Hiking East Asia

Welcome to Taiwan! Upon arrival in Taipei, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Taiwan's sprawling capital city is an exciting mix of South East Asia, US and Japanese influences. The skyline is dominated by the impressive Taipei 101 Tower, once the tallest in the world, and made more impressive by its backdrop of rolling mountains in the North. The city is quirky and friendly and one of the safest capitals in Asia. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to get acquainted with the city. Stay 3 Nights: ArTree Hotel or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before departing to explore Taipei.

You will start at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, an impressive local monument with a square with the National Concert Hall and National Theatre on either side. Similar in shape to Beijing's Tiantan, the building has been designed to invoke the character of the number 8, which represents good fortune and abundance.

You will continue to Lunghsan Temple, one of the oldest and largest temples in Taiwan, built in 1738 and housing the statues of hundreds of Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist Deities. Close by is Herb Lane, a fresh produce market that sells a wide variety of herbs, to be used primarily in traditional healing. The range of herbs includes rare and specialty herbs such as Japanese Knotweed and saxifrage – learn how they have been used in the past and the present day.

Next, it is time to get an incredible aerial view over Taipei, as you head to the 89th floor observation deck of Taipei 101 Tower. From 2004 to 2010, this was the tallest building in the world and it is the perfect place to take in a bird's eye view of the city.

From here you will continue to Mt. Elephant, where a trail of around 600 stairs will take you to a lookout from where you can get impressive views of the city, but this time the iconic Taipei 101 Tower is included in the skyscape.

For something slightly more challenging, your next stop will be Jinmian Mountain, which will be the first trail walk that you do in Taiwan. This trail is classified as moderate, and in certain areas, you will need both hands to climb, with ropes permanently attached to these areas for you to use to assist you as you walk. The view from Jinmian Mountain is simply breathtaking.

You will continue to Raohe Night Market, one of the oldest traditional markets in Taipei and bustling with street food stalls, carnival games and quaint little shops. You might like to try some of the interesting local specialties as you walk around the eateries (paid locally). Afterwards, you will return to your hotel and have the evening at leisure. (B)

• Travel time and Distance: Taipei 101 Tower to Mt. Elephant: Approx. 1.5 km/ 10 mins drive; Mt. Elephant to Jinmian Mountain: Approx. 6.5 km/ 20 mins drive; Jinmian Mountain to Raohe Night Market: Approx. 9 km/ 25 mins drive

After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart to visit Yangmingshan National Park, a stunning National Park that is well known for its sulphur crystals and hot springs. At the western entrance of the park, you will see the Flower Clock, a large garden artwork formed of colourful flowers. From here you walk to the volcanic landscape of Thermal.

Your hike today is known as the Jinbaoli Path (Yulu Historical Trail), a century-old path that linked the villages of Daping and Dapu and was used as a trade route to deliver fish, tea and sulphur. This 6.3km route will take around 3 hours to hike, and you will see wildflowers and tantalising glimpses of the coast as they follow the dirt trails and stone steps that make up the path.

This afternoon, you will visit Dunshui Harbour Town, a laid-back coastal town with a main shopping street full of historic buildings and interesting street vendors. You will explore Fisherman's Wharf which is full of little cafes and restaurants as well as being a hub for fishing boats. Here, you can walk along Lover's Bridge, a curved white cable-stayed pedestrian bridge that gets its name from its original opening which was on Valentine's Day. At night, it is lit up with changing colours and a great place to watch the sunset. After enjoying the Danshi River bank with its interesting variety of wetland plants, you will take a ferry ride to the other side of the river.

At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel in Taipei and have the evening at leisure. (B)

• Travel time and Distance: Yangmingshan National Park to Jinbaoli Path (Yulu Historical Trail): Approx. 10 km/ 20 mins drive; Jinbaoli Path (Yulu Historical Trail) to Danshui Harbour Town: Approx. 30 km/ 45 mins drive; Danshui Harbour Town to Danshui River Bank: Approx. 2 km/ 5 mins drive; Danshui River Bank to Taipei: Approx. 25 km/ 40 mins drive

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for Yehliu Geo Park. Located on a strip of land that stretches into the Pacific Ocean, this beautiful park is known for its bizarre rock formations formed by wind and sea abrasion. These include mushroom and honeycomb-shaped rocks, and one particularly regal rock tower known as the Queen's Head which looks like either Queen Nefertiti or Queen Elizabeth in likeness, depending on which angle you are looking at it from.

You then continue to Jiufen (Chiufen) Village, a quaint and charming small town packed with history. The word “Chiufen” means nine pieces and refers to when this town was originally so small and isolated that its inhabitants were made up of just nine families. With markets far away, when they needed supplies they would send just one family who would come back and divide the spoils into nine pieces.

For a while in the 1890s, the town swelled to a larger size as it became a site of the gold rush, and there are multiple historic sites to be seen as you explore the narrow alleyways lined with teahouses, giving a glimpse of the past glory of this location. Throughout the town you will find nooks that have beautiful mountain views, as well as vistas that take in the Yingyang Sea.

This afternoon, you will trek for around 3.5 hours on the Caoling Historic Trail, which cuts across Sandiao Cape (Sandiaojiao) starting at Yuanwangkeng, and finishing at Dali on the coast. It is the only section that still remains of the old Ching Dynasty Trail, which is over 130 years old. The present trail is approximately 10 kilometres long and beautifully scenic, as you walk over rolling green hills, with stunning ocean views.

When you have finished your hike, you will drive to Yilan, where you will check into your hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure. Your unique accommodation includes hot and cold spring water baths in your room, perfect for soaking in as you relax at the end of a long day. Stay 2 Nights: Well Springs by Sllks, Lakeshore Suao or similar (B) *hot springs only at Wellsprings by Silks

• Travel time and Distance: Yehliu Geo Park to Jiufen (Chiufen) Village: Approx. 38 km/ 1 hr drive; Jiufen (Chiufen) Village to Caoling Historic Trail: Approx. 37 km/ 50 mins drive; Caoling Historic Trail to Yilan: Approx: 30 km/ 40 mins drive

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll embark on a journey to Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area, which is about a two-hour drive. Taipingshan, one of Taiwan's three major national forest recreation areas, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, featuring valuable Taiwan cypress trees and geothermal energy from the Renze Hot Spring. Here, you'll visit the Bailing Giant Tree and experience the Bong Bong Train.

Next, you'll explore the Jioujhihze Scenic Area, where Qingshui Geothermal Park, nestled deep in the valley, offers foot soak pools, raised cooking pools, and bathhouse facilities. Enjoy the unique experience of cooking eggs and corn in the hot-spring water using a wicker basket. Following this, a walk along the Jioujhihze Natural Trail awaits, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature along its 1.2-kilometre path.

After a day of exploration, you'll return to your hotel for a relaxing evening at your leisure. You might choose to unwind in the hotel's hot springs. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to central Taiwan to a famous lake resort.

Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in the country. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, with the lake's eastern side resembling the sun and the western side resembling the moon. Surrounded by lush mountains, the area offers a tranquil setting and is popular for boating, cycling, and hiking. The lake is also home to cultural sites like the Wenwu Temple and Ita Thao Village.

Once you check in to your hotel the rest of the day is at your leisure. Stay 2 Nights: Sun Moon Lake Hotel or similar (B)

• Travel time and Distance: Yilan to Sun Moon Lake: 300km / 3 hrs 34 min drive

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and enjoy the beautiful views of Sun Moon Lake. The lake sits at an altitude of 762m in the mountains of Nantou County.

After breakfast, you will drive around part of the lake to visit Wen Wu Temple. This impressive temple is the only Confucius temple in Taiwan where you will see a statue of Confucius himself, and some of the other bronze statues also represent his disciples. If time permits this morning, you will also visit Tse En Pagoda and Tehua Village.

It will then be time for your hike of the day, the Mt Moalan Trail (approx. 3 hours). This is a relaxed scenic walk that takes you to a weather observatory that was built by the Japanese in 1940. From the summit, at 1020m, you can see as far as Puli. The 3km trail is paved, and you will wind through villages, cedar trees, and vast tea plantations, accompanied by the sound of birdsong. The scenery around you is spectacular, with the view of rolling green hills and silhouetted mountains in the distance. (B)

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a drive to the Mt. Hehuan National Forest Area, situated 2900-3000 meters above sea level. This region is renowned for its breathtaking high mountain landscapes and diverse wildlife. Depending on the season, you can witness various types of flower blossoms.

Your adventure includes a walk along the Mt. Shimen Trail, which sits at 3,237 meters above sea level. This 0.8-kilometre trail is one of the most accessible high mountain trails in Taiwan, suitable for both young children and the elderly, allowing for a relaxed stroll with stunning views of open grasslands and the surrounding mountains.

Next, continue to Mt. Hehuan Main Peak, which reaches 3,416 meters above sea level. The 1.8-kilometre trail to the summit rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range. There may even be time to walk to the East Peak of Mt Hehuan if time permits.

Following your hike, you will drive to Taichung City for an overnight stay. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Stay: Millennium Hotel Taichung or similar (B)

• Travel time and Distance: Sun Moon Lake to Taichung City: 77km / 1 hr 30 min by car

This morning you will visit the Taichung Opera House (external visit only), taking in the fascinating architecture. Continue to Rainbow Village where you will see how this retired soldiers community has been transformed into a colourful and eye catching attraction.

You will be transferred to Taichung International Airport in time for your onwards flight to Seoul.

Welcome to South Korea! You will be met upon arrival at Incheon International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Prepare to be impressed by Seoul, South Korea's shiny, yet often underrated capital city. Enveloped by mountains, this giant metropolis is an exciting jumble of futuristic skyscrapers, castles and temples, with the ever-present backdrop of the many surrounding peaks. From young and funky districts where progressive art and cutting-edge fashion are to be found on every street, through to historic areas where cobbled streets lead to ancient temples, Seoul has one foot planted in the past, and the other stretched eagerly into the future.

This is a city that comes alive at night, with its incredible food scene, dazzling neon lights, and a social “bang” (room) to suit every taste, from quirky karaoke bars, to a thriving café scene. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore your surroundings. Stay: L7 Myeongdong or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing go visit Gyeongbok Palace. During the Josean Dynasty that ruled for over five centuries from 1392, this elegant building was the primary royal palace. You will witness the changing of the guard ceremony, a re-enactment which is performed exactly as it has been for centuries, including the use of traditional instruments and uniforms.

Continue to the National Folk Museum which is housed in the palace grounds and contains over 4000 historical artefacts and relics. You will pass by the Blue House, which is the residence of the country's Head of State. Continue to Bukchon Hanok Village, which has a 600 year history and contains hundreds of traditional Korean houses (hanoks). This atmospheric village is full of teahouse lined alleys, quaint houses and small guesthouses. Its pretty architecture and peaceful environment make it a wonderful place to explore.

You will continue to Jingwansa Temple, located at the entrance of Mt. Bukhansan National Park where you will overnight. This temple was established by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was established in 1011 to repay the great Buddhist priest Jingwan for saving King Hyeon-jong's life when he was young. This is the only temple in Seoul which serves ‘Suryukje' (a Buddhist ceremony which provides food and Buddha's teachings to spirits and starved demons who wander the land and sea) and provides training facilities for biguni (female monks).

Enjoy an orientation overview of the basic temple manners and customs, a temple tour and further briefing on included activities on your arrival. Dinner this evening is a traditional temple meal of Balwoo Gongyang. The meal is basic and typical of what the monks eat daily. Take your time to fully savour the subtle flavours and different textures of the vegetarian dishes which may range from rice porridge and delicate salads to dumplings and fried shitake mushrooms and mugwort in a sweet and sour sauce. The meal is different on a daily basis.

This evening, attend the evening service, Yebul. This is a Buddhist ceremonial service involving chanting. It is offered to pay homage to all Buddhas and bodhisattvas. Yebul is also practiced to cultivate oneself. Yebul begins with the Verse of Tea and is followed by the Verse of Five Scents, the Mantra of Incense Offering and the Ritual of Seven Prostrations. Stay: Jingwansa Temple or similar (B/D)

Wake up early at 5am to attend the morning service and participate in meditation. There are two types of chamseon: jwaseon (seated meditation), and haengseon (walking meditation). You will be advised which is taking place.

Following your meditation, enjoy a traditional monastic breakfast before you visit a hermitage located nearby. Enjoy tea time with a Buddhist monk, known as Dado. Boiling and serving good tea is one of the oldest customs in Korea before it is then time to farewell your hosts as you continue to Bugaksan (Mt Bukak). The word “san” means mountain in Korean, and Seoul is surrounded by them, including Bugaksan, Namsan, Naksan, and Inwangsan to name a few of the major peaks that envelope the city.

Bugaksan, the mountain located to the north of Seoul, is the highest among these and is a southern offshoot of Bukhansan Mountain. For decades access was restricted to this area, which meant nature has thrived on this mountain. Hiking along the fort walls you will see some incredible views of the city, and areas of historical significance such as bullet holes still showing in a tree from a clash between South Korean forces and armed commandos from the North Korean Army. The hike will take around 2 hours, after which you will travel to Sokcho (about 3.5 hours).

You will then check into your hotel in Seorak which is just 200m away from Seoraksan National Park, home to the Taebaek Mountain Range. The mountainous landscape surrounds you at this accommodation, and you can enjoy it from the open-air terrace of your accommodation. Stay: Kensington Hotel Seorak or similar (B)

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will depart for a 4-5 hour hike in Seoraksan National Park. You will be hiking the Ulsan Rock Course, which will take you through valleys, past temples and up some steep sections and stairs that will give you impressive views of the National Park. This massive park is home to over 2000 species of animals, including musk deer and Korea Goral, so keep an eye out for the wildlife as you walk. There are also over 1200 different plant species to be found here, including Edelweis, and when travelling in Spring and Autumn, the colour changes of the bushland are dramatic and beautiful.

From here, you will travel to Andong. This interesting city if famous for a variety of ancient sites, as well as its wooden masks, mackeral, and strong local vodka (soju). You will check into your hotel and have the evening at leisure. Stay: Andong Grand Hotel or similar (B)

This morning you will visit Angong Hahow Cultural Village, a delightful and sleepy folk village nestled between rolling green hills and a river, that will give you a glimpse into traditional village life. Acting like an open-air museum, this large village still has a community living here and its tree lined streets, thatched roof houses, and interesting alleys are wonderful to explore.

You will then transfer to Mt Jiri where you will be hiking the Guryong Waterfall Course which is a 3.1km path of walkways and bridges that led you through the Guryong Valley with its nine impressive waterfalls. The local legend is that 9 dragons come down from the heavens to each take a place by a waterfall on a particular day of the lunar calendar. This course takes you by dramatic ravines, pasts ponds and springs and other beautiful scenery.

Continue to Namwon, where you will check into your hotel. Stay: Namwon Suites Hotel or similar (B)

Today will be your longest day of hiking, as you travel to Mt. Naejang. This mountain is one of the best in Korea for viewing Korea's incredible autumn colours, particularly the red maple leaves. Bright crimson, red and orange leaves blanket the mountain at this time of year and it is a stunning display of nature at its finest. Your hike today will be for around 6-7 hours as you explore the forest paths and discover lakes and waterfalls.

You will then travel to Gwangju, where you will check into your hotel. Enjoy dinner then an evening at leisure. Stay: Holiday Inn Gwangju or similar (B)

After breakfast this morning, you will travel to Jeonju (approx. 2 hours), a charming city that in parts feels a little like you have stepped back in time. Jeonju was one of the key cities of the Joseon Dynasty, whose rule stretched from the 14th to the 19th Century and the traditional architecture still found in the city, as well as the continuation of culture and customs from that time mean that this city acts as an open-air museum.

You will visit Jeonju hanok village. This charming village has over 800 hanoks, with their wooden beams and curved tiled roofs. While other parts of the city are completely modern, this traditional Korean village helps to give a glimpse into the way life was lived centuries ago. Strolling through the peaceful village, you will feel a bit like you are in a bubble as on its outskirts, the city backdrop of skyscrapers remind you of the modern world, but in the quaint village lanes, you feel quite removed. Make sure to sample some of the amazing food on offer in this village as well, including Jeonju bibimbap, a Korean rice dish that is beloved around the world, and has a special style in this region.

You will also visit Jaman Mural Village. Local artists have painted murals all throughout this cliffside village, creating an open-air art gallery.

Tonight, you will enjoy a traditional hanok stay. A hanok is a traditional Korean home, with a simple design created using natural materials. A typical hanok will have very little furniture, futon beds and an underfloor heating system called ondol. This traditional home heating system was used in ancient Korea, where heated stones from the kitchen were used to keep the floor of a room warm.

Technology means the heat is now generated by hot water pipes running under the wooden floors surface, creating a perfect temperature especially at the coldest times of year. Having a warm floor has shaped the daily life of the Korean people, who will often sit, eat and socialize on the floor as opposed to chairs, and floor mattresses similar to futons are often used for beds, to take advantage of this additional warmth. Stay: Gaeunchae Hanok (B)

Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant, before returning to Seoul by car (approx. 3.5 hours). Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before heading out for your farewell dinner with your group. Stay: L7 Myeongdong or similar (B/D)

Today your South Korea adventure comes to an end. Enjoy breakfast and free time until your transfer to the airport to meet your onwards flight. (B)