Luxuries of Taiwan

(9 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Guguan

This leisurely private tour features the best cultural touring and experiences of Taipei and beautiful Sun Moon Lake combined with time to relax at a luxurious hot spring resort.

Begin in Taipei, the fascinating capital of Taiwan. During flexible private touring with your own guide and driver, visit the renowned National Palace Museum, the repository of the imperial Chinese art collection, to see masterpieces of painting, porcelain, jade carving, calligraphy and other arts. Visit beautiful Longshan Temple and other Buddhist and Taoist temples that bustle with worshippers at all hours. At an atmospheric local tea house, sample Taiwan's acclaimed tea, such as delicate mountain-grown oolong. Walk through the historic port district and along backstreets where shops inside evocative, century-old buildings offer Taiwanese specialties. Stop by the landmark Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial to learn about one of the founding fathers of modern Taiwan. Venture up Taipei 101—among the tallest buildings in the world—for panoramic views over the city and mountains. Also enjoy time to browse for Taiwanese crafts, such as high-quality ceramics and glassware, or explore the shops at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. One evening, visit the renowned Shilin night market, a vast indoor-outdoor emporium of tiny shops and food stalls offering Taiwanese delicacies.

Continue by HSR (High-Speed Rail) train to Sun Moon Lake, a region of natural beauty and interesting cultural attractions. Stay at one of the best resorts in Taiwan with views of the lake and surrounding mountains. During flexible private touring in the region, enjoy options such as a private cruise on Sun Moon Lake, visits to local temples, a stop at a working tea plantation, a visit to a handmade paper factory and a tour of fascinating Chung Tai Chan Monastery, one of the most important religious sites in Taiwan. Other options include riding the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway over the mountains and visiting the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.

Next, stay at a luxurious hot spring resort in Guguan, a spa town among verdant mountains. During time at leisure, relax in your private hot spring bath, book spa treatments, practice yoga, hike trails in the hills, explore the landscaped grounds and enjoy the local cuisine.

Return to Taipei for additional touring, last-minute shopping and dining. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange reservations at the finest restaurants in Taipei and tickets to performances of puppet theater, Chinese opera and Cloud Gate Dance Theater.

Taiwan combines well with other destinations in Asia, such as Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Taipei Fast-track airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Taipei Full-day flexible private tour. Evening night market visit Day 3 Taipei – Sun Moon Lake Private transfer to train station for business-class HSR train to Taichung with guide. Private transfer to resort for 2 nights with flexible touring en route Day 4 Sun Moon Lake Full-day flexible private tour, including private lake cruise and other highlights Day 5 Sun Moon Lake – Guguan Private transfer to hot springs resort for 2 nights Day 6 Guguan At leisure Day 7 Guguan – Taipei Private transfer to Taichung train station for business-class HSR train to Taipei. Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 8 Taipei Half-day private tour Day 9 Depart Taipei Private airport transfer. Fast-track departure assistance

Hotels

Taipei: Mandarin Oriental, Taipei Sun Moon Lake: The Lalu Guguan: Hoshinoya Guguan

Cost

$12,420 Per person (double occupancy)