Dumplings & Distilleries: A Taste of the Real Taiwan

Upon arrival you'll be met by your expert local guide and transferred to your hotel for an evening at your own pace

Today you'll sample a slice of Taiwanese culinary culture most tourists don't experience, while also giving back to the community.

Help the team at Sweet Potato Mama's charity prepare Taiwanese sweet potatoes to deliver to people living on Taipei's streets, while hearing all about life in this country.

Visit the Yeliu Geo Park, which is famous for a bizarre rock formation formed by sea and wind abrasion before heading to the stunning former mining town of Jiufen, built on a steep mountain slope. A walk here is like travelling back in time.

In the evening visit Ningxia Night Market to experience people going about their daily life. You'll also get a taste of Taiwanese street food.

Today is at leisure to further explore this fascinating city at your own pace.

This evening you'll be escorted to a top Taipei restaurant to experience a gourmet local meal prepared by renowned Taipei chefs

Transfer today through the countryside to beautiful Yilan

You'll head out with your guide today to a local farm that produces a Taiwanese staple we know well in the west - spring onions!

You'll spend some time with a local family learning how to make a traditional spring onion pancake before heading to King Car Kavalan Distillery - one of the most famous producers of whiskey (hugely popular in Taiwan) on the island

You'll travel from Yilan via the scenic east coast cliff highway to one of the most staggeringly beautiful locations in the country - Taroko Gorge, where you'll head off on a short hike with an expert local guide.

Taroko sums up Taiwan: it's beauty will leave you wondering why this country is not well-known for tourism, and patting yourself on the back for visiting before word gets out!

Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese cooking class in Hualien City today where you'll learn to make a selection of dishes such as hot pot, beef noodle soup and gua bao steamed dumplings - it all depends on what's in season!

You'll wind your way further down the scenic east coast highway with your guide today. admiring the views of the mighty Pacific Ocean as you go.

You'll spend the night in the city of Taitung, which you can explore at leisure

Transfer to the historic city of Tainan, which contrasts beautifully with the bright lights of Taipei

Explore incredible Tainan today. It was once a capital city, meaning there's a large number of ancient shrines, temples and classical Chinese buildings here.

Wandering the alleyways of Tainan is an atmospheric and enriching experience

Your final stop is Lukang, an ancient town of over 200 temples. You'll visit two of the very best - Longshan and Matsu, before sampling local culture along Lukang Walking Street

You'll round off your holiday tonight with drinks & a delicious meal at one of Lukang's best restaurants

You'll be met and transferred back to the airport for your onward flight home