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14 days Taiwan tour:

Taipei (3nts) - Taroko Gorge (2nts) -
Chihpen (1nt) - Kenting (2nts) - Tainan
(1nt) - 
Alishan (2nts) - Sun Moon Lake (1nt) - Taipei (1nt)
 

Tours start in Taipei  <

18th October 2015
1st November 2015
21st February 2016
06th March 2016
20th March 2016
03rd April 2016
17th April 2016
16th October 2016
30th October 2016

 

 

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 2008 by Chief Caravaneer Phil Colley, The Oriental Caravan's tour around Taiwan seeks out and explores the rich diversity of what is perhaps Asia's best kept travel secret. This unique itinerary unfolds at a relaxed pace with, wherever possible, gentle walks providing the medium for exploration. As we travel around the island we 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. To view the detailed Taiwan tour dossier now please click here...

>>> detailed taiwan tour dossier <<<

As featured on USA Today

Client comments from our Taiwan tours click here

To receive the detailed taiwan tour dossier by post or email click here

more photos from taiwan


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Taiwan tour

Outline itinerary

 


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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 Taiwan's 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 and taroko Gorge via a rock formation uncannily akin to the profile of England's queen! (Deluxe log cabin)
Days 5 Taroko Gorge One whole day 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 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - 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 9 - Tainan We take the coastal road north to the former capital Tainan, the 'Kyoto' of Taiwan. We spend the afternoon exploring on a tour of the town's many fine temples and forts, gaining an insight into the island's complex but intriguing history. (Hotel)
Day 10 - Alishan Explore Tainan's Anping district with all its Dutch and other colonial links.  In the afternoon we ascend from the tropical lowlands of Chiayi to the ancient Alpine forests of Alishan mountain. (Hotel)
Day 11 - 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 12 - 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 13 - Taipei A relaxing morning to make the most of our stunning natural surroundings by hiking or possibly a cruise on Lalu Lake. In the afternoon we make our way back to Taipei, with the option of travelling by High Speed Rail, with some time left in the afternoon before a farewell meal in the evening. (Hotel)
Day 14 Our Taiwan Caravan concludes...
 
 

 

   

Alan Chou, tour leader,
irrepressible anglophile and
our Head Caravaneer in Taiwan

   
 
 

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DATES AND DETAILS

 
Tour Dates (land only)
Starts Taipei

Ends Taipei

Availability

Price
(land only)

18th October 2015 31st October 2015 limited GBP1845.00
1st November 2015 14th November 2015 available GBP1845.00
21st February 2016 05th March 2016 available GBP1845.00
06th March 2016 19th March 2016 available GBP1895.00
20th March 2016 02nd April 2016 available GBP1895.00
03rd April 2016 16th April 2016 available GBP1895.00
17th April 2016 30th April 2016 available GBP1845.00
16th October 2016 29th October 2016 available GBP1845.00
30th October 2016 12th November 2016 available GBP1845.00
* includes Alishan House 'cherry blossom supplement'
Accommodation

All hotels on our tours of Taiwan 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 Caesar Park; in Tainan at the Taipung Suites and in Alishan at the Japanese era Alishan House. The tours are sold on a twin share basis. Single supplements are available at a cost of £585. Depending on group size we reserve the right to impose a compulsory single supplement if no one of the same sex is available to share.

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 Taiwan. We also make use of the delightful Alishan Forest Railway. Elsewhere there is the option of a boat cruise on Sun Moon Lake and the chance to experience Taiwan's answer to the 'bullet train'.

Staff 

This tour of Taiwan is escorted throughout by our experienced English-speaking tour leader and Taiwanese driver throughout.

Group size Minimum 4 - Maximum 12; (2 pax tours also possible - please enquire)
Flights & Insurance For information on insurance and flights please contact The Oriental Caravan. 
                         

 Photos from the first of our Taiwan tours in March 2009 click here

To receive the detailed taiwan tour dossier of this trip by post or email click here

more photos from taiwan


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             Revised and last updated: November 20th 2013. Links