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Taiwan Family Holiday

Taiwan Family Holiday

From $ 4,995 AUD

Description

Discover Taiwan on a 10-day family adventure that’s brimming with culture, nature and authentic local experiences. Learn to make soup dumplings and bubble tea in Taipei, hear stories from local grandparents, explore the lantern-lined streets of Jiufen and learn about Indigenous culture and traditions from a local tribe. Cycle along one of the world’s most scenic lakeside bike paths in Sun Moon Lake, relax on Kenting’s beautiful beaches and snorkel alongside green sea turtles on the coral island of Xiaoliuqiu. With hands-on activities, delicious food and plenty of opportunities for family bonding, this journey showcases the very best of Taiwan for both kids and adults.

Trip Name
Taiwan Family Holiday
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Sip a bubble tea in the country that invented it – then craft your own perfect boba in a fun, hands-on Taipei workshop. You’ll also learn to make xiao long bao and Taiwanese beef noodle soup, too!
  • Experience the charm of old Taiwan as you explore Shifen’s famous railway street and Jiufen’s iconic red-lantern-lined laneways.
  • Share in the traditions of the Meixi Tribe as you learn ancient hunting techniques, create traditional banana millet cakes and experience Indigenous culture firsthand.
  • Pedal one of the world’s most scenic bike paths around Sun Moon Lake, then swap two wheels for sandy toes on Kenting’s beautiful beaches.
  • Dive into the warm waters of Xiaoliuqiu – a coral island paradise – for giggly family moments of swimming and kayaking among sea turtles.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Taipei
Huan ying! Welcome to Taipei. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Taiwan with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. If you arrive early, maybe visit the hot springs at Yangmingshan National Park. After the meeting, head out with your group to visit the night market and have dinner together to kick off the adventure.
Day 2 - Taipei
This morning, you’ll join a fun, hands-on culinary journey to create three beloved Taiwanese classics from scratch. First, you’ll learn the art of dumpling folding, carefully sealing flavourful broth inside each xiao long bao (soup dumpling). Then, explore the depth of Taiwanese comfort food by preparing a fragrant beef noodle soup from broth to bowl. To complete the experience, shake, mix and customise your own bubble (boba) tea in the country of its birth! Find the perfect balance of tea, milk, sweetness and chewy tapioca pearls that makes this kid favourite so addictive. After lunch, you’ll join a storytelling session with local elders – this experience is held by the social enterprise organisation, Rock YeNai (Rock Grandpa/Grandma), which trains seniors to become professional picture book storytellers, evolving into cultural ambassadors.
Day 3 - Taipei
Today, you’ll take a daytrip to Shifen and Jiufen. In Shifen, you can browse the souvenir shops and snack stalls squeezed along the railway. Unlike a traditional closed market, the street intersects the Pingxi Line train, making for a good photo op as the train parts the crowd. Look up, so you don’t miss the impressive sight of the many sky lanterns filling the sky! Then, visit the Shifen waterfall, also known as ‘Taiwan’s Niagara Falls.’ Strolling along the trail, you can admire the cascade up close and feel the refreshing coolness from the mist. Next is Jiufen, often referred to as the inspiration for the Japanese anime film Spirited Away, with its red lantern tea houses set against a mountainous backdrop. Explore the iconic Old Street and smaller laneways filled with snacks and stalls before heading back to Taipei for the night.
Day 4 - Sun Moon Lake
Today, you’ll move on to Sun Moon Lake, stopping in a small rural township to immerse yourself in the culture of the Indigenous Meixi Tribe. Try your hand at traditional Seediq hunting techniques and learn about the skills passed down through generations. Get creative in a DIY workshop where you’ll make the Seediq’s beloved banana millet cake – because it’s easy to preserve and carry, this cake was a common snack for men going out to work or hunt. The sweet, sticky flavours of millet and banana also represent family togetherness and cohesion. Later, continue to your guesthouse, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Day 5 - Sun Moon Lake
This morning, take a leisurely bike ride around Sun Moon Lake. The round-the-lake track has attracted cyclers from all over the world and has been nominated as one of the most breathtaking cycle paths by CNN! After, experience the art of traditional papermaking at the Suho Paper Memorial Museum. Kids can admire delicate paper artworks while learning about the history and process of handmade paper. During the workshop, you’ll also create your own handmade paper fan using traditional techniques – perfect to keep you cool on the rest of the trip and take home as a souvenir. Tonight, tuck into a share-style, chef’s-choice menu in a century-old traditional courtyard house, surrounded by forest. Try some traditional home-style dishes lovingly prepared, as if by family.
Day 6 - Kenting
Travel from the Nantou region to Kenting. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Kenting National Forest Recreation Area – a world-class ‘high coral reef’ landscape with stunning limestone caves and ancient tropical forests that resemble a natural open-air museum. The park offers well-paved, gentle paths and an elevator at the Sea View Tower, allowing you to enjoy 360-degree ocean views without climbing any stairs. Soak up the peaceful ‘forest bath’ filled with fresh air, exotic tropical plants and frequent sightings of Formosan macaques.
Day 7 - Kenting
Today is a free day for you to relax and enjoy as you like. This morning, you might like to check out Baishawan Beach – one of the best beaches in Taiwan. This bay, renowned for its white sandy beach, is less developed compared to other beaches in Kenting, offering a more tranquil environment. Spend the rest of the day however you like – maybe explore the town, take on some water sports or ask your leader for their best recommendations based on your interests.
Day 8 - Xiaoliuqiu
This morning, travel to Xiaoliuqiu (Lambai Island) – Taiwan’s only coral island, just a short ferry ride off the coast. Renowned for its laid-back tropical vibe and year-round warm waters, it’s world-famous for its massive resident population of green sea turtles. Don your mask, then get out snorkelling with these magnificent creatures and spot an abundance of other marine life. Later today, when the tide is low, you’ll have the option to join an intertidal zone guided tour – a fantastic opportunity to safely observe marine life like sea urchins, starfish and hermit crabs in shallow, exposed reef pools.
Day 9 - Taipei
This morning, you’ll have some free time on the island to perhaps go snorkelling again or rent a transparent kayak to paddle out and see turtles from above the water. There’s also an option to explore geographical formations on some short hikes through coral caves, or swim in one of the many sandy coves. Then it’s time to ferry back to the mainland and take a fast train back to Taipei for your final night. The high-speed rail is one of the world’s fastest at an average speed of about 300 km per hour (186 m). Tonight, visit the Din Tai Fung restaurant for a delicious feast of xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and share your favourite memories of your trip with your fellow families.
Day 10 - Taipei
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. With no activities planned for the day, you’re free to leave the hotel any time after checkout. If you want to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-03-202705-04-2027AUD $ 4,995-
05-04-202714-04-2027AUD $ 4,995-
10-04-202719-04-2027AUD $ 4,995-
26-06-202705-07-2027AUD $ 4,995-
03-07-202712-07-2027AUD $ 4,995-
24-07-202702-08-2027AUD $ 4,995-
07-08-202716-08-2027AUD $ 4,995-
14-08-202723-08-2027AUD $ 4,995-
25-09-202704-10-2027AUD $ 4,995-
18-12-202727-12-2027AUD $ 4,995-

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights), Eco B&B (2 nights)

Transport

Private Bus, Metro, Ferry, Train

Map