Taiwan by Rail

Depart UK

Fly from London to Taipei. (N)

Meal basis: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals

Arrive in Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is the powerhouse of Taiwan, and the natural starting point for any visit. It’s a capital city of leafy parks, boxy high-rises, neon-lit markets and swallow-tailed temples, as well as Taipei 101 – one of the world’s tallest buildings. Upon arrival, transfer to The Grand Hotel Taipei for 2 nights. (N)

Taipei

Enjoy a guided introduction to Taipei. Your city tour includes the National Palace Museum, which explores 8,000 years of Chinese history; Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, dedicated to Taiwan’s revolutionary 20th-century leader; Martyr’s Shrine, a commemoration of nationals who died heroically; and Longshan Temple, a place of worship since 1738. (B)

Jiaoxi

Take the train to the district of Pingxi for a walking tour of Shifen Waterfalls, a broad cascade shrouded by greenery, and to take part in a local tradition: releasing sky lanterns into the air from the bustling Old Street. Afterwards, board a train to Jiaoxi and stay overnight at Wellspring by Silks. (B)

Hualien

Ride the train to Hualien to visit Tongmen Indigenous Village. Tongmen is home to the Truku people, one of Taiwan’s 16 recognised indigenous groups, each with their own language and culture. This area is also known for its natural beauty, as you see first-hand at nearby Liyu Lake. Amid the sprawl of green hills to the south lies Lintianshan Forestry Culture Park, where you can discover the history of a lumber town established during Japanese imperial rule. Afterwards, transfer to Lakeshore Hotel Taroko for the night. (B)

Sun Moon Lake

Take the winding road to Sun Moon Lake, following the Central Cross-Island Highway. Considered Taiwan’s most picturesque route, the road skirts the Central Mountains affording dramatic views of their peaks and valleys. There will be scenic stops along the way, including at the Wuling mountain pass, whose 3,275-metre elevation offers postcard-worthy panoramas. Drive along the edge of Sun Moon Lake to visit Wen Wu Temple, Tse En Pagoda and Ita Thao indigenous village. Then transfer to Einhan Taihe Hotel for 2 nights. (B) 

Sun Moon Lake

This morning, enjoy a private motorboat cruise on Sun Moon Lake – one of Taiwan’s 13 National Scenic Areas. This is followed by a walking tour up the gentle slope of Mount Maolan, passing the tea farms for which the area is known. Here you’re afforded more sweeping views of the Central Mountains and Sun Moon Lake. Your afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Alishan Forest Recreation Area

Drive to Alishan via Yushan National Park, stopping at Tataka Visitor Centre. This afternoon, your walking tour of Alishan Forest Recreation Area showcases the best of the natural beauty spot. The mountains rear their rugged heads above the clouds, while the slopes plunge down to meet thick forest – including centuries-old red cypresses. Afterwards, transfer to Alishan Hotel for the night. (B) 

Taipei

Rise early this morning to catch the ‘sunrise train’ to Zhushan Mountain. Here you can expect to see dawn rays spilling over the emerald peaks, which are often wreathed by woolly white clouds. After breakfast, take the narrow-gauge Alishan Forest Railway to Chiayi, where you transfer to Chiayi Station and catch the high-speed train to Taipei. Check in at The Grand Hotel Taipei for the night. (B) 

Fly to the UK

Transfer to Taipei International Airport for your flight back to the UK. (B) 

Meal basis: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals