Month: September 2026

Paris
EuropeGate 1 ConnectionsUncategorized

5 Ways to See Paris

on September 23, 2026

Paris, France’s capital, has so much offer when visiting. Travelers can see the iconic Eiffel Tower, one of the most famous landmarks across the globe. The city has plenty for history buffs as well, such as the Louvre Museum, home of the Mona Lisa, or the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece of architecture. And of course there is plenty of delicious food to try too. Paris has 127 Michelin-starred restaurants, plenty to choose from when making a trip. At Gate 1 Travel, we offer travelers a way to see Paris in unique ways through our different tour types. Let’s look at those:

Quick Facts

  • Destination: Paris, France
  • Known For: The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame and the Seine
  • Ways to Travel: Escorted, Discovery, Family, River Cruise and Independent vacations
  • Escorted Tours: Guided sightseeing combined with scheduled activities and free time
  • Discovery Tours: Smaller-group experiences focused on local culture and unique experiences
  • Family Tours: Paris itineraries designed for families traveling together
  • River Cruises: Experience Paris alongside destinations throughout France and Europe from the Seine or other European waterways
  • Independent Vacations: More flexibility to explore Paris according to your own interests and schedule

See Paris with an Escorted Tour

Paris France

For travelers who want to experience Paris with the convenience of a planned itinerary and the guidance of a local expert, an Escorted Tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the city. Gate 1 Travel’s 9 Day Affordable France tour allows travelers to explore Paris for three days, while also getting to visit Normandy, St. Malo, and Loire Valley. Arrive in the “City of Light” and drive along the famous Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and the Eiffel Tower. Then visit the Latin Quarter, a historic student district on the Left Bank of the Seine. The district got its name from the Latin speaking students who attended the medieval Sorbonne University. When viewing the area, travelers will notice how the neighborhood blends ancient Roman roots with modern times.

Discover Montmartre on a Discovery Tour

Montmartre France

Discovery Tours offer a more intimate way to experience Paris, with small groups designed to provide closer cultural connections and experiences that go beyond the traditional sightseeing route. Gate 1 Travel’s 12 Day Burgundy, Champagne & Alsace Discovery tour takes travelers to Paris’ most famous district, Montmartre. This district offers gorgeous views of the city while also entrenching you into the history of Paris as well. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and others worked and enjoyed the hilltop neighborhood. Though Montmartre is a part of Paris, it has a smaller town feel. It’s great for shopping, trying new restaurants, and just getting a break from the downtown area of the city.

Make Paris a Family Adventure

Paris Family Tour

Paris is a great place to take your family too, so much for each age group to see and do. This experience is even easier to have with our 10 Day Paris & London Family tour. Spend four nights in Paris with an itinerary designed for multi-generational travel. The first three days in Paris will mainly consist of visiting landmarks such as the beautiful Place des Vosges, the fashionable Rue des Francs Bourgeois, and even an optional tour to the Palace of Versailles. The last day in Paris is specifically made in mind of children as Gate 1 Travel will have you visit a gourmet chocolate museum. Explore exhibits that combine the journey of chocolate with its origins from the ancient Mayas and Aztecs to its evolution in Europe. Then learn about the different treat-making techniques, while you try a variety of French chocolates.

Experience Paris from the Seine on a River Cruise

Seine River Cruise Paris

One of the most distinctive ways to experience Paris is from the water. Gate 1 Travel offers Seine River Cruises combined with visiting the French city. Enjoy seven nights on the Monarch Countess, a deluxe river cruise vessel that has a maximum capacity of 136 passengers, 64 spacious cabins, and 4 suits, each fully air conditioned with private bath facilities, shower, telephone, and flat screen satellite TV. The river cruise will take you to Auvers-sur-Oise (the town where Van Goh spent his final days), the historic city of Rouen, and even tour the home Claude Monet in Giverny, where you’ll be able to view the tranquil gardens that inspired his masterpieces. Finally finish the tour in Paris where you’ll have leisure time to explore the city or join the optional Champagne region tour. Travelers will visit one of the world’s most celebrated Champagne houses combined with wine tasting to cap off the end of your day.

Explore Paris Your Own Way with an Independent Vacation

Paris Independent Vacation

If you’re looking to explore Paris at your own speed, then Gate 1 Travel’s Independent Vacations are what you’re looking for. This Paris package provides accommodation and other travel arrangements while leaving travelers with more time to decide how they want to spend their days. That’s the luxury of the Independent Vacation; the traveler gets to mold the experience in their image. Currently, our 2026 Paris Vacations are sold out, but 2027 dates should be available in late 2026-early 2027.

Visit Paris How You See Fit

As stated, Gate 1 Travel has a variety of itineraries built to see Paris in unique ways. Tour all of France while stopping in Paris on an Escorted Tour, embark on a Seine River Cruise that allows you to see France like never before, or even bring the family on a trip to the “City of Light” on a Family Tour. It’s up to you to decide how you want to experience this iconic city. Which tour is the right fit for you? Share this post and let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Paris

What is the best way to experience Paris?
There are many ways to experience Paris, depending on how you prefer to travel. Gate 1 Travel offers Escorted, Discovery, Family, River Cruise and Independent vacations, allowing travelers to choose an itinerary and travel style that fits their interests.

What is the difference between an Escorted Tour and an Independent Vacation?
Escorted Tours provide a structured itinerary with guided sightseeing and the assistance of a tour manager, while Independent Vacations provide more flexibility for travelers to plan their own activities and sightseeing.

Are there Family Tours to Paris?
Yes. Gate 1 Travel offers Family Tours that include Paris, including a 10 Day Paris & London Family Tour. These itineraries are designed specifically for families traveling together.

Can I visit Paris as part of a River Cruise?
Yes. Gate 1 Travel offers several European River Cruises that include Paris. Options include Seine River Cruises as well as itineraries that combine Paris with destinations such as London, Amsterdam and Bruges.

Can I have free time to explore Paris on a Gate 1 Travel tour?
Many Gate 1 Travel itineraries include free time in addition to scheduled sightseeing, giving travelers an opportunity to explore independently, visit a café, shop, enjoy local cuisine or discover a neighborhood at their own pace. The amount of free time varies by itinerary.

Is Paris included on Gate 1 Travel tours that visit other countries?
Yes. Paris can be combined with other European destinations on a variety of Gate 1 Travel itineraries. Current offerings include combinations such as Paris and London, Paris and Rome, and Paris with destinations throughout France and the Benelux region.

9 Day Cairo Itinerary
AfricaGate 1 ConnectionsMediterranean

9 Day Cairo Itinerary

on September 21, 2026

Ancient history doesn’t get more fascinating than Egypt’s. In this Gate 1 Travel Stay & Explore tour, travelers will embark on a nine-day adventure in Cairo and it’s surrounding area. Learn about the city’s ancient history, all while getting to see iconic landmarks such as Great Pyramid of Giza, Memphis, the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom, and the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser.

Quick Facts

  • Tour Length: 9 Days
  • Destination: Cairo, Egypt
  • Trip Type: Stay & Explore Tour
  • Hotel Nights: 7 nights in Cairo
  • Tour Focus: Ancient history, culture, architecture & local experiences
  • Major Highlights: Great Pyramid of Giza, Grand Egyptian Museum, Memphis & Step Pyramid of Djoser
  • Cultural Experiences: Historic Cairo walking tour, religious landmarks, perfume shop & El Khalili Bazaar
  • Optional Experience: Full Day Luxor with Flights
  • Best For: History enthusiasts, culture seekers & travelers looking for a flexible Cairo experience

Day 1

On Tuesday, travelers will depart for Egypt.

Day 2

Once arrived in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, you’ll transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 3

Travelers will get their day started by heading to Old Cairo in the morning. Old Cairo is the original home of the Coptic Christians, one of the world’s oldest Christian denominations. Travelers will get to visit the Hanging Church (built in the 7th century), Abu Serga (believed to be where the Holy Family took refuge in Egypt), a Jewish synagogue, and one the oldest mosques in Cairo, Ibn Tulun. After seeing all these religious sites, stop at a local perfume shop, where you’ll explore a diverse collection of traditional and exotic scents, while learning about the art of perfume making. Lastly in the late afternoon, embark on a walking tour that takes you through Cairo’s historic center.

Cairo City

Day 4

This morning, get ready to visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza, built during the 3rd and 4th dynasties of the Old Kingdom. Get an up-close view of the Great Pyramid, built for the Pharaoh Khufu, as well as the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. That’s not all, you’ll also be able to view the great Sphinx of Giza, the legendary statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion, amazingly carved out of a single piece of limestone. Continue with a visit to the splendid new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located near the iconic Pyramids of Giza. This state-of the-art museum houses the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. Once you’re back at the hotel, don’t miss Gate 1 Travel’s optional Nile Dinner Cruise. Travelers will embark on a delightful cruise along the iconic Nile River and discover the beauty of the ancient Egyptian city by night. Enjoy a Tanoura dance show and later watch a belly dancer perform mesmerizing routines. Take in the views of the city’s sparkling lights as you savor local specialties for dinner.

Cairo Pyramids

Day 5

Today is free for you to explore Cairo on your own or join the optional Full Day Alexandria tour. Discover the legendary city of Alexandria, a culturally rich seaside metropolis and Egypt’s second largest city. First visit the Roman amphitheater, then continue to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a necropolis hewn into a cliff that consists of 3 levels, dating from the 2nd century AD. Finish with viewing the Roman triclinium, a funeral banquet hall to honor the dead. Then visit the Royal Jewelry Museum, where you’ll view precious artifacts, jewels, and jewelry of the Muhammad Ali Dynasty that ruled Egypt from 19th to the mid-20th century. The optional tour caps off the day with lunch at a local restaurant with beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Alexandria Egypt

Day 6

Today is where you’ll visit another city, Memphis. Memphis was the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom, founded by Pharaoh Menes around 3100 BC. Today, the city stands as an open-air museum highlighted by a giant statue of Ramses II. Then, continue to Sakkara, the site of hundreds of tombs where you’ll view the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered to be the oldest pyramid in Egypt. After seeing these ancient landmarks, stop for lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to carpet shop in the surrounding area. Finish the day by exploring Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s most famous souk. Established in the 14th century, this vibrant market is a treasure trove of traditional crafts, jewelry, spices, textiles, antiques, and souvenirs.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar Egypt

Day 7

Travelers can spend this day at leisure in Cairo or join the optional Full Day Luxor with Flights. First transfer to the airport to get to Luxor. On arrival, you’ll begin the exploration of the magnificent West Bank. Visit the UNESCO listed Valley of the Kings, the necropolis of Thebes, and admire the tombs of Egypt’s pharaohs from the 18th to the 20th dynasties. Next, head to the mountainside Temple of Hatshepsut, a colonnaded structure surrounded by cliffs and learn about the life of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s longest-reigning female ruler. Conclude the optional tour at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III. These imposing figures, each towering at 600 feet high, were originally designed to guard his mortuary temple. That night, return to Cairo by flight.

Luxor Temple

Day 8

Spend your last day in Cairo at leisure or join another optional tour where you’ll visit the Civilization Museum & Citadel. First visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, where you’ll be amazed by its extensive collection of more than 50,000 artifacts, depicting the several stages of the development of Egyptian civilization from the Predynastic period to the modern age. Next, visit a jewelry shop. Browse the extensive collection of uniquely crafted gold jewelry and notice the array of distinctive cartouches, local symbols of good luck and protection from evil. Then, visit the Saladin Citadel of Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive structure, located in central Cairo is a medieval Islamic fortification. Lunch is included in this tour. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager.

Saladin Citadel of Cairo

Day 9

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

A 9-Day Journey Through the Heart of Egypt

Gate 1 Travel’s 9 Day Tastes of Cairo is the perfect tour for those looking to explore the local scene of Cairo while also getting to see some of the most famous landmarks of all time. From the Pyramids of Giza, to the Sphinx, and even the impressive structure of the Saladin Citadel, every day has something that brings you closer to both modern-and past-day Cairo. If interested in the rest of our Egypt itinerary, click here. And what Egyptian landmark would you like to see? Share this post and let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main highlights of the Cairo tour?
Highlights include the Great Pyramid of Giza, Grand Egyptian Museum, Memphis, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, historic Cairo, and El Khalili Bazaar.

Will I have free time to explore Cairo?
Yes. The Stay & Explore format combines guided sightseeing with independent time, allowing travelers to customize portions of their experience.

Is this tour good for travelers interested in ancient history?
Yes. Ancient Egyptian history is a major focus, with visits to the Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum, Memphis, and Sakkara among the itinerary’s key experiences.

Robben Island - South Africa's Famous Prison
Africa

Robben Island: South Africa’s Famous Prison

on September 15, 2026

Sitting off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa is a famous tourist destination, known as Robben Island. The island is best known for the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, yet it has a rich history dating back 500 years. Today, Robben Island stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It helps remind those of South Africa’s past and its journey towards freedom.

Quick Facts

  • Location: Robben Island, off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa
  • Historical Significance: Former prison, hospital, and military site
  • Apartheid-Era Prison: Used as a maximum-security prison for political prisoners from 1961 to 1991
  • Nelson Mandela: Spent 18 of his 27 years in prison on Robben Island
  • World Heritage Site: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999
  • Today: Preserved as a historic site and museum where visitors can learn about the island’s history and the struggle against apartheid

Early History of Robben Island

Robben Island is approximately five miles off mainland South Africa. The island is quite small, as it has an approximate area of five square miles. The island’s name comes from the Dutch word for “seals” (zeehonden), as seals were once common in its waters. Originally a Dutch settlement, it later served as a prison, hospital for those deemed “socially unfit”, and a military base between the 17th and 20th century.

Robben Island Early History

Inside the Robben Island Prison

The prison consisted of four H-block General Sections, a U-shaped isolation block, a hospital, kitchen, and a dining hall. Each general section contained four general cells designed to hold 52 inmates. The isolation block had about 90 single cells in total. In the 1960s, political and common law prisoners were held together in the general section. They spent their days breaking rocks or working in a glaring lime quarry that caused permanent eye damage for many men. Food was very scarce, as black prisoners received the worst treatment, such as having lower food rations or having to wear degrading clothing.

Nelson Mandela Robben Island

Nelson Mandela’s Years on Robben Island

Nelson Mandela was sent to Robben Island because he was convicted of sabotage and plotting to overthrow the South African apartheid government. During the Rivonia Trial, Mandela received a life sentence. He spent 18 years on Robben Island, from June 1964 to March 1982, as part of his total 27-year sentence. Like the other prisoners, he lived in a tiny, damp cell with only a straw mat to sleep on. Guards even heavily restricted his mail and visits from family or outsiders. Though this was not a positive experience for Mandela, his time in prison on Robben Island became an important part of his story and the broader struggle against the apartheid.

Nelson Mandela Robben Island

Mandela’s Prison Release

By the late 1980s, South Africa faced internal unrest and severe international economic sanctions. This resulted in growing domestic and global pressure on the apartheid government to consider its stance. In 1985, the government did offer Mandela conditional freedom, but he refused it as he wanted to stand by his principles. Finally, in 1990, South African President F.W. de Klerk lifted the ban on the ANC (African National Congress) and ordered Mandela’s unconditional release. Mandela’s release was historic, as many remember him famously walking out of prison together with his wife, Winnie Mandela. Mandela’s freedom then led to negotiations to end apartheid, resulting in the country’s first multiracial democratic elections in 1994, where he was elected president.

Robben Island

Modern Day Robben Island

Robben Island has vastly changed over the years. It’s now a preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a public museum too. You can visit this historic location by booking Gate 1 Travel’s 10 Day Classic South Africa with Robben Island tour. This tour takes travelers directly to the island by ferry. Once arrived, you’ll have a tour guide take you around the prison where you’ll see Nelson Mandela’s cell, the lime quarry, and much more.  

Modern Day Robben Island

A Journey Through South Africa’s History

Visiting Robben Island is a once and a lifetime opportunity, where travelers can directly visit the location of one of the most historical moments of the last century. See up close what the prison’s living conditions were like while also learning about its impact on South Africa’s government. Travelers can visit Robben Island and have an extended stay in South Africa by booking our 13 Day tour instead. What other historical landmarks have you visited? Share this post and let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions About Robben Island

Why is Robben Island famous?
Robben Island is best known for its former maximum-security prison, where Nelson Mandela and many other political prisoners were held during South Africa’s apartheid era. The island has become an international symbol of the struggle for freedom and democracy.

Was Robben Island always a prison?
No. Robben Island has served several purposes throughout its history, including use as a prison, hospital, and military base. It was also used as a place of imprisonment long before the apartheid-era prison was established.

How long was Nelson Mandela imprisoned on Robben Island?
Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his 27-year imprisonment on Robben Island before being transferred to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town in 1982.

When was Robben Island used as a political prison?
The apartheid government used Robben Island’s maximum-security prison to hold political prisoners from 1961 through 1991. Prisoners included people who opposed apartheid and fought for freedom and democracy.

Can you visit Nelson Mandela’s prison cell?
Yes. A visit to Robben Island includes the opportunity to see the prison and the cell associated with Nelson Mandela, providing a closer look at the conditions political prisoners experienced during their imprisonment.

Why is Robben Island a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Robben Island was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999 because its buildings and landscapes document its difficult history and symbolize the triumph of freedom and democracy over oppression and racism.

Can travelers visit Robben Island from Cape Town?
Yes. Robben Island can be visited from Cape Town, making it a natural addition to a South Africa itinerary that includes time in the city and the surrounding region.