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Enjoy an entire day dedicated to the cultural and historical riches of Tainan, Taiwan's oldest city. Colonized by the Ming Dynasty at the end of the 16th century, the Dutch East India Company established a trade base here in 1623. Soon, Tainan was the island's main Dutch outpost until the Chinese returned and successfully forced the Dutch out in 1661. The following year it was made the capital, until 1887 when that distinction went to Taipei. During your guided tour, you'll discover many of the landmarks that are uniquely Tainan.

Your journey begins at the pier with a scenic 70-minute drive through the verdant countryside to the Coral Lake. The lake is formed with the convergence of over 30 rivers. Today the areas is a recreational area for boaters and fishermen included in the Wushantou Reservoir. Measuring a little over sixteen miles, it was Taiwan's largest reservoir when it was constructed in 1920 during the Japanese colonial period. There are over 100 isles on the lake and the intricate indentations of the shoreline have given rise to its name. Water flowing out of the reservoir forms a beautiful waterfall.

As you continue on to Tainan and make your way through town, you'll see many Dutch influences beginning with your first stop - the Chikan Tower. Recognized throughout Taiwan as the city's icon, the Chikan Tower is one of the most important historical sites in Taiwan. Built atop the ruins of a 1653 Dutch fort, the area is noted as the site where the Chinese hero, Koxinga battled and defeated the Dutch, who later retreated from the island. The tower was constructed in 1875 as part of an education complex and includes serene gardens, a koi pond and several statues. Adjacent to the tower stands a statue of a stone horse with broken legs. Ancient stories tell, how during the night the horse was transformed into a demon and rode through the countryside terrorizing the people. The legend says he was captured and his legs were broken as punishment.

Another noted landmark is the Confucius Temple, the country's oldest. Built in 1666 at the end of the Manchu Dynasty, the temple has undergone extensive renovations over the centuries. The impressive temple you see today is a result of a 1917 restoration by the Japanese when Taiwan became part of the empire from 1895 to 1945.

By now you've probably worked up an appetite, so you'll stop and relax for an enjoyable traditional Asian-style lunch. After you've savored your meal, then it's off to another must-see attraction - the Koxinga Shrine, dedicated to the Chinese general who led his troops against the Dutch and successfully ousted them from Taiwan.

Erected in 1874, the shrine is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The Tainan Folk Cultural Hall sits inside where you'll find a number of fascinating exhibits tracing Tainan's history and culture. At the end of the day, sit back and relax as your transport returns you to the pier along the same scenic route.