Deluxe Taiwan Bike & Hike Taroko Gorge & Epic East Coast 8D7N, Fully Guided

Welcome to Taiwan! We gather in Taipei at daybreak to meet with our leader and a small group of fellow adventurers. The focus is on our budding anticipation for what’s ahead of us.

Right from the city, we set our sights on the rails. The train journey toward Taroko Gorge is a sensory transition: the scenic route winds through dense mountain passes, runs along the Pacific Ocean, before arriving in the beauty of Taroko Gorge. The air along this path is also noticeably cooler, which adds to the dramatic shift in scenery as we ride along.

Taroko Gorge is famous for being one of the world’s few river-carved gorges cut entirely through marble. In the light, the walls gleam with streaks of white, gray, and subtle green hue, while waterfalls drop down the rock faces like silver threads. Even when the high-altitude mist moves in, the scale of this natural spectacle remains undeniable.

Post-arrival, we refuel with a delightful, local lunch before checking into our oceanside base. Once our bags are dropped, we look forward to prepping adequately for our journey. We’ll spend the afternoon dialing in your fit and kitting out the bikes that will be our primary lens for the coming week. Wrap up the day as we warm up with a prep-ride, tracking the coastline to find our legs while the Pacific air settles in. Tonight, you share the table with your companions on this trip. Enjoy a well-worth-it dinner that truly reflects the landscape; honest, high-end, and the first real chance to get acquainted while discussing the miles to come.

Nestled where the mountains meet the sea in the heart of Taroko National Park, Lakeshore Hotel Taroko invites you to a sanctuary of unparalleled luxury and natural splendor. Surrender to tranquility in the gorge-view spa, indulge in Michelin-starred culinary creations, and explore an exclusive wine cellar, all while enveloped by the majestic beauty of Taiwan's most breathtaking landscape.

Approx. 65 km (40 miles), 3-5 hours cycling

We set out on today’s ride at dawn, cycling to the eastern entrance of Taroko Gorge. The first milestone is the Taroko Archway, which also serves as the gateway into the marble canyon. We then make a stop at the visitor center for a refreshing coffee, grounding ourselves in the history and ecology of the region. Leaving the gorge, we turn our bike towards the Pacific Coast. This path trades the busy highways for narrow lanes lined with banana palms and temples. There’ll be many opportunities where we can stop at the beachside for a local treat, or perhaps to dip our toes in the ocean.

Lunch is served in the culinary-rich and vibrant heart of Hualien. You’ll have your pick of the local staples, from fresh seafood and indigenous dishes to Hualien’s famous mochi and bamboo rice, though the experience often carries a distinctly modern edge, such as being served by a robot in one of the city’s innovative cafés. We head straight into the East Rift Valley after refuelling. This stretch is a loop through rice paddies and indigenous villages, ending at our retreat for the night.

The luxury Gaeavilla Resort in Ji’an Township, Hualien, offers refined eco-luxe living. Right from the sprawling organic herb garden whose aromatic botanicals supply the spa treatments and farm-to-table menu, to the resort’s '7-Sense Healing' philosophy, every detail is intentionally curated to recalibrate your well-being. Recover the best way each day: whether in the healing treatment rooms, a private steam bath, or an expansive outdoor pool complete with a swim-up bar.

The late afternoon is yours to spend by the pool or in the garden before we sit down for a freshly prepared, local dinner.

Approx. 68 km (42 miles), 3-5 hours cycling

Today, we kick things off with a high-protein breakfast before climbing on your saddle. Our route strikes out through the East Rift Valley, with a feel that’s specifically served up for cyclists. It is a quiet, rhythmic corridor enhanced by the stillness of the landscape, while being wrapped on both sides by the vertical rise of the mountains. The next leg of our journey takes us through tropical fruit country as we track south toward Ruisui. To kick things off, we stop for lunch: traditional beef noodle soup. It’s a savoury staple of the region and the perfect prelude to our hot spring indulgence later this evening.

Tonight, your recovery is unique to this region. Ruisui is home to Taiwan’s only "golden" hot springs, where the water is so rich in iron that it oxidizes into a metallic luster upon hitting the air. It is a rare, functional soak for tired muscles, followed by a dinner that makes the day’s miles feel well-earned.

You’ll stay at Yen Hot Spring, nestled at the foot of the magnificent Central Mountain Range. A tranquil retreat where you can soak in the famed "golden springs," renowned for their unique iron-rich composition. Indulge in the serene elegance of your private hot spring bath, a feature in every room, and savor the refined simplicity of local cuisine, culminating in an experience of unparalleled relaxation.

Approx. 72 km (45 miles), 4-6 hours cycling

This morning is dedicated to perusing ancient history and a bit of a lesson on geography as we push south toward Fuli. First stop: the Saoba Monoliths. Centuries ago, these stones were hauled here by the Payuma people. The reason for their existence in these lands still stretches farther beyond anyone’s guess. Perhaps they were ceremonies or just a tribute to the landscape, as any wild guess goes. But in this moment, you are free to lean into whatever wild theory works your imagination best.

We move on to the Tropic of Cancer Monument next. This is the part where you cross a line, transitioning into the tropics. Once on the other side, the change is hard to miss: the scenery turns a deeper, lusher green, marinated in thick humid air. You’ll immediately feel that heightened sense of a coming holiday hit you, mostly because the breeze finally starts to warm up.

After the geography fix, we take a stop at a tea farm in Wuhe. There’s no point in rushing past some of the best brews in Taiwan when you’re literally right in the middle of the hills where they’re grown. It’s worth the detour for a tasting. The tea here carries a smooth, aromatic feel, and, frankly, is a lot better than whatever you’ve been sipping out of the bike bottle. We’ll tumble into lunch, so you can expect local dumplings paired with fresh, seasonal sides, before taking the final leg into a charming spot with solid mountain views. We’ll drop the kickstand here, sit back and unwind, letting the day catch up amidst the scenery.

Inami B&B sits within Chishang’s vast rice fields, with a mellow vibe that feels right at home in such a modern, tucked-away spot. The property offers thoughtfully put-together house-style accommodations with amenities such as private washing machines, premium Cha Tzu Tang toiletries, and a complimentary minibar. All of these pair perfectly with the convenient access to local cycling routes right from your stay.

Approx. 70 km (43 miles), 4-6 hours cycling

Today, we bid farewell to the East Rift Valley en route to the Coastal Mountain Range. This route trades the valley floor for lush, winding roads that honestly feel more like Hawaii than Taiwan, monkeys included. It’s easily one of the most stunning stretches in Taiwan, so it’s worth the climb to get there.

Once we’ve had our fill of the morning ride and our appetites are calling, we refuel with local baozi. These steamed buns are a classic Taiwanese staple with a soft, pillowy texture that satisfies you far more than a granola bar ever could mid-ride. From there, we push southeast toward Dulan. Dulan has a reputation as a laid-back surf village, but you’ll soon find that it goes well beyond the waves. It is a massive hub for indigenous art and music. Our focus is on the route to the old Sugar Factory, a gritty, repurposed industrial space, now taken over by local painters, sculptors, and musicians. It’s far from a museum; it’s rather a sprawling complex of warehouse-style galleries and studious displays of works by local artists. There’s usually live music drifting through the rafters and enough creative energy to make it the clear highlight of the village.

By afternoon, we’re all about the chilling unwinds; grab an ice-cold Taiwan Beer and find a chill spot in the garden. Perhaps, get a little too competitive over a game of Rummy. Use the time to relax and decompress before we head out for a proper dinner at a local spot.

Situated between the Coastal Mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, close to the creative hub of Dulan, the beachfront Stone party hotel is a boutique guesthouse in Donghe. Guests here enjoy a seamless blend of nature and social atmosphere, which features stunning ocean views, sunterrace and immediate access to renowned surf spots. The rooms offer great value, with each guesthouse providing air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and a vibrant communal garden.

Optional: Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 2 hours cycling

Rise to a beautiful morning a lot earlier than the rest of the world. We start the day with a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) session in the breathtaking Donghe River Gorge. We’ll paddle through emerald water framed by massive white boulders and a jungle backdrop that looks a lot more like a film set than a river.

Once you’re off the board, the schedule is wide open. Dulan operates on its own clock, so there’s no sense in overplanning the afternoon. If you want to hit the beach or find a trail for a hike, go for it. If your legs are shot and you’d rather just park it in the shade with a book, that’s just as valid. This is the part of the trip where the goal is to actually decompress. When the hunger kicks in, Dulan is sure to deliver with top-tier food. You’ve got a bit of everything here: traditional indigenous plates, Vietnamese, Italian, and even decent fish and chips. It’s Saturday night, so the place will have a bit of a buzz. We’ll probably track down some live music, which is exactly how you want to end a day like this.

Approx. 77 km (48 miles), 4-6 hours cycling

Pack your sunscreen and get your legs ready for a solid day in the saddle. We start with a van shuttle up the coastal highway to Shouka to get us in position. This famous mountain pass sits at the gateway to the Hengchun Peninsula. Our ride mostly descends through the heart of the peninsula, where the scenery is rich in rolling hills, lush tropical vegetation, dense forests, and traditional indigenous villages. We wrap up the morning leg by cycling back down to the coast for a proper seafood lunch.

Our next adventure is on one of Taiwan's most iconic stretches. So while you savour your meal, let your imagination run wild thinking about what we’re about to experience. The road basically hugs the ocean, taking us past wind-swept beaches and old military bases, with two solid hill climbs in the mix. The ride wraps up in Kenting. We’ll do a farewell dinner, then hit the Kenting Night Market while the energy is high. Between the street food and the bubble tea, you’ll likely find yourself going back for seconds. Consider it a fitting send-off for our last shared night as a group.

This night, you’ll stay at Caesar Park Taipei. Its location is unbeatable, literally connected to Taipei Main Station, easing arrivals and departures. The rooms here go from classic wood-toned accommodations to sleek, renovated suites with station views. Beyond the bed, you also get access to a rooftop garden, a fitness center, and a professional spa with steam rooms. Dining here is a highlight: Caesar Park features a popular international buffet at Checkers and an excellent Cantonese restaurant on-site.

It’s the final day, so make the most of the morning before we pack it in. You’ve got a few hours to yourself. Savour one last breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey in Taiwan. You could head to the water, grab a scooter and zip around the coast, or just find some shade and relax; it’s all up to you.

We’ll head back to the hotel to officially end the adventure. It’s time to say zàijiàn (goodbye) to the crew and the tour leader who’ve been hauling gear and leading the way.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.