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Ecuador! Where Natural, Culture, and the Future All Come Together

on January 7, 2016

There is an Ecuadorian saying that translates to “Look for a good tree, and you’ll have good shade,”the point being that the best things in life don’t come to you-you must seek them out. Travelers who seek out Ecuador discover an abundance of good things: warm and welcoming people, ancient cultures still thriving, some of earth’s most dramatic landscapes, and unparalleled wildlife.

The locals call the equator, which bisects their nation, “the middle of the world.”When you witness for yourself how many delights intersect in this one small country, you’re sure to understand why.

Revel in Ecuador’s Natural Splendor

Perhaps the most biodiverse country in the world per square mile-harboring over 50 ecosystems-Ecuador is home to not only to the Galapagos isles that so enchanted Darwin, but to primeval Amazon rainforests. So varied are the landscapes here, you can stride across epic lunar-like volcanic slopes, immerse yourself in bubbling thermal pools, and stroll white coral beaches among sleeping sea lions all in one journey.

Even the most seasoned travelers sometimes forget how much the Amazon rainforest dominates eastern Ecuador. More than 300 types of mammals and 350 reptile species share this lush ecosystem. When you arrive at our lodge in typical Amazon fashion – by canoe – you’ll be accompanied by the music of the jungle: chirps and screeches and whistles from some of the 1,600 bird species. This is nature’s playground, so we believe you ought to play: our lodge provides exciting nature tours on walking trails, over suspended bridges, among the treetops in a zip-line basket, and along Napo River waters in a traditional balsa log raft.

Of course, Ecuador’s beauty doesn’t end in the rainforest, as you surely will notice. Even our drives showcase the country’s natural splendor. BÃnos, the Gateway to the Amazon, is a landscape in motion, home to 60 small waterfalls and bubbling natural springs, making it a beloved destination for Ecuadorians. But the waterfalls there are just a lovely warm-up to the headliner: the Devil’s Cauldron Falls outside of Bãnos. This massive torrent plunges noisily through a rocky gorge within the cloud forest, a spectacle you can hear even before you see it.

The cascade is only the beginning of Tungurahua’s offerings. The nearby Quechua village of Ahuano offers a serene riverside respite in contrast to the falls. But lovers of a good thrill-and a stunning view-also seek out the chance to enjoy a ride on the “Devil’s Nose”rail car that zig-zags along a thrilling switchback rail system that descends 1,600 feet. It follows a route once known as Condor’s Aerie, but dubbed the Devil’s Nose after 2,000 workers died during construction of this jaw-dropping engineering feat.

The epic handiwork of Mother Nature can be found in Cotopaxi National Park. The world’s highest active volcano soars skyward in the park, flanked by two more in the garland of eight that adorn southern Ecuador, earning this region the nickname “Avenue of the Volcanos.”These once-explosive landscapes now lay silent, home to wild horses, llama, and deer, all watched from above by sharp-eyed Andean condors.

Get Enchanted by the Galapagos Isles

 

The Ecuadorian government itself watches over the Galapagos Islands, one of its greatest treasures, providing firm rules for its conservation. Visited by the explorer Pizarro, studied by a young Charles Darwin, and fictionalized by Herman Melville, the largely predator-free archipelago has captured imaginations for years. You’ll see myriad creatures here that are found nowhere else on the planet. The islands you’ll visit vary with the itinerary you select – and with local Galapagos National Park regulations – but you’re guaranteed a thrilling exploration full of hiking, snorkeling, and learning firsthand about this singular setting.

Gate 1 Travel gives you two ways to witness these enchanted isles for yourself before or after visiting mainland Ecuador.

Embark a Thrilling Cruise with Up-Close Access.

Our most popular Galapagos itineraries feature a magnificent cruise expedition aboard the MV Santa Cruz II – a deluxe small ship. Its small size allows it to easily maneuver into small coves, giving your unfettered access to the most remote islands. Generously appointed rooms provide the utmost comfort, and onboard naturalist guides offer fascinating insight into the most diverse wildlife and marine life you’ll ever encounter.

Explore the Galapagos from Your “Base”on Santa Cruz. If cruising doesn’t fit your style, then choose an itinerary that features Santa Cruz as your base. Our headquarters for three or four nights will be the first-class, eco-friendly resort, the Finch Bay Hotel- the only hotel in the island’s capital of Puerto Ayora situated on a beach – from which you can join our expeditions to nearby islands. Travelers who prefer this option like to set their own pace … perhaps opting out of island excursions in favor of beach time or exploring Santa Cruz itself, from the bustle of Darwin Street to the wildlife of Tortuga Bay, where marine iguanas dive and Galapagos crabs scuttle about.

Here are a few of the island we visit on our itineraries:

Santa Cruz is the heart of conservation efforts, home to both the Charles Darwin Research Station, which breeds and rears the endangered Galapagos giant tortoise, and the Rancho Primicias preserve. From resplendent vermilion flycatchers to sleek white-tipped reef sharks, myriad species thrive here in a landscape created by volcanos. The island’s seismic history is evident in a network of lava tunnels and “los Gemelos,”a pair of massive holes formed by the collapse of a magma chamber.

North Seymour, which surfaced from underwater millions of years ago by geologic lift, beckons bird lovers to witness its blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls, and the largest frigate bird population in the Galapagos. More than 500 land iguanas make their homes at the feet of its dramatic cliffs, while fur sea lions congregate not far away, tending to their pups.

On Bartolome, a steep stairway past lava formations and through bristly “tiquilia plants”leads to a 350-foot peak with breathtaking panoramas of lava-clad Sullivan Bay and the Daphne islets. Bartolome’s best ambassadors are its tiny Galapagos penguins, the only penguins with a natural habitat north of the equator, and whose population is gravely endangered.

Favored by pirates and whalers alike, Isabela is the largest of the Galapagos chain. The seahorse-shaped isle and its surrounding islets vary in personality from the lunar-like landscape of nearby Las Tintoreras to the colorful red-and-black mangroves of Elisabeth Bay, where lava herons take wing above the cavorting sea lions, sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays.

San Cristobal is the easternmost island and may have been the first one Darwin laid eyes on. Today, it’s still grabbing the attention of visitors with a sea lion rookery, a colony of magnificent frigate birds, and Cerro Brujo (or Wizard’s Hill), a collapsed caldera which formed a white sand beach that is now home to red- and blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and a colony of sea lions.

Santiago is home to a rich diversity of wildlife: marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, land and sea turtles, and dolphins. Hikers may stroll across black lava landscapes among rust-colored tuff cones, while bird lovers can keep their eyes peeled for flamingoes, Darwin finches, and Galapagos hawks. At Espumilla Beach, sea turtles nest seasonally just a stone’s throw from a white flamingo lagoon.

On Fernandina, the youngest and most pristine of the Galapagos Islands, flightless cormorants hop from rock to rock as Galapagos penguins, sea lions, and fur seals sun themselves. The most active of the volcanic islands, this is the best place to spot the yellow blooms of lava cactus.

Discover Rich Cultures and Enduring Traditions

While Galapagos visitors eagerly seek out the natural splendor of Ecuador, the nation’s greatest resources are its people, going about their daily lives in ways that often reflect generations of tradition. Indigenous people in colorful clothes and fedoras walk to market on tranquil back roads, much as countless generations before them. Farmers from cocoa plantations deliver their crops in modest pickups. Orchid farmers drive their delicate exports to Guayaquil. Even native weavers keep their connection to the earth alive. You can witness all of these traditions with Gate 1 Travel as we introduce you to people who are proud to conserve their culture.

For centuries, the showcase of this culture has been Otavalo – the rural town in the heart of Imbabura province – which hosts what is perhaps the largest traditional market in South America. Since pre-Inca times, weavers and carvers have met here to sell their handiwork. Even now, on its busiest days, the market swallows almost one-third of the city, with Otavalenos in traditional dress tending colorful stalls bearing jewelry, leather, pottery, and clothing.

In mountainous Papallacta, visitors discover a tradition locals have enjoyed for eons: the pleasure of soaking in hot springs. The thermal springs beckon weary travelers day and night, with pools to linger in, surrounded by views of Andean grandeur.

Experience Ecuador’s Cosmopolitan Charms in its Cities

The rhythm of life couldn’t be more different in Quito, the country’s capital and hub of political activity. The second highest capital in the world (9,350 feet), it is also one of the best-preserved, with it its historic center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can literally walk through Ecuador’s rich history here, encapsulated in a stone mural outside the Congress Building, and revealed in cobbled streets lined with pastel houses, grand colonial-era buildings, the Presidential and Archbishop’s palaces, and the cathedrals around Independence Plaza.

Warmed by Pacific breezes, Guayaquil has cast off its past as little sister to Quito, making a splash in recent years with a massive riverside development, Malecon 2000, brimming with shops, restaurants, and monuments. More populous than Quito, the city likes to say it has more style, too, from architectural gems like the glass-and-metal Crystal Palace to a new abundance of galleries and cutting edge exhibition spaces.

Being trendy is the furthest thing from the minds of those who call Cuenca home. The stunning colonial architecture and wrought-iron balconies bedecked with flowers create a more timeless, storybook feel. It’s so enchanting that more than 6,000 American retirees have embraced the simple life here amidst the clean air of the Andes. As you stroll its charming streets, it’ll be easy for you to see why they stay.

Explore in Comfort at a Terrific Value

From the wilds of the Amazon to the heights of the Andean countryside, Ecuador is stunningly diverse, despite being smaller than the U.S. state of Nevada. No matter which itinerary calls to you, our carefully chosen hotels provide all the amenities and services you expect from Gate 1 Travel to ensure you’ll explore in comfort. What’s more, thanks to our full roster of tours and features, you can be sure you’re traveling at the best value available. Join us!

Follow this link to our exciting Ecuador Tours. Or call to reserve, 1-800-682-3333!

Asia & PacificGate 1 ConnectionsRegions

A Closer Look at Distant Empire: China Revealed

on January 7, 2016

We hear about the enormity of China all the time, with its 3.7 million square miles, 1.3 billion people, and 56 ethnic groups speaking 292 dialects. China’s sweeping size and complexity can make it seem mysterious, even daunting, to outsiders. But in a time when its doors are more open than ever to travelers, it would be a shame to miss out on what is arguably the world’s most epic land. Gate 1 strips away the mystery, showing you its more intimate side as we immerse you in the landscapes, neighborhoods, and treasures of which the Chinese people are most proud. From monuments to marketplaces, Gate 1 introduces you to China’s diverse offerings up close.

The staggering Three Gorges of the Yangtze River … lush jade-green bamboo forests … sprawling Imperial Cities with inviting lanes that are 2,000 years old. These are just a few of the wonders in a nation that boasts 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most of any country in Asia. A single Gate 1 journey can unveil the myriad ways in which China lives up to its nickname, “The Beautiful Country.”

Past, President, and Future: Three Cities

To gain an understanding of how China’s past, present, and future are interwoven, a good place to begin – or three good places – would be its dominant cities: Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, each of which has its own character and story to tell.

Beijing is monumental, literally. The city is home to 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (just one shy of the number found in all of Egypt), among them some of the world’s greatest treasures. The Forbidden City is forbidden to none these days: after 500 years of turning guests away from the world’s largest palace complex, China now invites all to see the wonders of the stunning 178-acre complex encircled by two miles of fortified wall. Over time, 24 emperors lived in these 90 palaces, composed of 980 buildings and almost 9,000 rooms.

The little sibling to that royal complex is the Summer Palace, built for the hottest months when the Forbidden City complex felt too stifling. A small pond and reservoir were joined, widened, and dredged, yielding a sparkling 540-acre lake big enough for royal navy vessels to run drills upon. The soil from the lake was used to make the adjacent Longevity Hill, a 200-foot slope crowned with palaces, pavilions, temples and gardens. To this day, it remains, as intended, one of Beijing’s loveliest locales, a brilliant collaboration of man, nature and time.

Whereas Beijing calls to mind the glories of the past, Shanghai is decidedly a snapshot of the future. While the city is certainly known for its gems that date back to previous eras – such as the verdant Yuyuan Garden from the Ming Dynasty and the elegant colonial architecture of the Bund – it is Shanghai’s jaw-dropping new skyline that may leave you gasping with awe.

Viewed across the Huangpu River, the Pudong neighborhood boasts a dizzying array of striking, colorful towers. Shanghai Tower, the biggest of the lot, is the second tallest skyscraper on earth. But height is only one way that this metropolis dazzles: the Orient Pearl looks like a stacking toy of ever-smaller glass beads, while the sinuous Financial Center is a modernist masterwork; even the low-slung Ocean Aquarium impresses passers-by with its flamboyant shark-fin wings

Hong Kong knows a thing or two about showing off its skyline, too: more buildings scrape the sky here than in any other city on earth, with more than 270 rising 500 feet or more. Within those glittering towers are some of the world’s most highly acclaimed restaurants, 64 of which have Michelin stars, and bespoke tailors fitting the fashionistas of Asia and beyond. But it is not all city here. Hong Kong means Fragrant Harbor, a reminder that nature – not metropolitan life – still holds the upper hand. More than 70% of Hong Kong is comprised of islands, mountains, parks, and caves. No matter where you are in the city proper, you’re just a tram car away from a daylong hike in a green parkland with ocean views.

Perhaps that blend of natural splendor and cultural richness is what made it so hard for Britain to return control of Hong Kong to China in 1997. And the subject of who will determine the city’s future – Beijing or Hong Kong itself – remains a heated one.

Beyond the Bright Lights: Singular Sensations

Xian was the final stop on the Silk Road and China’s capital for 13 dynasties, including the Ming era, which gave the city its still-standing fortified walls. But the single most powerful draw for visitors is its immobilized army of 8,000 Terra Cotta soldiers and horses. Crafted by hand, this vast military consort attended the final resting place of the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Arrayed in neat rows that remained underground from the 3rd century, and recently excavated in 1974, these enigmatic soldiers – each one made distinct by his expression, hairstyle, armor, or footwear – have captured the global imagination, eclipsing the fame of the ruler they were meant to honor.

The stars of Chengdu are less numerous but perhaps even more beloved. The 80 pandas at the Giant Panda Research Center have become envoys for China, a source of pride as well as concern as the worldwide population of wild pandas has fallen to under 2,000. While visitors also absorb the fascinating architecture of Qin Dynasty-era Jinli Street and marvel at the 213-foot stone Buddha in nearby Leshan, it is these endangered ambassadors of the mountains which have become the face not only of Chengdu but of China.

The nation’s life blood is the Yangtze River, the world’s third-longest river. Navigating the east-flowing ribbon of water on a river cruise is the only way to truly experience the legendary, dramatic scenery. As you sail through the three mesmerizing gorges of Xiling, Wu and Qutang, watched over by the fabled Twelve Peaks and fantastic rock formations towering above, you’ll wind past tiny villages, soaring cliffs, verdant groves, and terraced hillsides. It is hard not to fall under the timeless spell of the slow-moving current and the ethereal, embracing landscapes that guide it.

Resting easy in China

No matter which facet of China you’re discovering, you’ll be comfortable and well cared for with the best local accommodations. Gate 1 has chosen four-star hotels in Beijing’s historic West City, Shanghai’s glittering Xujiahui district, and outside the storied city walls of Xian. And our Yangtze River cruise unfolds aboard a five-star cruise ship purpose-built for the river, boasting roomy cabins and impeccable service. That all means you can focus on making discoveries.

Don’t miss out on the vast cornucopia of China’s delights. With Gate 1, the highlights and hidden gems alike await you as you explore the “Beautiful Country” for yourself.

Follow this link to our exciting China Tours. Or call to reserve, 1-800-682-3333!

Travel Tips

Yellowstone Facts

on January 7, 2016

Yellowstone National Park

Did you know that Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 as the first national park in the United States?  Here are some more amazing fun facts about this breathtaking natural wonderland.

  • Yellowstone is home to more than 10,000 hot springs and two-thirds of all of the geysers in the world, highlighted by its awe-inspiring rock formations and the famed geyser, “Old Faithful”.
  • The Tower Roosevelt area is known for its sparkling streams teeming with trout and rolling hills covered with sagebrush, aspen trees and evergreens.
  • Tower Fall, with its 132-foot drop, framed by eroded volcanic pinnacles, has inspired many artists over the years.
  • The dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with its turbulent river, is 20 miles of twisting, sheer rock cliffs carved 1200 feet deep.
  • At Specimen Ridge you can view the largest concentration of petrified trees in the world providing a window into the past when plants and climate were much different than today.
  • Mammoth Hot Springs is a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine, created thousands of years ago.
  • See the Mud Volcano, with its rhythmic belching of steam and flashing tongue of water. The caldron exploded onto the landscape in 1948, blowing trees out by their roots and covering the surrounding forest with mud.
  • The thrilling eruptions of the legendary “Old Faithful” shoot up into the air approximately every 90 minutes as high as 184 feet.
Tourist in India
Travel Tips

India & Nepal Entry Requirements

on January 7, 2016

International Entry & Visa Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders

Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates.

INDIA – Visa required. Passengers who enter India only once may utilize India’s recently introduced online visa application process. Single entry visa’s may ONLY be obtained using the Online Visa on Arrival process. Passengers may complete their application online for a $60 fee at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html. Passengers who enter India, continue to Nepal, and then re-enter India will require a multiple entry visa for India. To obtain a multiple entry visa, passengers may visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/. All visa applications which are applied for directly with the consulate or GenVisa will be multiple entry. No single entry visas are available through these outlets. However, passengers who require only a single entry may still utilize and apply for a multiple entry visa. Passengers traveling to India will need to provide a reference, including name, address, and phone number, for their Indian visa. Click here for further information. Two days following your initial booking and deposit, you will receive complete information via email about obtaining a visa to India. For additional information on your Indian visa or locations to apply in person, please visit http://www.in.ckgs.us/. Visa applications should be submitted as early as possible as visa processing may require as long as 30 days. Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist passengers who choose to apply for their visas directly.

NEPAL – Visa required. Tourists may obtain a visa for $25 for a 15 day stay, or $40 for a 30 day stay, payable in cash upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu. Passengers requiring a multiple entry visa will need to pay an additional $20 to validate their visa for multiple entries. Passengers should bring two passport sized photographs for the visa. Prior to departure from Kathmandu airport, there is an airport tax of approx. $17 for passengers traveling to India. Passengers returning to India for the second time in the same trip will require a dual entry visa for India. To avoid the possibility of standing in a long line, you may choose to secure your Nepal visa prior to departure. For information, you may contact the Royal Nepalese Embassy at 2131 Leroy Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone 202-667-4550 or visit nepalembassyusa.org or contact the Consulate General in New York at 212-370-3988.

Travel Tips

Farm to Plate: A Bountiful Moroccan Cuisine

on January 7, 2016

It is morning in Morocco. As the sun rises over the Sahara and bathes the country in brilliant desert light, food vendors prepare their shops for another busy day. In remote medieval villages, eggplant, chickpeas, honey, and cuts of lamb are carted in straight from farms. In bustling city medinas, mounds of spices the color of mustard, rose, and emerald are artfully shaped into cones. Seaside, the daily catch of shrimp, sea bream, and lobster is hauled to market stalls. This is Morocco’s fresh bounty, the foundation for one of the world’s most colorful and dizzying (and spiced up!) cuisines.

You might start your day with fruits and tart yogurt. Papayas, kiwis and grapefruit are favorites. And you’ll witness the French influence firsthand with baguettes and croissants, though the French might be out-baked by a local, circular loaf of khubz or the spongy baghrir, particularly if they’re smothered in amlou, a nutty spread made of almonds and argan oil. Mint tea is also a staple in the morning – or any time of day, really. If coffee is more your (caffeinated) speed, cappuccino, espresso, or coffee with milk is on the menu at any cafe.

The beauty of so much Moroccan cuisine is its earthy simplicity. The food on your plate is intimately connected to geography and culture. Indeed, very little seems imported. Harira is one example. This universal soup starts with a stock of chickpea, tomato, bean, and pasta. But region-by-region and family-by-family, the end concoction varies. Salads, too, are a farm-to-table favorite, a celebration of the fresh vegetables grown as far out as the edge of the Sahara. Salade Marocain is most often served in restaurants – a modest relish of diced tomato, cucumber, and green pepper. An entire salad course, called meze, might be more satisfying, consisting of small dishes of zaalouk (an eggplant dip), baby potatoes, sweet carrots, pureed pumpkin warmed with spice, and tomato relish.

As in so many cultures, dinner is the main meal, except perhaps on Friday holy day when the midday meal takes center stage. It is a social occasion full of cook’s pride and family conversation.

Couscous, Morocco’s national dish dating to the 13th century, is always on the table. Lamb, beef, or chicken – skewered and spiced with a family’s ras el hanout, or secret blend of 10-30 spices – is the main course. (Vegetarianism is rare in Morocco.) The heartier tagine is a mouth-watering casserole or stew named for the conical pot in which it is cooked. Tagine recipes reflect the Moroccan taste for dishes that are at once savory and sweet: beef and prunes … chicken with lemon … lamb with dates. Another sweet and savory option is pastille, a delicacy. This pastry is wrapped around a mixture of shredded chicken or squab, egg, and crushed almonds, then sprinkled with cinnamon or sugar.

Contrary to belief, Morocco is not a dry country, but social propriety with alcohol tends to be strictly followed by locals and visitors. It might also surprise you that Morocco is home to a few well established wineries. Discovery Tours visits its southernmost vineyard, located on the Atlantic coast a short distance from Essaouira. The French winemaker here has owned the vineyard since 1994, and we think you’ll agree he has mastered the art of producing wine in a hot climate. (Hint: cool Atlantic breezes help!) Grenache, Mourvedre, and Syrah are on the “red” menu; Bourboulenc, Clairette, and Muscat are on the “white.”

But make no mistake: it’s the spices and herbs that really intoxicate in Morocco. Cayenne, saffron, chilies, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cumin, paprika, pepper. They all add an exciting extravagance to Moroccan cuisine, brightening each dish like the rising sun.

Gate 1 Foundation
News

The Gate 1 Foundation

on January 7, 2016

It has been just over a year since we launched the Gate 1 Foundation, our nonprofit organization committed to improving lives through travel, education and cultural exchange. Our mission is simple and basic: to provide children with better opportunities to learn and grow by offering supplies and new facilities to some of the world’s most rural and under-served places. But simple and basic needs can sometimes prove challenging to provide, which is why we have an entire team dedicated to the effort. The Gate 1 Foundation has just been formally approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This is exciting news as we will soon be able to accept charitable, tax deductible, donations to further increase the scope of our efforts for the children the foundation supports.

Since we began, the Foundation has not only donated time and resources to improve school conditions, including new classrooms, printers, computers, uniforms and even wood-burning stoves; it has also invited our travelers to visit the schools we help, encouraging them to hand-deliver supplies – like pencils and paper and everyday items like warm clothes – directly into the hands of teachers. It’s a terrific learning opportunity for everyone, and a chance for travelers to hear firsthand about the local curriculum and about the community issues that affect a village’s education efforts. “As a teacher, visiting the school in Ecuador was the highlight of my trip!” said Patti F. of Chicago, California, of the insight she gained during a visit.

In Costa Rica, students benefit from a new playground constructed in a safe environment free of debris. In Peru, Gate 1 funds multiple projects in five different schools. In Thailand, kids are enjoying a new library built with funds from the Foundation. All told, we have been proud to help 16 schools in 9 countries: Peru, Costa Rica, Argentina, Bali, Thailand, Turkey, Swaziland, India and Colombia. And we are working on an additional project in Turkey, with new projects in South Africa, Morocco and beyond.

You can learn more about the Gate 1 Foundation here. We hope our efforts inspire you as much as they inspire us. We invite you to check back to the website often to learn how you can make donations directly to the places we support, many of which are featured on Gate 1 Travel’s itineraries.

News

Book a Group with Gate 1 Travel

on January 7, 2016

Gate 1 understands that today’s marketplace is comprised of a variety of interests and price points. Gate 1’s Custom Group Department has the tools you, a professional group leader needs to address this diversity and to present a professional, accurate and price-sensitive quotation.

Book your group of 15 or more on a pre-scheduled tour/cruise program or work with one of our dedicated staff to fully customize an itinerary that works best to fit your group.

Regardless of your group type, our sales staff will work with you to get the best possible pricing. Wonder how we do it?

Gate 1’s strong relationships with hotels and suppliers worldwide due to the overall company volume allows us to be strongly competitive in the Group Travel market

Our dedicated air team works on your groups behalf, with most major airlines to negotiate and find the right airfare to fit your group’s needs

In addition to getting the best possible pricing, here are some other reasons to book a group with Gate 1 Travel:

Ability to create a fully customized itinerary to fit your groups needs

Take advantage of our Group Sales staff with over 30 years experience in Group travel, who are also supported by the expertise and first hand knowledge of our 21 offices in destinations worldwide

Group Dedicated website with online group reservation capabilities

Our experienced tour managers stand out, as we know that the true value of your groups tour is when you are in their hands

Visit us at https://www.gate1travel.com/groups to get started today!

News

Monarch Empress Under Construction

on January 7, 2016

IMG-20150824-01347

We are excited that construction of the brand new MS Monarch Empress is proceeding right on schedule. Ship building began earlier this year in Romania where her hull and exterior finishing touches were completed. In late August the Empress made the long journey along Europe’s waterways to the Netherlands where she is today. Work on her interior spaces is being done in full earnest.

With more than ten years of experience offering European river cruises, the Monarch Empress marks Gate 1’s first brand new vessel. She has been designed to offer some of the most spacious and comfortable accommodations on Europe’s rivers. Cabins range in size from 140 to 210 square feet and feature soothing blue and white interiors, cherry wood accents and top-of-the-line furnishings. 80 percent of the cabins also offer French balconies, providing private views of the stunning riverbanks. Other state-of-the-art amenities include a sundeck lounge, a generously sized library, a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and an elevator to whisk passengers between decks.

The Monarch Empress will sail throughout 2016 along with the MS Sound of Music, a grand river cruise enjoyed by many Gate 1 travelers. The Sound of Music is scheduled to spend the Spring in Holland & Belgium, with the majority of 2016 sailing season featuring 7-night Rhine River itineraries and 14-night Classic European sailings which span much of Western and Central Europe between Amsterdam and Budapest. The Monarch Empress will spend most of her time featuring 7-night Danube River itineraries between Regensburg and Budapest, with a plethora of itinerary variations available which included pre- and post-cruise land tour extensions. Both ships are more than 50 percent sold for the 2016 season with many specific sailings already sold out, so we encourage those who have been considering a European river cruise not to wait. Book now and secure the sailing and itinerary that you have been thinking about. Click here to see all 2016 European River Cruises.

morocco-camels
AfricaGate 1 ConnectionsMediterraneanRegions

The Road to Morocco: North Africa with a Dash of Europe

on August 7, 2015

Morocco is one of the world’s most entrancing destinations. Here, in one of Africa’s most developed and modern countries, the past lives on in vast and vibrant souks and medinas that harken back to the days of ancient desert trade routes. Donkeys are led through city streets carrying their burden of goods. Camels, kasbahs and inviting oasis towns dot an arid landscape. And mighty Sahara sands stretch eastward, beginning their long, undulating reach all the way to Egypt.

An authentic and deeply historic place, Morocco is a heady blend of African roots and European sensibility, a fascinating bridge between two worlds. What’s more, it harbors incredible natural beauty and diversity, from vast desert to soaring snow-capped peaks, from deep-cut gorges to beautiful Atlantic coasts. Gate 1 Travel can’t wait to share it all with you. Our expert Tour Managers know and love their country, and they are eager to open doors that will let you peer deeply into the rich and alluring culture they call home.

Three Imperial Cities

Of Morocco’s four historic capitals, Gate 1 Travel visits three: Fez, Marrakesh and Rabat.

Fez was founded around the turn of the 9th century and served as the country’s capital several times over its long history. The city has many highlights, the University of Al Karaouine, the oldest university in the world; the splendid Royal Palace; and a richly traditional Jewish Quarter among them. But for many, the highlight of this remarkable city is the Fes el Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sprawling marketplace brims with brass and leather goods, lush carpets, and handmade slippers, and is thought to be one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, making it a delight to stroll and explore. For its sophistication and amazing history, Fez has been called the Athens of Africa.
The carnival-like Jamaa El Fna Square of Marrakesh is synonymous with all things Moroccan. As evening sets in, it becomes an intoxicating blend of snake charmers, fire eaters, kebab stalls and much more. Many people come to Morocco just to experience this feast for the senses. However, there’s lots more to see here, from the glittering Bahia Palace and Gardens – the greatest palace of its day in the 19th century – to the slender Koutoubia Minaret that punctuates the elegant mosque of the same name.

Today’s capital, Rabat, has often been cited as one of the most invigorating travel destinations in the world. A stroll through the Oudaya Kasbah reveals exactly why. This walled UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by the Almohad reign in the 12th and 13th centuries and houses a palace and mosque and cobbled lanes wending their way through a maze of colorful houses. Nearby, the unfinished mosque of an Almohad caliph has as its centerpiece the Hassan Tower. The mosque and its tower were intended to be the largest of their kind in the world when they were begun in 1195. The impressive ruins of the Chellah necropolis stretch even further back in time, to the days of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and even Romans.

Desert Outposts Amidst Legendary Beauty

The Sahara Desert most often comes to the mind of travelers dreaming of Morocco. Of course, Gate 1 introduces you to this spellbinding region where the Atlas Mountains unfold their flowing sand dunes. Visiting this starkly beautiful place – and even exploring on camelback, if you’d like – is a travel experience unlike any other. But there is more magnificent and diverse beauty away from these legendary desert sands, where modest villages and their natural surroundings seamlessly blend together.

The road from Fez to Erfoud slices through some of Morocco’s most dramatic scenery. Montane cedar woods lead into the Middle Atlas Mountains and the lush Ziz Valley, passing the ski resort of Ifrane (at 5,460 feet) and the Berber handicraft town of Azrou along the way. Rissani has long straddled mountains and desert. It was a busy caravan town during the days of long desert treks. The souk here still bustles with the calls of vendors and a rich array of local goods. The former Berber city of Sijilmasa, however, lost its luster as a trading town of the past. Stretching for five miles along the River Ziz, it fell to nomadic tribes in 1818 and has stood dormant since, providing a remarkable glimpse into a former desert trading post.

Some of the world’s most dramatic canyons slice through these Middle Atlas Mountains. TheTodgha Gorge towers to 800 feet. It once guided a raging river through its rocky passage but has since dried up. The Dades Gorges, too, add unspeakable, lunar-like beauty to this spectacular corner of Morocco.

The medieval desert village of Ouarzazate is so well preserved that it has been used to film many movies set in ancient times. Also a former trading town, it is home to a 12th-century Taourirt village that is still inhabited today. Nearby, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou comprises six kasbahs and fifty ksars. It is heralded as one of the world’s finest examples of earthen clay architecture, and has also seen its share of film crews scouring its streets for the perfect shot.

Morocco’s Coastal Gems

Speaking of films, Casablanca is one of Morocco’s most visited cities because of its setting for the classic movie. The country’s main port, it enjoys a stunning locale on the Atlantic, with a beautiful, palm-lined corniche. The city’s cathedral is a splendid example of Moorish Revival architecture, but no building compares to the scope and breadth of the Hassan II Mosque, the world’s third largest. Located on a promontory jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, it can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 in its vast courtyard. Its minaret is the world’s tallest at 689 feet.

Essaouira is perhaps Morocco’s most scenic coastal city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a perfect example of a typical North African fortified town, with its cannons pointing out to sea, preserved ramparts and brightly hued fishing boats. The Skala de la Ville once defended the city from sea attacks. The town has attracted artists and craftspeople from all over the world who have created a thriving community all their own. Thanks to their unbridled creativity, the souks within the medina seem the perfect marriage of traditional and modern trades, offering everything from sea-inspired jewelry to original paintings.

Experience Morocco, Gate 1 Style!

Quality and value go hand in hand in Gate 1 Travel’s Morocco. Our travel planners have reserved some of the country’s finest hotels. And you’ll enjoy restaurants that introduce you to a newly refined take on Moroccan cuisine, and savor the generous bounty of home-made meals and mint tea prepared by hosts. What’s more, our Tour Managers are among the most experienced and insightful around, with a boundless national pride that you’ll find contagious. Simply put, there is no other way to experience Morocco to its fullest than with Gate 1 Travel!

To reserve your Morocco trip today, just follow this link!

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A World Unto Themselves: The Epic Scope of New Zealand and Australia

on August 7, 2015

The twin titans of the South Pacific boast an array of landscapes, cultures, and treasures diverse enough to fill an entire globe. In just one journey encompassing both New Zealand and Australia, you can experience ancient traditions that span millennia and compare some of the world’s most cutting edge cities, while traversing rainforest, mountain, and coral reef.

Auckland, Where Modern and Maori Meet

Stunning Auckland can best be summed up by its literal low and high points. Beautifully set at sea level on an isthmus, it boasts not one harbor, but two: Waitemata to the north and Manukau to the south. Nearby, lift your eyes to the mighty Maungawhau (Mt. Eden), the highest of the region’s 48 volcanoes at 648 feet. Maungawhau is sacred to the Maori, who once called its slopes home and still act as its guardians. Then follow the horizon to the Sky Tower; at over 1,000 feet, it’s the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and a symbol of the city’s economic vibrancy and its role as the star of contemporary Kiwi culture. Between the city’s natural and man-made wonders, Auckland’s modern-meets-Maori flavor is on full display.

With its fantastic harbor setting, it should come as no surprise that one household out of every three has a registered boat. The local passion for yachting earned the city its nickname, the “City of Sails.” Gaze out over either harbor at any hour, and you’ll see vessels of all sizes, from massive trade ships to sleek yachts to the Maori waka, the simple, traditional watercrafts that have skimmed these waters for centuries.

Secrets of the Earth on North Island

Part of what makes New Zealand so appealing to nature lovers is the sheer drama of its landscapes. The longest underground walkway in the nation is on North Island in the Ruakuri Caves, first discovered 500 years ago by a young Maori hunter. The Maori dedicated the mouth of the cave as a wahi tipu (burial place), so visitors today descend a spiral staircase that doesn’t disturb the sacred area, entering a world of shadow and light where sandstone seems to drip from the ceiling and walls sparkle with crystal and glowworms.

While Ruakuri hides it splendor underground, the volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park does quite the opposite, with three mountain peaks competing for attention. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the island’s youngest volcano (Ngauruhoe), as well as its largest (Ruapehu), and its most active (mighty Tongariro, which has erupted 70 times).

In Rotorua, mud pools bubble and active geysers blast their watery plumes up to 100 feet in the air as many as 20 times a day. Geothermal hotspots like Rotorua and the nearby Hidden Valley, home of the Orakei Korako Cave, were central to Maori life for centuries, as the natural hot springs acted as resources for cooking, bathing, and heating shelters.

You’ll learn more about Maori life in a visit to the village of Whakarewarewa, where you’ll witness traditional dance, weaving, and grass skirt-making, and sit down to a Hangi Dinner cooked in the nature’s stove: the thermal ground itself.

The Gold Rush & the Wine Boom: Dunedin & Queenstown

For Kiwis who want their outdoor experience enhanced by the most unforgettable vistas, the rugged Otago region on the South Island has it all: rushing rivers cutting through lush forests and crystal clear lakes reflecting soaring mountains. These are the backdrops against which the 1860’s gold rush played out. A visiting prospector who had already made a name for himself in California wrote home that he found a riverbed in which he “saw gold shining like the stars of Orion on a dark frosty night.”

That set off a three-year stampede to the region and led to the rise of towns like Dunedin, which went from colonial outpost to the country’s largest city in two years flat. Visiting Dunedin today, the glories of the 19th century are on display everywhere in the Victorian and Edwardian architecture, especially the elaborately decorated railway station, a curious-looking hybrid that’s part gingerbread house and part royal palace.

The economic rewards of that era also created lovely Queenstown; the most successful gold diggers built homes on the shores of mirror-like Lake Wakatipu. By the end of the rush, the town’s fortunes faltered, the population dwindled and the modest town struggled to find a new industry. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the gorgeous setting itself began to draw New Zealanders back, cementing Queenstown as the recreational hub of the nation with year-round options from skiing to jet-boating. Other South Island Victorian gems like Otago.

But what’s really made the economy sing again has been a boom of a different industry: wine growing. The very first vines here were planted during the gold rush, but then neglected. A few enterprising vintners revived them a century later. In the past 25 years, winemaking has soared, with the number of wineries rising from fewer than a dozen to 112 at last count. Unlike the gold of yore, the grapes are in no danger of running out — and that’s something lucky travelers can raise a glass to.

More South Island Spectacles

Wine lovers aren’t the only ones attracted to the South Island. The harbor of Oamaru, the pretty seaside town lush with beautiful Victorian architecture, is home to a colony of blue penguins. More than 130 make their home here, nesting in burrows dug out by other animals or in man-made structures. Some of them have been breeding here for over 16 years, which is double the average life span of those living in the wild.

Blanketing the island’s Canterbury Plains, you’ll find a little bit of England. In fact, Christchurch – New Zealand’s second largest city – is often regarded as the most British of the country’s cities. It also enjoys its status as the Kiwis’ favorite “Garden City.” Its many colorful and beautifully manicured gardens and parks are a joy to stroll.

Elsewhere, on the magnificent West Coast, the 7.5-mile-long Franz Josef Glacier has crawled toward the sea from the heights of the Southern Alps through the lush greenery of a rainforest. It was a spectacular and unusual sight to the first Europeans who laid eyes on it. But the Maori were intimately familiar with it, calling it Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere, which means “the tears of Hinehukatere.” The name comes from a local legend in which Hinehukatere persuaded her lover, Wawe, to climb in these mountains with her. After an avalanche buried him alive, her countless tears flowed down the mountain and froze to form the glacier we see today.

Melbourne & Sydney Go Head to Head

A decade before that first prospector ever landed in Queenstown, the Australian state of Victoria across the Tasman Sea was having its own gold rush. Discovery of the glittering stone yielded epic wealth and transformed sleepy Melbourne into the richest city in the world and the second largest after London. The Royal Exhibition Building, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, opened here, as did the stock exchange, a bevy of concert halls and grand hotels, and Australia’s first high-rise.

While the region suffered from the end of the gold rush, it never relinquished its role as arts capital of Australia. Sharing their city with 500 live music venues, international film and theatre festivals, and 100 galleries hosting Australia’s largest annual art show, Melburnians think they’re the clear frontrunner when it comes to culture. That’s just one reason it’s Australia’s fastest growing city.

Sydneysiders, as the residents of Sydney call themselves, hear Melbourne’s claims of cultural supremacy and counter with three words: Sydney Opera House. There is simply no more visually iconic concert hall on earth than this harbor-side UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s become an enduring symbol of the city’s cosmopolitan nature since it opened in the 1970s.

Locals also point out that they have something else Melbourne doesn’t: more sunshine (twice as many sunny days a year) which means more time to soak up rays at Bondi Beach or enjoy boat rides across Sydney Harbor. The favorable climate is ideal for a stroll through the historic Rocks area. Its first residents were convicts, but today it is a vibrant (and very law-abiding!) neighborhood of markets, restaurants, and coffee shops. Whether braving a “BridgeClimb” across Harbour Bridge, affectionately called The Coathanger for its arched shape, or strolling the flower-lined pathways of the Royal Botanic Gardens, travelers have made this the most visited city in Australia.

Discover More Down Under

The beauty of your Gate 1 journey to Australia & New Zealand is that you can choose your own experience by adding up to two more destinations. It’s an easy and affordable way to further your explorations.

There’s no place on earth quite like Cairns. Surrounded by tropical rainforest and facing outward to the sea and the Great Barrier Reef, it is a paradise no matter how you look at it (including from space, where the reef is visible). No visit here is complete without cruising by catamaran among a few of the 600 islands that comprise the Inner and Outer Reefs. Every isle casts its own spell but we think you’ll love Green Island, a 6000-year-old coral cay featuring 126 native plant species, vivid tropical birds, and dazzling coral gardens which are home to an endless array of marine life. Back on land, you’ll find a leisurely pace and laid-back charm. Sink your toes into white sand beaches, poke in and out of little shops, or take a dip in the Esplanade and you’ll see why so many Aussies think of Cairns when they hear the world “holiday”.

It’s hard to believe that Ayer’s Rock is in the same country as Cairns, never mind on the same planet. Rising amid the arid “Red Centre” of Australia, the sandstone monolith is known to Aboriginal people as Uluru, and holds a sacred place in their culture. Rising 1,100 feet and running a mile in length, it’s a monster of nature almost too big to take in at one pass; that’s why we’ll make sure you see it twice, once at sunset, and again at morning. You’ll get the Aboriginal perspective when you follow the Mutitjulu Walk around the rocky base, witness Aboriginal rock paintings, and discover handmade goods at the Kata Tjuta Cultural Center.

Join Gate 1 Travel to discover the enormous breadth and richness of New Zealand and Australia, from their indigenous roots to their glittering cities, all while knowing you’ll savor the greatest comfort, the most insightful sightseeing, and the best value.

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