7 days ex Taipei - trip code TSCD10
US$1350 (single room optional for US$570)
This shorter version of our classic Bike Taiwan route takes us from Taroko Gorge down the beautiful and rugged east coast, before crossing the coastal mountain range into the lush East Rift Valley, a land of rice paddies, tea fields and remote aboriginal communities. Crossing back to the coast we'll end our trip with a dramatic ride to hot springs on the seashore on volcanic Green Island.
Itinerary
Day 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.
Aprrox 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. In the evening we'll head out for a delicious dinner by the sea to mark the end of our trip..
Approx Distance Cycled: 60km
Day 7 | Tour Ends
Today we'll take the ferry back to Fugang, and then drive to Taitung, where the tour ends. From Taitung there are regular trains and buses to Kaohsiung and Taipei, as well as flights to Taipei. We can assist with ticket purchase for all modes of transport.
NB. The itinerary is subject to change without notice in the case of extreme conditions.
Facts and Information
Style
Fully supported bicycle tour
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, most meals, snacks and water whilst cycling, entry fees as per itinerary
Group Size
minimum 4, maximum 12
Accommodation
6 nights comfortable hotels
Meals Included
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Days Cycling
4
Kilometers Cycled
approx 290km
Difficulty
moderate to 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.
