|
tel
+44 (0)20 7582 0716
| |
|
|
15 days: Taipei
(3nts) - Taroko Gorge (3nts) - Chihpen (1nt) - Kenting (2nts) -
Tainan
(1nt) - Alishan (2nts) -
Sun Moon Lake
(1nt)- Taipei (1nt)
Start
dates: 1st
March 2009
8th November 2009
|
|
|
When
seafarers from far off Portugal set the first western
eyes upon this tear-shaped island in the South China
Seas they declared it to be Ilha Formosa, the
Beautiful Isle. They did so with good reason for, as
those travellers fortunate enough to visit soon
discover, this is one of the most naturally beautiful
and still unspoilt places in Asia. It is also one of the
most interesting, for here, protected from the utter
destruction wrought on the mainland by Mao's Cultural
Revolution, the true spirit and fascinating culture of ancient China
remains very much alive. Those disappointed by their visits to 'New China' will
find that in Taiwan their dream of a magical, mystical
Orient can still be realised. Here the essence of
Chinese civilization remains, not just in Taiwan's
vibrant temples or exquisite treasures, but most notably
in the hearts of its people who, in a claim not casually
made, rank as
some of the most welcoming, affable people in all the
world.
Taiwan is also a nature lover's paradise. Amidst the
towering mountains and ancient forests that make up much
of the island are found some of the finest
botanical gardens in all Asia with an endless array
of strange, exotic flowers. In fact, wherever you go on the island,
whether it be on the Pacific coast or deep into the
aboriginal interior, there are lovely
short walks all rewarded by stunning scenery and
remarkable flora. Carefully researched in June of
this year by Chief Caravaneer Phil Colley, The Oriental
Caravan's journey around Taiwan will seek out and
explore the rich
diversity of what is perhaps Asia's best kept travel
secret. Our unique itinerary will unfold at a relaxed pace with,
wherever possible, gentle walks providing the medium for
exploration. As we travel around the island we aim to
take in its finest gardens, temples and forest walks,
its most splendid spa hotels and beaches, and visit everything from the amazing marble
cliffs of Taroko Gorge to the 101st floor of 'Taipei 101'
the world's tallest inhabited building. Following the
recent rapid thaw in its relations with China, Taiwan is opening to Chinese tourism and soon
this charming, sleepy backwater will undergo rapid
change. Now is very much the time to visit. You will not
be disappointed.
|
| Day 1 -
Taipei |
Arrival and group
rendezvous. (Hotel) |
| Day 2 -
Taipei |
Full day tour of
Taipei's vibrant temples and historical sights. (Hotel) |
| Day 3 -
Taipei |
Morning visit to the legendary National
Palace Museum, housing undoubtedly the finest
collection of Chinese art ever assembled. Afternoon free to further explore
the museum or Taipei. (Hotel) |
| Day 4 - Taroko
Gorge |
Skirt the pretty North East coast en
route to Hualien via a rock formation uncannily akin to the profile of
England's queen!
(Deluxe log cabin) |
| Days 5 and 6 -
Taroko Gorge |
Two full days to explore Taroko's
verdant, marble gorges with time to discover why this truly is the "8th
wonder of the world". Opportunities for
several easy walks through stunning terrain (Deluxe log cabin) |
| Day 7 - Chihpen |
Follow Highway 11 down Taiwan's
spectacular East Coast, crossing the Tropic of Cancer and passing through
several aboriginal and fishing villages along the way.
(Spa Hotel) |
| Day 8 - Kenting |
Either relax at our superior hotel or,
with playful macaques above in the treetop, stroll amidst the waterfalls and
banyans of the nearby Chihpen Forest Recreation Area. In the afternoon
we head south past aboriginal hill farms and vast sandy beaches to Kenting.
(Beachside Hotel) |
| Day 9 - Kenting |
Full day at this delightful seaside
setting. In the morning we can visit the limestone caves, coral
stumps and wonderful botanical gardens of Kenting Forest Recreation Area.
Afternoon free to relax, swim and enjoy this tropical haven. (Beachside Hotel) |
| Day 10 -
Tainan |
We take the coastal road north to the
former capital Tainan, the 'Kyoto' of Taiwan. We spend the afternoon
exploring the town's many fine temples and forts, gaining an insight into the
island's complex but intriguing history. (Hotel) |
| Day 12 -
Alishan |
Explore Tainan's Anping district with all
its Dutch and other colonial links. In the afternoon we board the
narrow gauge Forest railway for one of the greatest train journeys in the
world as we ascend from the tropical lowlands of Chiayi to the ancient
Alpine forests of Alishan mountain. (Hotel) |
| Day 12 -
Alishan |
The option to see one of the finest
sunrises in the world, followed by a full day to wander amidst this forested
wonderland with all its varied species of flora and fauna and marvel at
giant Cypress trees over 2000 years old. (Hotel) |
| Day 13 - Sun
Moon Lake |
A breathtaking drive though the interior
brings us to the glorious Sun Moon Lake where there are opportunities for
lakeside hikes or to simply relax at our legendary hotel with its world
class spa facilities and amazing infinity pool.
(Spa Hotel) |
| Day 14 - Taipei |
A relaxing morning to make the most of our
surroundings followed by a cruise on Lalu Lake. In the afternoon we make our
way back to Taipei with some time left in the afternoon before a
farewell meal in the evening. (Hotel) |
| Day 15 |
Caravan concludes... |
|
|
Dates
(land only) |
|
Starts
Taipei |
Ends
Taipei
|
Availability
|
Price
(land only) |
1. 1st
March 2009
2. 8th
November 2009 |
15th
March 2009
22nd
November 2009 |
Spaces
available |
GBP1790.00 |
|
Accommodation |
All our hotels have been
chosen carefully and are of a high standard
throughout with 5 star
establishments, where the quality of
experience warrants it, often being the choice -
for example at
Sun Moon Lake we stay at the incredible Lalu
hotel, considered to be one of the finest spa
hotels in the world. In Taipei we stay at
the Gala Hotel; in Taroko Gorge we stay in
the delightful log cabins of Buluowan; in
Chihpen at the Royal Chihpen Hotel; in
Kenting at the Chateau Beach Resort; in
Tainan at the Taipung Suites. The tour is
sold on a twin share basis. Single
supplements are available at a cost of £545. |
|
Food
and drink |
Breakfasts are
included throughout. A
'farewell' meal is also included in Taipei.
Thanks to having inhabitants who came from
all over China, Taiwan has cooking styles to
match and the island is famous for the
quality of its cuisine. For this reason and
to provide greater convenience, choice and
flexibility, food is not included in the
price. For all meals the tour leader and/or
guide will be on hand to help with
ordering meals and, if necessary, to suggest
restaurants. Although it is possible to eat
more cheaply, and certainly possible to eat
more expensively, most people should find that
around £10-20 a day is more than enough.
|
|
Mode of travel |
We have our own comfortable,
private coach throughout. Elsewhere we make
use of the delightful Alishan Forest
Railway and have a private boat for our Sun Moon Lake boat cruise. |
|
Staff
|
The tour is escorted throughout by Phil
Colley, TOC's
Mandarin-speaking leader from the UK,
accompanied by an
English-speaking Taiwanese guide and
Taiwanese driver throughout. |
|
Group size |
Minimum
6 - Maximum 14 |
|
Flights &
Insurance |
For
information on insurance and flights please contact The Oriental Caravan. |
|
|
|
 |
|
