Day 1: Morning tour start at Taipei International Airport (TPE), from where we head to a nearby park in search of our first endemics. One of the first birds may prove to be the stunning Taiwan Blue Magpie, along with Taiwan Barbet and maybe our first Malayan Night Heron. This evening we will arrive at Dasyueshan National Forest, where we will stay for the next three nights. 

Days 2-3: Birding the road and trails in this wonderful protected area is sure to aquaint us with most Taiwanese specialties. The spectacular gamebird duo of Mikado Pheasant and Swinhoe's Pheasant are often approachable on the roadside early in the morning, while Taiwan Partridge usually takes more effort in quiet gullies. The beautiful broadleaf forest also contains some cracking passerines, like Rufous-crowned Laughingthrush, Rusty Laughingthrush, Steere's Liocichla, Taiwan Barwing, and White-eared Sibia. 

A long list of other endemics includes Yellow Tit, Taiwan Cupwing, Taiwan Bush Warbler, Taiwan Yuhina, Taiwan Fulvetta, Grey-cheeked Fulvetta, Taiwan Vivid Niltava, Taiwan Whistling Thrush, and Taiwan Shortwing. Additionally, several endemic subspecies are quite distinctive, including White-browed Bush Robin and Brown Bullfinch. A few other restricted-range birds like Collared Finchbill and Yellow-bellied Bush Warbler will be seen, along with a large number of more widespread East Asian species.

Day 4: After some final birding at Dasyueshan, we'll drive towards the centre of the island. Several stops along the way will give us more chances for Taiwan Blue Magpie, along with the tricky Chestnut-bellied Tit and attractive red subspecies of Maroon Oriole. Overnight in Wushe.

Day 5: Tea plantations and rural scrub around our lodging is a great area to look for the declining Taiwan Hwamei, and the skulking Black-necklaced Scimitar Babbler. After a morning session here, we'll head up to Hehuan Pass. White-whiskered Laughingthrush hop around the carpark, while the high elevation grassland with small pockets of coniferous forest hosts Taiwan Rosefinch, the adorable Flamecrest, and many Collared Bush Robin. Endemic forms of Grey-headed Bullfinch and Alpine Accentor are best seen in this area, so we will spend some time searching. Afterwards, a scenic drive east through the spectacular Taroko Gorge will see us reach the coast in the late afternoon. Overnight in Taroko. 

Day 6: Working south, today is our best shot at Taiwan Bamboo Partridge, and functions as a backup for many target species from the previous days. We should see our first Styan's Bulbul after lunch, as we exit the zone of hybridisation with Light-vented Bulbul. In the evening, checking some migrant traps on the coast might produce some lingering passerines like Black-faced Bunting, along with Oriental Pratincole and White-shouldered Starling. Overnight in Taitung. 

Day 7: Crossing by ferry to Lanyu Island, today is all about finding the scarce Taiwan Green Pigeon. The forested gullies here also hold endemic forms of Black Paradise Flycatcher and Ryukyu Scops Owl, while recently-arrived Northern Boobook can be found at night. Overnight on Lanyu Island.

Day 8: More time for birding this morning, keeping an eye out for any interesting migrants, before crossing back over to the mainland. Heading around the south coast, we'll make stops for Pheasant-tailed Jacana in sublime breeding plumage, plus first attempts at Chinese Egret and Black-faced Spoonbill. Overnight in Alishan. 

Day 9: Full day on the slopes of Alishan National Forest, where we have more chances for all the birds of Dasyueshan, including both Mikado Pheasant and Swinhoe's Pheasant. The endemic forms of Himalayan Owl, Spotted Nutcracker, and Golden Parrotbill are all good chances here, and spotlighting usually turns up the skulking Mountain Scops Owl. 

Day 10: Departing predawn, we'll arrive at Douliou and begin searching for Fairy Pitta. Local guides usually have several territories staked out, and the birds are just arriving back at this time so are extremely vocal and responsive. We have a full day here to make sure we are successful. 

Day 11: This morning can be used to retry the pitta if needed, but otherwise we will partake in a little twitching. Douliou is perfectly positioned to strike almost any forested area on the west coast, which gives us the best possible chance to follow up on any recent Taiwan Thrush sightings, this species certainly the hardest endemic and requiring much persistence to see in spring. 

Day 12: Our final morning to either retry and missing endemics or hit coastal stops for Chinese Egret and Black-faced Spoonbill if either of these are still needed. Tour ends mid-afternoon back at Taipei International Airport (TPE) in time for evening flights.