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Available: 7+ spaces

Secure your place on this program with a non-refundable $350 lifetime deposit. Final payment is due 90 days before the program's start date.

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      • Hotels: Standard Class

      • 12/25/2026 - 01/02/2027

      • Max Participants: 16

      • 9 Days / 8 Nights

      Overview

      Taiwan is an ideal place to see how history, identity, and modern life intersect, and this program follows that story from north to south. In Taipei, you’ll explore temples, night markets, and neighborhoods shaped by Japanese rule, postwar migration, and contemporary Taiwanese culture, with views from Elephant Mountain overlooking one of Asia’s most recognizable skylines. At Sun Moon Lake, time with the Bunun Indigenous community introduce a way of living that predates the modern country, while stops in Tainan— Taiwan's oldest city—highlight the country's earliest colonial encounters through forts, Confucian temples, and a food culture deeply tied to the past. The journey concludes in Kaohsiung, where port redevelopment, public art, and beautiful religious architecture reflect Taiwan’s ongoing socio-cultural and economic transformation. Visit Taiwan with us, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

      What's Included:
      • Taipei orientation walk
      • Taipei half-day city tour
      • Longshan Temple visit
      • Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
      • Elephant Mountain
      • Free time in Taipei
      • Rainbow Suspension Bridge
      • Bunun Indigenous Tribe experience
      • Free time at Sun Moon Lake
      • Free time in Tainan
      • Anping Historic District tour
      • Anping Fort visit
      • Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
      • Free time in Kaohsiung
      • Jiufen Old Street visit
      • Golden Waterfalls
      • Yin Yang Sea lookout point
      • Heping Island visit
      • G Adventures tour leader throughout, local guides
      • 7 lunches, 1 lunch – allow $170-225 USD for meals not included
      • Hotels (8 nts)
      • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities (metro, private vehicle, bullet train, local train)
      What's Not Included:
      • International air travel
      • Incidentals
      • Travel health and cancellation insurance
      • Applicable visas
      • Tips or gratuities
      • Beverages
      • Meals not mentioned in itinerary
      • Optional tours and admission tickets
      • Airport transfers
      • Single/private accommodation (add-on available)

      Itinerary Download PDF

      Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until the Welcome Meeting in the evening. The main airport is Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). The city's secondary airport is Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), mainly serving domestic and regional flights.

      Consider arriving 1–2 days early to explore the city, adjust to the time zone, and buffer against flight delays. We can request extra hotel nights for you before the program begins.

      Hotel Check-in and Welcome Meeting
      Hotel check-in is normally between 2-3 p.m. Check with reception for the exact time and location of the group welcome meeting, typically between 6–7 p.m. Please make every effort to attend this meeting. If you're running late, send a message in the group WhatsApp or call the emergency number on your trip voucher so that your tour leader can let you know where and when to meet the group.

      After the welcome meeting, join your tour leader for an orientation walk near the hotel to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc. Opt for a group dinner to get to know your tour leader and travel companions.

      • Joining Instructions
      • Pre-booked Transfer with GEEO/G Adventures: A G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If you cannot find your ride, call the emergency number on your trip voucher and take a taxi to the start hotel (save your receipt).
      • Airport MRT Train: Follow signs to the Airport MRT after baggage claim. Take the Express Train (purple) toward Taipei Main Station (A1). Ride ~35 minutes and get off at Taipei Main Station. Trains runs roughly every ~15 minutes and operates daily from about ~6:00 a.m. to ~11:30 p.m. Upon arrival at Taipei Main Station, exit the station and walk two blocks south to Hotel Green World Taipei Station.
      • Taxi: NT$ 1,200–1,500 (about USD 38–50), depending on traffic and time of day. Taxi rides take about 40–60 minutes.

      This morning, explore Taipei on a walking tour with your group leader. Use the local metro to visit some of the city's most famous locations, like Longshan Temple and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and make the short hike up Elephant Mountain for iconic views of the city skyline.

      The afternoon if yours to continue exploring Taipei. Consider visiting the Shilin Night Market or the Ximending Pedestrian District.

      Meals included: Breakfast

      Begin the day with a high-speed train from Taipei to Taichung, followed by a scenic drive to the Shuanglong Bunun Village. Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome and participate in a Bunun Name-Giving Ceremony, guided by a local community member.

      Continue with a hike to the highest suspension bridge in Taiwan. Walk across the rainbow-colored bridge and take in the breathtaking views of the central mountains and Shuanglong Waterfalls.

      Return to the village for lunch and a fascinating tour, learning about the Bunun people's culture through their folk legends, dances, and art. This experience is a special opportunity to engage directly with an indigenous Taiwanese community, one of few remaining in the country.

      Afterward, drive to Sun Moon Lake for a peaceful, leisurely evening along the lake.

      Approximate travel time: 3 hrs by bullet train, 2.5–3 hrs by private vehicle
      Meals included: Lunch

      Spend the day exploring Sun Moon Lake as you please. The bike trail around the lake is one of the top scenic bike trails in the world, so we recommend joining your tour leader for an optional bike tour of the lake. You can also opt to visit a tea plantation and learn about the famous local tea, or purchase a ferry ticket and ride to the three stops around the lake (you can hop off the ferry and get back on using the same ticket).

      Meals included: Breakfast

      In the morning, drive to historic Tainan, Taiwan’s ancient capital and oldest city.

      Upon arrival, take some time to have lunch and explore before joining a local-led walking tour of the historic old town's crooked lanes and alleys, visiting Anping Old Street, Banyan Tree House, and Fort Zeelandia. The Dutch military captured Anping in 1624 and built Fort Zeelandia as its defensive stronghold. In 1662, General Koxinga successfully expelled the Dutch from the fort and Anping. The inner fort became the seat of government for Taiwan but fell into disuse. The fort was rebuilt after the Japanese Colonial Period.

      Approximate travel time: 2.5 hrs by private vehicle
      Meals included: Breakfast

      Make the quick trip by high-speed train from Tainan to Kaohsiung. Upon arrival, walk around the beautiful Lotus Pond, and pay a visit to the spectacular Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Summer and Autumn Pavilions.

      Enjoy some time for lunch on your own before checking into the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the coastal town of Kaohsiung.

      Approximate travel time: 15–30 mins by bullet train
      Meals included: Breakfast

      After breakfast, take another high-speed train back to Taipei. After dropping your bags at the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to visit more of the must-see places in Taipei. Opt to visit one of the city's amazing beef noodle soup shops.

      Approximate travel time: 1.5–2 hrs by bullet train
      Meals included: Breakfast

      Take a day trip to the north of Taiwan, starting with the breathtaking Golden Waterfall and the Yin Yang Sea lookout point on the way to Jiufen, a picturesque mountain town. Founded during the Qing Dynasty (1683-1895), the town gained prominence after gold was discovered around 1890, and many of the beautiful alleyways and peaceful tea houses remain unchanged to this day, reflecting the Japanese influence in both architecture and culture on the island.

      Next, drive to Keelung, a historic port and fishing town. Visit Heping Island, a nature reserve with an incredible coastline, where centuries of erosion from wind and the sea have shaped some rather interesting rock formations. Before heading back to Taipei, explore the Keelung Night Market and try some local treats like stinky tofu or blood cakes.

      Approximate travel time: 1–1.5 hrs by private vehicle
      Meals included: Breakfast

      There are no planned activities today, so you may depart Taipei at any time. The main airport is Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). The city's secondary airport is Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA), mainly serving domestic and regional flights. If you wish to extend your stay in Taipei, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us.

      Please note that check-out time from the hotel is usually mid-morning, but luggage storage services are available at the reception desk.

      • Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO programs in the same school year and receive 10% off the lesser value program(s), up to 3 programs per year.
      • Interested in extending your time abroad? We can help you find a trip from our tour partner G Adventures' larger catalog. Their tours are open to the general public and not designed specifically for educators, but by booking through GEEO we can offer you a discounted educator price, and you will be helping our non-profit.

      The hotels listed below reflect the properties expected to be used for this program. Final accommodations are subject to change based on group size, availability, or seasonality. The confirmed start and end hotels are listed on your trip voucher:

      Day 1 Taipei (Dec 25): Green World Taipei Station
      Day 2 Taipei (Dec 26): Green World Taipei Station
      Day 3 Nantou Jiuchang (Dec 27): Lealea Garden Hotel The Sun
      Day 4 Nantou Jiuchang (Dec 28): Lealea Garden Hotel The Sun
      Day 5 Tainan (Dec 29): Lakeshore Hotel Tainan
      Day 6 Kaohsiung (Dec 30): Kindness Hotel Kaohsiung Station
      Day 7 Taipei (Dec 31): Green World Taipei Station
      Day 8 Taipei (Jan 1): Green World Taipei Station

      *Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

      Details

      Important

      Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the program information on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that travelers who review the full trip details are happier with their experiences.

      Trip Notes & Expectations

      ACCOMMODATION

      Our program fees are based on double-occupancy accommodation (see "Single Travelers" below if you do not have a travel companion and would be interested in a private room). Our accommodations are selected for safety, cleanliness, and convenient locations. While they are comfortable and well-suited for group travel, they are generally simple rather than luxury properties in order to keep the program affordable.

      LUGGAGE

      This trip uses (sometimes crowded) local transport, so while a backpack is still a great option, a small to medium rolling suitcase is also suitable. Travelers do not need to carry their luggage very often, but space on trains is limited—bags must fit in overhead racks or in the small luggage areas between carriages. We recommend packing lightly and compactly to avoid any issues, especially for larger groups.

      TRANSPORTATION

      This program uses modern high-speed trains, plus private vehicles and local public transport (e.g., metros, local trains) for excursions and transfers. Other transfers are typically shorter, ranging from 1–3 hours. Chinese trains are generally clean, efficient, and well-equipped with air conditioning, power outlets, and dining cars.

      ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE

      This program is considered "Average" in terms of physical demand. The amount of walking can be significantly mitigated by taking taxis or app-based rides or skipping the short hikes. Even with the mild weather, be sure to stay hydrated, carry snacks and water, and opt out of activities if you are feeling exhausted. Meals may sometimes be spaced far apart.


      PROGRAM DETAILS

      Single Travelers
      Traveling solo? You’re in good company—about half of our participants do the same. Shared room by default. The program fee covers one person in a twin room. We’ll pair you with a roommate of the same gender if you don’t have a travel companion. Want a private room? Most trips offer a “My Own Room” (single-supplement) upgrade. Check the price in the Extra Services section, then email travel@geeo.org to reserve it. You pay the single-supplement only if you request it.
      Emergency Contacts
      Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS: G Adventures Local Tour Operator (Taiwan): +886 965 321 276 +886 937 262 663 If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
      Packing List
      See our blog post of staff-recommended gear to help you pack for your upcoming travels. You must be able to carry your own luggage—up stairs, on and off of transport, and during 15 to 20 minute walks. Bring one small or medium backpack or rolling bag (22-30lb) and one daypack for daily items. Space is limited on transportation, so oversized bags cannot travel.
      Suggested ItemsOPTIONALDOCUMENTS
      • Personal clothing for mild weather – we recommend packing enough outfits so you do not have to do laundy
      • Sarong or long pants and shawl/scarf for temples
      • Comfortable waterproof walking shoes
      • Umbrella
      • Daypack
      • Sun protection (sunblock, sunglasses, sun hat)
      • Small towel and swimwear
      • Watch or alarm clock
      • Camera / Phone
      • Toiletries
      • First-aid kit, including: face masks, lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
      • Travel pillow
      • Light-weight silk sleep sheet
      • Money belt
      • Water bottle
      • Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
      • Chargers for electronic, as well as converters/adapters, if needed
      • AirTags or Tile trackers
      • Packing cubes
      • Flip-flops/sandals
      • Earplugs
      • Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks locally, so don’t go crazy here
      • Ziplock bags for wet clothing
      • Reading/writing material
      • Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
      • Passport (with photocopies)
      • Travel insurance (with photocopies)
      • Airline tickets (with photocopies)
      • USD/EUR cash
      • Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
      • G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information, and dossier
      • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
      • GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent 10-30 days before departure
      *Laundry: Laundry is available at some hotels for a fee, and local laundromats are another option. Speak with your tour leader about the best times and places to do laundry.
      Passports and Visas
      Travelers are responsible for securing all required travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for every country on their itinerary, including applicable transit/layover countries.
      • U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Taiwan for tourism (up to 90 days).
      PASSPORT All travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip dates with enough blank pages for stamps. Need to apply or renew? Start here. ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS Visa rules change frequently—always verify the latest requirements on the U.S. State Department Country Information Pages. Non-U.S. passport holders should verify requirements with your country's official government resources. Use the tool below to see entry requirements for your specific itinerary. Entry information below is provided by Sherpa, a third-party service and trusted G Adventures partner. You must search each of your destination countries separately; “Add connection” solely searches transit visa requirements. Additional fees apply if you choose to purchase any services through Sherpa.
      Money Exchange
      The local currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan dollar (NT$), formally a yuan. For current exchange rates, visit: www.xe.com. Important Notes — Many places, especially night markets, street food vendors, small shops, and taxis, only accept cash. — USD is generally not accepted except at some airports, banks, or very touristy spots. — ATMs are widespread. Look for machines that accept international cards (Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Plus). The best ATMs for tourists are at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or banks like CTBC or Bank of Taiwan. — Mobile payments (e.g., ApplyPay) are increasingly accepted at larger stores.
      Tipping
      Tipping is not customary in restaurants, but it is appreciated in the tourism industry as a gesture of satisfaction and support. Local guides and drivers: $1–3 USD per person per day, depending on the quality and length of the service. Ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. G Adventures Tour Leader (CEO): $5 USD per person per day. (Many groups choose to contribute anonymously by placing tips in an envelope and presenting it as a group.)
      Vaccinations
      GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. We recommend contacting Passport Health, which has travel clinics located throughout the United States. You can also check the CDC's recommended vaccinations for your destination. Please take this seriously!
      Flights
      This program begins and ends in Taipei. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Taipei and aim to arrive no later than mid-afternoon for the 6 p.m. Day-1 welcome meeting. Consider arriving a day or two early to buffer flight delays. Depart Taipei any time on the final day.
      Plugs and Converters
      Taiwan's outlets use Type A plugs and 110 V electricity. To use your electronics safely, you’ll need to consider: 1. Adapter (plug shape) Adapts your U.S. plug to fit Taiwanese sockets. Taiwan uses the same plug design as the U.S, but the outlets often only accommodate two-pronged plugs, so if you have a device with a grounding plug, you will need a 3-prong to 2-prong plug adapter. See our recommended all-in-one travel adapter in our Gear Recommendations post. 2. Converter / transformer (voltage) Travelers from Europe/Australia needing 220V devices will require a voltage converter. How to know which you need: Look at the fine print on the plug or power brick. An “Input 100-240 V” means the device is dual-voltage and works worldwide with only an adapter—phones, laptops, and most camera chargers fall into this category. If the label shows “Input 120 V” (hair dryers, curling irons, some shavers), it will burn out on 220 V. Pack both an adapter and a travel voltage converter. Converters are inexpensive and sold online or in the travel aisle of many stores.
      Weather
      In late December and early January, Taiwan experiences mild, cool weather overall, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s °F in the north and slightly warmer in the south. The northern and mountainous regions can be damp and misty, while the south and coastal areas are generally sunnier and drier, making it a comfortable time for sightseeing. Bring a light jacket and an umbrella for occasional rain.

      Historical Monthly Weather Averages

      Average High
      Average Low
      Rainfall

      Extra Services & Costs

      EXTRA SERVICES TO PRE-BOOK
      Send us an email if you would like to pre-book any of the extra services listed below for your program. Space and availability are limited, and pricing is not guaranteed until booked. *Extra services are non-refundable within 30 days of your program's start date. *Airport transfers require Day 1 arrival/final day departure or pre/post hotel nights booked through GEEO. *Costs will be added to your final balance.
      Private/Single Room $1,399 (1 left)
      Pre-trip Hotel (per night) Green World Taipei Station - Single: $140, Twin/Double: $140
      Post-trip Hotel (per night) Green World Taipei Station - Single: $140, Twin/Double: $140
      Arrival Airport Transfer (per person) Taipei (TPE) Solo=$50, 2ppl=$25, 3ppl=$20, 4ppl+=$15
      Departure Airport Transfer (per person) Taipei (TPE) Solo=$50, 2ppl=$25, 3ppl=$20, 4ppl+=$15
      ACTIVITIES TO PRE-BOOK

      Full Day Sun Moon Lake Bike Tour: $50 per person

      See the beauty of Sun Moon Lake from two wheels. Rated as one of the top bike trails in the world, join your CEO for a fun and easy ride around the lake. Stopping at some of the most notable landmarks around the lake, we'll see the Ci'en Pagoda, Xiangshan Visitor Center and the stunning Wenwu Temple complex.

      Optional On-Site Activities

      The following optional activities are booked and paid for locally. Prices shown are the most recent figures from participants and G Adventures. Use them as budgeting estimates only—actual costs may vary. If you arrive early or extend your stay, check out our curated list of Viator tours for additional activity ideas.
      • Shilin Night Market:

        Visit one of Taiwan's most popular night markets, Shilin Night Market! Every day, different food vendors set up to sell their specialty, like the delicious hot-star fried chicken, pepper pork buns, and oyster omelets. Or step outside your comfort zone and try other local favourites like blood cakes and stinky tofu.

      • Ximending Pedestrian District:

        Often considered the Harajuku of Taipei, a trip to Taipei is incomplete without visiting Ximending Pedestrian District. This funky, hip neighbourhood is full of indie markets, bubble tea shops, anime cosplayers, k pop dance troupes and is a hub for LGBTQ+ nightlife.

      • National Palace Museum:

        Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan at the famed National Palace Museum. Boasting nearly 700,000 artifacts that span 8,000 years of Chinese history, this museum is well worth the visit. Don't miss the beautiful Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stones.

      • Taipei 101:

        Visit the tallest building in Taiwan, once the tallest building in the world. Take the speedy elevator from the 5th-floor to the 89th-floor in 37 seconds and admire the incredible views of the city. Learn about its bamboo inspired design and its architectural legacy as one of the tallest buildings intended to withstand significant seismic activity. Pre-book your tickets online to skip the queue.

      • Tea Plantation Visit:

        Visit one of the beautiful tea plantations around Sun Moon Lake. Learn about the history and importance of tea in Taiwan, learn to pick and dry the leaves and sample some of Sun Moon Lake's signature tea: the Ruby Black Tea.

      • Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry:

        Purchase a ferry ticket and ride the three stops along the lake, Shuishe Pier → Xuanguang Temple Pier → Ita Thao Pier. At each stop, hop off and explore the sites and admire the incredible views. Don't forget to try Taiwan's signature Tea Egg along the way.

      • Ten Drum Cultural Village:

        Visit the historic sugar factory. While seeing the converted space is interesting, the main attraction is the art village it has become. Catch one if the powerful and moving drum performances, showcasing one of Taiwan's rich cultural expression.

      • Chimei Museum:

        Founded by the Chimei Corporation in 1992, this museum is unlike anything else in Taiwan. Galleries cover everything from European paintings to a jaw-dropping violin collection (including Stradivarius), plus a unique arms and armor hall. Outside, classical gardens and ponds make for a peaceful stroll. Visitors rave about how unexpectedly world-class it feels.

      • Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum:

        Visit the extravagant Buddhist complex. Walk the 1km avenue toward the 108-meter golden Buddha and eight pagodas. Feel free to ask be inquisitive-monastics and volunteers happily answer questions. Dress modestly, keep voices low, and allow for half a day for the full experience it. Don't miss the vegetarian buffet or tea house and try sure to catch the sunset as it casts pink and orange hues on Buddha's face.

      • Cijin Island:

        Take a short ferry ride to this famed beach town. Depending on the season, enjoy some time on the beach, rent a bike to ride the coastal paths or eat some yummy fresh seafood.

      Estimated Trip Costs

      Use the prices below as ballpark figures to estimate the full cost of your trip and decide what fits your budget.
      • GEEO Program Fee: See our price in the top right corner
      • Optional Activities: $50-200 USD
      • International Airfare from the United States: Roughly $1,000-1,800 USD If you require assistance searching for international flights, we would be happy to help you.
      • Airport Transfers: $10-100 USD (depending on whether you use public transit or private transfers)
      • Insurance: $30-200 USD Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as an add-on.
      • Tipping: We recommend $40–45 USD for your G Adventures tour leader.
      • Meals not listed in the itinerary: $170–225 USD
      • Laundry, Drinks, Mobile Data, VPN, etc.: Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
      • Souvenirs: Variable—at your personal discretion
      • Vaccines: Variable—please consult with your primary care provider
      • Non-Educator Donation: $100 USD (suggested donation) This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.
      Book Any G Adventures Trip Through GEEO

      Book any G Adventures program through GEEO, or transfer your existing booking over to us and receive:

      Non-educators welcome! Your booking supports our 501(c)(3) mission.

      Contact us: travel@geeo.org | 1-877-600-0105

      Anyone can travel with GEEO!

      GEEO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and our mission is to help teachers travel by offering private educator-focused group trips—but we also partner with G Adventures to offer trips worldwide for anyone, not just educators.

      When you book through GEEO, you receive:

      Your booking supports our mission!

      To get started, contact us:
      travel@geeo.org | 1-877-600-0105