey from bean (plantation) to cup (factory) detailing each step when creating the finest coffee. Finish with a unique tasting of six different types of coffee. You will return to your hotel around 6.00pm.

Day 5: Experience the Alishan Forest Railway for Sunrise

Today on your Taiwan holiday, meet your guide at 10:00am. Visit the Alishan Forest Railway for Sunrise. Here you can step aboard the traditional locomotive for a serene and scenic journey. Today you will also take part in some hiking in the Alishan National Scenic Area. Previously, the forest trails were only inhabited by the Tsou, an indigenous group in Taiwan, and later controlled by Japanese loggers. However, nowadays these paths are clearly marked and kept in good condition, providing a one-of-a-kind experience in any season.

The central range of this island boasts breath-taking sunsets and sunrises that are unparalleled. Every morning and evening, the mountains put on a magnificent solar display that is not to be missed. As the sun sets, make your way to a prime viewing location to witness the spectacular performance, as the distinct climate of the area guarantees a one-of-a-kind dance between the sun and clouds each time. After a full day of exploring, your guide will bring you back to your hotel around 7:00 pm.

Day 6: From Alishan to Tainan

Meet your guide at 9.00am for the drive from Alishan to Tainan (around 2.5 hours) to further your Taiwan travel.

Bursting with temples and relics of a tumultuous past, the coastal city of Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan. Here you will locate Guohua Old Street – Taiwan’s foodie capital! Here you will discover quaint food carts lining the streets offering enticing aromas. Be sure to try a bit of everything here as you will not be disappointed. We particularly recommend, the Tainan specialties of shrimp rolls (xia juan) and salty rice pudding (wan guo).

Today during your holiday in Taiwan, you will also visit the Alishan tea plantation and an Alishan tea farm. Learn the art of tea making at the Tea Plantation. Here you will learn how to select the best tea leaves, how to pluck and dry them, and experience the delectable, finished product. You will also embrace the local tantalising cuisine at the Alishan Tea Farm. Here you can appreciate some tea-infused cuisine on site, such as black-tea pork knuckle or shrimp. Or you can wander over to Miemie for a serving of indigenous flavours with a picturesque view looking out over the canopy beyond.

You will also visit Chihkan Tower – a monument to the island’s history. Here, you will also discover a library full of fascinating Siraya documents, an indigenous language that is now extinct. Finally, discover the Blueprint Cultural and Creative Park, where you can admire the creative graffiti displays of the local artisans, among funky shops. Later return to your hotel at around 6.00pm.

Day 7: Learn the art of salt making

Meet your guide at 9.00am. You will then explore the Tainan Confucian Temple – the first Confucian temple in the whole of Taiwan. Here you will discover the traditional student study halls surrounded by the striking pillars of Confucianism. You will also unearth the Dacheng Hall, which showcases a unique pagoda architectural design.

You will also visit the vibrant Shuei Sian Temple Market, the Hayashi Department Store, and unearth the Jingzaijiao Salt Fields. Here you will learn about the interesting production of salt, while (depending on timing) admiring the beautiful reflections created by the salt squares in the tranquil sunrise and sunset. For a further burst of culture, you will explore the Shuei Sian Temple Market, where you can admire the vibrant local life and try a bit of anything and everything!

Today you can embrace a unique and tantalising dish of Milkfish. This dish is a source of city-wide pride in Tainan, with fishmongers rising before dawn to collect the overnight catch and sample this for the finest experience. You will be able to savour the most popular milkfish dish of milkfish congee today!

Day 8: From Tainan to Kaohsiung

Meet your guide at 9.00am and transfer to Kaohsiung (this will take around 1 hour). Here you will discover the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Centre. This monastery is the biggest religious site across Taiwan, promising a striking experience. Take your time to discover one of the country’s central spiritual forces and stroll through the serenity of the complex’s vast gardens. Carry on the spiritual immersion of your morning with an enticing selection of dishes at the popular Hi-Lai Vegetarian Restaurant. Here you can embrace delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes

You will also explore the best of Taiwan’s unique culture at the Pineapple Farm. Here you can combine local knowledge with traditional culture and cuisine to create a truly unique and memorable experience.

Today, during your Taiwan holiday you will also visit Kaohsiung, which offers a vast array of exuberant night markets, artistic light displays, and consistently kind weather. Kaohsiung remains embellished with the beauty of retro architecture and creations. Here you can learn more about the history of the Taiwanese pineapples that can be traced back to the early 1900s!

Day 9: Discovering charming Kaohsiung

Meet your guide at 9.00am to explore the Pingtung Organic Cocoa Farm. Here you can experience the process of cocoa from seed-to-bar first-hand, ending with a unique DIY chocolate bar creation finale to treat your tastebuds!

Today you will also discover Neipu Old Street. This street offers a pure glimpse into rural country living, where you can admire the Chinese settler’s distinct customs and architecture. This quaint old street is an idyllic destination to sample local culinary specialities. You will also experience the exclusive walk through the dragon and tiger pagoda today!

Additionally, uncover the interesting Pier 2 Art Centre, and admire the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda. You will also have the chance to embrace the tantalising local cuisine at the recommended Sho (Michelin Star Restaurant). This restaurant perfectly combines classic elegance with innovative touches. The restaurant offers one menu, which includes two signature dishes lifted from Den – a green salad made with 10+ veggies that have been fried, steamed, ground, or pickled; and kamameshi featuring local, seasonal produce. At least two-months advanced booking is suggested.

Day 10: Depart Kaohsiung

Meet your guide at 9.00am, who will escort you to the train station for a high-speed train to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. The Kaohsiung to Taoyuan high-speed train will take around 1.5 hours and the train from Taoyuan to the Airport is around 20 minutes.

Price

Price: £6,717

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Welcome to Taipei! Transfer to your hotel from the airport.

Day 2: Indulge in a traditional Taiwanese breakfast, explore the National Palace Museum, dine at Din Tai Fung, visit Taipei 101 and Dadaocheng, and experience Ningxia Night Market.

Day 3: Discover Yongkang Street, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, Herb Alley, and Bopiliao Historic Street. Enjoy a Taiwanese Cooking Class and bubble tea sampling.

Day 4: Travel to Alishan, visit Xiluo Old Street, Alishan National Scenic Area, and indulge in a Wood-Fired Black Bean Soy Sauce experience.

Day 5: Experience sunrise at Alishan Forest Railway, hike in Alishan National Scenic Area, and enjoy sunset views before returning to your hotel.

Day 6: Journey from Alishan to Tainan, explore Guohua Old Street, visit Alishan tea plantation, Chihkan Tower, and Blueprint Cultural and Creative Park.

Day 7: Salt Making & Cultural Discoveries – Visit Tainan Confucian Temple, Shuei Sian Temple Market, Hayashi Department Store, and Jingzaijiao Salt Fields. Enjoy a dish of Milkfish.

Day 8: Travel to Kaohsiung, visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Centre, Hi-Lai Vegetarian Restaurant, and Pineapple Farm.

Day 9: Discover Pingtung Organic Cocoa Farm, Neipu Old Street, Pier 2 Art Centre, and Dragon and Tiger Pagoda. Dine at Sho Restaurant.

Day 10: Transfer to the airport for your departure from Taiwan.

FAQs

1. What is the transportation mode during the tour?
   • Throughout the tour, private vehicles and high-speed trains are primarily used for transportation between destinations, ensuring comfortable and efficient travel.
2. Are meals included in the tour package?
   • Most meals are not included in the tour package to allow flexibility in dining experiences and to cater to individual preferences. However, specific dining recommendations and culinary highlights are provided as part of the itinerary.
3. Can dietary restrictions and preferences be accommodated?
   • Yes, dietary restrictions and preferences can be accommodated with prior notice. Please inform us of any specific dietary requirements during the booking process, and we will make arrangements accordingly to ensure a pleasant dining experience for all participants.
4. Are entrance fees to attractions included?
   • Entrance fees to attractions mentioned in the itinerary, such as museums, temples, and cultural sites, are typically included in the tour package unless otherwise specified. Any additional optional activities or attractions not mentioned in the itinerary may require separate entrance fees.
5. What level of physical activity is involved in the tour?
   • The tour involves a moderate level of physical activity, including walking tours in urban areas, visits to cultural sites, and optional hiking activities in natural landscapes. Participants should be prepared for walking and standing for extended periods, especially during exploration of historic streets and outdoor attractions.