*Tour Name: Australian & Taiwanese Highlights (22 Days)

*Route: UK-Melbourne-Alice Springs-Uluru-Cairns-Great Barrier Reef-Sydney-Taipei-East Taiwan-UK

LOCAL CONNECTION: Visit an extraordinary, self-sufficient outback property powered by sun and wind, and explore the night skies with the family’s telescopes.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE: Explore the vibrant, cosmopolitan streets of Melbourne, gaining an in-depth perspective on iconic sights and hidden gems.

CULTURAL IMMERSION: Glimpse behind the scenes of the iconic Sydney Opera House, guided by a local expert on a private tour.

SUSTAINABLE FOOTPRINTS: Your contribution to National Parks and Wildlife protects Australia’s wilderness, including Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

*Language: in English

*Departure date in 2020 (Friday departure)

07FEB, 21FEB, 28FEB, 06MAR, 13MAR

10APR, 24APR, 29MAY, 26JUN, 17JUL, 07AUG, 28AUG, 11SEP, 25SEP

09OCT, 16OCT, 30OCT, 06NOV, 13NOV, 20OV, 27NOV, 11DEC, 25DEC

*Download PDF Itinerary here:Australian & Taiwanese Highlights (22 Days)

*Contact us for latest information & better price!   (terms & conditions applied)

Itinerary

Day 01, 02 / Friday, Saturday

Departure flight from UK, will arrive before 12 p.m.

(Default route: China Airlines departs at 21:10 from London Gatwick(LGW), via Taipei(TPE), arrive at Melbourne(MEL) at 11:15 a.m.)

Departing from all the other airports in UK, such as Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh…,etc and different routes are definitely possible!)

Day 03 / Sunday: Welcome to Melbourne

Arrive before 12 p.m., the airport transfer will be provided to hotel. (If you arrive before check-in time, you may deposit your baggage at lobby) Get to know your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening at a Welcome Reception and dinner at a restaurant by the waterfront.

*Accommodation: Crowne Plaza or the same level (4.5 stars)

*Meal: 2 dinners with wine

Day 04 / Monday: Melbourne Walking Tour (morning)

Explore Melbourne on a city sights tour this morning, then discover its gracious arcades, eclectic lane ways and vibrant street art on a private walking tour. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You might like to take an optional experience to Philip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade, where the world’s smallest penguins return from the ocean and waddle endearingly up the wide beach to their sand-dune burrows. Or you may prefer to simply relax, explore the galleries, or experience some of the city’s celebrated eateries.

*Optional Experience: Phillip Island – Penguins, Kangaroos & Koalas Day Tour

*Accommodation: Crowne Plaza or the same level (4.5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Day 05 / Tuesday:Melbourne free time

Today is free for you to further explore the delights of Melbourne. Alternatively, you could take an optional experience along the renowned Great Ocean Road to discover a stunning coastline and the towering limestone arches of the Twelve Apostles. In the evening, you might like to take in a production at one of Melbourne’s renowned theatres.

*Optional Experience: Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles (approximate price: AUD 169 per adult)

*Accommodation: Crowne Plaza or the same level (4.5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Day 06 / Wednesday:Melbourne-Alice Springs

Fly to Alice Springs this morning (09:30 a.m.-10:50 a.m./QF796) and visit the unique School of the Air to learn how this school with a difference delivers education to children living in remote outback areas.Pause at the headquarters of the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service, celebrated for providing a “mantle of safety” in the outback for almost a century.

This evening, join the Falzon family at Earth Sanctury World Nature Centre for a home-cooked gourmet Be My Guest BBQ dinner. Later, listen as brothers Tom and Danny speak of their passion for ecology, astronomy and local culture.

*Accommodation: Mercure Alice Springs or the same level (4.5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Be My Guest BBQ dinner

Day 07 / Thursday: Alice Springs-Uluru

Travel through the red quartzite peaks and gorges of the rugges West MacDonnell Ranges today, then spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying your resort’s facilities. Sparking wine is served this evening as you watch the sun set behind the massive sandstone monolith of Uluru.

*Accommodation: Desert Gardens, Ayers Rock Resort or the same level (3 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Day 08 /Friday: Uluru & Kata Tjuta

This morning, witness the magical Uluru sunrise, then tour the caves at the base of Uluru and marvel at the ancient rock art to be found there. Later, travel over red desert plains to Kata Tjuta, and take a walk at Walpa Gorge through two of the tallest domes of this majestic rock formation. Enjoy sparkling wine with your travelling companions as the sun sets over Kata Tjuta.

*Accommodation: Desert Gardens, Ayers Rock Resort or the same level (3 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Day 09 / Saturday:Uluru-Cairns

Rise early to experience the ethereal Field of Light art installation. Wander through the paths surrounding 50,000 hand-crafted frosted glass spheres of light. As the sun rises, join your fellow travellers on top of a sand dune to watch the desert awakening over Uluru. Meet an indigenous artist for a fun introduction to Western Desert Art. Your Anangu artist will provide you with cultural insights, explaining the meanings of local totems and assisting you to complete your own painting to take home as a memento of your experience. In the afternoon board your flight (12:45-13:35/QF1854) to tropical Cairns.

*Accommodation: Shangri-la or the same level (5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Day 10 / Sunday:Cairns free time

Today is free for you to pursue your own interests in this vibrant tropical city. You may choose to gain some insights into indigenous culture at the award winning Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, or travel to Kuranda, the “village in the rainforest” on the historic scenic rail. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

*Accommodation: Shangri-La or the same level (5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Day 11 / Monday: Great Barrier Reef

Board a sleek, high speed catamaran today and cruise out to the natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll have the opportunity to go snorkelling (equipment provided), or view the spectacular coral and tropical fish from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible craft. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch on board before you return to Cairns. After some time to relax, join your travelling companions for an evening meal overlooking the Cairns waterfront.

*Accommodation: Shangri-La or the same level (5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, 2 Dinners with wine

Day 12 / Tuesday: Cairns-Sydney

After a leisurely start, this afternoon fly on to Sydney (12:05-16:00/QF923), where your evening is at leisure

*Accommodation: Inter Continental or the same level (5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Day 13 / Wednesday: Sydney

Visit legendary Bondi Beach then head to the iconic Sydney Opera House for a privately guided tour with a local guide.Enjoy lunch aboard one of Sydney Harbour’s premier cruise vessels, then spend the rest of your day exploring the city at your leisure.

*Accommodation: Inter Continental or the same level (5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch on cruise

Day 14 / Thursday: Sydney Free Time

Today is yours for further exploration of Sydney. The energetic might tackle the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, or perhaps you’d prefer to take an excursion to the majestic Blue Mountains to see the soaring Three Sisters rock formation. Celebrate your holiday with your Travel Director and companions at a Farewell Dinner.

*Accommodation: Inter Continental or the same level (5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel,Farewell Dinner

Day 15 / Friday: Farewell from Sydney, fly to Taipei

Say farewell when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. You will have plenty leisure time before the flight to Taipei. (22:10-05:40/CI 52)

*Accommodation: N/A (on flight)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Day 16 / Saturday: Welcome to Taiwan!

Our chauffeur driver will greet you at the airport (TPE) arrival hall, then transfer you to the hotel in central Taipei.

Depends on the arrival time, of course you are free to take a rest at hotel, walking around nearby, or we recommend you to spend the night visiting the spectacular XiangShan, in Chinese means elephant mountain. This is one of the best place affording the night view of Taipei 101 along the hiking trail. You will need only within 30 minutes to get to the lookout. For dinner, the most well known traditional food or snacks can be found at night markets! A big part of Taiwanese culture and foodies will be able to experience local cuisine at reasonable prices from friendly locals. We recommend you taste the unique flavours of their traditional recipes such as Giant Fried Chicken Steak, Tempura, Bubble Tea, Oyster Vermicelli, Oyster Omelet, Fried Buns and of course, the notorious Stinky Tofu.

*Accommodation: Taipei Garden Hotel or the same level (5 stars)

*Meals: N/A

Day 17 / Sunday: Taipei－Hualien－East Coast National Scenic Area－Taitung

Pick up (05:30-06:00) from hotel, for catching a train: (Taipei-Hualian) to visit:

East Coast National Scenic Area: Fanshuliao, Shitiping, Sanxiantai, known as “Taiwan’s last unspoiled land” stretches 170 km down the east coast of the island. The land here consists of volcanic rock, classic rock from deep beneath the sea, and shale that has been pushed upward- and is still being pushed upward- by tectonic action. Weathering, erosion, and accumulation have produced a wide range of landforms here, including coastal terraces, sand and pebble beaches, shoreline reefs, inshore islands, and capes along with sea-eroded platforms, trenches, and caves. This varied topography provides habitat for a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Amis Folk Center , was established in 1995 in Taitung, also a great place to experience Amis culture, which is the largest indigenous group in Taiwan. Not only visit their unique lifestyle, but have chance to see the transitional performance at outdoor square.

*Accommodation: Sheraton Taitung Hotel or the same level (5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel

The East Rift Valley is a long, narrow valley flanked by mountains, and it is an abundance of plant life area. Luye GaoTai, a highland at elevation of 350 meters. Its unique geographical conditions offer an ideal location for tea cultivation, and paragliding. Mr. Brown Avenue & Taitung’s Takeshi Kaneshiro tree is famous for the TV commercial of Mr. Brown Coffee (a local coffee brand). The “avenue” is a single lane pathway in the middle of the green paddy fields. Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree, is named after Taiwanese-Japanese actor in EVA Air TV commercials. We’ll take a few hours to cycle on exclusive bike paths that pass through rice paddies (the bike will be provided & included, or you can choose to pay for upgrading!). MaTaiAn Wetland Ecological Park is located at the foot of Masi Mountain, which is the biggest natural wetland in Hualien and also the traditional homeland of Ami indigenous people. Check in resort & Enjoy complimentary one-ride of Lagoon Boat Tour

*Accommodation: Promisedland Resort & Lagoon or the same level (5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Day 19 / Tuesday: Hualien (Taroko Marble Gorge－Qingshui Cliff)－Yilan (Jiaoxi)

Taroko Marble Gorge: Shakadang Trail or Lushui Trail, Eternal Spring Shrine (Changchun Temple), Yanzikou (Swallow Grotto), Cihmu Bridge is famous for its spectacular mountains, marble canyons, and cliffs stretch along Liwu River. After millions of years of wind erosion, the marble rocks were exposed and cut by Liwu River, creating impressive grand canyons. Such special geography has also bred special flora and fauna in this area. At Yanzikou (Swallow Grotto) the rock cliffs of the Liwu River gorge seem to reach to heaven while the river runs its swiftest and the distance between the gorge walls so narrow that they almost seem to touch each other. You can enjoy the sights of the Liwu River from nearly straight above the water, the potholes on the cliff faces, the springs sprinkled along the lower parts of the walls, as well as the famous rock formation “Chieftain’s profile rock”.

Qingshui Cliff : a 21 km length of coastal cliffs in Hualien. The tallest peak, Qingshui Mountain, rises 2408 meters (the highest coastal cliff in Taiwan) directly from the Pacific Ocean. The cliff is located at the southern part of the Suhua Highway that connects the counties of Yilan and Hualien in eastern Taiwan.

*Accommodation: Hotel Royal Jiaoxi or the same level (5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Day 20 / Wednesday: Yilan (Jiaoxi－National Centre for Traditional Arts – King Car Kavalan Distillery – King Car Orchid Garden)－Taipei

National Centre for Traditional Arts: This new 24-hectare facility is located in Yilan. In addition to organised displays and performances of culture and art, it also provides a stage where performing artists can show off their creative works. The emphasis here is on the continuous propagation, innovation, and renewal of traditional arts.

King Car Kavalan Distillery: the first whisky distillery in Taiwan. Here you are offered to have a sip of different types of whiskey.

King Car Yuanshan Orchid Garden: Taiwan is well-known for orchid breeding cultivation. Taiwan International Orchid Show takes place every year since 2004. This garden with a greenhouse cultivates more than 1.3 million orchid plants.

Driving back to central Taipei in the late afternoon takes one hour approximately.

*Accommodation: Taipei Garden Hotel or the same level (5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Day 21 / Thursday: Explore Taipei-free time (morning & night)
Chiufen Village & Northeast Coast Tour (afternoon)

Enjoy the morning at your leisure. Maybe walk around the ‘’Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall’’ a national monument, erected in memory of a former President of this country. The landmark, surrounded by a park, stands at the east end of Liberty Square. The National Theatre and National Concert Hall flank the structure on the north and south. All these buildings offer a stunning example of neo-classical Chinese architecture!
Or why not pay a visit to the Taipei National Palace Museum: a world-class museum hosts an eclectic collection of artworks and artefacts. It is designed in the style of a Northern Chinese palace that houses nearly 700,000 pieces that span 8,000 years of Chinese history, sharing its roots with the Palace Museum in the Forbidden City in Beijing, as during the Chinese Civil War the collection had to be evacuated to Taiwan to protect it from the risk of destruction. We highly recommend you to visit as it offers the world’s most comprehensive collection of ancient Chinese artefacts! *Note: Entrance ticket fee is not included!

In afternoon, your destination is the former gold mining village of Chiufen, where a picturesque setting of old homes clinging to steep mountainsides will enchant you. Meander past the cosy teahouses of Chiufen Old Street, a narrow, cobbled street that offers glimpses into the past. Along the way we will stop at several locations where postcard views can be enjoyed, such as the Yin-Yang Sea (Bay of Two Colours).

*Accommodation: Taipei Garden Hotel or the same level (5 stars)

*Meals: Breakfast at hotel

Day 22 / Friday: Fly back to UK from TPE airport

One or few extra day tours (or free time) in Taiwan will be a perfect option. Please refer to optional experiences or talk to your agent.Our chauffeur driver will meet & greet you at the hotel lobby, then transfer you directly to the airport.

*Note: All UK passport holders must apply for the e-Vistor VISA (651) online before travel to Australia. Free of charge. Travelling to Taiwan does not need to apply any VISA in advance.

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