Fancy a great-value getaway to Asia’s best-kept secret? Taiwan is a country relatively unknown to the West and happily much less travelled than its muscular neighbour. It is an island possessing Chinese art treasures, exotic food delicacies, and breath-taking scenery waiting to be discovered. The world’s greatest collection of Chinese art anywhere in the world is housed in the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Some of Asia’s best food is found in Taiwan with a fabulous diversity of dishes to be sampled at Taipei’s vibrant street food night markets. The buzz of Taipei is evident at the Taipei101 Tower, the nationwide free internet, the high speed rail network, and the city’s thriving live music scene. Taiwan also has stunning lakes and mountains, where famous sunrise views can be enjoyed. Hot springs, forests, and tea plantations are among the delights to experience in the tranquil natural landscape in the interior of the island. Qing Dynasty and Confucian temples highlight this quieter side of this ‘beautiful isle’. The Beautiful Island of Taiwan April 8 – 17, 2019 VIBRANT CULTURE AND SCENIC LANDSCAPES TOLL-FREE 1-800-387-1483 / 416-633-5666 | [email protected]| WWW.WORLDWIDEQUEST.COM | 491 KING ST. E. TORONTO, ON M5A 1L9
Transcript
Fancy a great-value getaway to Asia’s best-kept secret? Taiwan is a country relatively unknown to the West and happily much less travelled than its muscular neighbour. It is an island possessing Chinese art treasures, exotic food delicacies, and breath-taking scenery waiting to be discovered.
The world’s greatest collection of Chinese art anywhere in the world is housed in the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Some of Asia’s best food is found in Taiwan with a fabulous diversity of dishes to be sampled at Taipei’s vibrant street food night markets. The buzz of Taipei is evident at the Taipei101 Tower, the nationwide free internet, the high speed rail network, and the city’s thriving live music scene.
Taiwan also has stunning lakes and mountains, where famous sunrise views can be enjoyed. Hot springs, forests, and tea plantations are among the delights to experience in the tranquil natural landscape in the interior of the island. Qing Dynasty and Confucian temples highlight this quieter side of this ‘beautiful isle’.
The Beautiful Island of Taiwan April 8 – 17, 2019VIBRANT CULTURE AND SCENIC LANDSCAPES
TOLL-FREE 1-800-387-1483 / 416-633-5666 | [email protected] | WWW.WORLDWIDEQUEST.COM | 491 KING ST. E. TORONTO, ON M5A 1L9
What’s great about our Taiwan:Fabulous art – Chinese art treasures and contemporary galleries
Comfortable, multicultural environment; Chinese, Japanese, Korean influences
High style; lots of interesting shops, artisans
Fantastic food experiences – from Michelin starred restaurants to vibrant (and hygienic!) food markets
Easy to get around – great road and rail system, fast subways
Comfort and safety – modern, stylish hotels and clean, well-kept streetscapes
Well-educated guides with excellent English language skills
Easy access with direct flights from Toronto and Vancouver (premium economy option with EVA Air)
Easy connections to Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, BeijingSuper value for money
TOLL-FREE 1-800-387-1483 / 416-633-5666 | [email protected] | WWW.WORLDWIDEQUEST.COM | 491 KING ST. E. TORONTO, ON M5A 1L9
Sun Moon Lake
Alishan
Sun Moon Lake
SouthChina Sea
TaiwanStrait
Taipei
TAIWAN
Taroko Nat’l Park
Tainan
Kaohsiung
Day 3: Taipei’s National Palace MuseumThe National Palace Museum is home to the crown jewels of Imperial China: the world’s largest and finest collection of Chinese art, brought to Taiwan by Chiang Kai-shek’s fleeing nationalists. Its architectural aesthetic is modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, and overall, the museum is a place of great beauty, art, and abundant treasure that we will explore with our guide. Learn the art of tasting fine oolongs at the Wistaria Tea House: a charming former Japanese-era wooden dormitory, a former meeting house for political dissidents and avant-garde artists. This evening, attend the Chinese Opera at the National Music Hall (schedule permitting). One of the oldest dramatic art forms in the world, the Chinese Opera’s narratives can be followed as much through the unique music as through the exuberant face make-up and dazzling costumes. Overnight: Amba Hotel Songshan, Taipei Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Taroko National ParkHead out of Taipei and south along the spectacular Pacific Coast admiring views of the 1,000 metre high cliffs dropping into the ocean. The park’s lush vegetation and mountainous landscape certainly explain the country’s moniker of “The Beautiful Island”. This evening enjoy a traditional drum, bamboo harmonica, dance and “shouting” song show presented for us by aboriginal Taroko groups. Stay for two nights at a lovely mountainside hotel nestled in a scenic location within the national park.Overnight: Silks Place Hotel, Taroko Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive TaipeiYou are met on arrival at Taiwan Airport and transferred to our city centre hotel where we begin our four-night stay. This afternoon meet tour participants at our briefing, followed by our welcome dinner, a taste of the fabulous Taiwanese cuisine.Overnight: Amba Hotel Songshan, Taipei Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Taipei’s Temples and SkyscrapersVisit two of Taipei’s fascinating temples; Longshan Temple is a prime venue for exploring Taiwan’s vibrant folk culture; the Taipei Confucius Temple has a fittingly humble appearance with displays on the Six Confucian Arts and the history of the Sage adding important context to this hallowed site. Contrast with a visit to Taipei 101, towering above the city like a gigantic (508m) bamboo stalk, for a grand view of the city. Skip the line and enjoy Din Tai Fung’s famous xiao long bao (steamed dumplings) for lunch. Taiwan has probably the best night market scene in the world, with its cuisine reflecting influences from the early Fujianese and Hakka people from mainland China, the Portuguese who ‘discovered’ the island, the Dutch who colonized it, the Japanese, and then the best chefs who fled mainland China following the civil war. This evening join our foodie guides for an exploration of one of Taipei’s oldest and most traditional: the Raohe Night Market. Raohe is alive with locals meandering through the shops, stalls and vendors in the market building and surrounding streets enjoying the bounty of expressions in food, fashion, and more.Overnight: Amba Hotel Songshan, Taipei Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
TOLL-FREE 1-800-387-1483 / 416-633-5666 | [email protected] | WWW.WORLDWIDEQUEST.COM | 491 KING ST. E. TORONTO, ON M5A 1L9
Dim Sum
National Palace Museum
Day 5: Taroko National ParkWithin the park, explore the Gorge, a marble canyon crossed by a network of tunnels and filled with shrines, waterfalls, and grottoes. This afternoon follow the Shakadang Trail, a flat 4.4km hike following the crystal-clear Shakadang River as it winds through the marble canyons. Or enjoy spa treatments, saunas and steam baths at the hotel. Overnight: Silks Place Hotel, Taroko Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Temples and Sun Moon LakeHead into the coniferous forest, crossing the heart of the island. Visit the Chung Tai Chan Monastery, an international centre of Buddhist research, culture, and arts. The monastery, opened in 2001, initiated a new era in the dissemination of Buddhist philosophy. We’ll tour the impressive facility and meet with the abbot for a discussion on the Chung Tai tradition. Later, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Taiwan’s largest lake, at 700 metres above sea level, to visit local temples and admire the lovely natural vistas. Overnight: Fuli Hot Spring Resort Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Alishan National Scenic Area and tea plantationsThe giant cedar and soaring pines of Alishan offer yet another scenic setting. See the Taiwanese red cypresses, growing here for over 2000 years and if we’re lucky, we may still see the spring cherry blossoms. Take the Mountain Train, a remarkable narrow-gauge train originally built for logging the area’s giant cedars. From the raw beauty of the national park, we now observe how humans have settled onto the mountainsides with a visit to a tea plantation to learn and taste what the Taiwanese call the best tea in the world. Overnight: Alishan House HotelMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Tainan, KaohsiungTour the traditional town of Tainan. Here young people have set up coffee shops in former canal-side houses and in the temples devotees throw moon blocks to answer pressing questions. Visit the calm, graceful Confucius Temple, the lively Matsu Temple, and the City God Temple where two large abacuses calculate whether you have done more good than bad in life! Stroll the cafés, art galleries, and fashion boutiques in the Five Canals area and visit Chihkan Towers, an old fort used by the Ming, Qing, Japanese and KMT since the foundations were laid by the Dutch in 1653.Overnight: Chateau de Chine Hotel, Kaohsiung Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: KaohsiungThe southern city has re-imagined its manufacturing past; mixing the industry of Taiwan’s biggest port with a modern, attractive, urban landscape of wide streets, waterside parks and inviting temples. Just outside of town is the Fo Guang Shan Monastery with the highest seated bronze Buddha in the world. This afternoon the high speed train with top speeds of 300km/hour brings us back to Taipei in just two hours and twenty minutes. A classic Taiwan menu tonight celebrates our most interesting journey across the beautiful island. Overnight: Amba Hotel Songshan, TaipeiMeals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Depart TaipeiTransfers to the airport for homeward flights or onward arrangements are provided. Meals: Breakfast
Note: The itinerary and accommodation described in this tour brochure are subject to change due to logistical arrangements and to take advantage of local events.
Optional Extension
There are daily flights from Taipei to Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, and throughout Southeast Asia.
TOLL-FREE 1-800-387-1483 / 416-633-5666 | [email protected] | WWW.WORLDWIDEQUEST.COM | 491 KING ST. E. TORONTO, ON M5A 1L9
Taroko Gorge
TOUR DETAILS
What’s Included:• Airport transfers for passengers arriving and departing
per joining instructions below • Accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels listed
or similar• Breakfast daily• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (Note that meals at the
Night Markets are not included) • to allow you to choose from market stalls. Susan will
accompany the evening excursions.)• Transportation by private air conditioned coach• Bottled water on the coach• All activities and entrance fees• Services of specialized English speaking guides• Gratuities for escort, local guides, drivers, hotel and
group meals • Taxes • Presentations by local experts
Payment Details:A deposit of US$500 per person is required to reserve your space on this tour. A payment of US$1000 is due six months prior to departure. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
Not Included:• Roundtrip airfare from your home to join the tour• Meals other than those mentioned above• Beverages with meals• Fuel surcharges, if applicable• Excess baggage charges• Items of a personal nature• Travel insurance• Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or
other situation• Any item not mentioned in “included features” above
Longshan Temple
TOLL-FREE 1-800-387-1483 / 416-633-5666 | [email protected] | WWW.WORLDWIDEQUEST.COM | 491 KING ST. E. TORONTO, ON M5A 1L9
Tour Cost (per person): Approx. US$3695
Single Supplement: US$975We would be happy to try to match you with a suitable roommate.
If we are unable to, the single supplement will apply. This will be collected at 90 days prior to departure.
Group Size: 10 – 14 participants
WHAT TO EXPECTJoining InstructionsThis tour begins with our briefing and welcome dinner at 6PM on Day 1 . Please ensure that you arrive in Taipei by 3PM to join the group. All travellers arriving on the start date of the tour will be met on arrival and transferred to the group hotel. This transfer is included in the cost of the tour. When you book the designated pre-trip accommodation with Worldwide Quest, your transfer from the airport to our group hotel on arrival is included. If you are making your own pre-trip arrangements, this transfer can be provided at additional cost. The tour concludes with a single complimentary transfer from the hotel to the airport on Day 10. Please contact us to verify timing of this transfer prior to making any flight arrangements.
Level of Activity: ModerateA good level of fitness is important for this trip. You must be comfortable walking on uneven terrain and irregular paving and climbing stairs. You should be comfortable walking for up to three hours at a stretch, unassisted. Optional hikes are offered on several days.
AccommodationWe are staying at four-star level modern hotels throughout this trip. All rooms have private facilities.
Transportation When travelling overland, we will be in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle driven by a professional driver. We are travelling by high speed train from Kaohsiung to Taipei. Note that porterage is not available and you must handle your own luggage on the train.
WeatherTaiwan has a delightful tropical/sub-tropical climate as it lies astride the Tropic of Cancer. In May, the average day-time high is 26°C, with it only dropping to an average of 19°C at night. Rain can be expected on some days – namely afternoon thunderstorms – so rain gear is advised.
Travel DocumentsYou will require a passport for your trip to Taiwan. Please make sure it is valid for six months after the date of your return home. A visa is not required for Canadian or US passport holders at this time.
TICO#: 2667946
TOLL-FREE 1-800-387-1483 / 416-633-5666 | [email protected] | WWW.WORLDWIDEQUEST.COM | 491 KING ST. E. TORONTO, ON M5A 1L9
Terms and ConditionsFor additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # 2667946).
Cancellation PolicyAll payments are non-refundable, however you may transfer your initial deposit for any land tour to another tour 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. Your second payment and your final payment are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are non-refundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing.
Travel InsuranceWe urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours.
Worldwide Quest Explorers ClubWe’d like to make sure that you know about our Worldwide Explorers Club. Travel twice with us and we’ll say a special thank you by taking 5% off on all your subsequent trips! The bonus applies to our brochure trips only and you’ll find many there to choose from.
