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Taiwan Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
Overview
Blessed with soaring mountain peaks, dramatic gorges, hot springs and volcanoes, Taiwan is a destination of extraordinary natural beauty and surprising depth. Long overlooked in favour of its larger Asian neighbours, this island gem is waiting to be discovered on one of our Taiwan small group tours.
Since separation from China in 1949, Taiwan has forged its own unique identity. The result is a society that feels fascinatingly distinct — democratic, open, and quietly confident in ...
Blessed with soaring mountain peaks, dramatic gorges, hot springs and volcanoes, Taiwan is a destination of extraordinary natural beauty and surprising depth. Long overlooked in favour of its larger Asian neighbours, this island gem is waiting to be discovered on one of our Taiwan small group tours.
Since separation from China in 1949, Taiwan has forged its own unique identity. The result is a society that feels fascinatingly distinct — democratic, open, and quietly confident in who it is. That layered history is visible everywhere, from ornate Taoist temples to Japanese-era streetscapes, to perhaps the finest collection of Chinese imperial treasures housed in the National Palace Museum, which escaped the ravages of the Cultural Revolution.
Yet Taiwan's greatest surprise may be its wilderness. Nearly two-thirds of the island is mountainous, with over 200 peaks exceeding 3,000 metres. Alishan National Park offers spectacular sunrises and forests of cedar and cypress trees, whilst the volcanic landscapes, hot springs, grasslands and spring cherry blossom of Yangmingshan National Park offer locals a wonderful escape from the city of Taipei. The high-altitude Central Cross-Island Highway winds through scenery of breathtaking grandeur, and there are also forested valleys, tea plantations, and perhaps the jewel in the crown, Sun Moon Lake, where travellers can hike, explore by e-bike and take boat trips.
Away from the landscapes, the warmth of the Taiwanese people makes a lasting impression. Night markets are the heart of local life here, offering everything from scallion pancakes to freshly grilled seafood. On our tours to Taiwan we also visit rural villages and indigenous communities where traditional ways endure, offering a stark contrast to the gleaming skyline of Taipei.
With so much to uncover, there has never been a better time to explore this remarkable island. Our Taiwan small group tour offers an unforgettable journey through one of Asia's most rewarding destinations.
Start your journey
Group tours
Travel to Taiwan with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
HIGHLIGHTS OF TAIWAN
BEST EXPERIENCES
Cycling around Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan is a cyclist's paradise, with over 4,000km of dedicated cycle path across the country. One of the premier places to enjoy a pedal is Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan's largest body of water, known for its teal waters and mountain backdrops. There are a number of different routes to cycle and options of pedal, mountain and electric bike options, making it accessible for all levels.
Soar to the top of Taiwan 101
Taipei 101 rises above Taiwan’s capital like a giant bamboo stalk, blending modern engineering with traditional symbolism. Once the world’s tallest building, it remains famous for its pagoda-inspired design and enormous pendulum that stabilises the tower during earthquakes and typhoons. Visiting the 89th floor observatory is a highlight of any visit to Taipei. High-speed lifts shoot visitors upward in seconds before opening onto panoramic views of Taipei’s skyline and mountain scenery.
Hakka tye-dyeing experience
In Miaoli, the Hakka people are well known for traditional indigo dyeing, using the indigo plants which grow in the region. At Zhuo Ye Cottage, these traditions are preserved through hands-on workshops where visitors can learn indigo dyeing and Hakka textile culture.
Chow down on Taiwan's moreish cuisine
Taiwanese food is one of the most exciting, not to mention, most delicious foods in the world., blending the best flavours from indigenous tribes, the Hakka Chinese and Japan. Known for its salty-sweet flavours, Taiwan's dishes are plentiful, including the must-try: beef noodle soup, Taiwanese bao buns and oyster omelette, to name a few. One of the best places to try these mouth-watering dishes is at one of the many night markets found throughout Taipei and Tainan.
Ride the scenic Alishan Forest Railway
Riding the Alishan Forest Railway is one of Taiwan’s most scenic journeys. The historic narrow-gauge train winds slowly through lush forests, bamboo groves, mountain villages, and misty valleys as it climbs toward Alishan. Originally built during the Japanese era for logging, the railway is now loved for its nostalgic wooden carriages and breathtaking mountain views.
Yangmingshan & Yehliu Geopark
A visit to Yangmingshan National Park feels like stepping into a volcanic mountain world just outside Taipei, with steaming fumaroles, hot springs, and rolling green meadows filled with seasonal flowers. Nearby, Yehliu Geopark offers a striking coastal contrast, where wind and sea have carved surreal rock formations. Together, they showcase Taiwan’s dramatic geology, from tranquil alpine beauty to otherworldly seaside sculptures shaped by nature over millennia.
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WHEN TO GO
Taiwan has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. The best time to visit is generally October to April when temperatures are cooler, humidity is lower, and rainfall is reduced. Spring (February to April) offers comfortable weather and occasional cherry blossoms. Autumn (September to November) is especially pleasant and ideal for outdoor travel.
LGBTQIA+ Guidance
When planning to travel as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there may be additional things you wish to consider doing, such as:
- Speaking to one of our travel experts for information about travelling in your chosen destination and local attitudes towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Checking the Human Dignity Trust map which highlights regions and countries which are potentially dangerous to LGBTQIA+ people, or Equaldex, which tracks the progress of LGBTQIA+ rights around the world.
- Checking the ‘Local laws and customs’ section of your country's official foreign travel advice page
- Looking for any updates for your desired destination on the Human Rights Watch LGBTQIA+ rights page
- Buying a recommended guidebook, as many include an LGBTQIA+ section and advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
USEFUL INFORMATION
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Taiwan though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Taiwan the official unit of currency is the Taiwanese New Dollar.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
On our tours you will frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour-leaders and guides will always be able to advise you accordingly.
Language & Religion
With several linguistic groups within Taiwan, Mandarin is spoken by the majority of people.
Chinese folk religion, Buddhism and Taoism are the most popular religions in Taiwan.
Time
Taiwan is 8 hours ahead of GMT. A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
Food in Taiwan is varied and rarely like the westernised Chinese dishes you find at your local takeaway! Outside of Taiwan’s major cities, travellers will still find a wide range of food options, and western-style meals are increasingly common even in smaller towns. That said, local food culture is very distinctive and often becomes part of the experience rather than something to avoid. Breakfast is typically savoury. Common choices include soy milk (hot or cold), fried dough sticks (youtiao), egg crepes, scallion pancakes and rice balls. Meal times can be relatively early by western standards, but they are also flexible. Lunch is commonly eaten around noon, while dinner often starts between 5pm and 7pm, especially in smaller towns. However, in cities and night market areas, eating can continue much later into the evening.
Desserts and sweet snacks are widely available in Taiwan and are far more common than in many other parts of East Asia. Shaved ice, sweet soups, pastries, and an enormous variety of night market snacks are popular. Vegetarian (often Buddhist-influenced) restaurants are widespread, and many eateries clearly label vegetarian options. While it can still help to be cautious when ordering, especially with broths and sauces, vegetarian travellers generally find Taiwan one of the easier destinations in Asia for plant-based eating.
Food in Taiwan is highly varied rather than limited, with influences from Fujian, Hakka, indigenous cuisines, and modern international trends. Local beer, which is light and very popular, is available in many restaurants along the wa. We would suggest bringing duty-free spirits with you for your own consumption at your hotel, if this is your preferred tipple.
Travelling Solo In Taiwan
All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers: the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.