After immigration & baggage (allow 1.5–2 hours for 18 pax), private coach or multiple vans recommended for luggage and comfort; coach ride to central Taipei takes ~50–70 minutes depending on traffic. Booking a charter coach in advance avoids long MRT transfers with a large group and baby equipment.
A spacious plaza and museum dedicated to modern Taiwanese history with changing-of-the-guard ceremonies and level walkways suitable for strollers and older guests; good first stop to stretch legs and get a cultural orientation. Open 9:00am–6:00pm, allow time for photos and the exhibition halls.
For groups who want reliable seating and mild flavours for all ages, book Din Tai Fung (Taipei 101 or nearby Xinyi branch) for steamed dumplings and family-friendly dishes; alternatively try Yongkang Street for local noodle and rice options. Reserve a large table in advance for 18 people—most branches accept reservations.
Return to hotel for check-in or at least luggage storage and a short rest; important when travelling with a baby and older relatives to avoid fatigue before afternoon activities.
Visit the observatory for panoramic city views and the signature skyline photo ops; the building also has accessible lifts and toilets for families. Observatory open 9:00am–10:00pm (last entry often earlier), plan a 2–3 hour visit including shopping and a quick coffee.
Have an early dinner at one of the Taipei 101 restaurants (Din Tai Fung has a branch in the mall) or choose nearby family-friendly restaurants; reservations are crucial for 18 people in the evening. This avoids peak bustle and lets the group re-energise before the market visit.
One of Taipei’s classic night markets with a long, covered lane of street snacks and stalls—ideal for casual family grazing; accessible for strollers for most stretches though can get busy after 8pm. Typical opening 5:00pm–midnight; pick a meeting point and set a time to return to coach or MRT.
For the fastest and most comfortable route, either take Taipei→Chiayi High Speed Rail (HSR) or a booked private coach straight to Chiayi/Alishan staging point; HSR is faster (≈1.5 hours) then coach to Alishan (≈2–2.5 hours). With 18 pax and elderly/baby, reserve seats and arrange seat-lift assistance if needed.
Transfer by shuttle or private coach from Chiayi HSR station up to Alishan scenic area; roads wind up the mountain so allow extra time and take regular rest stops for comfort. Arrive around midday depending on connections.
Choose a hotel set lunch or a local mountain restaurant offering braised dishes and vegetable plates suitable for group dining; higher-altitude cuisine is hearty and warm—good after the mountain drive. Check hotel meal times as many kitchens close earlier in low season.
Explore the Giant Tree Plank Walk, Sisters Ponds and Shouzhen Temple; trails are mostly boardwalks suitable for a mixed-age group but some paths have steps—strollers may be limited on certain trails. Park open roughly 8:00am–5:00pm; check seasonal times and shuttle availability.
Enjoy dinner at your hotel—many hotels offer set meals and early service; an early night helps if you plan the famed Alishan sunrise (recommended) the next morning. Confirm wake-up calls and transfer times for sunrise viewing.
Take the hotel/park shuttle to Zhushan observation deck for the famous Alishan sunrise over the sea of clouds; this involves early starts and stairs, but it’s an iconic experience—note weather-dependent visibility. Sunrise viewing service typically runs pre-dawn; check with your Alishan hotel for coach timing.
Have breakfast at the hotel and prepare luggage for descent—allow time for dressing warmly and packing baby items. Mountain weather is cooler; warm clothing helps comfort for elders and infants.
Descend from Alishan to Chiayi station by pre-booked coach; travel time ~2–3 hours depending on stops. Aim for an early HSR departure so you return to Taipei with afternoon time.
Board the HSR back to Taipei (≈1.5 hours); use this time for group rest, baby feedings and quick meal boxes. Reserve contiguous seats in advance for group cohesion and mobility ease.
If energy allows, visit Yangmingshan for short walks amid volcanic landscapes and easy paved paths; it’s a gentle nature stop suitable for all ages (park access is open all day but facilities vary). This is a quieter alternative to crowded northern-coast packages and is close to Taipei.
For relaxation after travel, Beitou’s public hot-spring foot baths and the Thermal Valley are easy to access by MRT and gentle on tired legs; public baths and private family rooms are available—choose a private facility for greater comfort with a baby. Baths have varied opening times—many operate 9:00am–9:00pm.
Finish the day by the Tamsui riverfront for sunset, promenade and seafood/snack dining along Old Street—gentle atmosphere for elderly and child-friendly snacks. Tamsui is accessible by MRT and has wide walkways with bench seating.
Have a hearty breakfast to fuel a day of gentle outdoor walking; many hotels offer early breakfast buffets—reserve for a large group. If pressed for time, boxed breakfasts can be arranged for the coach.
Taipei Zoo is family-friendly with accessible paths and highlights like the Giant Panda House and indoor exhibits—great for children and seniors. Zoo hours typically 9:00am–5:00pm; dedicated restrooms and nursing rooms make it manageable with a baby.
Choose one of the zoo cafés or nearby restaurants for a relaxed midday meal—menus have familiar dishes suitable for elders and children. Many establishments accept group reservations or can prepare set meals.
Take the gondola from Taipei Zoo station up to Maokong for leisurely tea houses and sweeping views of Taipei; gondola hours are typically 9:00am–9:00pm but check for maintenance (occasional closures). The ride is gentle and stroller-friendly in the cabins but check cable car operating notices before travelling.
Relax at a hillside tea house with mountain views—many have accessible seating and serve light meals and hot tea, a restful stop for older relatives. Tea houses vary in hours but many close around 6:00–7:00pm.
Shilin Night Market is the nearest major night market to Maokong via MRT transfers and offers a wide selection of Taiwanese street food and casual shopping; Ximending is further away and more urban/younger-crowd focused. Shilin generally gets lively from 6:30pm–10:30pm, and has larger walkways near the main square for easier stroller access.
Enjoy famous Taiwanese night-market items like oyster omelette, pepper buns and bubble tea; choose a mix of stalls and an accessible sit-down option for elders or baby feeding/clean-up needs. For a large group consider booking a private space in a nearby restaurant that serves similar street-food flavours.
For a 7:00am international flight, plan to leave Taipei around 3:30–4:00am by private coach (Taoyuan travel time ~50–70 minutes plus international check-in). With 18 people, a charter coach is essential to move luggage and baby gear efficiently and to meet airline check-in/counter deadlines.
Arrive at the airport, complete check-in and security for your morning flight home. Leave extra time for assistance requests and stroller checks; confirm airline policies for infant and senior assistance ahead of time.
Group dispersal and final goodbyes—recommend exchanging contacts and photos and noting any luggage left on the coach. If any travellers need to stay an extra day, coordinate with the hotel/coach provider in advance.