Day 1: Arrive in Taipei, Travel to Taichung

Welcome to Taiwan! Your itinerary starts in Taipei, but you won’t linger here for long before you get on the road to Taichung. The country’s second most populous city is home to a multitude of museums and cultural sites and is also frequently used as the gateway to Taiwan’s interior mountains.

Visit the Vigor Dream Pineapple Factory on your way and learn how to make some pineapple cakes of your own, then head to the Flying Cow Ranch, where you’ll find animal shows and plenty of new friends to pet and feed as you sample some of their products.

Next, you’ll stop at the Goamei wetlands, tidal flats boasting an extensive boardwalk and plenty of wildlife, including visiting rare birds. Top it off with a stroll through the Feng Jia night market, a strong contender for one of the country’s largest and best night markets.

Day 2: Taichung to Sun Moon Lake

Get a creative start to your day at the Guangxing Paper Factory, where you’ll participate in a handmade paper craft experience.

Switch to a different mode of transport as you ride a gondola across Sun Moon Lake. Located in the foothills of the Central Mountain Range, this famous lake is Taiwan’s largest body of water and home to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. This combination theme park and outdoor museum showcases nine different types of historic indigenous villages, along with an Amusement Isle with park rides and a European Garden.

Day 3: Sun Moon Lake

Spend another day on the scenic shores of Sun Moon Lake, viewing some of its many attractions from one of the best vantage points of all with a boat tour. You’ll visit the Ita Thao Wharf to sample indigenous street foods, along with the Xuanguan temple and ShueiShe wharf. Then get up close to any of your favorite spots on shore with an additional bike ride.

Day 4: Sun Moon Lake to Leofoo Resort

Your first stop on the road today is the Taiwan Balloon Museum, where you’ll get to participate in another DIY project. Then make your way to the Leofoo Resort for an exploration of the village theme park and resort zoo, lingering long into the evening complete with dinner at one of the resort restaurants.

Day 5: Leofoo Resort to Taipei

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the Leofoo Resort before you return to Taipei. Once you return, enjoy a lunch of classic Taiwanese cuisine and a visit to Taipei 101, Taiwan’s iconic skyscraper that used to be the world’s tallest building until it was dethroned by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Take in aerial views of the city from the Observatory deck on the 89th floor. End your day with a visit to the winding Shilin night market for some souvenirs.

Day 6: Taipei to Yilan

Venture out from the city to Yilan county, seated on the Lanyang River plain in northeast Taiwan. You’ll visit the area around the vast Jinguashi gold mines, home to the Golden Waterfall and Yin-yang Sea, so named for its unique blend of blue and yellow-tinted waters, as well as the Shifen Old Street in Pingxi. Experience the flight of your own sky lantern into the clouds, and stay at a wood cottage for a respite from urban life.

Day 7: Yilan to Taipei and Depart

On the last day of your tour, you’ll return to Taipei, stopping at the National Center for Traditional Arts and the Crayon Castle for one more DIY craft experience. If you have some spare time, you can also visit the funky Ximending pedestrian street back in Taipei before you have to wave goodbye to Taiwan.

More Great Taiwan Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Destination? Check out these other Taiwan itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.