Taiwan Full Throttle
Ride through the world's deepest marble gorge on a Taiwanese icon - the humble scooter
Tour Details
- 8 nights accommodation on twin-share basis in comfortable hotels
- tour leader
- all activities and entrance fees as listed
- many meals
The humble scooter is an icon of Taiwan, and the island was recently rated by Charley Boorman as one of the world's best riding destinations. Well-maintained and often traffic-free roads, some of which are tremendous feats of engineering and attractions in their own right make the island a pleasure to explore by scooter. Our journey takes us from the bright lights of Taipei high up into the mountains, down through the world's deepest marble gorge and then along the spectacular east coast all the way to Kenting at the island's southernmost tip. Book Taiwan Full Throttle and get ready for the ride of your life!
Day 1 – Taipei
Today people will be arriving throughout the day. In the evening we'll meet for an introductory briefing and dinner.
Day 2 – Sun Moon Lake
In the morning we'll take the high-speed-rail line to Taichung where we will begin our scooter journey into the heart of the country. After familiarizing ourselves with our new wheels, we'll leave the plains behind as we wind our way towards Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan's biggest body of freshwater, surrounded by hills topped with temples and pagodas.
Approx Riding Time: 3hr
Day 3 – Taroko
Today we traverse one of Asia's most thrilling roads, following the contours of nature as we rise up above 3000m to meet the jagged peaks of Taiwan's Central Mountain Range. The descent down into Taroko is equally spectacular, and we end the day in the small settlement of Tianxiang in the heart of the world's deepest marble gorge.
Approx Riding Time: 5hr
Day 4 – Taroko
Today we ride through the gorge, stopping to hike a cliff-cut trail which follows a crystal-clear stream through an enchanting tributary gorge. After some lunch we'll take a short diversion north to marvel at the sheer Qingshui Cliffs.
Approx Riding Time: 2hr
Day 5 – Ruisui
This morning we make the stunning ride out through the gorge one last time to emerge on Taiwan's Pacific East Coast. From here we ride south along a beautiful country road through the lush East Rift Valley. We'll stop for lunch in a remote aboriginal village before continuing to Ruisui where soothing hot springs await.
Approx Riding Time: 3hr
Day 6 – Jinluen
Today we cross the dramatic coastal range on a stunning little road, possibly spotting monkeys on the way, before we pass through a Japanese era tunnel to emerge on a highway that hugs the cliffs and commands stunning views across the Pacific Ocean. We end our day with yet more hot springs in the coastal town of Jinluen.
Approx Riding Time: 4hr
Day 7 – Kenting
On our last day's riding we head inland and across the mountains, bearing south into the low jungly hills of the Hengchun Peninsula. We ride on small, little used roads, passing remote aboriginal communities, rounding the island's southernmost point to emerge in Kenting, Taiwan's tropical playground.
Approx Riding Time: 3hr
Day 8 – Kenting
Today is free to relax at the beach, snorkel, or take a hike through the National Park.
Day 9 – Tour Ends
This morning we'll transfer back to Kaohsiung where the tour ends on arrival. Kaohsiung has an international airport and is only 90 minutes from Taipei by high-speed-rail.