Best of Taipei
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Port
Keelung (Taipei), Taiwan
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$159.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Take in Taiwan’s incredible history with this visit to some of Taipei’s most extraordinary sights.
Your journey commences with a relaxing drive from Keelung City, Taiwan’s second-largest port, to the slopes of Qing Mountain. Here, you will visit the Martyrs’ Shrine -- a stately monument constructed in 1969 to honor the 330,000 brave men who sacrificed their lives in key battles. With a style reminiscent of Beijing’s Taihe Dian Imperial Palace, this stunning shrine is surrounded by more than eight acres of grass and features a bright red main gate guarded by white-uniformed officers.
Back on the road, head through the bustling city of Taipei. Explore the Lungshan Temple, built during the Ching dynasty and devoted to worshipping the Goddess of Mercy. Marvel at the temple’s beautifully-crafted wooden doors, stone and bronze beams, and dragon-shaped poles.
Enjoy a feast for the senses at the stately Grand Hotel, built in 1952 in the decadent style of classic Chinese architecture. Ronald Reagan and Dwight D. Eisenhower both stayed here. Today, it’s your turn to relax and savor the lunch buffet of more than 100 dishes that combine Chinese, Western, and Japanese delicacies to tempt your taste buds. An open-style kitchen allows diners to enjoy fresh and diverse foods and appreciate the skill of the chef at the same time.
At the National Palace Museum, take in one of the world’s largest collections of ancient Chinese objects and art. Spanning more than 8,000 years, the impressive collection includes bronze, paintings, jade, ceramics, and precious objects amassed by emperors from the Sung, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
Next, head to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall -- a regal monument paying tribute to the former President. With its brilliant blue glazed-tile roof, gold apex, white marble and natural red cypress ceiling, the shrine is designed to convey sacredness, solemnity, hospitality and peace. Inside, discover valuable artifacts related to the late president’s life, including photographs, cars and historical documents.
You will stop at Taipei 101 for photos before returning to the ship.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes.