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From the lively streets of Taipei to the calm waters of Sun Moon Lake and the misty peaks of Alishan, this is a journey through Taiwan at its most scenic and soulful. Along the way, you'll travel like a local, from the buzz of a commuter train to the sleek speed of the high-speed rail, and step back in time aboard two of the island's most charming historic lines. Blending iconic sights with unforgettable rail experiences, Taiwan by Rail is a fresh and memorable way to explore this fascinating island.
Our Taiwan by Rail tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Explore the buzzing streets and hidden gems of vibrant Taipei
Ride the Pingxi Line, a scenic railway winding through waterfalls, forests, and charming old towns including Jiufen.
Embark on a peaceful cruise across Sun Moon Lake
Uncover the secrets of Taiwan’s high-mountain tea production
Our Treasures of Taiwan Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Discover how Alishan's cool, misty mountain climate creates the perfect conditions for growing some of Taiwan's finest coffee. Visit the Yuyupas Indigenous Culture Park to learn about traditional farming methods and cultural heritage of the Tsou people, and enjoy a tasting of freshly brewed local coffee.
Journey through misty mountains and lush forest on Asia's highest narrow-gauge railway. Originally built for logging, this iconic train now offers a scenic ride past tea fields, waterfalls, and remote hillside villages. Travelling in March offers the chance to experience the magic of Alishan as its cherry blossoms burst into bloom.
Experience Sun Moon Lake after dark with your guide, sampling local Taiwanese desserts such as soft mochi, egg cakes, and refreshing green tea ice cream. Enjoy the relaxed evening atmosphere as you take in the peaceful lakeside views and discover the flavours of the region.
A less explored nation with its captivating combination of old and new, natural beauty and high-tech modernity, exploring Taiwan on an itinerary that features two historic railways and a journey on a high-speed train, is a glorious adventure.
Fly overnight to Taipei, Taiwan's buzzing capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. This evening meet with your National Escort and fellow travellers to enjoy dinner at a nearby, local restaurant.
Today you will explore Taipei, starting with a visit to the National Palace Museum, home to thousands of artifacts and artworks including many from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Then explore the Chiang Kai-shek (CKS) Memorial Hall, a grand monument dedicated to the former leader. Later, take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck on the 89th floor of Taipei 101 for a birds-eye view of the city.
Travel to Ruifang for a day tour along the scenic Pingxi Line, a historic eight-mile railway once used for coal transport. Today, it winds through mountain cliffs, streams, waterfalls, and old mining towns. Stop to explore along the way, including Pingxi Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, and Shifen Old Street, where you’ll witness the beautiful tradition of locals releasing sky lanterns with their wishes. End the day in Jiufen, a picturesque town of lantern-lit lanes, teahouses, and sweeping ocean views, then return to Taipei.
This morning take a train to the picturesque Sun Moon Lake, a designated National Scenic Area. Explore the imposing Wenwu Temple, perched on the lake’s shore with beautiful views. Head out onto the lake itself on a cruise and relax into panoramas of forested shores, turquoise blue waters and the mountains beyond. After dinner, wander to the local night market for a sweet treat to end the day.
Take a final glimpse at Sun Moon Lake’s beauty before heading to the Bantaoyao Craft Park. A former pottery factory, here you’ll discover the history of traditional Taiwanese ceramics, learning about the craftsmanship that made this site a cornerstone of the region. Continue to Yuyupas, a cultural park where you can discover more about the indigenous Tsou Tribe. Take part in a tea and coffee tasting, sampling leaves and beans grown and handpicked in Alishan’s lush mountain farms.
Rise early this morning for spectacular dawn views (weather permitting). Then explore the beautiful Alishan Forest Recreation Area with a ride on the Forest Train – the highest narrow-gauge railway in Asia – as it winds through scenic mountain forests. Continue your sightseeing on foot around Alishan stopping at natural sights such as the Sister Pond, Brother Tree and Three Generation Tree.
The morning begins in Fenqihu, a mountain village of old merchant lanes and railway nostalgia. From here, take the high-speed train north to Taipei, the island’s green interior blurring past at 300km per hour. The 18thcentury Longshan Temple offers a quietly moving final encounter with Taiwan’s spiritual life, then sit down for a farewell dinner.
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Our tours feature hand-picked properties selected for their comfort, modern amenities and convenient location for sightseeing. We occasionally include a stay in a guesthouse or lodge where we feel the character of the property will enhance your tour, or to allow access to a more unique and memorable location. Here is a taster of the type of hotels you will be staying in on your tour.
Places Visited: UK - Taipei (3N) - Sun Moon Lake (1N) - Alishan (2N) - Taipei (1N) - UK
Make the most of your time away. Whether you want to delve deeper into a destination, discover somewhere completely new, or simply unwind on a beautiful beach, we've created a range of ways to help you stay a little longer and see a little more.
If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book. Read our Price Match Promise
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Dedicated Solo departures are available on selected dates for this tour.
These solos-only departures feature smaller group sizes of up to 18, along with free airport lounge access.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
The same great Wendy Wu tour - just with an extra level of comfort. Enjoy relaxed 5-star city hotels, unique properties, and overnight cruises, each selected to deliver an elevated experience. See Upgraded Tour Hotels above for more details.
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