Price based on tours starting:

• 26 March 2027
• 14 May 2027
• 12 November 2027

Travel Seasons for This Itinerary:

Taiwan and South Korea are rewarding destination to visit year-round, with each season offering its own unique landscapes and experiences.

March – May

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit Taiwan and South Korea, with mild temperatures, blooming flowers and vibrant natural scenery. Cherry blossoms typically appear from late March to early April, transforming parks, palace grounds, city streets and mountain regions with spectacular displays of pink and white. Fresh greenery, colourful seasonal blooms and generally pleasant weather create ideal conditions for sightseeing, outdoor exploration and cultural discovery, with only occasional light rain showers refreshing the landscape.

October – November

November offers some of the most comfortable and scenic conditions across Taiwan and South Korea. Warm, sunny days in Taiwan combine with lower humidity, clear skies and gentle breezes, while South Korea’s mountains, parks and temples are adorned with brilliant shades of red, orange and gold. Crisp air, comfortable temperatures and stunning autumn foliage make this an exceptional time to explore vibrant cities, historic sites, scenic coastlines and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Please Note: Cherry blossom blooms and autumn foliage are natural seasonal events. Their timing and intensity vary each year depending on weather and climate conditions and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

Price based on departing from Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney

Extra charges apply for:

• Perth ($400pp)
• Adelaide ($400pp)

Pace and Fitness 

This is a moderately paced tour that showcases the highlights of both Taiwan and South Korea. Expect a mix of sightseeing, scenic drives, flights and high-speed train journeys, with some early starts and travel days between destinations. You’ll typically spend one to two nights in each location, allowing you to experience a variety of sightseeing opportunities. 

A moderate level of fitness is required. You must be able to move about unassisted, including boarding and disembarking vehicles and trains, navigating stairs and walking for extended periods over a variety of surfaces, including uneven pathways and gentle inclines. Coaches may not always be able to stop directly outside hotels or attractions, so short walks with your luggage may be required. This tour is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or specialised assistance. 

For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you must disclose any physical ailments at the time of booking. 

Transfers 

Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour only. Transfers are not included if you make your own arrangements arrive before the tour starts or extend your stay after it ends. Please note that transfers may operate at set times and may be provided on a shared or private basis using either private vehicles or public transport. 

Group Experience 

On a tour you will meet like-minded travellers and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 20 people and a maximum group size of approximately 36 people. If the tour does not operate due to minimum numbers, you will be offered a refund or an alternative date.

Tipping   

In Taiwan and South Korea, tipping is not part of everyday culture. However, within the travel industry it is a common way to show appreciation for the service provided by your tour leader and driver. While tipping is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. A suggested amount is the equivalent of AUD $5 per person, per day. 

Visa & Entry Requirements 

Taiwan: 

A visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting Taiwan for the purpose of short-term tourism; however, this policy is subject to change without notice. 

All foreigners entering Taiwan are required to complete the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) within 3 days before you arrive in Taiwan. The TWAC should be submitted online through the Ministry of the Interior National Immigration Agency website. Travellers who have not submitted a TWAC in advance may still be able to scan the QR code and submit the TWAC form on arrival. 

Full travel advice for Taiwan can be found on Smartraveller. 

South Korea: 

Currently a visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting South Korea for the purpose of short-term tourism, however, this policy is subject to change without notice. Passengers who are not travelling on an Australian passport must check with their respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents. 

Full travel advice for South Korea can be found on Smartraveller

• Taipei – United Hotel Taipei or similar 
• Taichung – KUN Hotel or similar 
• Sun Moon Lake – Fuli Hot Spring Resort or similar 
• Alishan – Alishan House or similar 
• Chiayi – Hsin Hotel Chiayi or similar 
• Kaohsiung – Chateau de Chine Hotel Kaohsiung or similar 
•  Seoul – Novotel Dongdaemoon or similar 
• Jeju Island – Jeju Sonobell or similar 
• Busan – Busan Wyndham Grand Hotel or similar 
• Gyeongju – Gyeongju Lahan or similar 

Accommodation note: 
While you will not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group. They may not all be centrally located, but your friendly guide will provide helpful advice in all locations you visit. Our accommodation is generally of a quality 4- and 5-star local rating. Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and a final hotel list will be provided on your final documentation sent no later than 30 days prior to departure. 

Early Check In – Hotel Day 1 

If you wish to access your hotel room upon arrival, Early Check In can be arranged for an extra cost of $300 AUD per room. This must be pre-booked 90 days prior to departure. Your complimentary group airport transfer is included for passengers arriving on day 1 of the tour 

Extra Accommodation 

Pre-tour accommodation in Taipei including breakfast and a private airport transfers can be pre-booked 90 days prior to departure. The price is from $400 per room and is subject to hotel availability. Please note a flight deviation fee may also apply should you be arriving outside of the group tour itinerary from day 1. 

Post-tour accommodation in Seoul including breakfast and a private airport transfers can be pre-booked 90 days prior to departure. The price is from $600 per room and is subject to hotel availability. Please note a flight deviation fee may also apply should you be departing outside of the group tour itinerary from day 20. 

A single supplement from $3,000*pp is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy. Single rooms can sometimes be smaller than twin/double rooms in Taiwan and South Korea. 

Exclusions 

Meals not stated, beverages, travel insurance (strongly recommended), personal expenses, tipping and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense. 

Payment 

A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months. 

Triple Share  

Triple share is not available. 

Child Policy  

This tour is best enjoyed by adult travellers and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children 12 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult. 

Price  

Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise. 

Change & Cancellation Fees 

Changes for any reason will incur a fee of $110 per person per change in addition to any travel service provider fees. Cancellation for any reason will incur a fee of $550 per person in addition to any travel service provider fees. Travel service provider fees for the tour and air components of the package are dependent on the date of the change or cancellation as follows: 

• 0-29 days before departure 100% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply 
• 30-60 days before departure 65% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply 
• 61-99 days before departure 50% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply 
• 100-180 days before departure 30% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply 
• 181+ days before departure 10% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply 

Airfares are generally non-refundable but any refundable ticket taxes will be returned. Full details of the change and cancellation fees is outlined in the Terms & Conditions available on our website. 

Deviation 

Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing. 

Tipping   

In Taiwan and South Korea, tipping is not part of everyday culture. However, within the travel industry it is a common way to show appreciation for the service provided by your tour leader and driver. While tipping is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended. A suggested amount is the equivalent of AUD $5 per person, per day. 

Health 

It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19, and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise, and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing, and quarantine costs are the responsibility of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended. Tap water in Taiwan may not be safe to drink. Drink only bottled water with intact seals. 

Full travel advice for Taiwan can be found on Smartraveller   

Full travel advice for South Korea can be found on Smartraveller   

Money 

The currency in Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). ATMs are widely available in major Taiwan cities. They accept major credit cards including at international hotels and restaurants. In some smaller cities, using international cards will be limited and local currency is suggested. 

The currency in South Korea is the South Korean Won (KRW). We recommend travelling with a combination of cash (South Korean Won) and card, and exchanging some cash before departing Australia, as you may not always have time to do this while on tour. Please notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks.  

Baggage 

Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. An additional light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. All porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings. 

In both countries, the high-speed train has baggage restrictions, so you may wish to pack a separate light bag or backpack containing essentials. In Taiwan, your luggage will be stored in the designated luggage racks located on the train and not easily accessible once the train is moving. In South Korea your luggage will be transferred separately by designated land transfer. 

Meals 

Breakfasts offered by accommodation providers are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. For meals not included, you will be taken to areas with options where possible. Please notify us at the time of booking any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your tour leader whilst on tour. 

Accommodation 

All accommodation featured in this itinerary is based on 4-5 star hotels. Please note most hotels in Taiwan are either self-rated or locally rated based on Taiwan and South Korean standards. All hotel rooms will feature either a twin room (two single beds) or a double room (one queen bed). All bedding requests cannot be guaranteed however all special requests should be made known at time of booking. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. All hotel rooms will be requested as non-smoking, however, please be aware that some hotels offer smoking rooms and smoking floors. Hotel names mentioned are indicative and subject to change based, with final group tour hotels being confirmed on your final documentation. The standard check-in time is from 3pm and check-out is prior to 10am. 

International Flights 

The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked approximately 8 to 10 months prior to departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline. 

Train Transportation 

All train transportation featured in the itinerary is based on 2nd class seating. Due to factors outside of our control, such as operational changes, last-minute track maintenance, or unfavourable weather conditions, train travel may be substituted to maintain the continuity of the itinerary while prioritising the safety of all passengers. 

Fuel 

In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer. 

Itinerary 

The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19, or other factors beyond our control, including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control, such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing, and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment, and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’, or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense. 

Breakaway 

Customers must always remain with the tour group and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure. 

Documentation  

Final documentation will be emailed within 30 days prior to departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within 30 days prior to departure of each respective tour. 

Travel Insurance  

Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options. 

Force Majeure  

Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In the case of force majeure or other extraordinary events that prevent safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone, or cancel the trip.