This Taiwanese odyssey offers the perfect way to explore the captivating combination of old and new, natural beauty and high-tech modernity of this little explored nation. This private tour incorporates two enchanting historic rail journeys, alongside a taster of local life aboard a modern commuter train and also a high-speed line.
You’ll explore Taipei’s intriguing blend of Chinese, Japanese, Southeast Asian and American influences before hopping onto the historic Pingxi line for a day’s rail touring through forested landscapes. The scenic beauty continues at Taroko National Park, a wonderland of towering mountain peaks, sheer gorges, waterfalls and lush vegetation, and the serene beauty of Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan's largest lake.
Following the earthquake on April 3, 2024, Taroko National Park and the Cross-Island Highway between Hualien and Sun Moon Lake are currently closed whilst undergoing repairs. Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary for further details.
This adventure is ideal for travellers with less time to spend and who want to see the very best bits of this incredibly diverse destination. We have designed the tour to make the most of the time available to showcase the key highlights and cities of Taiwan.
Travel on any day you wish
Tailored for parties as small as two.
A private trip just for you and your chosen travel party.
Enjoy the undivided attention of your knowledgable private guide.
Enjoy a more intimate and authentic travel experience.
Our Taiwan by Rail tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Enjoy a tea-tasting experience at the Yuyupas indigenous cultural park, part of the Alishan Tea Garden
Experience the highest narrow-gauge mountain railway in Asia on the Alishan Forest Train
Get a taste for local delicacies at Taipei's night market, famous for a snack-focused street food
Taiwan’s rail network loops the whole island, linking major towns and cities. An important form of transport for over 100 years, the train line passes through Taiwan’s incredible nature and is a wonderful and comfortable way to experience some of it for yourself. Alongside the conventional line, a high-speed line runs between Taipai and Kaohsiung, using bullet trains very similar to shinkansen.
In fact, you may notice many similarities between Taiwan’s and Japan’s rail systems, from station design to train bento boxes, due to their shared history. Also like Japan, Taiwan’s trains feature great onboard amenities and a safe, efficient and fast service.
Taiwan Railways operates five service classes of standard train, the highest two of which are Tze-Chiang, a limited express train and the fastest of the classes, and Chu Kuang. Tze-Chiang trains travel up to 130 kilometres an hour, are fully air conditioned, have comfortable seats and an at-seat trolley refreshment service.
The Taroko Express is part of the Tze-Chiang service class, an electric tilting train that runs up and down the scenic east coast line. While most Tse-Chiang trains have both reserved and unreserved seating, the Taroko Express is all reserved.
Chu Kuang trains, also limited express, are also fully air-conditioned but are considered less comfortable that Tse-Chiang and are a slower and cheaper option for those travelling intercity. Below Chu Kuang are local trains that stop at all stations.
We use a standard train to travel between Taipei and Hualien on our private Taiwan by Rail tour.
Taiwan’s high-speed like runs for 350 kilometres, at up to 300 kilometres an hour, along the island’s west coast, between Taipei and the port city of Kaohsiung. It is based on Japan’s Shinkansen system and the experience of riding it is very similar.
Onboard the train, you’ll find spotlessly clean carriages with all seats forward facing, as they can be flipped round, in a 3+2 layout. Comfortable and spacious with a handy tray table, you can just sit back, relax and watch the landscapes of Taiwan fly by. There’s a food and drinks trolley to buy snacks from, or you can grab something at the train station before boarding but as the longest possible journey on the high-speed train is only 1 hour 55 minutes, there is no full meal option. Toilets are available onboard.
We travel between Chiayi and Taipei on a high-speed train on our private Taiwan by Rail tour.
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Arrive in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, where you will be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel to check in. Depending on your time of arrival, the remainder of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture. Taipei is a laidback and vibrant city that, as well as being packed with the upmarket and ultramodern, is a bastion of Taiwan's wonderfully rick heritage. Its beauty lies in its blend of Chinese culture with a curious fusion of Japanese and Southeast Asian influences.
After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel lobby and head to Taipei railway station by public transportation. Board the train to Ruifang, where you start your guided tour along the scenic 8-mile Pingxi Line. There are 12 stations on Pingxi Line and your guide will recommend the best places to hop on and off to explore the country villages and waterfalls. A stop at Shifen Old Street is a must for all travellers, where you can purchase a sky lantern to carry wishes and hopes for the coming year. After touring, take train back to Taipei and return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Today you will explore Taipei by public transport with your local guide, starting with visit to the National Palace Museum. Start with a visit to the Chiang Kai-Shek (CKS) Memorial Hall, a monument dedicated to the former leader. Inside are various artifacts including two of his Cadillacs, documents and items from his daily life. Take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck on the 89th floor of Taipei 101 for a birds-eye view of Taipei. Later, explore Longshan Temple, and in the evening visit one of Taipei's night market, famous for a snack-focused street food. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
After breakfast, an English speaking assistant will accompany you by taxi to the train station for your 2- hour scenic East train to Hualien, with the coastline on the left and mountains on the right. **On arrival meet your English-speaking guide/driver for your tour of Taroko Gorge, the only marble gorge in the world. Enjoy some light hiking in the national park for about 30 minutes - 1 hour, depending on your energy and interest. Explore the stunning Taroko Gorge Gateway, and the Eternal Spring Shrine.** Take the evening train back to Taipei where an English speaking assistance will meet you at Taipeitrain station and transfer you back to your hotel by taxi.
This morning, meet your English speaking driver/guide and travel approximately 3-4 hours by road to Sun Moon Lake, a designated National Scenic Area, and drive along the lake to indulge yourself in the natural beauty all around, visiting Wen-wu Temple with a beautiful lake view. Also explore the historic Jiji Old Town. Stay overnight at Sun Moon Lake.
Depart your hotel after breakfast, travelling approximation 2-hours by road to the charming and historic Jiji Old Town. After exploring the towns sights with your guide, continue 1.5-hours to Yuyupas, an indigenous cultural park dedicated to the education of the Tsou Tribe and part of an Alishan tea garden. Enjoy a tea-tasting experience before transferring to your Alishan accommodation for an overnight stay.
This morning, start your exploration of the beautiful Alishan Forest Recreation Park. Enjoy a 30-minute Forest Train experience on the highest narrow-gauge train in Asia as it winds its way through mist-covered mountains, dense forests, and picturesque valleys. Continue your sightseeing around Alishan stopping at natural sights such as the Sister Pond, Brother Tree and Three Generation Tree. This afternoon, transfer 1.5-2 hours to Chiayi train station for your high-speed train approximately 1.5 hours back to Taipei (unescorted on the train). Meet your English-speaking assistant on arrival and transfer to your hotel by taxi for an evening at your leisure.
After breakfast and check-out, the day is yours at leisure until it’s time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Places Visited: Taipei (3N) - Hualien (1N) - Sun Moon Lake (1N) - Alishan (1N) - Taipei (1N)
| Depart Date | Duration | Price | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any date you wish | 8 days | From $4,780 pp twin share |
We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.
The 4-star Riviera Hotel channels a seamless blend of sophistication and comfort. Tucked in North Taipei, it's a retreat near The Fine Arts Park, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, and Zhongshan district. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, gym, and three dining options—a renowned steakhouse, a chic dining bar, and an enticing pastry lounge.
Perched by the Pacific, this 4-star hotel blends high-end modern design with warm wooden tones, creating a seamless connection to nature. Enjoy stunning mountain and ocean views, along with amenities like Wi-Fi, a spa, swimming pool, bike rentals, and a restaurant.
Conveniently located in the Sun Moon Lake part of Nantou, this stylish 3.5-star hotel opened in 2019 and features a restaurant and sky garden. Each room is equipped with Wi-Fi and air-conditioning.
Situated mid-way up Alishan at 1,500 meters in altitude, the 3-star Long Yun Leisure Farm offers a true local experience. With mountain-view terrace and a delightful on-site restaurant, the Farm has become a famous tea production place in Taiwan. Each room features a TV and a private bathroom with towels, complimentary toiletries, slippers, and a hairdryer for guests' comfort.
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Moon Lake |
14°c
|
76mm
|
| Taipei |
16°c
|
83mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Moon Lake |
14°c
|
107mm
|
| Taipei |
17°c
|
170mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Moon Lake |
16°c
|
123mm
|
| Taipei |
19°c
|
180mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Moon Lake |
19°c
|
127mm
|
| Taipei |
22°c
|
178mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Moon Lake |
22°c
|
207mm
|
| Taipei |
26°c
|
234mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Moon Lake |
24°c
|
310mm
|
| Taipei |
28°c
|
326mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Moon Lake |
24°c
|
307mm
|
| Taipei |
30°c
|
245mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Moon Lake |
24°c
|
329mm
|
| Taipei |
30°c
|
322mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Moon Lake |
24°c
|
201mm
|
| Taipei |
28°c
|
360mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Moon Lake |
22°c
|
107mm
|
| Taipei |
25°c
|
149mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Moon Lake |
18°c
|
86mm
|
| Taipei |
22°c
|
83mm
|
| City | Average Temperate | Monthly Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Moon Lake |
15°c
|
66mm
|
| Taipei |
18°c
|
73mm
|
All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement.
On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance.
If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.
With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.
We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.
We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.
We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.
Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.
Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.
