Magic Island of Taiwan Cycling Tour (Tour-TW)

The Portuguese referred to the island as “Ilha Formosa” (Beautiful Island). In fact, Taiwan has preserved its wild beauty to this day. The east coast is a true paradise for cyclists, featuring perfect roads and stunning nature. We ride along beautiful mountain roads, along the Pacific coast and through countless rice fields, marveling at the unique Taroko Gorge and enjoying the sandy beaches in Kenting. The modern metropolis of Taipei offers a variety of cultural and culinary discovery opportunities, in addition to the iconic 101 Tower.

Road bike tour through the Island of the bicycle.

Tour Difficulty: MODERATE – DIFFICULT

12 days | 11 nights | 8 stages from 36 to 151 km | Total 681 km | 8,320 m elevation gain

Almost all meals included | Road bike rentals Giant TCR available

Tour Package: 139,000 THB
Tour Package incl. Single Supplement: 174,000 THB




Details


Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Taipei
Travel to our exquisite hotel in the heart of Taipei is arranged individually. In the evening, we welcome all participants at the hotel for an informational meeting and present each participant with a cycling jersey. Flight costs are not included in the tour price. Travel to Taipei is to be done individually. The visa will be issued upon arrival. We recommend airlines such Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Air China, Singapore Airlines, and others.
(B: not included | L: not included | D: not included)

Day 2 | Taipei 101 Tower and City Bike Tour
At 9;30 AM, we kick off a city bike tour through Taipei. We will explore the innovative bike rental system “U Bike”. After visiting a Chinese temple, we will navigate Taipei’s cycling path system to reach the 101 Tower. Standing at 508 meters high with 101 floors, it is one of the tallest
buildings in the world. We’ll take a high-speed elevator to the observation deck. Hungry cyclists can grab a bite at the 101 Food Court afterward. Next, we will visit the Chang Kai Shek Memorial Hall with its impressive Chinese-style buildings. We will then head to the trendy cultural district of Ximending, which offers shopping lanes and pubs catering to Taipei’s younger generation. To end the day, we will enjoy a group dinner featuring many local specialties.
(B | L: not included | D: Welcome Dinner)

Day 3 | 1st stage: Taipei Luodong – Cilan = 48 km | 760 m elevation gain | Transfer by train
After an early breakfast we head to the Nangang Train Station and reach the Central Mountain Range after a 1-hour and 15-minutes train ride. Here, we change our clothes and switch to our bikes. Our exciting “Taiwan Tour” into the interior begins now. Along the way, we pass the mighty Mount Cilan, which is adorned with impressive cypress trees. We follow the river and admire the mountain landscape. Our hotel offers a magnificent view of the surroundings. (B/L/D)

Day 4 | 2nd stage: Cilan – Lishan = 72 km | 2,400 m elevation gain | Gently ascending mountain road
Our route leads through a wide river valley where a lot of cabbage is cultivated. The well maintained road winds its way up through moss covered bamboo and fern forests. After reaching the mountain pass at 1,950 masl, we roll down through a charming mountain landscape into a high valley. We pass the Wuling Farm, situated at 1,750 masl. where numerous fruits orchards are planted on dizzyingly steep slopes. Our comfortable hotel in the traditional mountain village of Lishan at 1,900 masl offers an incredible panorama of the surrounding peaks. (B | L | D)

Day 5 | 3rd stage | Lishan – Sincheng = 108 km | 975 m elevation gain
The mountain road twists in serpentine curves through extensive forests, after 29 km, we reach the highest point of our tour at 2,580 masl. As a reward, we then enjoy a nearly 70 km descent through the unique Taroko Marple Gorge. Breathtaking waterfalls, tunnels, suspension bridges
and sheer cliffs over 1,000 meters high make this gorge an unmatched experience. (B | L | D)

Day 6 | 4th stage: Sincheng – An Ton Hot Spring = 125 km | 930 m elevation gain Coastal cruise with final climb
130 km | 1,320 m After reaching the harbor city of Hualien, we ride along the East Coast Highway. The coastal road runs alongside the Pacific Ocean all the way to southern Taiwan. A steep mountain ridge separates the coastal belt from the East Rift Valley. We enjoy almost continues view of the Pacific with its beaches and cliff. A final ascent through a wonderful tropical landscape brings us to the hot springs of An Ton. The water is renowned for its healing properties and is the best remedy for relaxing our cyclists’ legs. (B | L | D)

Day 7 | 5th stage: An Ton Hot Spring – Chishang = 51 km | 480 m elevation gain Ride through the East Rift Valley and tofu production
After breakfast we cycle through the East Rift Valley, which lies between the Central Mountain Range and the Coastal Mountain Range. This valley running parallel to the coast, is known for its green rice fields, waterfalls and tea plantations. On a Haka farm, we make our own tofu and
enjoy it afterward. We ride through green rice fields to a restaurant for a traditional Haka lunch. The Haka are the indigenous people of Taiwan. Our four-star hotel welcomes us with a swimming pool and other amenities. (B | L | D: not included)

Day 8 | 6th stage: Chishang – Taitung | 90 km | 875 m elevation gain | Along the Sunshine Coast
After a few kilometers of cycling on the rural bike path we turn into a beautiful valley. On a mountain pass road through the jungle, we cross the Sunshine Coast. Here, the Formosan macaques monkey species is native. The wild beauty of this area captivates every cycling enthusiast. Once again, we experience the splendid views of the Pacific Ocean, which accompanies us all the way of Taitung. (B | L | D)

Day 9 | 7th stage: Taitung – Kenting | 151 km | 1,580 m elevation gain | Let’s head South
After breakfast we hop on our bikes heading towards the Sunshine Coast and follow the coastal road. After 69 kilometers, an ascent begins that takes us back inland. We cycle through the breathtaking wild flora of the tropical forests. After an exhilarating descent through the jungle
mountains, we reach the east side of the Hengchung Peninsula. Here, bizarre sand dunes form due the wind. Via Banana Bay we arrive at Eluanbi, the southernmost point of Taiwan. We are captivated by the grasslands and steep cliffs, over which a lighthouse reigns. Our beach resort in Kenting leaves nothing to be desired. (B | L | D)

Day 10 | 8th stage: Kenting – Kenting, Chillout Loop | 36 km | 320 m elevation gain southernmost point | Last stage or rest day at the tropical beach
Today, we can either get back on the bike or enjoy the beautiful sandy beach, the warm tropical sea or the hotel pool. On our bikes, we explore the southernmost part of the peninsula. To the east, we see the Taiwan Strait, while the south stretches the Bashi Channel which separates
Taiwan from the Philippines. In the evening, we stroll through the bustling night market of this tourist destination and indulge our taste buds with the vast selection of delicacies. Afterwards, we will celebrate our Taiwan journey at the beach bar. (B | L: not included | D: not included)

Day 11 | Kenting – Kaohsiung City – Taipei | Bus transfer and high-speed train | Royal Dinner Buffet
In a comfortable bus, we travel along the west coast, passing pineapple, banana, papaya and mango plantations. After a two-hour-hour journey, we reach the million-strong city of Kaohsiung. There, we take the HSR high-speed train to Taipei and make ourselves comfortable in business class. With top speeds of 300 km/h, we cover the distance of 345 km in 96 minutes and arrive at our destination in the early afternoon. The main train station in Taipei is near to our hotel, allowing us time for further exploration or extensive shopping. In the evening a culinary highlight awaits us. We meet for a world-class buffet near our hotel. (B | L: not included | D: Buffet)

Day 12 | Departure Day from Taipei City
The transfer to the airport is to be organized individually. With many unforgettable impressions of this unique island, we embark on the journey home. Bon Voyage! (B | L: not included | D: not included)

Tour Map