In April 2024, we received an inquiry from a truly special guest: Mr. M, a 70-year-old gentleman from Israel. He was seeking a customized ten-day itinerary in Taiwan, a place where he could momentarily step away from his demanding routine and find quietude and relaxation. We learned that Mr. M is not only a respected psychologist but also a dedicated Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) volunteer, whose professional calling has taken him to over 50 countries globally. Deeply impressed by his spirit of service, we felt honored that he chose Taiwan as his much-needed retreat, and we meticulously planned a profound, soul-soothing journey through the best of Western Taiwan.
🏞️ Classic Calm: Tranquil Moments in Northern Taiwan
Our journey began with a three-day focus on Northern Taiwan, emphasizing classic cultural sites and natural landscapes to find tranquility.
Jiufen: The Classic Golden Route
Mr. M began by exploring the magnificent, sculpted rock formations at Yehliu Geopark, before soaking up the historical charm of Jiufen Old Street. He then chased the majestic cascades of Shifen Waterfall, and concluded his northern journey at Shifen Old Street by writing his wishes on a classic sky lantern and releasing it to the heavens.
Yangmingshan – Nature's Splendor and Local Charm
Mr. M’s day was packed with contrasting beauty, starting with a relaxing ramble across the Qingtiangang grasslands and viewing the unique fumaroles at Xiaoyoukeng. Lunch was a fresh, local wild vegetable meal at Zhuzihu. The afternoon offered a taste of history and local snacks at Tamsui Old Street, before he ended his day with a soothing thermal soak at Beitou Hot Springs—the perfect mind-body reset.
🌄 Scenery and Culture: A Central Taiwan Feast for the Senses
For the next four days, we led Mr. M into the heart of Taiwan, to experience its most famous lakes and mountains.
Taichung: Urban Charm Meets Relaxed Vibe
Enjoy the flowers at either Chungshe Flower Market or Lavender Cottage, and soak up the stately atmosphere at Xinshe Castle. Then, in the afternoon, grab some ice cream at Miyahara (Gongyuan Eye Clinic), and finish the day by watching the sunset at Gaomei Wetland or enjoying snacks at Fengjia Night Market!
Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan's Largest Lake, A Haven of Tranquility
A trip to Central Taiwan must include Sun Moon Lake. We guided Mr. M through tasting the unique local Black Tea and sampling aboriginal snacks at Ita Thao. He enjoyed a relaxing boat cruise across the beautiful lake and visited the majestic Wenwu Temple. The day concluded with a coffee break at the architecturally stunning Xiangshan Visitor Center, providing a moment of rest and reflection.
💖 Warmth and Heritage: A Deep Dive into Southern Taiwanese Culture
To enrich his round-the-island experience, we dedicated three days to the vibrant and hospitable South, exploring the region's unique charm and cultural depth.
Kaohsiung: Harbor Views and Historical Echoes
In Kaohsiung, Mr. M was fully engaged, starting with the art scene at Pier-2 Art Center and the trendy shops at KW2. He then stepped into history at the Former British Consulate at Takao. A ferry took him to Cijin Island to explore the old street and fort. The perfect day ended watching the spectacular sunset over Sizihwan.
Tainan: Gourmet Delights and Cultural Strolls
For Tainan's charm, Mr. M rode a raft through the Sicao Green Tunnel, known as the 'Taiwanese Amazon.' He explored historical forts like the Eternal Golden Castle and Fort Zeelandia, tasted local snacks on Anping Old Street, and finished with a relaxing walk through the Blueprint Culture & Creative Park.
We hold immense respect for Mr. M, whose life is dedicated to humanitarian aid, and we are sincerely grateful he chose Taiwan for his precious time off.
After the trip, Mr. M enthusiastically shared that he was "truly happy" during his ten days. He cherished all the wonderful things he experienced—the diverse culture, the unique food, and the heart-warming people—returning home with his mind and soul fully recharged.
Dear Mr. M, thank you for your kind words and appreciation. We sincerely hope to have the pleasure of saying "until we meet again," and that Taiwan will once more become your warm haven for seeking peace.
RTR Customized Travel: Unique Itineraries
For us, the work of travel planning goes far beyond simply stringing together tourist attractions. Our goal is to start with the traveler's specific desires and expectations.
The philosophy behind RTR's customization service is rooted in understanding the traveler's preferences and the composition of their group. Based on this foundation, we then integrate our authentic local recommendations to craft truly unique and unforgettable itineraries.
Crucially, we maintain a high degree of flexibility, ensuring that travelers have ample freedom to make spontaneous discoveries and enjoy their time in Taiwan with genuine ease and personalization.
Contact US: service@roundtaiwanround.com
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