Welcome to Taipei! Upon arrival, transfer to the city with assistance to check-in to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. D

This morning visit the CKS Memorial Hall, national monument, landmark and tourist attraction erected in memory of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China. Visit the Longhsan Temple, the Chinese folk religious temple in Wanhua District that serves as a place of worship and a gathering place for the Chinese settlers. In addition to its Buddhist elements, it includes halls and altars to Chinese deities such as Mazu and Guan Yu. On to the  Taipei 101, the world’s tallest skyscraper until 2009, and amazingly by design is able to withstand the Pacific Ring of Fire’s earthquakes and the region’s tropical storms. Before finishing the day, enjoy singing at a local KTV and some shopping in the famous pedestrial section of Taipei, Ximending.  B, L, D

After breakfast, visit a local school with the group. On to the famous Taipei Zoo, sometimes referred to as the “Muzha Zoo.” It is the most famous zoological garden in Taiwan and multiple habitats to see including the Giant Panda House. Take a ride on the Maokong Gondola, which stops at the Zhinan Temple, a beautiful temple set on the mountainside. Both the temple and the gondola offer unparalleled views of the city, including the Taipei 101. Visit the Shihlin Night Market, considered to be the largest and most famous night market in Taiwan. B, L, D

Transfer to the Yingge Ceramic Museum, which permanently exhibits traditional pottery, the history of pottery and exhibits that feature futuristic ceramics. See and visit Sanxia Old Street, famous for its horn bread, which was a prosperous commercial street during the Qing dynasty. Entering is like walking into a time tunnel: See red brick arched corridors and Baroque-style buildings. On to Taoyuan. This evening, visit the Chongli Night Market, which features a pleasant atmosphere, a wide range of delicious food and plenty of friendly vendors.  B, L, D

After breakfast, transfer to Hsinchu Beipu Hakka Street, where there are countless sites of interest such as old houses along the way, which have survived nearly 200 years of local cultivation and development. Learn about the local teas and culture in a Pond Tea Experience. Visit the Ta Shee Blooming Oasis, where you will see over 235 acres of magnificent blooming gardens. On to Ta Shee Old Street, a bustling, colorful old street with plenty to see and taste. There are lots of antique stores, tofu shops, shops selling incenses and sandalwood, souvenir shops, and shops selling traditional cake.  B, L, D

Journey to Yilan, famous for water sports as well as hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain peaks. Visit the National Center of Traditional Arts that combines Chinese art and history, built with old-style red brick. Hear the sounds of troupe musical instruments and shop for Chinese toys.Learn how to make Green Onion Pickling and Pancakes. Follow the Dongshan River on a bikeride and see great views of the mountains. This evening, find all kinds of food options at the Loudong Night Market like green onion buns, the chicken-pork skewers, and lamb soup.  B, L, D 

Continue exploring the Yilan area. Visit the charming Suao Fish Port, taste fresh specialty fish dishes and walk along the port. Relax your feet and body in a hot spring at Jiaoxi Hot Spring and further your experience with a Fish Spa for your feet. Return to Taipei.  B, L, D

This morning visit the Yangmingshan (Xiaoyoukeng) National Park, known for its cherry blossoms, hot springs, sulfur deposits, fumaroles, snakes, and hiking trails, including Taiwan’s tallest dormant volcano, Qixing (Seven Star) Mountain rising to 3,675 ft. See gorgeous views of the mountains, countryside, and a steaming volcano. On to Yehliu GeoPark, a cape in Wanli, famous for its hoodoo stones and thin spires of rock formed by sedimentary stone. Many rock formations have creative names, including the most well-known “The Queen’s Head.”  Finally, this evening let your sky lantern carry your wishes into the sky with an official Pingxi Sky Lantern Release.  B, L, D