Overview
This trip is designed in collaboration with UK travel writer and broadcaster Mark Cummings, as a short tour to see both Taiwan’s cultural side and its incredible nature. The trip takes you from the vibrant streets of Taipei to the dramatic landscapes of Hualien's east coast — a journey through two of Taiwan's most distinctive sides. You'll spend the first three days in Taipei, easing into the city with a classic foodie walking tour through the local neighbourhoods, followed by a full-day Taiwan tea experience in Maokong — gondola, temple visit, and a proper tea tasting included. On day four, board the train south to Hualien, where the pace shifts entirely. The east coast offers hiking through the gorges of Taroko National Park, a whale-watching trip to learn about Taiwan’s rich marine ecosystem, and time to explore the city at your own pace. The trip is completely customisable - you can choose to book only one single activity, to add on other locations/things to do, and choose to include accommodations - just let us know in the booking form!
What you will be doing
Fly into Taipei, free time, overnight in the city.
Free morning to settle in — a great opportunity to visit the National Palace Museum. Evening Taipei Foodie Tour - a great opportunity to see one of the best night markets in Asia
Pick up at hotel, Maokong Gondola, Zhinan Temple, Thousand Island Lake, and a tea tasting experience before returning to the hotel.
Head to Hualien by train, enjoy the scenery en route. Free time to explore the city on arrival.
Pick up at the hotel — the tour combines Taroko Gorge highlights with other stunning spots around Hualien, offering insight into the region's resilience following the 2024 earthquake.
2 hours Whale watching, and to learn about the rich marine biodiversity in Taiwan. Free time in the afternoon.
Return to Taipei by train. All good things come to an end, it's time to say goodbye.
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: Your hotel in Taipei, Taiwan
🗺️ Instructions: We will pick you up from your hotel in Taipei
Things to know
Accessibility:
Children friendly
Fitness requirement
Any fitness level
Tour Language
English
Chinese
License requirement
None
Additional information:
The itinerary is intended as a guide, and can be customised. Some details may be subject to change based on the season
Inclusion ✅
Pick up and drop off transport
Entrance ticket
Exclusion ❌
Meals
Accommodations
About your host
Kodama TravelFor every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.