5D/4N: Western Coast Tour

This tour will start with a pick up from your hotel in Taipei, followed by taking the High Speed Train (HSR) to Taichung.

Pick up at the train station by private car with English Speaking licensed Guide/Driver  First stop is the Taichung National Theater, visit the theater and the futuristic roof.

The theater is designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito. Using the concept of the primitive caves and holes, Toyo Ito designed the world first and only Sound Cave Curved Wall for National Taichung Theater. There are no vertical and horizontal structures and it’s the world’s first curve surfaced hanging structure architect.

Time for lunch (not included): your guide/driver will suggest you a nice place to have lunch.

Second stop is the Rainbow Village a “one man show” painted by a very talented, and rather visionary, old veteran soldier, MR. Huang.

After the Rainbow Village you will take the road to Gaomei Wetlands, a perfect place to enjoy the sunset and the cool breeze from the sea. Covering an area of 1,733 acres (701.3 hectares), Gaomei Wetland is a mix of mud and sand. It is a famous habitat for a diverse number of birds, fish, crabs, invertebrates, and plants.

You will have some free time to explore the area and discover the ecosystem and the little inhabitants of this land: the fiddler crabs.  They are really unusual as they have an extremely large claw.

After the sunset "show", you will return to Taichung for dinner at the night market or restaurant (not included) or back to your hotel.

Optional: Bubble Tea Class at the original Tea Store.

 

Your second day of the tour will start with breakfast at your hotel and then you will take the HSR from Taichung to Kaohsiung.
Arrive in Kahosiung and check in at the hotel .
 
Visits in Koahsiung:
► Lotus Pond
► Spring and Autumn Pavilions
► Dragon and Tiger Pagodas (learn about traditional Chinese structures)
► Tour on Qijin Island by riding on an old-style pedicab (ferry ticket to the island included);

After your tour on Qijin Island, back to your hotel and overnight.

You will have breakfast at your hotel and after breakfast, meeting with your English-speaking guide/driver to visit Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center; one of the largest and most important Buddhist sites in Taiwan.
Afterwards, explore historic Tainan; the oldest city in Taiwan, rich of history and delicious cuisine;
Go on a historical tracing tour in Anping Cultural Zone.
Afterwards, return to Tainan and overnight. 


 

Your day will start with breakfast at your hotel in Tainan. Afterwards, relish traditional dishes on the way to the hot-spring village of Guanziling: rejuvenate, exfoliate, and enjoy the pleasing mud springs of Guanziling!

Wonder about the natural phenomenon of the Fire and Water Cave; a natural spring that is on fire;

Take the road to Sun Moon Lake.

Divided by Lalu Island, the Sun Moon Lake scenic area got its name from the unique terrains that look like sun on one side and crescent moon on the other, the east side of the lake resembles a sun while the west side resembles a moon, hence the name.
Crowned as one of the Eight Wonders of Taiwan, the Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area attracts more than six million visitors each year.
Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in Taiwan and is well-known for its clear, sparkling blue water set against a picturesque mountain backdrop. Located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, the area around the Sun Moon Lake is home to the Thao tribe, one of aboriginal tribes of Taiwan. Sun Moon Lake surrounds a tiny island called Lalu reserved for aboriginal religious practices, therefore the public is not allowed to visit the island.

Overnight in Sun Moon Lake.

After breakfafst at your hotel, visit with your English-speaking guide/driver to explore the area:

- Cycle round one of the best bike paths in the world: It is about 30 km with hills and will take 3-4 hours with stops at few of the attractions along the way. A local guide will follow you and show the paths.

- Cable car overlooking the lake: On a good day you can enjoy a stunning views of the lake with the trip taking about 7 minutes each way, however in peak times the wait can be hours.

- Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village;

- Boat tour (Shueishe, Ita Thao and Xuanguang Temple piers)

In the evening private transfer to Taichung and High Speed train back to Taipei or continue the trip to you next destination.