12 days Taipei to Tainan - trip code TSCB09
US$2300
This classic route takes us from the spectacular Taroko Gorge down the rugged east coast and then south across the mountains to Kenting in the tropical south. En-route we’ll cross the picturesque coastal mountain range into the lush East Rift Valley, and then head back to the coast for a short boat ride to volcanic Green Island.
At day's end the island offers yet more surprises: whether marveling at the sheer power of the Pacific, soaking away the stresses of life in one of the numerous hot springs on this route, or just slurping down a hearty bowl of delicious noodles, Taiwan will assault your senses and leaves you hungry for more!
Itinerary
Days 1 | Taipei
On Day 1 people will be arriving throughout the day. We’ll meet in the evening to get to know one another over dinner and have an introduction to the tour.
Day 2 | Taroko Gorge
Today we drive along the dramatic coastal highway to breathtaking Taroko Gorge which forges its way through the Central Mountain Range. Whether shrouded in mist or glowing in sunlight, this sheer marble gorge is a captivating sight. On arrival we take a gentle hike along a stunning tributary of the main gorge.
Day 3 | Baci
We make an early start to make the exhilirating ride down through Taroko Gorge and to the sea. Avoiding the main highway we ride narrow lanes lined with banana palms and temples, taking beachside rest stops on our way south along the coast. South of Hualien there are a few decent hills to prepare us for tomorrow before we reach our lovely overnight rest-stop nestled in a beautiful bay. Approx Distance Cycled: 85km
Day 4 | Tropic of Cancer, East Coast
Today we take a break from the coastal route to explore little-used mountain roads into the picutureque East Rift Valley, a land of lush green rice paddies and small aboriginal communities. After lunch we cut east back across the mountains and emerge at the Tropic of Cancer monument where today's ride ends. Approx Distance Cycled: 85km
Day 5 | Chengong, East Coast
Today we'll continue our ride south along the coast, towering mountains to the right, rice paddies and then endless blue swell to the left. We end our day at a lovely resort, right on the ocean. Approx Distance Cycled: 60km
Day 6 | Green Island
This morning we'll ride a short way down th coast to Fugang, from where we’ll take a ferry across to rugged Green Island, a tiny volcanic outcrop set in the deep blue Pacific. We’ll ride around the whole island (all 18km of it …) taking in dramatic coastal vistas, beautiful coral beaches and bathe in seawater hot springs right on the shore – one of only three places in the world you can do so. Approx Distance Cycled: 60km
Days 7 | Zhiben
Today we'll take the ferry back across to the mainland, and then transfer to Zhiben where we'll have a rest day to relax in the therapeutic hot springs, or take a hike in the nearby national park which is teeming with wildlife.
Days 8 | Daren
This morning we continue along the east coast, and then cut inland and up into the tropical southern central mountains. We end the day in a tranquil mountain town. Approx Distance Cycled: 70km
Days 9-10 | Kenting
Today we ride south through the jungly low hills of the Hengchun Peninsula on small, little used roads passing remote aboriginal communities, eventually emerging at Kenting, Taiwan's tropcal playground, where we have the following day free to relax on the beach, go swimming or snorkelling, or take a hike in the national park. Approx Distance Cycled: 60km
Day 11 | Tainan
This morning we drive north to Tainan, the island's oldest city which showcases Taiwan’s varied culture through its lively temples, traditional cuisine and colonial remnants. In the afternoon we’ll take a wander around one of the old parts of the city. In the evening we head out for a local delicacy dinner to celebrate our two-wheeled journey through Taiwan.
Day 12
The tour end after breakfast. From Tainan there are regular High-Speed-Rail (HSR) connections to Taoyuan International Airport and Taipei. Kaohsiung International Airport is also within an hour of Tainan and from here there are international flights to Hong Kong and many other Asian destinations.
Facts and Information
Style
fully supported cycling
Grasshopper Leader
Your tour leader on this trip will be Simon Foster. Simon has been living in Taiwan for seven years when not on regular guidebook writing work which takes him away on research trips throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
meet Simon
Inclusions
support vehicle, tour leader, local guide, many meals, entry fees
Group Size
minimum 4, maximum 12
Accommodation
11 nights comfortable hotels
Meals Included
11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
Days Cycling
6
Kilometres Cycled
approx 420km
Difficulty
moderate-difficult
Cycling Conditions
We ride on well-made roads some of which have designated cycle lanes. The terrain varies from gently undulating along parts the East Coast to the steep ascent and descent over the coastal mountain range. Traffic is generally light although there will be stretches on busier roads.
