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9-Nights Taiwan: Natural & Cultural Riches - Luxury Small Group Journeys

Taiwan
9-Nights Taiwan: Natural & Cultural Riches - Luxury Small Group Journeys
Taiwan
Abercrombie & Kent
Vacation Offer ID 1557194
Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.
Overview

Abercrombie & Kent

Taiwan: Natural & Cultural Riches
Discover the rugged natural beauty and rich cultural history of the island nation of Taiwan, as you venture from the Qing Dynasty-era temples of Taipei to the lush forests, narrow gorges and alpine peaks of Taroko National Park, learn the intricacies of harvesting tea and meet an expert who explains Taiwan’s pivotal place in world politics.

Featured Destinations

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake

A favorite of Chiang Kai-shek, Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, a man-made lake 50 mi/80 km southeast of Taichung, sits 2,500 ft/760 m above sea level near the center of Taiwan.

Though it's beautiful, don't go to Sun Moon Lake for peace and quiet: It's by far the Republic's most popular tourist destination (especially for honeymooners and wealthy Taiwanese who built lavish vacation homes there). At times, such as Chinese New Year, it is more crowded than attractions in Taipei.

You'll enjoy the drive to Sun Moon Lake. The spectacular jungle scenery on the way there gives new meaning to the word lush.

A disastrous earthquake struck the area during the early hours of 21 September 1999. More than 2,000 people lost their lives, many buildings were destroyed and the lake actually changed shape because of the tremendous forces. The shrine in the center of the lake sank by 5 ft/2 m.

Everything is back to normal, however. The buildings have been replaced by stronger structures (able to withstand a magnitude 8 earthquake), and the damage to surrounding temples was repaired. The island in the center of the lake is now surrounded by pontoons.

Though the lake can be seen as a day-trip from Taichung, plan to overnight so you can begin your day with an early-morning stroll along the shoreline road. Expensive but worth the indulgence are the rooms at Chiang Kai-shek's former country retreat, now an upscale boutique-hotel. The lake is surrounded by pagodas and temples, including Huang-Tsang Temple and the Wen Wu Temple. Wen Wu is particularly nice—it has ornate architecture and unimpeded views of the lake.

Tours of the lake are by motorboat and usually include stops at an aboriginal village. This tour is quite commercialized, but if dressing up in traditional clothes and taking photos is your thing, you'll enjoy it, and it is free. There is a hard sell later on for the local produce. If you're staying at Sun Moon Lake, you can take day trips to Taichung or to the ancient city of Tainan.

Destination Guide
Taroko National Park
Tainan

Tainan

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and is located facing Taiwan Strait in southern Taiwan. Tainan is regarded as a cultural capital, with many famous ancient Taoist and Buddhist temples and churches, well known diverse cuisine, and Chinese music and festivals to enjoy. Visit the popular Anping District, the original capital of Taiwan and the historical heart of Tainan with many sights to see.
Destination Guide
Taipei

Taipei

Across the Formosa Strait from mainland China is the bustling port of Keelung, on the island of Taiwan. Just 20 miles inland is Taipei, the national capital, one of the most prosperous cities in Asia. Marvel at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the Grand Hotel, and the National Palace Museum, with its art treasures from Beijing's Forbidden City.
Destination Guide

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Valid Date Ranges

March 2025
03/07/2025 03/16/2025 $12,995 per person
October 2025
10/17/2025 10/26/2025 $12,995 per person
Prices are per person, double occupancy and include internal air where applicable. Holiday surcharge may apply. Departure dates, prices and availability may change at any time. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.