Taiwan: The Beautiful Island

11 Day Tour

Early Portuguese sailors named Ilha Formosa, meaning ‘beautiful island’, due to the breath taking scenery, which still impresses modern visitors today. The energetic capital, , is home to possibly the best collection of Chinese artefacts in the world, while Tainan showcases Taiwanese architecture. The countryside is perhaps the biggest surprise, with deep gorges, snow-capped mountains, hot springs, tea plantations and rugged coastline.

Highlights  Overnight at the monastery & join the monks for prayers  Discover ancient Chinese treasures at the National Palace Museum  Direct flights with Airlines  Walk along nature trails in the stunning Taroko gorge  Stay in 4-star accommodation  Small group size - average 10 people (max 26)

Accommodation

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents – ABTA P7214

Alishan House, Alishan

Alishan House is a simple yet charming guesthouse in a delightful setting on the forested hillsides of Alishan. Facilities include one restaurant serving Chinese food and a spacious terrace for enjoying the panoramic views from the...

Fleur de Chine, Sun Moon Lake

The Fleur de Chine hotel is on the north shore of Sun Moon lake, an area known for its natural hot springs. The water from the hot springs is used in the hotel's spa and hot spring baths. Rooms are elaborately designed with French windows and balconies with views of either the mountain or lake. There are six restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines including international, Japanese and Chinese. The hotel's Sky Lounge rooftop bar has a panoramic view of the beautiful Sun Moon lake. Features: 211 rooms, 4 restaurants, lobby lounge, rooftop bar, fitness room, gift shop, spa with hot spring baths & swimming pool, Wi-Fi. Room amenities: Balcony, air conditioning, television, coffee machine, safe, hairdryer,...

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents – ABTA P7214

Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Fo Guang Shan

Founded by Master in 1967, Fo Guang Shan has evolved from a mountaintop bamboo forest to the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. The two lodges here, Pilgrims and Bamboo Garden, offer en suite guest accommodation within the monastery. Rooms are basic but comfortable, with air conditioning, bottled water, small televisions and tea making facilities. Both lodges have convention rooms and extensive dining facilities serving vegetarian meals such as noodles or dumplings, in keeping with Buddhist...

Silks Place, Taroko National Park

Located inside the Taroko Gorge National Park, the five star Silks Place has 203 well-equipped guest rooms all with great views of the surrounding landscape. The variety of dining outlets includes Sichuanese, Cantonese, Taiwanese, Southeast Asian and international cuisine, as well as a coffee shop, pub and bar. Health and fitness facilities are available at the hotel's fitness centre featuring sauna and steam bath, indoor swimming pool and a...

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents – ABTA P7214

The Landis Taipei Hotel, Taipei

A member of the Preferred Hotel Group, the Landis Taipei Hotel combines cutting-edge technology with attention to detail in the heart of the city. Each of the 209 spacious rooms have been renovated and refurbished to blend classic detail with contemporary comfort. Dining facilities include a traditional French restaurant in elegant surroundings with luxurious cuisine and an award-winning wine cellar. For the more active guests there is also a fully equipped fitness room complete with a rooftop jacuzzi and an expert...

The Sherwood Taipei, Taipei

The Sherwood is in Taipei's financial centre and shopping district and a 10-minute walk to the Zhongshan MRT station. The Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is approximately one hour's drive away. All rooms and suites are spacious, well-equipped and have a choice of pillows, wall soundproofing and filtered fresh air to ensure a good night's sleep. Each room has a complimentary phone with unlimited local calls, internet access and local recommendations. Features: 343 rooms,

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents – ABTA P7214

restaurant, bar, Wi-Fi, spa with indoor swimming pool & sauna, fitness room. Room amenities: Television, air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, minibar, coffee & tea making...

Itinerary:

Day 1: Fly to Taipei via Hong Kong Fly from London (regional connections available) direct to Taipei with China Airlines. (N)

Day 2: Taipei Arrive and transfer to The Sherwood Hotel Taipei hotel (or similar) for 2 nights. A welcome dinner will be held this evening. (D)

Day 3: Taipei Full-day tour of Taipei, including the National Palace Museum, National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Martyrs’ Shrine and Longshan temple. Optional evening visit to the Chinese opera. (B, L)

Day 4: Yilan • Taroko Drive to Taroko National Park* and stay 2 nights at Silks Place Taroko. (B)

Day 5: Taroko gorge Morning tour of the remarkable Taroko gorge, visiting the Eternal Spring shrine, Swallow Grotto and the Siangde temple. Optional afternoon walk on the Shakadang trail. (B)

Days 6-7: Sun Moon Lake Drive on the Central Cross-Island Highway to the atmospheric Sun Moon Lake for a 2-night stay at Fleur de Chine Hotel hotel. The following day take a short boat excursion on the lake, then visit the Wenwu temple and the Tse-en pagoda. (B)

Day 8: Alishan Morning drive to the Yuyupas tea plantation for a short tour, tea-tasting and lunch. Continue to the Alishan Forest Park, one of the most spectacular mountainous regions of Taiwan. Overnight at Alishan House. (B, D)

Day 9: Tainan • Optional early morning ride on the Alishan Forest Railway to see the sunrise (weather permitting) from the summit of Mount Alishan. After breakfast, drive to the charming mountain town of Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents – ABTA P7214

Fenchihu, then on to Tainan to visit Fort Anping and historic Yanping Street. Proceed to Fo Guang Shan, the largest Buddhist monastery in south-east Asia. Stay overnight at the monastery guesthouse†. (B, D)

Day 10: • Meinong • Taipei Option to rise early and join the monks for morning prayers, then drive to Kaohsiung city to visit the , and the Spring and Autumn Pavilions. Evening high-speed train journey back to Taipei. Stay overnight at The Landis hotel. (B)

Day 11: Fly to London Fly direct to London with China Airlines. (B)

Meal basis As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Important information

Group tour manager This tour is fully escorted throughout by a local tour manager from arrival in Taipei.

Superior tour This tour is based in 4-star accommodation.

*Transport to Taroko Please note that due to local weather conditions the journey to Taroko may need to be taken by train instead, in which case the visit to Yilan will not be possible.

† Fo Guang Shan monastery Overnight stays at the Fo Guang Shan monastery are subject to availability. If an unscheduled event is being held at the monastery, a night at a Kaohsiung City hotel will be provided instead.

Single supplement From £695pp.

Private & tailor-made travel This itinerary can be taken privately on a date that suits you, for which guideline prices are shown. Alternatively, it can be tailored to your exact requirements. Please call to speak to a Cox & Kings consultant or . Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents – ABTA P7214

What’s Included

• 4-star accommodation • Flexible - extensions & flight upgrades available • Average group size - 10 people (max 26) • International flights • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles • Experienced local tour manager • 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners • Welcome dinner to meet the group & guide • Guided sightseeing & entrance fees

Dates & Prices:

Dates Price Single

30-Oct-2019 for 10 Nights Standard Flight Included £2695 £3390

Why not extend your holiday?

Superior Tour Extension

Kenting

3 Nights from £545

Sharing the same latitude as Hawaii, Kenting is the southernmost point of Taiwan and is shaped in an arc with a cape at both corners. A national park protects an area of low-lying hills, limestone caves and forests, providing good opportunities for hiking. With year-round tropical weather, a laid-back atmosphere and an abundance of fine beaches, Kenting is one of Taiwan's most popular tourist destinations. Stay 3 nights at the 4-star Caesar Park Hotel.

Go Travel To, 31 Regent Street, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7AF Tel 01983 716727 Email: [email protected] Independent Travel Agents – ABTA P7214