Meet your English-speaking guide at 9 a.m. (Location to be determined – Accommodation in Taipei booked by you). This morning, we head south to Sun Moon Lake via the coastal road. Along the way, we’ll stop in Lukang. Lukang boasts some of Taiwan’s most beautiful temples, including the temple of Matsu, the sea goddess feared and respected by sailors from China and Taiwan. Its temples offer unique architecture, unrivaled on the island, and are well worth a visit.

The streets of the old town are pleasant to explore on foot. The points of interest are generally surrounded by traditional pedestrian streets with many shops and small restaurants where you can enjoy seafood and other steamed buns filled with vegetables and/or meat (at your own expense). Then we will head inland to Nantou and the shores of Sun Moon Lake.

Optionally, a private cruise on the waters of the lake is possible (to be arranged on site with your guide / At your expense). Visit the Wenwu Taoist temple before settling into the LeaLea Hotel 3*+ (or similar), for a well-deserved evening of rest!

Breakfast and a short bike ride along the riverbanks (approximately 45 minutes). We’ll then climb to Ci’En Pagoda for a beautiful panoramic view, before heading to Alishan via a scenic mountain road. Alishan is a county known for its forest landscapes, its century-old train, and its tea.

This afternoon, hike for about two hours up the mountainside, along trails surrounding the mountain where your guesthouse is located. Bamboo forests, pine trees, and tea plantations will follow one another. Tea tasting at your guesthouse or a tea house. Overnight at Our House (or similar), surrounded by tea gardens, with 360° views of the valley and the sea of ​​clouds.

This morning, breakfast and a walk in the forest among thousand-year-old cypress trees (flexible duration to be discussed with your guide depending on the timing). Then you will board the Alishan train, one of the three last high-altitude trains in the world. Pass through the village of Fenchihu, its old alleys and stalls; it is here that you will find the most famous (and also the best) bento on the island, which you can taste for your lunch (at your expense).

Next, head to the unmissable former capital of Taiwan, for a historical, cultural, and culinary discovery of the island. You’ll visit several major sites, but above all, take the time to lose yourself in the maze of dead ends and alleys that give Tainan’s city center an undeniable old-world charm. Here, take the time to live, savoring tea in a vintage cafe while observing picturesque street scenes.

You will visit Fort Anping and the Tree House, a former warehouse. The name “tree house” refers to the living roots and branches of the banyan tree that cover the building. Dinner on your own and overnight at the 3-star Hotel A (or similar). We highly recommend venturing into one of the street food alleys or to one of the famous night markets, where you can improvise some snacks in this city renowned for its culinary specialties. Your guide will be able to advise you.

Note: Depending on the schedule, it may be possible to attend the Taiwan Drum Concert in Tainan, a traditional and historical art form of Chinese culture. In this case, some of the tours will be moved to tomorrow. Your guide will manage the timing as best as possible.

Breakfast and end of Tainan’s visits, before finishing with a little shopping in the unmissable Hayashi Department Store with its art deco facade dating back to 1932 during the Japanese colonial era. Then we will take the road towards Kenting, the national park renowned for Cape Maobitou, which is one of the southernmost points of the island of Taiwan. We will follow the sea, and its immense beaches as far as the eye can see. You can also walk on the park’s paths to enjoy the views and belvederes. Visit the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, impressive! In the evening, you can also browse the night market, located near your hotel. Night at the Harmony Ocean Hotel 2*, near the seaside (or similar).

Breakfast, then we’ll hit the road again towards Longpan National Park, on the opposite side of the island. Splendid views of the Pacific Ocean, often in strong winds! We continue our journey to Kaohsiung, the large port city in the south of the island. Discover the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan: Fo Guan Shan Monastery (closed on Tuesdays).

There you will find a giant golden Buddha statue, 120 meters high. You will continue your visit to Lotus Lake, with its profusion of temples and pavilions that line the lake. On the southern shore of the pond are the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, two twin towers built on 7 floors.

If time permits, you will end your day with a walk along the Love River, which winds through the center of Kaohsiung, with its green spaces and relaxing spots popular with lovers, especially at sunset. Transfer to Kaohsiung High Speed ​​Rail Station for your return high-speed train to Taipei. End of the services of your English-speaking guide. (Accommodation in Taipei booked by you).

We wish you a pleasant end to your stay in Taipei!