1 - 10 guests
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Read more about the Active Range
Price
USD $6399/per adult
Next available departure
23 Oct - 2 Nov
Operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
If you’re looking for a unique, safe and first-class cycling adventure, this eleven-day tour is just the ticket! After exploring Taipei, you will high-speed train to southern Kaohsiung City to start your cycling journey. The east coast of Taiwan is sparsely populated yet packed full of beautiful national parks, rice paddies, sacred temples and quaint villages. Taiwan is famous for its friendly people and warm hospitality, which you will experience first-hand as you journey north. Challenge yourself biking through one of Asia’s most iconic cycleways - the Taroko Gorge, taste exquisite local cuisine, discover night markets and soak in natural geothermal pools.
This adventure suits all levels of riders and is ultra-supported with your Bicycle Adventures guide, a Taiwanese guide and two local drivers. Experience the best of Taiwanese cuisine and culture, staying in fine hotels, and enjoy this outstanding adventure like no other.
IMPORTANT: Standard road bikes are provided for this tour and included in the advertised trip price. Pedal-assist e-bikes are available for an additional fee of US $199 (or equivalent international currency), subject to availability – please select at time of booking.
Get a print-friendly PDF version of this itinerary - you will also get a copy in your inbox!
Day 1
Meet us at the airport when your flight arrives this morning. We'll take you to the fabulous Grand Victoria Hotel to freshen up. After brunch, test out your bike on a morning ride along the lovely Tamsui (meaning "freshwater") River. One of the few rivers that flows north to south on the island, the river curves past temples, parks and cultural sights to the old town of Tamsui on the Taiwan Straits. This evening, ascend to the top of Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers. Enjoy a fantastic dinner at Michelin-rated Din Tai Fung, known throughout Asia for serving the world's best dumplings. Stay tonight and tomorrow night at the Grand Victoria Hotel.
Grand Victoria Hotel (Lunch, Dinner)
Biking: 27.2 miles; +1,039 ft / -1,039 ft
Day 2
Today's bike ride begins from at our hotel’s front door and cruises 30 miles through lush foothills, over Yamingshan (Yaming Mountain) and alongside the ocean on the other side. Yamingshan National Park is revered for its cherry blossom trees, hot springs and also for being the island's tallest dormant volcano. After lunch, pedal another 20 miles to finish at Tamsui's Fisherman's Wharf. Explore the shops and take time for some people-watching. Fifty miles isn't enough for you? You can ride another dozen miles back to the Grand Victoria - mostly on bike paths. Or hop in the van for a shuttle back to the hotel. Enjoy a traditional, elegantly served Chinese meal at our hotel. You can even wear your hotel-provided slippers to dinner!
Grand Victoria Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Biking: 48.4 mi;+4186 ft / -4207 ft
Day 3
Board the high-speed train this morning for a speedy ride to Kaohsiung. Stop to visit a temple or two while bicycling south through Taiwan's banana belt into Kenting National Park. Kenting is renowned for its glorious beaches, coral cliffs and tropical climate. After lunch head to the Kenting Chateau Beach Resort, tonight's lodging. Soak up the views from your gorgeous oceanside room. Or go for an afternoon ride along the island's southern tip. Tonight: feast on whatever you wish from the local night market in a town that is famous for great seafood.
Kenting Chateau Beach Resort (Breakfast, Lunch)
Biking: AM Ride: 20.7 mi; +743 ft / -709 ft
Biking: PM Option: 25.5 mi; +1283 ft / -1282 ft
Day 4
Today's ride is hilly, lush and completely memorable. Start off with a cruise along protected bike paths and bike lanes beside the ocean, then head inland through rice fields and past palm trees. Revel in the quiet: you'll see few cars once we leave the coastline. After lunch at an oceanside park, pedal onward to visit Duoliang Station, once Taiwan's most beautiful railway station. The site is now a lovely seaside park with blissful views of mountain, jungle and seashore. Back on the bike, ride onward to Chihpen, a popular hot spring area where canyon gives way to lush jungle and beautiful banyan forest. After a restful soak, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant serving aboriginal cuisine...and then maybe another soak. Lodge at Hoya Hot Springs Resort.
Hoya Hot Springs Resort (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Biking: 78.7 miles ; +5,155 ft / -4,958 ft (or less)
Day 5
Cycle through the wondrous Rift Valley today, pausing to take in views of rice paddies and mountain ranges. Discover Taiwan waxes eloquent about the East Rift Valley: "...it stretches from Mugua River in Hualien to the north to Taitung City and covers a total of 138,386 hectares, encompassing mountains, valleys, and hot springs, together with fields of rice, daylilies, pomelos, tea, and sugar apples in rich abundance." It's also home to four of Taiwan's indigenous tribes. Finish today's ride with a soak in the mineral springs of Jui-shaing. Lodge at the luxurious and aptly named Silence Manor.
Silence Manor (Breakfast, Dinner)
Biking: 67.6 mi; +3214 ft / -2947 ft (or less)
Day 6
Start today with a ride to Bashian Cave, the "Cave of the Eight Immortals." One of Taiwan's geological wonders, the cave dates to the Stone Age and houses a Buddhist temple carved into the side of a cliff. Explore a bit. Then continue riding up the pristine coast and back into the green rift valley to the Hualien Sugar Factory in Guangfu Township. This honest-to-goodness sugar factory was built during the days of Taiwan's occupation by Japan. Tonight, sleep in the Japanese-style sugar factory’s guesthouse. Dinner is a guest favorite, a Japanese-influenced meal offered in a quaint, intimate setting.
Hualien Sugar Factory's Guesthouse (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Biking: 74.6 mi; +5600 ft / -5700 ft (or less)
Day 7
Ride through pineapple fields and to the ocean for a seaside lunch before heading inland – and upland – into Taroko Gorge National Park. The most stunning of Taiwan's nine National Parks, Taroko is best known for its marble gorge carved by eons of erosion – and the Taiwan KOM Challenge, part of the Taiwan Cycling Festival held each fall. As you climb, massive stone cliffs rise above, the river rages below. Stop here and there to visit the colorful temples and shrines along the way. Finish at the magnificent Silks Place Taroko. Spend the next two nights here. Perched inside the gorge, this stunning hotel boasts rooftop firepits and pool with hot tubs, fine dining and even a nighttime mountainside light show.
Silks Place Taroko (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Biking: 61.2 mi; +3600 ft / -2500 ft (or less)
Day 8
Cycling in the gorge is just one of today's options. Or hike, explore or just soak up the scenery. Within strolling distance of the fabulous Silks Place Taroko are pagodas, temples, shrines, tunnels carved through mountains, wooden suspension bridges and amazing views in all directions. Prefer to stay at the hotel and relax? Enjoy the luxurious spa and the hotel's other amenities - fire pits, ping pong, amazing food and luxury galore. What's your pleasure?
Silks Place Taroko (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9
Choose your option for today's ride. Try your legs at a 17% grade and one of the most beautiful and challenging uphill climbs in the world. Or take it at your own pace, exploring along the way and taking plenty of enviable photos. After lunch at the Sacred Tree Cafe, swoosh (mostly) downhill to Lishan, a mountain town surrounding by farms, clouds and sheer rustic beauty. This evening, take part in a optional traditional tea ceremony from a very proud tea farmer. Lodge at Swallow Castle Resort & Hotel.
Swallow Castle Resort & Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Biking: 48.3 mi; +6900 ft / -4500 ft (or less)
Day 10
Spend another amazing day bicycling spectacular roads through palm-fringed farming communities. Finish with a 28-mile downhill-then-flat ride into the bustling town of Luodong. Explore the town's amazing night market, just one block from the Kapok Hotel, where you'll stay tonight.
Kapok Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch)
Biking: 67.1 mi; +5058 ft / -11536 ft (or less)
Day 11
This last morning, shuttle back to Taipei with some unique stops along the way, including the old town of Shifen for hot-air lanterns. Stroll to visit a couple of the sparkling waterfalls for which this area is famous. Then it's on to the National Palace Museum with its permanent collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese imperial artifacts, one of the largest of its type in the world. Afterward, you'll have time to pack up your bike (if you brought your own). Enjoy a final celebration dinner before we drop you off at the airport for your late-night flight back home.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Filling Up
Almost Full
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
We're proud of our Kiwi roots and you’ll love our professional, warm and relaxed style of hosting. Plus, we’re always here to help with planning, travel, bookings... even hiking boot recommendations!
As soon as your trip starts, we've got everything covered – top notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.
With our small groups of typically no more than 14 (up to 18 max), you'll get to know our team, your fellow travellers, and have the flexibility and freedom to do as much (or as little!) as you like. It’s all about going at your own pace.
All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy a special experience, authentic local knowledge and an adventure like no other.
We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.
