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Itinerary
for Taipei Flora Expo Tour March 2011 |
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Included meals are indicated as B =
Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner |
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| 18.03.11 |
Depart Brisbane at 11.15pm on CI 54,
arriving in Taipei at 6.00am the next morning.
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19.03.11
(B) |
On arrival the
Brisbane Passengers will be met and transferred to their Taipei City
Hotel (Gala Hotel or equivalent). The rest of the day is at leisure.
Sydney passengers depart Sydney at 10.00pm on CI 52, arriving in Taipei
at 5.00am the next morning. |
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20.03.11
(D) |
Taipei
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. At 8.00am
you will be picked up from your hotel to visit Taipei City's must see
places. Sightseeing for today are: Presidential Building (pass by),
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and National Palace Museum (has the
world's largest Chinese art and painting collection), Martyrs' Shrine,
Chinese Temple then the Taiwanese handicraft centre where you can see
and purchase some Taiwanese souvenirs. You will then be transferred
back to your hotel for check in. The afternoon is free to explore this
city.
In the evening at approximately 6.30pm your guide will take you
to explore the night life of Taipei. Firstly you will have dinner at a
local restaurant, then visit the most colourful night market in Taiwan
"Hwahsi Night Market" (aka Snake Valley).
Finally you will be taken to
see the world's 2nd tallest building in the world "Taipei 101".
Accommodation: Gala Hotel. |
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21.03.11
(B) |
Taipei - Sun Moon Lake - Puli - Taichung
After breakfast you will depart for your around Taiwan Tour, where you
will drive to Sun Moon Lake which is located in the middle of Taiwan
and situated 762 meters above sea level in the lofty mountains of
central Taiwan. You will stop at the famous Wenwu Temple and Literature
Warrior Temple dedicated to Confucius as Master of Pen and to Kuan Ti
as Master of Sword, Holy Monk Shrine and Peacock Garden. After touring
around the Sun Moon Lake you will proceed to the hotel for check in.
The hotel is Fleur De Chine, the newest built in 2009, a deluxe 5 star
hotel at Sun Moon Lake, which is the only hotel in the area that has
the unique detox hot spring and spa facility inside the hotel.
Accommodation: Fleur De Chine Hotel. |
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22.03.11
(B) |
Taichung - Tainan - Kaohsiung
After breakfast you will drive to Tainan City, the ancient capital of
Taiwan, situated on the southwestern coastal plains of the island and
enjoys a warm climate all year round. It is the island's oldest and now
fourth largest city. Tainan is rich in historical sites and cultural
heritage. You will visit Koxinga Shrine, Chikkan Lou and Chimei Museum.
After Tainan you will continue to Kaohsiung City which is the second
largest city in Taiwan. The tour will take you to the romantic Love
River and famous Lio Ho Night Market.
You will check in to your hotel, Kaohsiung's Garden Villa the 5 star
hotel where the Dali Lama
stayed during his visit in Taiwan in 2009.
Accommodation: Garden Villa Hotel. |
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23.03.11
(B) |
Kaohsiung - Kenting - Taitung
Today the highlight for many who visit Taiwan is to visit the Kenting
National Park, undoubtedly one of the most beautifully reserved natural
forest in Taiwan. It is located in south of Taiwan with popular beach
bordering on the tropical region of Taiwan where palm tree, banana
trees, sugar cane and surfing beach's are part of the scene. It's an
excellent place for a swim, surf and dive. Other sightseeings will be
visited today are the southern most tip of Taiwan, "Maopitou" (named
after the shape of cat-nose-like rock). The coast of coral reef is
worth a visit for land reforms which strongly affected by wave
erosions, efflorescence and salt-soaking. The natural landscape like
wave erosion caves, ditches and pillars are amazing, sea views here is
attractive and very enjoyable. The Oluanpi Light House will also be
visited. You then continue to Taitung via the scenic Southern Link
Highway.
You will check into your 5 star hotel where you can enjoy a
relaxing bath at the hotel's Spa and Hot Spring recreation area.
Accommodation: Naruwan Hotel. |
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24.03.11
(B) |
Taitung - East Coast National Scenic Area -
Hualien
After breakfast you will be on the exciting East Coast National Scenic
Tour. This area known as "Taiwan's Last Unspoiled Land" stretches 170
kilometers down the east coast of the island. Weathering, erosion and
accumulation have produced a wide range of landforms here. Your tour
will stop at Siaoyeliou, Sansientai, Stone Steps, Caves of the Eight
Immortals.
In the late afternoon, we will proceed to Hualien for your
overnight stay.
Accommodation: China Trust Hotel. |
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25.03.11
(B) |
Hulaien - Taroko Gorge - Taipei
This morning you depart for Taroko National Park. Taroko Gorge is an
exceptionally beautiful area of Taiwan. It is the 'Seven Wonder of
Asia', its narrow ravine created by the Liwu River which has cut deep
into the mountains of solid marble. A road carved into sheer walls of
rock rewinding its way past forested peaks and cliffs towering
thousands of feet above it, while hundreds of fee below a river roars
past gigantic marble boulders. Stops will be made at Eternal Spring
Shrine, Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, Marble Bridge, Tienshiang
and Marble Factory. We will then drive back to Taipei via Su-Hua
Highway and Hsuei-Shan Long Tunnel (12.9 kilometres) to arrive in
Taipei at around 7.00pm to check into your hotel.
You may use the the
night time to explore the vibrant Taipei city. Alternatively, visit the
Taipei International Flora Expo (closes at 10.00pm) at night time for
the special lighting effects spectacular.
Accommodation: Gala Hotel. |
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26.03.11
(B) |
Taipei International Flora EXPO
After breakfast at 8.30am you will be met and taken to the MRT for your
journey to Taipei International Flor Expo Site. The 2010 Taipei
International Flora Exposition is being held in the Yuanshan area in
Taipei City. The expo site is bound by Yuanshan Park, the Taipei Fine
Arts Park, Xinsheng Park and Da-jia Riverside Park. The site sits among
some of Taipei's most fantastic cultural and artistic spots, such as
the Zhongshan Soccer Stadium, Taipei children's Recreation Center,
Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taipei Story House and Lin-An-tai Historical
Home. The newly built exposition hall is a new and the completed expo
site will have 14 pavilions in total. The total are of 91.8 hectares
stands as a testament to healthy and sustainable living in this modern
metropolis.
YuanShan Park Area:
(a) Sea of Flowers: an area of 22,000 square meters will be filled with
potted flowers forming a spectacular floral sea.
(b) EXPO Orchard: about 6,000 square meters will be designated an
orchard, featuring fruit trees representative of Taiwan's natural
bounty.
(c) EXPO Dome: the Taipei Soccer Stadium will be the venue for the
indoor floral design competition. The stadium bleachers will be
decorated in a sea of rainbow coloured flowers.
(d) Pavilion of New Fashion: sponsored by the Far Eastern Group, the
pavilion will host floral-themed fashion shows and performances
featuring fashion trends and local creative design. The pavilion's
crystal walls will be built with recycled PET bottles. Powered in part
by solar and wind energy, the building will be not only fashionable but
also green.
(e) EXPO Theater: the three-dimensional theater at the Children's
Recreation Center will be showing a film titled "Face the Reality of
the Earth", produced to increase awareness of our ecological crisis.
(f) Pavilion of Culture: the traditional southern Fujian-style
architecture at the Children's Recreations Center is being updated to
display the evolution of flowers.
A canopy overhead features
traditional Chinese paper cuttings; the sunlit patterns are reflected
in the mirrors on the ground below.
(g) Celebrity's House: this renovated Japanese-style building will show
bonsai and flower arrangements. Celebrities will also be invited to
promote their favourite flowers.
Fine Arts Park Area
(a) Global Garden Area: an area of approximately 12,000 square meters,
divided into 35 exhibition areas, will feature exhibits by cities and
gardening organizations from around the world.
(b) Pavilion of Aroma of Flowers: a diversified shopping will feature
Expo souvenirs and a snack court. There is a D.I.Y center with a full
program of
activities that will provide visitors an opportunity to try their hand
at
various floral and related handicrafts. And light meals and drinks will
be available at on-site cafes, letting visitors enjoy the beauty of the
garden pond and International Gardens Area along with their
refreshments.
(c) EXPO Hall: With a theme of "Living Green, Living Life", the 1200
seat Expo Theater serves as the venue for various cultural and artistic
activities, including the Expo opening and closing ceremonies.
(d) Taipei Fine Arts Museum: a covered glass corridor will be
constructed between the north and south ends of the museum, lined by
souvenir shops, refreshment stands and lighted galleries exhibiting
works by well-known artists from Taiwan and abroad.
(e) Taipei Story House: the renovated Taipei Story House will exhibit
the lifestyle of the wealthy merchant class during the Japanese
colonial period, as well as host classes and workshops related to
the Expo. There will also be a restaurant on the site.
Xinsheng Park Area
(a) Pavilion of Future: built as an eco-friendly green building, this
pavilion showcases gardening technology as it applies to ecology,
energy conservation, waste reduction and health. It also displays the
newest varieties of flowers, giving visitors a glimpse of the future of
nature.
(b)Pavilion of Life: focused on the 'art of living', this pavilion
presents the many aspects of flowers using audiovisual and other
technologies.
(c) Pavilion of Dreams: with advanced information, interactive and
sensor technologies providing touch and voice controls, this pavilion
gives visitors a new way to experience the life cycle of flowers and
flight of butterflies.
(d) Pavilion of Regimen: the 'White Mansion', featuring the themes of
Healthy Living and Centennial Bonsai, will exhibit precious bonsais
more than a century old and Chinese medicinal herbs.
(e) Fujian Style Garden: show the Fujian garden style and all kinds of
precious and rare plants.
(f) Palace of Floral Teas: The Lin An-tai Historic House will showcase
southern Fujian-style gardens, where visitors can relax while enjoying
tea.
(g) Floral Tunnel: This walkway connecting Fine Arts Park and Xinsheng
Park is surrounded by a variety of flowers, trees and bamboo structures
that filter the rays of the sun into multiple visions of light and
shadow. Another such walkway connects Xinsheng Park and Dajia Riverside
Park.
(h) Flower Base under Trees Paths: colourful flower beds surround
wooded areas with beautiful patterns.
Dajia Riverside Park
Area
(a) Taiwan Flower Area: focusing on 'riverside leisure',
the Taiwan Flower Area features a variety of Taiwan's native plants and
flowers.
(b) Auqatic Stage: the shape and size of this stage can be adjusted to
accommodate activities with lighting effects as well as fireworks,
making outdoor performances spectacular.
(c) Sea of Flowers: the Sea of Flowers creates a magnificent view with
a wide, unbroken display of many coloured flowers in different patterns.
Accommodation: Gala Hotel. |
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27.03.11
(B) |
Taipei - Hong Kong
After breakfast you will have leisure time to explore the vibrant city
of Taipei. Taipei is a shopaholic's haven. You can find all sorts of
bargain to all the world famous brands at one shopping district.
You will be met and transferred to Taipei Airport, departing at 1.50pm
on CI 679, arriving in Hong Kong at 3.35pm.
Transfer to the 4 star
Kowloon Hotel. |
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28.03.11
(B/L) |
Hong Kong - Macau
Today you will have a full day excursion to the former Portuguese
colony, Macau, which used to be the oldest European settlement in the
Orient. The enclave was reunited with China as a Special Administrative
Region in December 1999.
A sixty minute Jetfoil or Catamaran journey brings you to the Monte
Carlo of the Far East. The city sightseeing begins with a drive along
Guia Circuit where the Macau Grand Prix is held annually. A stop at
the Statue of Kum Lam. This statue is dedicated to Kum Lam, the
Goddess of Mercy with a 20 meters high bronze figure, emerging Virgin
Mary-like from a 7 meter high lotus in the outer harbour.
You then
proceed to the Macau Tower, designed by Mr Gordon Moller, a New Zealand
architect. It is 338 meters high and ranked the 11th highest in the
world (an optional visit to the observation deck for a panoramic view
of the city can be arranged).
You will then visit A-Ma Temple, a graceful chapel built in 1488,
dedicated to the Goddess of seafarers and fishermen Matsu. This temple
is being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. You then
visit the St Paul's Ruins, a grand imposing facade which is the ruins
of an early 16th century church designed by Italians and built by
Japanese Christian exiles. A walking tour from St Paul's way down to
the city centre, past furniture shops and clothing factory outlets (for
some shopping if time permits). This square is a pedestrian zone, being
inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Try your luck at the
gambling tables of the world famous casino in Macau before leaving the
city in the late afternoon.
Arrive back in Hong Kong at approximately
6.30pm and then transfer to your hotel.
NB: You will need to
take your passport for today's program. Visitors wearing shorts will
not
be allowed to enter the Casino.
Accommodation: 4 star Kowloon Hotel. |
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29.03.11
(B) |
Hong Kong
Today you have a half day Hong Kong Island Tour, including one way Peak
Tram and a 20 minutes Sampan Ride.
Victoria Peak - overlooking the west of Hong Kong Island, is the
highest peak on this island. It is the most enduring tourist attraction
in Hong Kong, with the city's oldest transport, the 120 year old Peak
Tram and Hong Kong's icon and most unusual building, Peak Tower. The
peak rises 1,805 feet above sea level. In the early colonial rule,
Victoria Peak was accessible only to Hong Kong's high society while the
common could visit the peak by permit from the colony's governor.
Today, Victoria Peak is a world renowned scenic spot. By ascending the
peak you come to experience the dazzling panorama of Hong Kong Island,
the harbour, Kowloon Peninsula the the hills beyond. Moreover, the peak
offers visitors fantastic entertainment, dining and shopping options.
You find a wide selection of restaurants and boutiques selling
souvenirs, clothes and gifts in the Peak Galleria and the Peak Tower.
Stanley Market - Stanley, a coastal village on the southern side of
Hong Kong Island, is a must go place for most visitors to Hong Kong.
Stanley used to be a small fishing village but in recent years, a
series
of restaurants and pubs have been established here, now this village is
bustling with throngs of people. Stanley Market is located just up the
road from the harbour and is the highlight of Stanley. Over the years
it's become known for its bargains, which includes silk garments,
sportswear, art, Chinese costumes, souvenirs, ornaments and a host of
fantastic crafts. It is one of the famous open-air markets in Hong
Kong. Strolling in this street and bargaining with the shrewd vendors
is something most travelers find amusing to try. Even if you are not
interested in the bargains, the market with its beautiful scenery
nearby is worth visiting.
Aberdeen - On one of the southern tips of Hong Kong Island, Aberdeen is
the largest satellite town with a population of about sixty thousand.
It was a pirate's den two centuries ago and later turned into a simple
fishing village. In recent years with local high-rise building
developments, Aberdeen has been modernised and now it becomes a vibrant
waterfront resort for people from metropolitan Hong Kong. Despite
modernization, traditional fishing life still prevails. Hundreds of
junks and sampans, old fashioned boats serve as floating homes for
thousands of people. They crowd in the narrow harbour, dramatically
juxtaposed against a modern high-rise building that spreads up the
nearby hillsides.
Afterwards a short visit to a prestigious jewellery factory, where
meticulous craftsmen fashion works of art from gold and gems.
Accommodation: 4 star Kowloon Hotel. |
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30.03.11
(B) |
Hong Kong - Taipei - Sydney
After breakfast you will have a half day Cultural Heritage
Tour. This will give you a perfect opportunity to explore the treasures
of territories unique past and traditions which distinguish between the
religions that shaped the local people's culture and customs across
ancient archaeological sites, traditional Chinese structures, temples
to different clans ancestral hall around the cultural side of New
Territories, which occupies 980 square km or 91% of Hong Kong's land
area.
The tour begins from an impressive Buddhist Monastery (Chuk Lam
Shim Yuen), housing the three largest "Precious Buddha" statues in Hong
Kong. The complex includes many features of traditional Chinese
architecture and is surrounded by a beautiful plantation of bamboo
trees. You will also visit the new five hundred Lohans Hall which took
12 years to build and cost eighty million dollars.
Heading up to the highest mountain in Hong Kong, Tai Mo Shan (Big
Hat
Mountain) country park, a stop at Route Twisk Look Out Point, you will
have a panoramic view of Lam Chuen Valley, Shek Kong Airport and Camps
and see the nearby cities in China. Our next stop will take you to
Fanling, Luen Wu Market, one of the biggest indoor food market in the
territories where you can experience the life of local people having
their
meal in food courts, buying their fresh meat, vegetables, fruits,
salted fish, dry foods, herbs, joss stick, ingots, Chinese wedding
party's accessories in a paper offering store. Then visit to the Lung
Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail - Tang Chun Ling Ancestral Hall. The Hall is
one of the largest ancestral halls in Hong Kong and was built in 1525
in honour of the founding ancestor, Tan Chung Ling (1302-1387). The
building is exquisitely decorated with fine wood carvings, polychrome
plaster mouldings and murals of auspicious motifs fully reflecting the
superb craftsmanship of the old days.
After that go to the Tin Hau Temple (Goddess of the Sea) which is
situated between Ancestral Hall and Lo Wai. The date of construction is
not known, however according to village elders, the temple was
constructed earlier than Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall. It underwent
full restoration in 1913 and 1918 respectively.
Next to the ancestral hall is Lo Wai (Old Wall Village), which is the
first and one of the five renowned walled villages in Lung Yeuk Tau,
Fanling was established by the Tang clan whose ancestors branched out
from in Kam Tin in the 13th century. It was declared as a monument in
1997.
Bonus: Home visit where you are invited to one of the oldest
brick house inside the old wall village which was built in 17th
century.
Brisbane passengers will be transferred to their hotel for their
overnight stay.
Sydney passengers will be transferred to Hong Kong Airport, departing
at 8.05pm on CI 642, arriving in Taipei at 9.45pm.
Depart Taipei at 11.55pm on CI 51, arriving in Sydney at 12.05pm
(31.03.11).
Accommodation: 4 star Kowloon Hotel. |
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31.03.11
(B) |
Hong Kong - Taipei - Brisbane
Brisbane passengers have a free morning in Hong Kong. Transfer to Hong
Kong Airport departing at 8.05pm on CI 642, arriving in Taipei at
9.45pm.
Depart Taipei at 11.50pm on CI 53, arriving in Brisbane at 10.35am
(01.04.11) |