Explore Taiwan

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
Explore Taiwan
11 Days
From AUD $4795
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(20 reviews)

Explore Taiwan

Explore Taiwan

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Discover the highlights of Taiwan on this 11-day adventure. After eating your way through Taipei’s famous street food, travel to Yilan to meet an Indigenous community, learn about their way of life and share a home-cooked lunch.

Highlights

  • Discover Taiwan’s culinary traditions by collecting clams, rolling your own tea leaves at a plantation and cooking farm-fresh spring onion pancakes.
  • Hike through misty mountain foothills to a nine-tiered pagoda overlooking Sun Moon Lake and ride around the emerald-coloured waters on a cycling adventure.
  • Spend the day with the Indigenous Atayal community to learn about their tribal costumes, face tattoos and traditional survival techniques, and share a home-cooked meal that showcases Indigenous flavours.
  • Explore stalls piled with dried fruits, herbs and traditional medicines on Dihua Street – considered one of the oldest streets in Taiwan.
  • Ride the Forest Railway train through Alishan’s tropical and subtropical forests and hike the Sacred Forest Trail among giant Cypress trees.

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Private Bus, Metro, Public Bus, Bike

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Taipei, Taiwan, Republic Of China

Finishes

Taipei, Taiwan, Republic Of China

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Taipei
Huan ying! Welcome to Taipei. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Taiwan with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe visit the hot springs at Yangmingshan National Park. After the meeting, head out for an optional dinner to get to know your local leader and fellow travellers.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Taipei
After breakfast, explore Taipei with your local leader. Get a sense of the city’s merchant past on Dihua Street – the oldest street in Taipei – and see how young entrepreneurs are revitalising the area. With traditional medicine shops, Fujian-style Qing Dynasty homes and Baroque architecture standing alongside modern cafes and art studios, it represents the many chapters in Taipei’s rich history. Continue to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall – an impressive dedication to the former president of the Republic of China. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Maybe head to the Shilin Night Market for dinner tonight to try fried fish meatballs, oyster omelette or the infamous stinky tofu.

Included Activities:

  • Taipei - Dihua Street walk
  • Taipei - Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Yilan
This morning, take a private transfer to Yilan, stopping off at the National Palace Museum which houses the world’s largest collection of Chinese art. Then, visit a spring onion farm where you'll pop on a pair of gum boots and get grubby in the fields! Pick your own produce before learning how to cook one of Taiwan’s most beloved snacks: crispy spring onion pancakes. Arrive at your hotel in Yilan in the late afternoon, where you’ll have free time to relax or explore at your own pace.

Included Activities:

  • Yilan - Spring onion farm & cooking demostration
  • Taipei - National Palace Museum

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Yilan
This morning, visit the Indigenous Atayal tribe – Indigenous people make up just 2.5% of the Taiwanese population, and the Atayal people are one of the 16 main groups. This is a rare opportunity to connect with the community and learn about the cultural significance of their tribal costume and face tattoos. Try your hand at making bamboo rice before sitting down with the locals to enjoy a hearty lunch that showcases Indigenous flavours. Then, head into the forest to learn about traditional hunting and trap-setting techniques. Say goodbye to your hospitable hosts and return to Yilan where you'll have a free evening to explore.

Included Activities:

  • Yilan - Indigenous Atayal tribe half day visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Sun Moon Lake
Today, you’ll visit a morning market to learn about the fragrant ingredients used in Taiwanese cooking and how to make peanut roll ice cream. Then, head to Sun Moon Lake – one of the island’s most iconic destinations named after the shapes that its outline forms. This alpine lake – the only natural lake in Taiwan – lies in the foothills of the Central Mountain Range and is surrounded by forested peaks and hiking trails. Tonight, you’ll stay in Puli at a guesthouse surrounded by lush gardens. You have a free evening to take a walk, relax or watch the sunset over the peaks.

Included Activities:

  • Yilan - Morning market visit & Peanut roll icecream making

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Sun Moon Lake
After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll along the Ci'en Pagoda Trail through the forested foothills around Sun Moon Lake. At the trail's end, you’ll arrive at the 46-m-tall Ci'en Pagoda, where you can climb to the top and take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Then, keep the active energy going on a scenic cycling adventure along the lake’s shores. The evening is yours to spend how you wish.

Included Activities:

  • Sun Moon Lake - Ci'en Pagoda Trail walk
  • Sun Moon Lake - Bike Ride

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Chiayi
After breakfast, take a private vehicle to Hugosum Tea Farm. Here, you’ll get an insight into the production of Taiwan’s beloved black tea and roll your own leaves, which will be dried and packaged to take a taste of Taiwan home with you. Then, visit the Chung Tai Chan Monastery – the unique combination of Chinese and Western architecture makes it an impressive sight. You’ll meet one of the resident nuns or a guide for a tour to explore the gardens and dive into the monastery's history. Afterwards, head to Chiayi in a private vehicle where you’ll have a free evening.

Included Activities:

  • Puli - Chung Tai Chan Monastery
  • Puli - Hugosum Tea Farm

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Chiayi
This morning, head to Alishan National Scenic Area – along with Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge, Alishan is one of the most dramatic parts of Taiwan. Climb aboard a train for a picturesque ride on the old Forest Railway, passing tropical, subtropical and temperate forests along the way. Then, hit the Sacred Forest Trail for a hike to get closer to the flora and fauna, including the giant Cypress trees that call this park home. Later, return to Chiayi for a free evening.

Included Activities:

  • Alishan - Forest railway
  • Alishan - Sacred Forest Trail hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Taichung
Today, head to the flat and fertile land of Changhua County – sometimes known as the ‘breadbasket’ of Taiwan. Visit Longshan Temple, one of the oldest temples in Taiwan, before continuing to the fishing village of Fangyuan where you’ll try your hand at clam picking and see water birds, fiddler crabs and mudskippers. There'll also be an opportunity to sample fresh seafood like crabs and oysters. In the afternoon, travel to Taichung for a free evening.

Included Activities:

  • Lukang - Longshan Temple
  • Fangyuan - Clam picking

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Taipei
Today, you’ll arrive back in Taipei around midday. The afternoon and evening are free to explore at your leisure. Maybe meet back up with your leader and group for an optional dinner or visit the Taipei 101 Observation Deck for a magnificent view of the city lit up at night.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Taipei
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. With no activities planned for the day, you're free to leave the hotel any time after checkout. If you want to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,795
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Discover the highlights of Taiwan on this 11-day adventure. After eating your way through Taipei’s famous street food, travel to Yilan to meet an Indigenous community, learn about their way of life and share a home-cooked lunch.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 15 Jan 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Arno
Traveled, March 2024

04/01/2024

Short yet insightful tour that will let you learn much about Taiwan, its people, culture and history. A great tour for lovers of Asian food!

4.5
Ella
Traveled, March 2024

03/18/2024

This trip was amazing! Our guide Yui was so funny, organised and knowledgeable. The accommodation and activities were great. Taiwan is a beautiful country with such friendly people and I'll definitely be back :-)

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989