Nexus Holidays - Taste of Asia 17 Days Tours

Day 1: Canada - Taipei

Board an overnight connecting flight via an intermediate city to Taipei.

Day 2: Taipei

Upon arrival in Taipei, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Standard hotel check in time is 3pm.

Day 3: Taipei (B, D)

Today’s highlight is a visit to the Presidential Building and Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. Explore the National Palace Museum which has the world’s largest Chinese art and painting collection, and then proceed to the traditional Martyrs’ Shrine. Continue on to a traditional localChinese Temple, and then on to a Taiwanese Handicraft Centre, where you can purchase Taiwanese souvenirs. This afternoon, visit Danshui – a laid back waterfront town on the northern part of Taipei city. One of the main settlements for the Spanish in the 1600s, and settled by the Japanese during World War II, this is a town filled with history and unique 1900s architecture and infrastructure. Enjoy lunch today at Danshui Old Street, where you can feast on many famous Taiwanese snacks. In the evening, explore the bustling night life of Taipei. Have a traditional Taiwanese Local Dinner before visiting the oldest temple in Taiwan – Longshan Temple. Proceed to the most colourful night market in Taiwan – Huahsi Night Market and experience soaring heights at the world’s second tallest building – Taipei 101 (at your own expense – from CAD$25.

Day 4: Taipei - Sun Moon Lake (B)

This morning travel to Sun Moon Lake, situated 762 meters above sea level in the lofty mountains of central Taiwan. Cruise across the lake and take in the view of Xuanguang Temple & Lalu Island, as you relax on the lake’s tranquil waters. Then, take Sun Moon Lake Ropeway to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village and observe Taiwan’s traditional indigenous lifestyles and traditions. After a dinner of Taiwanese-style roasted chicken, check in to the hotel.

Day 5: Sun Moon Lake - Fo Guang Shan - Kaohsiung (B)

After breakfast, we will head to an Oolong Tea Farm before continuing south towards Kaohsiung and Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Centre (BMC). Completed in 2011, BMC has enshrined a relic of the Buddha, gifted by Tibetan Lama Kunga Dorje Rinpoche, since the beginning of contraction in 2001. We will be spending most of our day at this place to enjoy the serene atmosphere and explore the entire area at our leisure. Then, learn how to make Pineapple Tarts at the popular Vigor Pineapple Factory. Later we will be enter Kaohsiung City and explore Pier 2 Art Central, where 25 former warehouses have been converted into a thriving arts precinct. After dinner (Taiwanese Shabu Shabu hotpot), explore one of Kaohsiung’s bustling night markets.

Day 6: Kaohsiung - Kenting - Taitung (B, D)

The highlight today is a visit to Kenting National Park, Taiwan’s first nationally recognised park and undoubtedly one of the most spectacular landscapes you will see. Be awestruck by the vastness of the natural reserve and stand on the southernmost tip of the island at Maopitouand Longpan Park, also known as ‘The Light of East Asia’ as its lighthouse is one of the most powerful along the Taiwan coast. This afternoon, head to Kenting Main Street in the heart of Kenting, an area bustling with locals, tourists and vendors. Spend lunch time discovering the numerous stalls and restaurants offering a variety of local snacks and cuisines. Travel up the scenic Southern Link Highway to Taitung Country, ending the day with dinner at the hotel.

Day 7: Taitung - Taroko - Hualien (B, L, D)

The highlight today is a visit the East Coast National Scenic Area, known as ‘Taiwan’s last unspoiled land’, stretching 170 kilometres down the east coast of Taiwan. Weathering and erosion have produced a wide range of breathtaking landforms here which can only be appreciated first-hand. Stop at Siao-ye-liou (‘little wild willow’ geological formations), San-sien-tai (Three Immortals Island), Shi-ti-ping (Stone Steps) and take in the spectacular views. Proceed to Hualien, to Taroko National Park. Encompassing Taroko Gorge, Swallow Grotto, and Shakadong Trail, the park covers over 120,000 hectares and rises from sea level in the east to heights of over 3700m further west. The aquamarine Liwu River cuts through the centre, forging deep slit valleys before joining the sea.

Day 8: Hualien - Taipei (B, L)

Today, visit a Marble Factory on the return trip to Taipei. Depending on the size of the group, visit local scenic towns Yilan or Shifen. These towns are both rich in culture and local history, and provide a nice glimpse of Taiwan’s beautiful natural scenery. Later, visit Taipei 101(admission fee at your own expense, payable to the guide). Experience soaring heights and impressive views at the tallest building in Taiwan, and the 6th highest in the world. Taipei 101 was the first building to exceed 500m in height and has a unique design that mimics the shape of bamboo. Dinner will be hotpot (or similar, depending on availability).

Day 9: Taipei - Saigon (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Saigon, Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Check in and free at leisure or explore the local life in the old town.

Day 10 Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) - Mekong Delta - Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) (B,L,D)

You will be picked up from your hotel, then travel by road from Saigon to My Tho.Cruising a boat trip along Mekong river and around fishing village and 1 in 4 islands of Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix for sight-seeing.Crossing Mekong river, keeping on taking a boat trip along a small canal, named Vam Xep to see daily life of local inhabitants in Ben Tre province (called coconut village), visiting Quoi An tourist spot for bee farm and handicraft workshop to enjoy some honey-tea and see how people make things from coconut wood.Taking horse-carts along country road to visit fruit orchards, enjoy seasonal tropical fruits and listen to traditional music by local inhabitants.Taking small sampans along small canal, named Vam Chua to come back the big boat, leaving boat for coconut candy workshop and tasting this speciality in coconut village.Coming back My Tho by boat. Then gets transfer back to Saigon. In the evening, enjoy the dinner on Indochina Junk on Saigon river.

Day 11 Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) (B,L)

This morning enjoy a city tour including Re-unification, Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall, Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market.This afternoon is free at leisure or you can take an optional tour. Travel 70km northwest of Saigon to the town of Cu Chi and explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most famous battlegrounds of the Vietnam War. The secret tunnel system is 200 km long deep inside the earth, and was used for hiding in during combat, also serving as communication and supply routes during the Vietnam War.

Day 12 Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) - Fly to Hanoi (B)

Free morning to explore till its time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and feel free to explore the surround area on your own.

Day 13 Hanoi- Hoa Lu-Hanoi (B,L,D)

After breakfast, depart from your hotel to the site of Vietnam’s rst capital, Hoa Lu. Along the way, you can take photographs of local villages and the surrounding landscape. On arrival in Hoa Lu – the ancient capital of Vietnam in 10th and 11th century, visit two temples, one of them dedicated to Emperor Dinh (968-980) and the other in memory of Emperor Le (980-1009). Continue to Tam Coc Town for a Vietnamese lunch; then board your private sampan boat on Ngo Dong river through “the Ha Long on land” the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice elds surrounded by limestone formations to visit three grottoes of Tam Coc (Hang Ca, Hang Giua & Hang Cuoi). Then enjoy a short biking tour Bich Dong before returning to Hanoi.

Day 14 Hanoi (B,L,D)

Enjoy a city tour of Hanoi's most famous sites including Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (outside view), the Presidential Palace and Ho's still house, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. This afternoon, enjoy a cycle ride around the Old Quarter to discover the lifestyle of locals. In the late afternoon, you may enjoy a optional Water Puppet Show, a traditional form of Vietnamese folk art, before tonight's welcome dinner

Day 15 Hanoi - Halong Bay (B,L,D)

Standard package: Travel to Halong Bay, 180km from Hanoi (it takes approximately 3.5 hours). Stop enroute at the ceramic and hand embroidery workshops which have ready to wear silk clothes in a range of sizes for the more traditionally built tourists. Get on board the cruise in Halong Bay (4 hours), a world heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 1994. Visit some magical grottoes and relax in the best scenic beauty of Vietnam. Seafood Lunch served on board. Transfer back to hotel in Halong city. Check in and free at leisure.

Premium package: Travel to Halong Bay and take a boat trip to explore one of the world's great natural wonders cruising the thousands of limestone islands filled with caves of all shapes and sizes. The sails of junks and sampans gliding along the clear and emerald waters of the bay form a magnificent picturesque scene that blends with the sky. You also get a chance to visit some of the hidden grottoes beneath the towering cliffs. A seafood lunch and dinner will be served on board the charming junk. Stay overnight on board.

Day 16 Halong Bay - Hanoi (B)

Standard package: Free and easy until transfer back to Hanoi. Check in hotel and free at leisure. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or join an optional “Food Tour" to sample tasty local delicacies

Premium package: Enjoy the aquamarine waters of the bay at its best as the junk continues to cruise quietly through spectacular limestone formations. Disembark from the junk at noon and return to Hanoi. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or join an optional “Food Tour” to sample tasty local delicacies ($65).

Day 17 Hanoi-Fly to Canada (B)

After breakfast, transfer to airport for departure flight back home.

Package Inclusions:

Economy class international airfares, taxes and fuel surcharges departing Vancouver.
All other Canadian Departure cities subject to additional add-on.
15 nights hotel accommodation (twin/double occupancy)
Daily meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Coach transportation
Round trip airport and hotel transfers
Entrance fees to scenic attractions
English speaking tour guide(s) service

Package Exclusions:

Tipping and gratuities prepaid in Canada: $160 USD/$210 CAD
Optional programs are extra
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Personal expenditure and anything not stated

Departure Dates		Price (double occupancy)CAD P,P International flight included
2020/02/06	2020/02/22	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/03/05	2020/03/21	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/04/02	2020/04/18	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/04/30	2020/05/16	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/09/03	2020/09/19	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/10/15	2020/10/31	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/11/12	2020/11/28	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/11/19	2020/12/05	N/A	CAD$3699
Single Supplements	+CAD$999

General Check List

Passport with at more than 6 months validity.
Leave copies of your passport identification page, itinerary and insurance policy with friends or family.
For Canadian passport holder, you may stay at the following country visa free: South Korea (up to 90 Days),Taiwan(up to 90 Days) and Japan (up to 90 Days).
Arrange for health and travel insurance.
Anticipate financial needs: local currency, US Dollars or Canadian Dollars (approx $400.00 USD or CAD)
Take care of health needs: vaccinations, prescriptions, medical certificates, supplies, extra eyeglasses.
If travelling with children, carry documentation proving your right to accompany them (consent letter, court order).
Register on-line with a Canadian government office abroad.
Prepare for your flight by carefully attending to luggage, documentation and airport security.
While abroad, keep receipts for purchases and make special arrangements for food, plants and animals brought back to Canada. Please check with Canadian Border service Agency for what is permitted to bring into Canada.

Check List for Travel Documents

Canada domestic and international airline tickets: you need to bring an E-Ticket Confirmation letter sent to you from Airlines or our agents.
Intra Asia Flight: Please get noted that most of Intra Asia Flight will be issued by our local offices and given to you by our local tour guides when they meet you in Seoul, Osaka, and Tokyo. If they are issued in Canada, your agent should have given them to you along with your international air tickets and other tour documents. It is your responsibilities to make sure you have all tickets for Intra-Asia connections if you are travelling to more than one country. Please always feel free to consult with us if you are not sure about that.
Finalized Tour Itinerary with detailed Hotel Information and Emergency Contact Information of our local offices.
Passport with a visa issued on it if a visa is required for the country you are going to visit. You may need more than one visa if you are traveling to more than one country.
Hotel Vouchers (if applicable). If you have any side trip and have booked extra hotel rooms, please make sure you do not forget the hotel vouchers. You don’t need separate hotel vouchers if you travel with our group.
Nexus Holidays Badges and Nexus Holidays Luggage Tag. Any other service labels provided by our local partners.
Travel Insurance Certificate (if applicable).

Air Flights

Contact Airline concerned prior to leaving for the airport to confirm flight number and any possible schedule changes. Connecting passengers should verify, at the time of check-in, that luggage can be checked through to their North East Asia destination. For transpacific flights, you must check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Nexus Holidays is not responsible for any missed connections and penalties/loss as a result. Note:
★ For transpacific flight, you must check-in three (3) hours prior to departure. For Domestic flight, you must check-in two (2) hours prior to departure. Please allocate enough time to clear through Airport security.
Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
If you miss you transpacific flights to North East Asia, or your flights are delayed, please contact your travel agent at the first time in order for us to inform our local offices and local partners right away.
If you would like to get an aisle seat or a window seat, we would be very happy to assist you by calling the airline. However, such seats cannot be guaranteed. You can also call your travel agent or call the airline directly to report your frequent flyer numbers. You will also have a chance to report it at airport check-in counter. If you would like to request a specific seat because of a medical condition, or a specific seat on Exit Row or Bulk Head seat, you should call the airline directly after your international tickets have been issued.

Electricity

The electrical current is 220V in Korea, 100V in Japan and Taiwan. Plugs and Outlets come in a variety of shapes. You are advised to bring along adapters and converters for your U.S. purchased appliances. Clients can borrow adapters and converters from Housekeeping at most hotels. Hair dryer and iron are readily available. Simply contact hotel housekeeping when you need them.

Temperatureback to top >

Japan weather throughout the four main islands that make up Japan is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons. The weather can get very hot during the summer months. June, July and August are hot and humid and after June the country experiences its wettest months. In the south winters are cool but sunny, but as one move further north temperatures drop and snow falls. The island of Hokkaido in the far north of Japan is bitterly cold in the winter, with snow guaranteed.

Tokyo has four distinct seasons, similar to New York. The summer months (June, July and August) are hot and sticky while winter can be freezing. Tokyo is best visited in spring or autumn.

Korea The climate in Korea is temperate with four very distinct seasons. Summers are very hot and humid, while in winter temperatures plummet to below freezing. Autumn and spring are the most comfortable seasons to visit South Korea. Most of the rain falls in summer during a monsoon season known as 'jangma'.

Seoul is classed as having a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but temperature differences between the hottest part of summer and the depths of winter are extreme. In summer the influence of the North Pacific high-pressure system brings hot, humid weather with temperatures soaring as high as 95°F (35°C) on occasion. In winter the city is topographically influenced by expanding Siberian high-pressure zones and prevailing west winds, temperatures dropping as low as 7°F (-13.7°C). The bitterly cold days tend to come in three-day cycles regulated by rising and falling pressure systems, however, bringing some relief. The most pleasant seasons in the city are spring and autumn, when azure blue skies and comfortable temperatures are a sure bet. The city experiences heavy rainfall, but most of it falls in the summer monsoon period between June and September.

Gratuities

Unless noted, Gratuities are usually not included in your tour cost. They are customary, and their purpose is to encourage and reward quality service. Our tour guides, drivers, hotel porters do their utmost to make the trip smooth and pleasant. Gratuities are a way of showing your appreciation and also constitute a large part of their monthly income.

The following gratuity guideline is introduced solely for the convenience of our group travelers (10 or more people in a group): Canadian 10 dollars per passenger per day (Includes National tour guide, Local Guide, Coach Driver and Porters).
Included Meals: gratuities are not expected
Outside Dining: service charge is included

Medical/Vaccinations

If you take prescription medication, be sure to bring enough to last the entire trip. Always carry medications in the original prescription container when traveling. Keep the medications with you and do not pack them in checked baggage.

Long-term travel overseas might cause tourists to develop stomach upset; a change in water, food, sleep habits and/or climate may all cause discomfort. Bring anti-diarrhea medications such as Imodium and Lomotil just in case.

Vaccinations are not mandatory for travel to with the exception of anyone traveling from or via an infected area.

For the latest overseas travel health information, please contact Foreign Affairs Canada by visiting their website for more information.

Water

Tap water is considered safe to drink in Japan and Korea. Bottled purified water and soft drinks are easily obtained at reasonable prices either in hotel or in grocery markets. Nexus Holidays provides one bottle of pure water for free to each group travelers every day. You will also find that your hotels offer boiled water to your room daily; with this boiled water you can safely make your own tea or drink directly. This is the similar case while you travel to other Southeast Asia countries.

Meals

Most of meals are included per itinerary. Breakfasts included on your tour are familiar American Breakfasts to give you a good start to the day. Lunches and Dinners are usually served in set menu family style and feature a variety of regional specialties. One beverage of your choice (beer, pure or mineral water and soda) is included per person per meal at no additional charge; Tea is usually complimentary.

Shopping

Shopping is always a part of the travel experience. Asia is known as bargain shoppers' paradise, offering a marvelous selection of arts and crafts such as jade, silk, rugs, cloisonné, ceramics, antique, painting, furniture and more. Purchasing an item in the area where it is "noted for" has proven to be the best value. Your National Tour Guide and Local Tour Guides will be glad to assist you with detailed shopping orientation. However, your tour guides might not be an expert on gemstones, porcelain, jade, paintings, etc., so if you intend to purchase items of this nature, please do some research before departing and have an idea of what you are looking for as well as the price you are prepared to pay. In addition, please carefully check the quality of the products, and always ask for a receipt with product descriptions.

When shopping it is wise to use credit card for large purchases. Retain all receipts. Purchase insurance for items that you have shipped. A supply of one dollar bills is very handy when shopping with street vendors. Always keep in mind that a purchase is between the buyer and the seller. Nexus Holidays and its staff are not involved in and are not responsible for any purchases you make during the trip, whether that merchant is part of the scheduled itinerary or not. It is also suggest learning what are Restricted and Prohibited by Canadian Border Services Agency.

Important Contact Numbers

Major Airline Contacts
Air China	N. America	800-882-8122	China Eastern	N. America	888-358-1582
	Beijing	86-10-59281588		Beijing	021-95530
	Seoul	82-2-7746886		Seoul	82-2-518-0330
	Osaka	81-724-565128		Osaka	81-066448-5161
	Tokyo	81-3-64280311		Tokyo	81-033506-1166
China Southern	N. America	888-338-8988	United Airline	N. America	800-864-8331
	Guangzhou	020-95539		Seoul	82-2-751-0300
	Seoul	82-2-775-9070		Osaka	81-3-6732-5011
	Osaka	81-6-64486655		Tokyo	81-3-6732-5011
	Tokyo	81-3-51578011
Cathay Pacific	N. America	800-268-8888	Korean Airline	N. America	800-438-5000
	Hong Kong	852 2747 3333		Seoul	1588-2001
	Seoul	82 1644-8003		Osaka	0088-21-2001
	Osaka	0120-46-3838		Tokyo	0088-21-2001
	Tokyo	0120-46-3838
Air Canada	N. America	800-268-8888	Japan Airline	N. America	800-525-3663
	Seoul	82-2-3788-0100		Seoul	82-02-757-1711
	Osaka	0570 014 787		Osaka	0570-025-121
	Tokyo	0570 014 787		Tokyo	0570-025-121

All Nippon Air	N. America	800-235-9262	Asiana Airline	N. America	800-438-5000
	Seoul	02-2096-5500		Seoul	82-2-2669-8000
	Osaka	03-6741-1120		Osaka	81-6-6282-1888
	Tokyo	06-7637-6679		Tokyo

Canadian Embassy/Consulate
Seoul	82-2-3783-6000	21, Jeongdong-gil (Jeong-dong), Jung-gu Seoul, 100 - 120
Tokyo	03-5412-6200	7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku Tokyo 107-8503, Japan
Osaka	06-6681-0250	1-8-19 Hirabayashi Minami, Suminoe-ku Osaka, 559-8550, Japan

Departure Dates		Price (double occupancy)CAD P,P International flight included
Departure Dates	Return Date	Land Only	Package Price
2020/02/06	2020/02/22	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/03/05	2020/03/21	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/04/02	2020/04/18	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/04/30	2020/05/16	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/09/03	2020/09/19	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/10/15	2020/10/31	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/11/12	2020/11/28	N/A	CAD$3699
2020/11/19	2020/12/05	N/A	CAD$3699
Single Supplements	+CAD$999

Package Inclusions:

Package Exclusions:

Package Inclusions:

Package Exclusions:

Highlights of Japan (Pre-Tour)