10 Days - Backroads Of Taiwan

On arrival at Taipei’s international airport, you will be met by a private vehicle and transferred directly to your hotel. The drive into the city offers your first impressions of Taiwan, from the surrounding green hills to the busy urban skyline of the capital.

After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure to recover from your journey. You may prefer to rest at the hotel or take a short walk nearby to stretch your legs and get a feel for the city’s welcoming atmosphere.

Taipei’s neighbourhoods are lively and easy to explore, with small cafés, family-run eateries and convenience stores on almost every corner. Even a brief stroll will introduce you to the daily rhythms of local life and provide an early taste of Taiwan’s culture.

If you still have energy, you may wish to venture out to one of Taipei’s famous night markets. These bustling evening streets are filled with food stalls, colourful lights and the aromas of freshly prepared snacks, creating a lively first experience of Taiwan’s dining culture. Overnight in Taipei.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At 9:00am, meet your English-speaking assistant in the hotel lobby and transfer to Taipei Songshan Airport for your domestic flight to Kinmen.

Flight options:

AE1265 / ETD 10:20 - ETA 11:40
B7-8811 / ETD 10:45 - ETA 11:50

After arriving in the Kinmen Islands, meet your local guide in the arrivals hall and begin your exploration of this remarkable outpost. Though part of Taiwan, the Kinmen Islands sit just a few kilometres off the coast of mainland China. Its strategic location has shaped its identity, leaving a legacy of battlefields, bunkers and fortifications, yet also preserving a wealth of cultural heritage and traditional villages. Today, the island feels peaceful and welcoming, blending its frontline past with quiet rural life, stone houses and stretches of unspoilt coastline.

Your visit begins at the August 23 Artillery Battle Museum, which commemorates the intense 1958 bombardment during the Cold War. Inside, exhibits of documents, photographs, weapons and artillery shells bring to life the scale of the conflict. The museum provides a powerful perspective on Kinmen’s role in Taiwan’s defence and the resilience of its people, offering history told in a way that resonates across generations.

Next, visit Maestro Wu, Kinmen’s famous knife workshop. Here, artisans have transformed remnants of war into a symbol of craftsmanship, forging decommissioned artillery shells into high-quality kitchen knives. Watching the process is both fascinating and thought-provoking, showing how a community has reimagined instruments of destruction into tools for daily life. Many travellers choose to purchase one of these knives as a practical souvenir with a unique story.

By evening, settle into your accommodation on the island. The pace of life in the Kinmen Islands is slower than the big cities, and the atmosphere reflects both its historic weight and its enduring warmth. Overnight in the Kinmen Islands.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At 9:00am, meet your local guide in the lobby and set off for a full day discovering more of Kinmen, an island where frontline history, centuries-old culture and everyday village life all coexist.

Begin at the Guningtou Battle Museum, which commemorates the decisive 1949 clash between Nationalist and Communist forces. The museum holds an impressive collection of photographs, uniforms, weapons and dioramas that reconstruct the events of the battle. Its location near the original battlefield makes the visit especially powerful, as visitors can imagine the scale of the conflict and how it shaped Taiwan’s modern history. For younger travellers, the visual displays and storytelling help bring this pivotal moment to life.

Continue to the Zhaishan Tunnel, one of the most remarkable engineering achievements in the Kinmen Islands. Dug through solid granite during the 1960s, the tunnel once sheltered vessels and ensured supplies could flow during tense cross-strait stand-offs. Walking through its echoing chambers offers a vivid glimpse into the island’s defensive strategies. Today, this underground space feels both impressive and unusual, and its extraordinary acoustics sometimes provide the setting for live concerts, transforming a military site into a stage for music and culture.

Next, explore the Kinmen Military Headquarters of the Qing Dynasty. The restored compound reflects classic southern Chinese architecture with its sweeping tiled roofs, decorative woodwork and spacious courtyards. Once the island’s highest military command, it now houses exhibitions on Kinmen’s role as a strategic hub across centuries of shifting rule. Beyond its military history, the complex also offers a window into traditional design and cultural life, making it appealing for travellers with a range of interests.

End the day at the Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor, where the island’s most famous spirit is produced. This sorghum-based liquor is celebrated for its bold flavour and cultural symbolism. Touring the factory provides insight into the fermentation and distilling process, and visitors are invited to taste different varieties of Kaoliang. The experience highlights Kinmen’s ability to turn local crops into a product that is both widely enjoyed and deeply tied to its identity.

In between these visits, your guide may also take you through Kinmen’s quieter villages, where traditional Fujian-style houses with curved roofs and red brick walls stand as reminders of the island’s heritage. These communities, often surrounded by fields and lanes, showcase daily life away from the tourist routes. It is here that the island’s charm becomes most tangible, blending history with the rhythms of rural living. Overnight in the Kinmen Islands.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. The morning is free to relax at leisure, giving you a chance to enjoy Kinmen’s slower pace before departure. You might choose to wander through a traditional village, admire Fujian-style houses with their curved roofs, or simply take in the rural scenery that contrasts so strongly with Taiwan’s bustling cities.

Later, transfer by private vehicle to the airport, arriving around 1.5 hours before your scheduled flight.

Flight options:

AE1270 / ETD 13:50 - ETA 15:00
B7-8816 / ETD 14:15 - ETA 15:30

On arrival back on Taiwan’s main island, meet your private driver in the arrivals hall for the journey north to Keelung. The drive introduces you to the coastal scenery of the region, with fishing villages and rugged headlands hinting at the city’s maritime character. After checking in to your hotel, the afternoon is free to rest or take a gentle stroll near the harbour before the evening’s exploration.

At 6:00pm, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and set out for a five-hour walking night tour, designed to immerse you in the vibrant life of this port city after dark. Your first stop is the Keelung Night Market, a feast for the senses where glowing lanterns light up rows of food stalls. Here you can try classic Taiwanese snacks such as oyster omelettes, crab soup, grilled tempura, and sweet bubble ice. The lively chatter of vendors and visitors creates an atmosphere that is both energetic and welcoming.

Continue on to the Kanzaiding Fish Market, one of the most authentic places to experience Keelung’s connection to the sea. The market springs to life late at night with seafood auctions, busy vendors and the aroma of freshly caught fish and shellfish. It is a chance to see the local economy in action, and to understand how deeply tied the city remains to its harbour.

Your walk then takes you to the Keelung Commission Store Zone, once the heart of international trading. Today, this historic district still retains its red-brick façades and nostalgic charm, with a mix of old-world shops and modern enterprises. Walking through its narrow lanes reveals Keelung’s layered history as a trading port, where global goods once flowed through Taiwan.

The evening concludes at Zhongzheng Park, perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the city and harbour. The giant illuminated Guanyin statue, along with ornate pavilions and quiet pathways, creates a serene atmosphere. From this vantage point, you can look out over the glittering lights of the port and reflect on Keelung’s blend of spirituality, commerce and coastal beauty. Overnight in Keelung.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At 11:00am, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and set out for a full-day tour exploring Keelung, a city shaped by the sea and long celebrated for its dramatic coastal landscapes, layered history and rich cultural heritage.

Begin at Heping Island GeoPark, one of the most remarkable natural sites in northern Taiwan. Over thousands of years, waves and winds have sculpted the sandstone into surreal formations such as mushroom rocks and honeycomb weathering, creating a coastal landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Walking along the park’s trails reveals both the rugged beauty of the East China Sea and the quiet charm of tidal pools teeming with marine life. In summer, the natural seawater pools are a favourite with families, while year-round the viewpoints offer panoramic vistas that capture the interplay between land and sea. Heping Island also has a unique place in Taiwan’s history, once serving as one of the earliest settlements during periods of foreign trade and exploration.

Continue to Baimiweng Fort, often referred to as Holland Castle. Built during the Qing Dynasty as part of Taiwan’s coastal defence network, this hillside stronghold stands as a reminder of the region’s strategic importance. The fort’s preserved stone ramparts, artillery platforms and commanding location offer sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean and Keelung Harbor. It is easy to imagine the soldiers who once guarded this lookout point, scanning the horizon for approaching ships. Today, the fort blends historical insight with scenic beauty, making it a favourite stop for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors.

From there, travel to Xian Dong Yan, a natural sea cave carved into sandstone cliffs by centuries of ocean erosion. Stepping inside, visitors find Buddhist statues and small shrines nestled within the cavern, where soft light and the sound of waves create a peaceful, meditative atmosphere. The cave embodies the balance of natural wonder and spiritual devotion that is so often found in Taiwan. A short distance away lies the Buddha’s Hand Cave, named for the striking rock formation that resembles a giant hand stretching outward from the cliff face. Local legends and religious symbolism add depth to the site, and shrines placed around the rocks give the impression of a sacred coastal sanctuary.

Conclude the day with a visit to the Keelung Fort Command, which served as an important military headquarters during the late Qing period and later under Japanese colonial rule. The complex includes old barracks, command rooms and lookout towers, offering a vivid picture of how the site functioned during different eras. Walking among its weathered walls, visitors can sense the weight of history and the strategic significance Keelung has held for centuries. The elevated location also provides sweeping views of the city and harbour, especially atmospheric in the late afternoon light as ships move in and out of port.

After a day filled with striking coastal scenery and rich stories of defence, faith and culture, return to your hotel for the evening. Overnight in Keelung.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At 9:00am, meet your guide in the lobby and set out along Taiwan’s scenic northeast coast, a region admired for its jagged cliffs, unusual rock formations and strong ties to the sea. This day combines light outdoor activity with striking natural scenery, making it both active and rewarding.

Begin with the Bitoujiao Trail, one of the most accessible and picturesque walks in the region. This easy to moderate hike follows the ridgeline of Bitou Cape, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and rolling green hills on the other. Wooden walkways and observation decks invite you to pause, admire the coastal panoramas and watch fishing boats heading out to sea. The mix of rugged cliffs, salt air and coastal villages below makes this walk especially photogenic and enjoyable.

Continue to Nanya Rock, a geological wonder known for its vividly coloured sandstone. Centuries of wind and waves have sculpted the stone into swirling patterns streaked with red, yellow and brown. These natural designs resemble abstract works of art, making the site a popular stop for photography and a chance to appreciate Taiwan’s dynamic natural environment. Standing on the shore as waves crash nearby, you can sense the powerful forces that have shaped this dramatic coastline.

In the afternoon, travel to Fulong, a seaside town celebrated for its golden beach and relaxed pace. Here you will enjoy a cycling adventure along the Old Caoling Bikeway, a route built on a disused railway line. The trail leads through the historic Caoling Tunnel, its cool, echoing interior a reminder of Taiwan’s railway heritage, before opening to expansive ocean views. The ride is gentle and suitable for all levels, with dedicated paths that follow the shoreline and offer uninterrupted sea breezes. The combination of history, exercise and scenery makes this one of the most rewarding outdoor activities on the northeast coast.

Bike rentals are available near Fulong Station, and the town has cafés and snack stalls where you can pause to enjoy local treats. If time permits, you might also take a walk on Fulong Beach, famous for its fine sand and annual sand sculpture festival, before returning to your vehicle.

Arrive back at your accommodation in the late afternoon. The evening is free to relax, reflect on the day’s outdoor adventure or enjoy a leisurely stroll nearby. Overnight in Fulong.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a leisurely morning at your own arrangement. You might like to take a short walk around Fulong, known for its golden sand beach and relaxed seaside atmosphere, or simply enjoy the hotel’s facilities before the afternoon activity begins.

At 1:00pm, meet your guide and head to the river for a half-day stand-up paddleboard (SUP) experience. Professional instructors will provide full safety equipment and an introduction to paddling and balance, ensuring both beginners and more experienced participants feel comfortable on the water.

The activity takes place on calm stretches of river framed by green hills and mountain scenery. As you paddle, you can enjoy the quiet rhythm of moving across the water, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, take in the reflections and even try playful balancing challenges guided by your instructor. The gentle pace makes SUP an ideal activity for families, couples or solo travellers seeking a blend of recreation and relaxation.

Sessions usually last two to three hours, giving you time to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and appreciate a side of Taiwan often missed by visitors. Combining outdoor adventure, gentle exercise and scenery, this experience is a memorable highlight of your stay in Fulong.

In the late afternoon, travel back to Taipei by private vehicle. The evening is free to rest, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Taipei.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide at 9:00am to begin a day that explores both Taiwan’s food culture and its spiritual traditions.

Your morning begins in a traditional wet market, where you’ll join a local chef to source fresh ingredients for the cooking class ahead. Markets in Taipei are lively spaces filled with colourful stalls, where butchers, fishmongers, and vegetable vendors call out their offerings. Walking through the aisles, you’ll discover local produce such as mountain greens, fresh tofu, and unusual herbs, as well as the seasonal fruits for which Taiwan is famous. This is not just shopping but an insight into daily life, with the chance to ask questions and learn how locals cook at home.

Continue to the kitchen, where the chef will guide you step by step in preparing a menu of Taiwanese favourites. Depending on the day, you might try your hand at folding delicate xiao long bao dumplings, mastering the bold flavours of three-cup chicken, or simmering a rich beef noodle soup. Other sessions feature regional dishes such as squid salad or mullet roe fried rice. Alongside the cooking, you’ll learn about Taiwan’s culinary heritage, the influence of Fujianese, Hakka, and indigenous traditions, and why food is so central to Taiwanese identity. At the end of the class, sit down to enjoy the dishes you’ve created together.

In the afternoon, travel out of the city to Dharma Drum Mountain, one of Taiwan’s most important centres for Zen Buddhism. Founded by the late Master Sheng Yen, the complex combines monastic life, scholarly study, and environmental design. The grounds feature wide courtyards, landscaped gardens, and striking architecture that blends modern lines with traditional Buddhist symbolism. Guided by a practitioner, you will learn about the basics of Zen meditation and have the chance to try a short seated session. Even if you are new to meditation, the peaceful surroundings and gentle instruction make it an accessible introduction to Buddhist practice.

Beyond meditation, the visit also offers insight into how Buddhism has shaped Taiwanese culture. The community here is active in education and social welfare, continuing a tradition of engaged Buddhism that seeks to bring spiritual values into everyday life. Exploring the halls, libraries, and art collections gives a sense of the depth of this tradition, while the views across the mountains to the coast remind visitors of the harmony between environment and spiritual practice.

Return to Taipei in the late afternoon. The evening is at leisure - you may want to explore another of the city’s lively night markets, or simply relax after a day of hands-on learning and quiet reflection. Overnight in Taipei.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your guide at 9:00am to begin a day focused on one of Taiwan’s proudest traditions, tea. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, northern Taiwan produces some of the world’s finest teas, and this tour explores its history, culture, and flavour from field to cup.

Your first stop is the Pinglin Tea Museum, one of the largest institutions dedicated to tea anywhere in the world. The museum is nestled among rolling plantations and introduces visitors to the story of Baozhong tea, a fragrant lightly oxidised oolong grown in this region. Inside, you can wander through interactive exhibits that explain the growing, harvesting, and brewing processes, examine historic tea sets and scrolls, and join guided tastings that highlight the subtle aromas and flavours of Taiwanese tea. The setting is tranquil and educational, creating a space where you can slow down and appreciate the rituals around one of Asia’s most celebrated drinks.

Continue to a nearby plantation, where rows of tea bushes cover the slopes in neat green terraces. Here, you will step into the role of a farmer, learning how tender leaves are carefully plucked by hand, an art passed down for generations. The experience includes a workshop in which you roll, dry, and roast the leaves, guided by local experts who explain the techniques behind creating different styles of oolong and black tea. The session concludes with a tea tasting, where freshly brewed cups are enjoyed against a backdrop of forested hills, offering a direct connection between the land, its people, and the flavours in your cup.

In the afternoon, visit Shiding Old Street, a riverside town where stone houses and narrow lanes preserve the feel of an earlier Taiwan. Once an important market town during the Qing Dynasty, it is now known for its relaxed pace and specialty foods. Crossing arched bridges, you can explore stalls selling handmade tofu dishes, Hakka cuisine, and rustic snacks, with the sound of the river flowing alongside. The town’s intimate scale and mountain setting make it a peaceful contrast to the city, a place where history and daily life blend seamlessly.

Return to Taipei in the evening after a day of immersion into Taiwan’s tea culture and its timeless connection to the land. Overnight in Taipei.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before preparing for your onward journey. The morning is free at leisure, giving you time to relax, pack, or take a final stroll around the neighbourhood to pick up last minute souvenirs or enjoy a quiet coffee.

At the arranged time, a private vehicle will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to the airport. The drive offers one last chance to take in the cityscape and surrounding hills of northern Taiwan before departure.

Please be ready three hours prior to your scheduled flight time to allow for international check in procedures. Your driver will ensure a smooth transfer directly to the departure hall. Wave goodbye to Taiwan with wonderful memories of its landscapes, heritage, and the welcoming people you have met along the way.