We’ll meet up early in Taipei for introductions before a beautiful train ride along the dramatic east coast to breathtaking Taroko Gorge which forges its way through the Central Mountain Range. Whether shrouded in mist or glowing in sunlight, this sheer marble gorge is a captivating sight. From the station, it’s a short but beautiful drive to our luxurious overnight lodgings, situated deep into the heart of the gorge. On arrival, we’ll check in and then have a bike fitting and take a short warm-up ride deeper into the gorge (part of the famous King of the Mountain route!)

We have an early start to make the exhilarating ride down through Taroko Gorge, stopping for a short but stunning hike along the aquamarine waters of Shakadang stream, a tributary of the main Liwu River. On pedalling out of the gorge, we’ll emerge onto the Pacific Coast, and avoiding the main highway we ride narrow lanes lined with banana palms and temples, taking beachside rest stops on our way south.

After lunch in Hualien and a visit to a traditional Taoist temple, we’ll move away from the city and into the picturesque but little visited East Rift Valley, a land of lush green rice paddies and small indigenous communities. We spend the night in a unique and boutique bed and breakfast with architecture that takes full advantage of the idyllic views. Dinner this evening is at a wonderful organic restaurant with a menu determined by the best and freshest local produce.

This morning we continue our journey down through the Rift Valley, with towering mountains on either side. We’ll stop for lunch at a community-run organic farm restaurant in an Amis village and have the chance to meet some of the friendly locals.

In the afternoon we’ll move on south through prime tropical fruit growing country to our lovely resort set amidst beautiful countryside where a refreshing pool and soothing hot springs await. There’s also the opportunity to visit the Tropic of Cancer Monument, the Saoba Monoliths (Taiwan’s version of Stone Henge), and for a cuppa amidst the tea farms of Wuhe.

Now officially in the tropics, we continue south through the ever-widening Rift Valley, to our overnight stop, which enjoys fabulous views. In the afternoon there’s the option of a hike into the foothills of the Central Mountain Range along the enchanting Walami Trail where sightings of monkeys, deer, Swinhoe’s Pheasant and eagles are commonplace, and Formosan bears are occasionally spotted!

This morning we pedal away from the Rift Valley, along a magical little road (often with more monkeys than cars) which cuts its way southeast through the low jungly hills of the Coastal Mountain Range. We’ll hit the coast at one of its most impressive stretches, often compared with Hawaii, and after some tasty local baozi (steamed buns) it’s only a short hop south to the laid-back surf settlement of Dulan.

As well as being a mecca for surfers, Dulan is also famous for a recent indigenous arts revival which encompasses music, painting and sculpture which can be seen in the warehouse galleries around the focal point of the village, the old Sugar Factory. In the evening we’ll meet for a traditional indigenous meal overlooking the ocean.

This morning we’ll rise early to enjoy a sunrise SUP ride in Donghe River Gorge. Paddling the emerald green waters to a backdrop of giant white boulders and lush tropical forest makes for a magical start to the day. The rest of the day is free to relax on the beach, hike, surf, visit some of the local sights or just read a book and rest!

As well as Taiwanese and indigenous cuisine, Dulan has a host of Western-oriented cafés and restaurants serving food from around the globe, including authentic French, Indian and Vietnamese cuisine. There is also sometimes live music at the Sugar Factory on Saturday nights. Soak up Taiwanese life as you rest your legs!

Today we’ll transfer by vehicle along the beautiful but busy coastal highway to Dawu where we’ll begin our epic final day’s ride with a long, gradual ascent into the hills of the Hengchun Peninsula, taking a brief rest stop at an ornate temple with great views before we reach the top. For those keen to preserve their legs for later in the day there is also the option to transfer this first hill section. From the top we bear off the main east-west route and cycle a lovely little road through remote jungle dotted with the odd indigenous village before bringing us back down to the coast.

The coastal stretch here is one of Taiwan’s finest, with the road running right alongside the ocean, passing windswept beaches and abandoned military bases before once again ascending into the jungle. The last leg of the ride takes us all the way to the island’s southernmost point, from where it’s just a short ride to Kenting, Taiwan's tropical playground. In the evening we’ll explore Kenting night market and head out for a final dinner to celebrate our incredible Taiwan ride.

This morning is free for you to further explore Kenting’s bounty of activities. A group transfer is available at noon back to Kaohsiung International Airport or the High-Speed-Rail Station. The tour ends on arrival in Kaohsiung. For those who want longer to explore this spectacular region please see our Kenting Explorer tour extension.