Mongolia, China, Tibet, South Korea, Taiwan

Uncovering Taiwan: An Island Apart

Duration

10 Days

Price

From $5,495

Trip Type

Small Group

Group Size

Max 16

Activity Level

1 2 3 4 5

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New destination for 2026!

From Imperial Treasures to Living Culture

Overview

Taiwan’s forested and national park-studded mountains, agricultural lowlands, and stunning coastline provide the backdrop for an island shaped by indigenous heritage, centuries of maritime exchange, and a unique role in modern geopolitics. The journey begins in Taipei, home to both ancient temples and spectacular modern architecture. The route first heads north, taking in the scenic coastline and the port of Keelung. Then proceed south to Taichung to learn about the Thao people, meet with students, and explore Sun Moon Lake. Take a day trip from Taichung to the atmospheric and well-preserved coastal town of Lukang. Pass through Tainan on the way south to Kaohsiung, visiting several of the city’s noteworthy shrines and temples. In Kaohsiung, take in the waterfront area, enjoy a ferry ride, and explore Maolin National Scenic Area and the heritage of the region’s original inhabitants, the Rukai people. The adventure concludes with a cross-island train ride back to Taipei, offering sweeping views of Taiwan’s agricultural lowlands and an opportunity to reflect on the island’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and communities.

Travels to: Taiwan

Map

Itinerary

Days 1-3: Taipei (Taiwan) and surroundings
Arrive in Taipei and settle in before exploring the capital’s temples, civic landmarks, and museums. See Lungshan Temple, the Presidential Office Building with its baroque-style façade, and continue to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Liberty Square to view the ceremonial gates, gardens, and exhibits on modern history. Visit the renowned National Palace Museum and view the city from the indoor observatory on the 89th floor of Taipei 101 for sweeping city views. Beyond the capital, follow the north coast to Keelung’s harbor districts, then walk among the sea-eroded formations of Yehliu Geopark, including the Queen’s Head. Visit a small sweet-potato farm for an overview of cultivation and small-scale agriculture, and learn from a historian about the history of Taiwan POW camps in World War II.

HIGHLIGHTS
- National Palace Museum collections.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Liberty Square.
- Taipei 101 observatory and tuned mass damper.
- Ningxia Night Market.
- Keelung Harbor and waterfront districts.
- Yehliu Geopark’s rock pillars and the Queen’s Head.
- Sweet-potato farm visit.
Days 4-6: Taichung with day trips to Sun Moon Lake and Lukang
Travel south to Taichung, a manufacturing and transport hub sometimes cited – amid local debate – as the birthplace of bubble tea. Visit the Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Arts Troupe for an introduction to temple-parade percussion, face painting, and costuming, then meet students at Ling Tung University to discuss contemporary arts and performance culture. Take a day trip to Sun Moon Lake for a private boat cruise and local temples, and visit a tea farm for black-tea processing and a guided tasting. Make a day trip to Lukang to explore Old Street’s red-tiled lanes, the Lukang Folk Arts Museum, and the Great Buddha on Baguashan.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Arts Troupe and conversation with students at Ling Tung University.
- Private boat cruise on Sun Moon Lake.
- Tea farm visit with black-tea processing and tasting.
- Lukang Old Street’s historic lanes and Folk Arts Museum.
- Great Buddha on Baguashan.
Days 7-10: Tainan, Kaohsiung, Maolin Scenic Area & return to Taipei
Travel from Taichung to Tainan to explore Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia), the Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple (Official God of War Temple), the Koxinga Shrine, and the Tainan Confucius Temple, plus visits to a palanquin workshop and an embroidery studio. Continue to Kaohsiung to trace harborfront renewal, and spend a day inland in the Maolin National Scenic Area, with visits with indigenous people at Rukai community centers. Conclude with a farewell lunch to toast the end of the journey, before taking the train back to Taipei for departure.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple (Official God of War Temple).
- Tainan Confucius Temple.
- Palanquin workshop and embroidery stuido visits.
- Kaohsiung waterfront
- Maolin National Scenic Area with suspension bridges, purple crow butterflies and Rukai cultural visits.

Detailed Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Small group tour – max 16 travelers.

Land Tour Price, Per Person. Based on double occupancy and a minimum group size of 6 travelers.

2026 Dates

Nov 10 - 19

Inaugural departure led by Michel Behar!

Tour, double occupancy

$5,495

Single supplement

$875

What's Included

Tour Includes
- Accommodations, as noted in the itinerary.
- Breakfast & lunch daily (9 breakfasts, 8 lunches).
- Restaurant tips for included meals.
- Services of experienced, English-speaking local guides, drivers and other staff, including a MIR Tour Manager.
- Arrival/departure airport transfers. MIR will arrange for all travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure whether we make your airfare arrangements or not, provided you arrive and depart on the tour start/end dates in the tour start/end city.
- Ground transportation throughout the itinerary by coach, minibus or van (type of vehicle depends on group size).
- Guided sightseeing tours and entrance fees as outlined in itinerary.
- Special events, excursions and cultural performances per the itinerary.
- Baggage handling where available.
- Gratuities to local guides, drivers, porters and other service personnel.
- Complete pre-departure electronic document that includes detailed packing suggestions, reading list links, country-specific information, maps, travel tips and more.
- Assistance booking your custom flight arrangements (on request; please note that international airfare is not included in the land tour cost).
- Electronic final update bulletin, with any late news, updates and important information.
Not Included
- International airfare or taxes/fuel surcharges.
- Meals not specified as included in the itinerary.
- Partial single supplement charge, if requested or required.
- Items of a personal nature (phone calls, email, laundry, alcohol, excess baggage, etc).
- Gratuities to Tour Manager.
- Visa/passport fees, airport departure fees if required.
- Expenses incurred as a result of delay, modification or extension of a tour due to causes beyond MIR’s control.
- Travel and trip cancellation insurance.

Activity Level

Level 2: Moderate

Level 2: Moderate

This small group tour in vibrant and modern Taiwan features long days walking and standing while touring, and some possibly long days in the touring vehicle. Only those fit to travel and who accept the local conditions should consider joining this program.

Travelers must be able to walk one to two miles a day, keeping up with fellow travelers. Footing can be an issue and travelers should be able to negotiate pavement, curbs, potentially uneven surfaces (possibly steep and/or wet), as well as unpaved terrain; and deal with situations without handrails or ramps. Some attractions are only accessible via steep staircases, and museums may not have elevators. Some smaller hotels also may not have elevators.

Past travelers to this region have also encountered challenges with plumbing, bureaucratic service, variety of locally available foods, and availability and quality of public restrooms.

Accommodations in the basic program are generally four-star hotels.