Category: Gate 1 Connections

China’s Epic Cultural Treasures

Gate 1 Travel on March 21, 2018

When it comes to sheer size, China tips the scales. Just think of it: In all the world, it boasts the longest manmade structure, the greatest concentration of skyscrapers, the largest hydroelectric dam, the vastest public square. To say nothing of a palace complex of 9,000 rooms. China is one of the most captivating and compelling places on Earth. Gate 1 Travel helps you get to the heart of its history, its traditions, and its people – and, yes, its epic architectural achievements.

You’ll stroll the quiet lanes of Beijing’s ancient hutong neighborhoods. Walk Shanghai’s historic Bund, with colonial edifices to one side and the futuristic skyline of the Pudong on the other. Sail the magnificent Yangtze River through its three famously scenic gorges. Gaze in awe at the forest of skyscrapers that is Hong Kong. And so much more. All with Gate 1’s expert guides who know the nation they call home like no one else.

Dazzling Megacities

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, 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. As if that weren’t enough to boggle the mind, it rests on the largest public square in the world, Tiananmen, a massive acreage that salutes the grandiosity of China’s past and present.

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 dredged 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.

Just a short drive outside the city, the Great Wall undulates over sloping hills like a serpent. It is the longest manmade structure in the world and, though claims that it can be seen from space are debatable, its imposing ramparts will surely impress you as much as the ancient marauders it was intended to keep out.

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.

Inland Treasures and a Spellbinding River

Xian was the final stop on the Silk Road and China’s capital for 12 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, these enigmatic soldiers remained underground from the 3^rd century until their excavation in 1974. Remarkably, each one was carved with a distinct expression, hairstyle, armor, and footwear. They 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 that unfolds around its banks. 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.

The Yangtze, though a beloved symbol of China, was often prone to massive flooding. Through the ages, thousands lost their lives and their villages to a seasonal deluge. Today, the waters are tamed by the gargantuan Three Gorges Dam project, a fascinating highlight of cruising this incredible river.

Resting easy in China

No one does China like Gate 1. Our knowledgeable guides use their longtime contacts to open doors to you that other travelers miss and introduce you to China’s most remarkable resource: its people. We’ve handpicked the best local accommodations for your journey to ensure your comfort. And our Yangtze River cruise unfolds aboard a five-star cruise ship purpose-built for the river, boasting roomy cabins and impeccable service. Best of all, we take care of all the details every step of the way, so you can leave the logistics to us and spend your time uncovering the compelling mysteries of this enigmatic nation.

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

Europe Gate 1 Connections

Dreaming in Italian

Gate 1 Travel on February 15, 2018

It’s been said that Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life. Indeed, the glorious panoramas, exquisite cuisine and wine, elegant architectural treasures, magnificent art, and smiling Italian people unfold in dream after dream when you visit this beloved country. You surely won’t want to awaken once you’ve fallen under its beguiling spell.

Gate 1 Travel takes you to Italy, from the northernmost Alps to southernmost Sicily, in the most eye-opening ways. You’ll visit breathtaking iconic treasures that date back to the Renaissance, Ancient Rome, and earlier. Sample delectable food and wine that will make your taste buds sing and your spirits soar. And uncover a fascinating history rich in tales of the wealthiest families and the humblest wine growers. As dreams go, visiting Italy with Gate 1 and experiencing la dolce vita for yourself is about as good as it gets. We hope you’ll join us!

Magnificent Cultural Capitals: Vestiges of Empire and Influential Families

Rome really is the Eternal City, where past and present seamlessly intermingle. On streets 2,000 years old, Vespas scoot by visitors soaking in the loveliness of the city’s charming piazzas. These open plazas embody public art at its finest, adorned with finely sculpted fountains carved by some of history’s greatest artists, from Bernini to della Porta.

Piazza to piazza, even the ancient architecture astounds—the Roman Empire didn’t do anything half heartedly. The Pantheon, built to honor the gods, remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome and is a masterwork of Roman engineering. And the ancient Coliseum still dazzles: Once able to host 80,000 spectators, this was where Romans gathered to witness gladiatorial combat and contests between men and beasts.

Art and architecture come together in an inspiring fashion in Vatican City. Surely, St. Peter’s Basilica and its sprawling square is one of the most moving pilgrimage sites in all of Christendom. Whether it is faith or art history that calls to you, the Vatican Museum rewards with one of the world’s undisputed treasures, the Sistine Chapel, painstakingly painted by Michelangelo over the course of many years. In total, the artist painted more than 5,000 square feet of frescoes here. Today, they remain a wonder of rich color and sumptuous detail.

Rome might think of itself as the pinnacle of Italian culture, but citizens of Venice would firmly disagree. The glories of the Venetian Empire, which ruled much of the Adriatic region for over 1,000 years, are on full display. The glittering domes of St. Mark’s Basilica watch over its namesake square, which Napoleon once called “the drawing room of Europe” for its grace and beauty. The nearby Doge’s Palace was the empire’s center. Here, opulent chambers recall the lifestyles of the rich and regal. The Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the prison, afforded the final view that convicted criminals enjoyed (and “sighed” over) before they were locked away. And you can still find Murano glass, a true Venetian treasure, being shaped on the neighboring island by descendants of the finest glass blowers in history. Inland, historic Verona holds a similarly romantic appeal, from the remarkably preserved amphitheater to the charming balcony on which Shakespeare’s Juliet is said to have swooned over her famous suitor.

It didn’t take an entire kingdom to elevate Florence—just a family. The politically powerful and deep-pocketed Medicis made the city the epicenter of art and intrigue alike, a powerful draw for the greatest minds and talents of Europe. No wonder Florence gave birth to the Renaissance. With its grand buildings, sculptures, gardens, and the astonishing Duomo of the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, the city is an open-air museum of the period that defined it. Visitors have two chances here to see its most iconic work, Michelangelo’s David: The original is in the Accademia of Fine Arts and a replica stands in the Piazza della Signoria.

Milan may not have given rise to an entire movement, but it made a name for itself as the heart of fashion in a nation that puts other countries to shame when it comes to style. You might never strut the catwalks of Fashion Week here, but you can always make your own runway with a stroll through the glamorous Victor Emmanuel Galleria, a 19th-century pedestrian mall beneath a large arched glass ceiling. It’s the perfect distillation of Italian city life—stylish, historic, and aesthetically beautiful all at once.

Stunning Medieval Hill Towns

When you leave the bustle of metropolitan centers for lush valleys and romantic hill towns, Italy’s astonishing natural beauty comes into view. In the Tuscan town of Montecatini, spectacular vistas of emerald-hued slopes await from Montecatini Alto—if you can tear yourself away from a soak in the city’s extensive thermal-fed spas. Travelers have long come here to “take the waters,” and you may do the same during your free time.

Italy’s hill towns each boast a unique flavor and, of course, produce some of the world’s most celebrated wines. Siena is a gem that sits elegantly over three hills. You can explore the huge central plaza, Piazza del Campo, which is the site of the famous Palio horse race that takes place twice each year. And take a step back in time in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano, a small walled village famous for its medieval architecture and towers that create a unique skyline. Umbrian Assisi straddles a hilltop, appearing more like a fortress than a major center of the Franciscan Order, though the view from the city is indeed heavenly.

Treasures of the North: Lakeside Splendor, Alpine Beauty, Cultural Gems

Verdant green hillsides spill down to the sparkling waters of Lago di Como, or Lake Como, in Lombardy. Playground of jet-setters and celebrities, this vast and glistening lake is surrounded by cypress trees, earth-toned villas, lush gardens and spectacular views of the Italian Alps. It is pure pleasure simply to be here and stroll the scenic lakeside promenade. While you’re here, it’s hard to resist a cruise to nearby Bellagio, “The Pearl of Lake Como,” where gentle waves lap at a lyrical red-roofed village.

Though a bit less renowned, Lake Maggiore extols all the virtues of its sister lake. On Isola Bella (“Beautiful Island”), echoes of the Borromeo family whisper in their preserved baroque palace, where white peacocks strut through lavish gardens. And for a glimpse of what daily life was like for the working class, visit Isola dei Pescatori, or “Fishermen’s Island.” The lakeside city of Stresa, with its breathtaking alpine setting, was Ernest Hemingway’s inspiration as he wrote A Farewell to Arms; it will surely inspire you, too.

There’s more inspiration in Turin, capital of the Piedmont region and host of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. The city is a spellbinding repository of architecture, from Renaissance to Rococo, and was the home of the Royal House of Savoy. Their residences, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provide rich insight into Italy’s past. Piedmont is also celebrated for its embrace of the slow food movement, its dishes always accompanied by one of its wines, perhaps Barolo or Spumante.

Food also takes center stage in Parma, where balsamic vinegar, prosciutto and cheese vie for attention with splendid architecture and a soaring musical heritage. The city’s theaters—revered temples of Italy’s music scene—host world-renowned artists and its splendid buildings span the ages. Some foodies consider Bologna somewhat of a sister city to Parma. It, too, boasts an international reputation for its cuisine, most bountifully on display in the city’s oldest food market, Quadrilatero. And, surprising to many visitors, its historic center of preserved buildings is Europe’s second largest, home to sprawling piazzas, elegant fountains, and grand palaces. Meanwhile, a Venetian air defines all things in Treviso, a lingering remnant of its time as the first mainland possession of the Venetian Republic. Even canals criss-cross the historic city of medieval palaces and residences. It’s all worthy of a toast over a glass of prosecco, the refreshing wine that originated here.

A Sparkling and Spectacular Coast

As lovely a backdrop as Lake Como might be, it is easily rivaled by the stunning sweep of Italy’s jaw-dropping coastline. On the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre, a necklace of five villages clinging to cliff sides, is one of the world’s most enchanting destinations. Largely untouched by the congestion of the modern world, the villages can only be accessed by foot, boat, or by a 19th-century railway.

The Amalfi Coast tempts with a spectacularly scenic drive, tracing dramatic and rocky shores to quaint seaside villages and colorful houses that seem to spill into the sea, from Positano to Ravello. Its gateway is Sorrento – famed for its limoncello lemon liqueur and its sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples. As for the city of Naples, no other Italian city compares. Twenty-five centuries have shaped its distinct Neapolitan culture. Often considered the food capital of the nation—it was here, after all, where pizza was invented—its vast collection of palaces, plazas, and art takes the breath away.

The citizens of nearby Pompeii were not so lucky in having their city survive into the modern day. But, preserved as it was under 20 feet of ash from the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD, it presents a fascinating portrait of 1st-century life in a typical port city. Residences, wine shops, public baths and even brothels have been uncovered here and many mosaics and frescoes remain remarkably intact and vibrant.

Sicilian Splendor

Sicily has been a crossroads of civilizations for centuries and countless cultures left their mark here – from the hilltop Norman Cathedral in Monreale to the 12th-century Byzantine mosaics within. The island’s heart is Palermo, its Old Town a stunning blend of architectural styles, many of them represented in the Palermo Cathedral, which was built and enhanced over centuries.

A spectacular sampling of Greek culture defines Agrigento. Here, in the Valley of the Temples, are the best-preserved worship sites outside mainland Greece, including the Temple of Juno and incredibly intact Temple of Concordia. Remarkably restored Roman villas are nearby, providing unique insight into the lives of that era.

The most active volcano in Europe, Mt. Etna is the island’s true conqueror, outlasting all other regimes. It watches over Taormina and Catania alike. Perched on a rocky plateau, Taormina overlooks the Bay of Naxos and the Ionian Sea. The meticulous preservation of its Greek stadium and its walls is equaled only by the coastal vista from its hillside setting. To the south, Catania stood on par with Florence for its cultural and artistic contributions during the Renaissance. Much of the town was destroyed during a 1693 earthquake, and so today it boasts a more baroque flavor, with wide-open piazzas and colorful markets.

Undiscovered Beauty

Perhaps less well known to outsiders than Sicily—and thus seldom as crowded—the Puglia region spreads across the heel of Italy’s boot. Surrounded by turquoise sea, the port city of Bari has been welcoming home sailors and fishermen for more than two millennia. At the open-air market, locals buy the day’s catch, often brought ashore by their own friends and loved ones. The Bari Cathedral and the grand Romanesque Basilica of San Nicola show that Italy’s penchant for artistry didn’t miss Puglia. The same is true in Lecce, where baroque gems outline 300-year-old cobblestone streets. From its Piazza del Duomo to its 2nd-century Roman amphitheater, it’s easy to see why Lecce is fondly named the “Florence of the South.”

Like in the rest of Italy, history stretches back across the centuries in Puglia, as a visit to a pair of UNESCO World Heritage Sites reveals. Alberobello is home to 14th-century dry stone huts known as trulli, small conical structures based on prehistoric building techniques. And in Matera, the Paleolithic Age is revealed by the mysterious Sassi, ancient stone dwellings carved into rock, believed to be the first human settlements in Italy.

Italy Your Way with Gate 1

Truly, the full sweep of human history awaits you in Italy, from boot to heel and mountain to sea. And as always, you’ll enjoy the best possible value with Gate 1 Travel. We invite you to browse our many Italy vacations, including our Discovery Tours trips designed for small groups so you can experience it all up close. Then call to reserve the itinerary that suits you. We look forward to hearing from you!

Best Public Parks & Squares to Visit in Barcelona

Europe Gate 1 Connections

Spain: A Soaring and Splendid Symphony

Gate 1 Travel on January 25, 2018

Fiery passion. The fine wines of Rioja. Architecture that ranges from traditional Moorish arches and soaring Gothic spires to the surreal works of Gaudi. Cuisine with deep roots in the sea and on land. Wide vegas rising up to soaring montañas. And dances that have withstood the march of time, from the energetic flamenco to the duel between el toro and el matador.

Spain is one of Europe’s grandest symphonies, at once slow and romantic and then impossibly quick-footed. Its rich culture engages and uplifts the spirit. Its long history enlightens the mind. And its welcoming people warm the heart. We can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.

The Beating Heart of Spain

You might call Madrid “el corazón de España” – the heart of Spain – the central point and capital from which Spanish life and culture flow. Its colossal Royal Palace, on the vast Plaza Oriente, was built on the site of a former Alcazar, or castle, in the mid-1700s by Philip V and Carlos III. Paired with the adjacent Almudena Cathedral, it is a spectacular site. The Plaza de España – with its skyscrapers and towering memorial to Cervantes – is no less impressive. Art lovers flock to El Prado, the huge repository of Spanish art featuring the works of Goya, Velazquez, Picasso, El Greco, and countless others.

Lovers of Spanish history and art consider Toledo a national monument, a rich canvas of all the elements that have shaped today’s Spain. Both Moorish and Christian architecture survive here; steep, cobbled streets offer endless (though strenuous!) strolls. Its St. Tome Church evokes the romance of the high-style Gothic era, and its chapel houses El Greco’s most famous masterpiece The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.

The city’s many cultural institutions have earned it the moniker, “The Museum City.”

Farther west, historic Salamanca rises on the plains like a medieval crown. This breathtaking city is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded in 1134, and was long a major intellectual center of Europe. Still today, it exudes a lively student vibe and café scene. But the most impressive sight is its massive cathedral that dominates the skyline. You could consider them two cathedrals in one: The Old Cathedral was built in the 12^th century and the “New” four centuries later. Together, they are an imposing echo of the power of Christianity in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

To the North, Sample World-Class Art and Wine

The Mediterranean climate of the province of Rioja – like in southern France and Italy’s Tuscany – creates a prime wine-growing environment. Vineyards and bodegas, or tasting rooms, dot a landscape of rolling valleys and towering mountain ranges. We find it the perfect northern idyll for its wine-tasting opportunities.

Perhaps the north’s most famous city is Bilbao, linked to the Bay of Biscay by the Nervion River. Frank Gehry’s 1997 Guggenheim Museum might have put this city on the international map – a wondrous work of glass, titanium, and limestone – but Bilbao’s Old Quarter, or Casco Viejo, is a fantastic preservation of the medieval city’s original seven parallel streets.

Christianity takes on a more powerful meaning in Santiago de Compostela. Devout pilgrims have gathered here since the Early Middle Ages after having walked the famed Way of St. James, or El Camino de Santiago, some from as far away as Eastern Europe. What makes this place so holy is one of the tombs within: It is believed that St. James, one of Christ’s apostles, is buried here.

Live the Spain of Your Dreams in Andalusia

For many, Andalusia – the sun-kissed southern province on the Mediterranean – is the real Spain: flamenco dancers, matadors, bougainvillea spilling over wrought-iron balconies in white villages, and the Alhambra. Of course, Andalusia is only a slice of this scintillating country – but a glorious, historic, and festive one.

Perhaps no other city conveys Spain’s diverse past as powerfully as Cordoba, once the most populous city in the world and the intellectual center of medieval Europe. Its Jewish Quarter and synagogue are marvelously authentic pockets of history that were once strolled by the great Jewish philosopher Maimonides. The marriage of Muslim and Christian is poignant in the massive mosque-cathedral of La Mezquita – also known as the Mosque of the Caliphs. Its forest of 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite is an unforgettable sight. Predating all of this is the still-standing first-century Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir River.

Seville, home of the flamenco, is arguably one of Spain’s great cities. Its cathedral is the largest Gothic building on earth. Christopher Columbus, one of the country’s great heroes, is entombed here. This, too, was once a mosque; when Spaniards razed it, they couldn’t bring themselves to tear down its lovely minaret. So they topped it with a five-story bell tower that shifts in the breeze and called it La Giralda, roughly translated as “something that turns.” Nearby, the Santa Cruz Quarter – the Jewish Quarter in medieval times – is a labyrinthine network of intimate warrens. A more recent symbol of the city, the Plaza de España, is a graceful, tile-adorned work of perfection, built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.

Any visitor to Granada will understand why Boabdil, its last Moorish king, wept when he lost his city to Ferdinand and Isabella. Indeed, its magnificent setting and palatial fortress brings a tear to the eye of many a visitor. The Alhambra Palace overlooks today’s modern city, but within its walls kings and caliphs savored a world of their own: cavernous rooms, ornate courtyards, and extensive gardens overlooking snow-capped peaks.

Catch Spain’s Mediterranean Breezes

The resort town of Torremolinos provides a taste of Spanish beach life. Mediterranean sands and the city’s delightful seaside promenade are right across the street from your hotel, and the town’s shops in the upper town invite an afternoon of browsing. It all makes for a relaxed stay, but truth be told, relaxing may be the last thing on your mind when you’re tempted with an excursion to Gibraltar, the British Crown Colony renowned for its mighty Rock, and Malaga, birthplace of Pablo Picasso and one of the coast’s most historic and breathtaking cities.

Farther east lies the city where the famous Spanish dish of paella was invented by fishermen. Fed by Mediterranean moisture and the waters of the Turia River, Valencia is Spain’s Garden City. Its most historic buildings – aside from the ornate City Hall – huddle around a 14^th-century cathedral. But perhaps its most incredibly preserved structure is the Torres Serranos, or City Gates, that have greeted travelers for thousands of years. A decidedly more modern addition is the Arts and Science City, a massive and futuristic complex of entertainment venues and museums.

Barcelona stands as Spain’s jewel on the Mediterranean – though residents of this Catalan capital have long advocated for secession. No matter your opinion on the matter, the city is a vibrant metropolis of long boulevards, hopping cafes, ocean breezes, and surreal echoes of its native son Antonio Gaudi. For a true taste of Catalan culture, there’s no place like Las Ramblas, the pedestrian zone lined with cafes, tapas bars, and shops. Even more of a draw, however, is La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Gaudi’s perennially unfinished church. This soaring masterpiece – and the charming structures within his vast Parc Guell – looks torn from the pages of a storybook. Outside of town, Montjuic Hill overlooks the city. The hill saw intense competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics in the Olympic Stadium, still in use today.

Take in All of Iberia – Add Portugal!

You’ve long heard of Portugal as the launching pad for the Age of Discoveries. You can explore this beautiful nation rich in tradition for yourself when you choose a Gate 1 itinerary that helps you explore beyond Spain’s borders.

From Portugal’s shores, courageous mariners set sail to claim new lands, map the world, and develop global trade. Much of Lisbon’s wealth was built on these endeavors, as its palaces, monasteries, and monuments show. And in the city’s Alfama district, strains of fado music spill into narrow lanes. Farther north, on the Douro River, the city of Porto has witnessed a long history of wine making – beginning with the port wines produced in the nearby Douro River Valley, the world’s first demarcated wine zone.

There are so many reasons to visit Spain with Gate 1 Travel. Rich history, magnificent landscapes, stunning architecture and opulent palaces might top your list. Gate 1 Travel gives you another reason – a value that you simply won’t find anywhere else. Join us!

Asia & Pacific Gate 1 Connections

Unravel the Mysteries of Japan with Gate 1

Gate 1 Travel on December 20, 2017

Today’s Japan is a self-styled contradiction. Here, the citizens who fuel a fast-paced economic juggernaut embrace traditions of tranquility and harmony. The most technologically advanced bullet train jettisons passengers to a slow-paced nature preserve. Vending machines dispense quick meals while tea ceremonies are performed with intricate detail and utmost patience. The past and present swirl together to form one rich cultural blend that transfixes and mesmerizes, and no one reveals its complexities and subtleties like Gate 1 Travel during our Classic Japan vacation.

Tokyo: Imperial & Shinto Treasures

If any city is a mishmash of modern and historic, of new wave and traditional, it’s Tokyo. Contemporary pop rubs elbows with Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Neon shopping avenues stretch out adjacent to Zen gardens. To get a sense of the entire metropolis, perhaps choose to ascend the Tokyo Tower – the city’s architectural symbol inspired by the Parisian Eiffel Tower. From its heights, you see the patchwork of clustered skyscrapers, quilt-like green spaces, sloped temple roofs and long avenues. But it’s when you zoom in to the details of Tokyo that you get a true sense of its richly detailed textures.

Shintoism is practiced by a third of Japan. The rituals associated with it are believed to connect modern believers to an ancient past. The city’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, or the Asakusa Kannon Temple, is said to have been founded in the year 628 after two fisherman brothers pulled a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, from the water. Upon seeing their prize, the village chief was inspired to build this shrine. Pilgrims keep the faith that the statue is still here, even though it is kept hidden away and has never been seen.

A more serene setting is home to the Meiji Shinto Shrine, built and named to honor the first modern Emperor of Japan and his Empress Shoken. (Other emperors had preceded Meiji, but he brought a political and social structure to the country that ushered Japan into the 20^th century.) Built in a 175-acre forest within the city in 1912 – at the site of an iris garden favored by the emperor – the shrine was made from cypress and copper. Visitors are welcomed onto the grounds by a massive torii gate; the Shinto structure symbolizes the threshold between the profane and the sacred.

The centerpiece of Tokyo is the Imperial Palace and its splendid gardens. Built on the site of the 15^th-century Edo Castle, the grounds spread out over 1.3 square miles. The imperial family still calls the palace home, but the 50-acre Higashi Gyoen gardens are a delight to stroll. Forested paths and beautifully manicured flower beds and topiary lead to Kokyo Gaien, a large public plaza with views of the famous Nijubashi, the double bridge that crosses the moat into the inner sanctum.

Of course, one cannot visit Tokyo without experiencing its shopping culture. Ginza, one of the world’s most luxurious commercial districts, is a destination by itself. The neo-Renaissance Wako, with its curved façade and clock tower, is considered the “Harrods of Tokyo.”

Osaka: Historic Gastronomic Center

Ancient and modern, contemporary and traditional converge in Osaka, one of Japan’s most remarkable cities for its reach of history, gleaming architecture, and culinary scene. The motto here is kuidaore, or “eat until you drop.” You’ll have opportunity to do just that as you wander and graze the tantalizing stalls of the almost 2,000-foot-long Kuromon Market, where freshly prepared foods like sushi, steaks, oysters, and even Japanese fast-food beckons.

Osaka began as a mercantile city. As it grew in power, and as General Toyotomi Hideyoshi unified Japan, it became worthy of a solid defense, and so work on Osaka Castle began in the late 16^th century. Today, it rests in a green park in the middle of the city on a small hill, a panorama of remarkably preserved walls, gates, turrets, and the main building, all surrounded by a moat. For a decidedly more modern experience, there are the lively, neon-lit Dotombori and Shinsaibashi shopping districts.

Kyoto: Land of Shoguns and Temples

It’s been said that while Tokyo is Japan’s political capital, Kyoto is its heart and soul. By some counts, 20 percent of Japan’s national treasures are here, including 1,700 Buddhist temples and 300 Shinto shrines. Eleven centuries of history live here, from shogun castles to sacred Shinto temples. And much of it is beautifully preserved as the city was spared from Allied bombing during World War II. Founded in the 7^th century, Kyoto today is a major center of arts, culture and history—all of which are embodied in the city’s famous geiko women, refined geisha-like artists well-versed in the art of singing, dancing and entertaining.

For centuries, Kyoto was also a power center of Japan and one of its early capitals. It’s no surprise, then, that it drew many influential figures. In the 14^th century, one shogun named Ashikaga Yoshimasa had a golden pavilion, the Kinkaku-ji Temple, built for his retirement in a serene setting. In accordance with his wishes, it was converted into a Zen temple upon his death and today houses some relics of the Buddha.

Another temple, Kiyomizu-dera, was inspired by water. This Pure Water Temple was constructed in 1633 without a single nail and is a favorite spot because of the three streams that gently cascade past the structure into a pond, creating the Otowa, or Sound of Feathers. Also in Kyoto, the Kitano Shrine was built in the year 947. Soon after its construction, it was chosen by the emperor as one of the 19 shrines through which imperial messengers delivered news of important events to the gods.

Explore Japan YOUR way

For a closer look at Japan, join our sister company, Discovery Tours, for a small-group experience, Japan, Then & Now. Our group size lets us expand our reach to the cobbled streets of historic Kanazawa, where the Kenroku-en Garden showcases the fine art of Japanese landscapes, and to Takayama, graced with an authentic Old Town. You will also visit Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market, where 2,000 tons of fish are purveyed each day; see how sushi is made; visit Hakone National Park and Mt. Fuji; spend the night at a traditional ryokan, or inn; tour Kyoto’s cypress-wood Nijo Castle; attend a tea ceremony; journey to the imperial capital of Nara, home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites; and so much more.

Or follow your own whims during our Independent Vacations to Tokyo or to Tokyo and Kyoto. We provide the air and hotel package, you provide the discovery!

Experience the Best of Japan – Affordably!

Japan is a notoriously expensive and sometimes baffling country to visit. But when you have Gate 1 Travel’s and Discovery Tours’ buying power behind you, and the expertise of our local Japanese guides by your side, you can immerse yourself in this incredibly rewarding culture with maximum ease and minimum worry.

We hope to see you soon in The Land of the Rising Sun!

Europe Gate 1 Connections

Europe’s Show Stopper

Gate 1 Travel on November 14, 2017

Scandinavia has it all. Relaxed and welcoming people, fascinating mercantile and maritime past dating to the Viking Age, vibrant cities where long-held traditions and modern design combine into an intriguing portrait, breathtaking natural vistas where charming farming and fishing villages huddle in wide valleys and along dramatic coasts, and a culture rich in art, music and literature.

Nature’s staggering beauty and the majestic vestiges of history paint a unique canvas the likes of which you cannot see anywhere else. And when you experience it all with Gate 1 Travel, you’ll come away with a perspective that’s as fresh and invigorating as the pristine landscapes and engaging cities you’ll visit.

By Land and By Sea:

Norway’s Staggering Vistas and Irresistible Culture

Norwegian Oslo exudes all the flair of any major European capital. The city takes full advantage of its seaside location, boasting a beautifully restored quay and a modern, world-class Opera House that slopes dramatically into the water. This innovative structure only hints at the city’s – and the nation’s – deep desire to stay connected to the natural world. You can witness the full expression of this desire at Vigeland Sculpture Park, a stunning outdoor installation of 212 bronze and granite sculptures depicting various stages of life. The artist behind these figures, Gustav Vigeland, is also beloved as the designer of the Nobel Peace Prize medal, which is awarded each year in Oslo’s City Hall. To glimpse Scandinavia’s Viking past, you can opt to visit three restored ships used by the explorers 1,200 years ago.

If the cosmopolitan beauty of Oslo takes your breath away, Norway’s natural beauty will send your spirit soaring. Lillehammer, situated at the northern end of Lake Mjosa, hosted the 1994 Winter Olympic Games and you’ll understand why when you witness its alpine setting. The town of Lom is home to one of the best preserved stave churches in the country. Its magnificent wooden structure was inspired by its woodland surroundings. It was built without a single nail! But perhaps there is no more inspirational feature of Norway than its fjords.

Cruising the glacier-carved fjords is surely one of life’s most unforgettable and astonishing experiences. Depending on your itinerary, you’ll savor a leisurely cruise through Sognefjord, the longest and deepest of them all, and witness the magnificent natural splendor of glacier-carved landscapes during a ride on the legendary Flam railway, passing flower-filled pastures, waterfalls and snow-covered peaks. This spectacular train journey, one of the world’s most scenic, climbs to 3,000 feet in 12 miles, delivering you to unbelievable vistas.

Nestled amidst it all is the historic coastal city of Bergen, capital of history’s Hanseatic League, the mercantile trade organization that controlled much of northern Europe’s trade in the Middle Ages. Its neat and pretty wooden structures recall the heyday when cargo ships unloaded pelts, spice, bronze and countless other wares from distant lands, filling the coffers of local merchants with endless riches. Today’s fish market still bustles with shoppers and made-to-order lunch stalls. Visit the Bergen Museum to learn more about this influential city’s fascinating past.

There is no more breathtaking way to take in the pristine and remote beauty of Norway than on a coastal cruise. You’ll trace the routes of postal ships, stopping at culture-rich cities and charming villages tucked into stunning fjords. Exact itineraries of our multiple-night cruises vary. You might disembark to admire the Art Nouveau architecture of Alesund, rebuilt in this style after a fire destroyed the city in the early 20^th century. Explore Trondheim, Norway’s oldest city and original capital. Cross the Arctic Circle, where you might spot sea eagles amidst the dramatic vistas of Bodo. Visit the Lofoten and Vesteralen Islands, known for their soaring granite cliffs and tiny fishing villages. Stop in Tromso, historic gateway to the northerly polar reaches, and witness the northernmost points of Europe during a call to Honningsvag or Hammerfest. Take all these sites in, and so much more, as you cruise among magnificent fjords and past staggering coastal mountains.

Cultural Treasures of Sweden

Spread across a vast archipelago, Stockholm is Sweden’s scintillating capital. The city’s Gamla Stan, or Old Town, is a delightful maze of cobbled streets that lead to inviting squares surrounded by gabled houses and grand public buildings. Three of the city’s historic buildings also stand out. The Royal Palace, a vast Italian-Baroque wonder and home to the Swedish royal family, overlooks the water from its perch on the island of Stadsholmen. Riddarholm Church, with its tall spire pointing skyward from the island of Riddarholmen, was the royal burial place until 1950. And the Romanesque City Hall on the island of Kungsholmen, with architectural touches that mirror the great buildings of Venice, hosts the Nobel Prize banquet each year.

Second only to Stockholm in size and cultural offerings, Gothenburg is a lively university town. Many call it the friendliest city in Sweden, if not all of Scandinavia. One thing is certain: Its youthful vibe is truly contagious. You can tour this vibrant city via its charming 17^th-century canals lined with charming wooden and neo-classical buildings.

Endless Danish Charms

South of Sweden across the five-mile Oresund Bridge lies the island of Zealand, part of the nation of Denmark and home to the Danish capital, Copenhagen. The city is a delightful amalgam of elegant palaces, fairytale streets and beautiful public spaces. But amidst all the city’s grandiosity, every visitor is drawn to the Little Mermaid statue in the quaint park of Langelinie. The charming sculpture is based on the fairy tale written by the city’s native son, Hans Christian Andersen. During your stay in this pretty city, try a traditional smorrebrod, the Danish version of an open-faced sandwich. And if you wish, venture out of town to visit some of the country’s famed castles, including Elsinor, made famous by Shakespeare when he penned Hamlet.

The Dramatic Beauty of Iceland

It’s easy to forget that Iceland is part of Scandinavia. But once you visit, you’ll surely never forget the unspoiled natural beauty that seems to steer you back to the very beginning of Earth’s origins.

Reykjavik is the nation’s gateway and the world’s northernmost capital city. You can get a good look at the city layout from Oskjuhlid Hill, where the lookout spot of Perlan provides excellent views. Back in the city, you’ll no doubt notice a charm reminiscent of smaller-scale buildings from the continent’s Old Towns. No grand palaces and enormous open squares here, just a delightful fully functioning city frozen in time that befits the nation’s small population. You’ll see the modest stone Parliament and the adjacent Cathedral, the National Museum, and the Hofdi House, where Reagan and Gorbachev famously met in 1986. Of course, a trip to the Reykjavik area isn’t complete without a soak in the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.

Outside Reykjavik, the modern day seems to slip away as you step into an untouched, primitive world marked by volcanic slopes, glaciers, waterfalls and geysers in a starkly beautiful landscape free of trees. Traversing this barren terrain, you can’t help but feel that this is what the earth must have looked like in primeval days. And you wouldn’t be far from the truth: Geologically, Iceland is a young land and its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge makes it an active and ever-changing zone. You’ll hear more about this during a visit to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located right on the ridge.

Witness all this breathtaking natural beauty when you stop to marvel at Dyrholaey Nature Reserve on the South Shore, admire the sheer splendor of Skaftafell National Park, thrill to the famous Gullfoss waterfall, and explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with its colossal Snaefellsjokull Glacier. That’s only a fraction of the unforgettable natural sites you’ll view.

The northern reaches, too, are rich in cultural wonders and stunning wilderness. The cultural capital of Akureyri, home to Iceland’s finest timber buildings and glorious Botanical Gardens that hosts all of the island’s native species, is gorgeously set at the tip of the country’s greatest fjord. And a visit to Siglufjordur, the closest town to the Arctic Circle, reveals a long tradition of fishing for herring.

In the east, lunar-like landscapes unfold to more staggering fjords, soaring mountains, and quaint fishing villages. This is home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, draped over several volcanoes that are still active. Though it appears to be a barren region, farmlands thrive here, as you’ll learn during a visit to Hoffell Farms.

Throughout your exploration, you’ll stop to witness Icelandic culture and history, whether at the Skogar Folk Museum, the Fridheimar Tomato Farm, the Bjanarhofn Farm or the Settlement Center at Borgarnes, which chronicles the history of the Vikings here. Stroll the charming streets of tiny villages and sample local cuisine. Learn about the impact of global warming on the country’s glaciers, and hear how geothermal energy and a thriving greenhouse culture have helped Iceland harness energy in the most efficient manner.

Explore Scandinavia Your Way

The beauty of Gate 1 Travel is the many options you’ll enjoy as you decide how you’d best like to discover Scandinavia. If Russia is on your bucket list, for instance, then you’ll want to join our Scandinavia & Russia trip. In addition to exploring Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Stockholm, you’ll spend one night on a Baltic Sea ferry and two nights in Helsinki, Finland’s stylish and historic capital. Then board a high-speed train for a scenic journey to St. Petersburg, Peter the Great’s gilded city and home to the priceless collections of the Hermitage Museum. Continue by train to Moscow, Russia’s fascinating capital, where you can view the magnificent Faberge Eggs at the Armory Museum and explore the nation’s grandest gathering spot, Red Square, with its colorful onion-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral.

Get a closer look at Scandinavia when you explore with a small group on our Discovery Tours Scandinavia, Naturally Charming itinerary. Immerse yourself in the glories of Stockholm, Bergen, and Oslo. Plus, in Sweden, explore the architectural diversity of Falun. In Norway, take in the alpine setting and Olympic venues of Lillehammer and marvel at what many have called the most spectacular scenery in the world in Geiranger, nestled in a dramatic fjord, and visit Sogndal, home to a stunning stave church, one of the largest in Norway.

From the Midnight Sun to the Northern Lights

No one brings you this close to Scandinavia. And when you travel to these northern nations at the height of summer, you’ll enjoy them to their fullest, thanks to the near-constant Midnight Sun. Off season, too, has its advantages. The farther north you travel, the more likely you are to view the fantastical Northern Lights, a stunning celestial light show that illuminates the night sky in greens, blues and reds. Of course, Gate 1 can never guarantee sightings, but should you join us at the right time of year, your Tour Manager will monitor conditions to increase your chances.

Discover Scandinavia with Gate 1 Travel!

Join Gate 1 and discover for yourself the show-stopping glories of Scandinavia. When you do, you’ll enjoy the best value in the industry, and the most rewarding experience. Join us!

Gate 1 Connections Latin America

Peru’s Natural and Cultural Splendor

Gate 1 Travel on October 26, 2017

There are few places where nature, culture and history converge as seamlessly as Peru. The past was shaped by geography here and lost cultures are literally etched in the massive carved stones of the ancients. Naturally, most travelers think of Machu Picchu when they think of Peru. But this warm and welcoming nation is overflowing with mysteries and wonders far beyond the heights of this legendary city, from the lush and biodiverse world of the Amazon to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. And when you journey to this magnificent country with Gate 1 Travel, our local Tour Managers bring them all to life for you, from fortresses of stone to historic cities rich in culture to a warm and welcoming people.

Cities Awash in Colonial and Incan History

If you think of Machu Picchu as the pinnacle of Peru, then consider Cuzco and Lima as the country’s historic and cultural foundations. Indeed, no visit to Peru is complete without exploring these two cities. Cuzco may have a decidedly colonial atmosphere—with its low-slung red-roofed houses, expansive Plaza de Armas and Gothic-Renaissance cathedral—but it began as the capital of the Inca Empire. If you need proof, look no further (literally) than the ground at your feet. When Spanish conquistadors took the city, they razed its buildings and replaced them with what we see today. But the original Inca foundations remain, making for a fascinating architectural blend.

Perhaps the city’s most distinct emblem of its Incan origins can be found at Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun. In pre-colonial days, the floors and walls of this Inca place of worship were awash in gold. Unfortunately, much of it was paid to the Spanish as ransom to save the life of Inca leader Atahualpa. Gate 1 shows you these important sites during a city tour.

Lima, on Peru’s Pacific coast, was founded by Francisco Pizarro as the capital of the Spanish Empire. Its European ambiance makes it a delight to explore. The architectural star of the city’s main square is the Basilica Cathedral. Pizarro himself laid the first stone of this splendid neoclassical-colonial church and is buried inside. The Archbishop’s Palace is adjacent; its ornate façade features a pair of dramatic enclosed balconies. Lima is also known for its food scene. Even American chef Todd English has called it Latin America’s culinary capital. The city offers up a rich gastronomy simmered in the technique and spices of all who have shaped the city: indigenous foods have been infused with Spanish flair, of course. Asian flavors were brought here with a wave of immigrants, too. And Creole spices were introduced by Caribbean workers. Peruvian cuisine is so “hot” that it’s gone global; even the Chilean sea bass at your local grocer is most likely from Peru.

To the south, the white-stone buildings of another colonial gem shimmer in the Andean sun: Arequipa. The city, nicknamed La Ciudad Blanca, or White City, was constructed from a white volcanic rock called sillar. Its bright buildings surely make for a magical visit. For a splash of color, the Santa Catalina Monastery boasts vivid facades and the local outdoor market brims with multi-hued produce and textiles.

Mysteries of Empires

Fascinating as Peru’s colonial cities are, nothing in the western hemisphere compares to the country’s pre-colonial sites. One of its most mysterious lies in a desert far from the heights of Machu Picchu. The colossal Nazca Lines, only visible in full from the air, were drawn in the sand centuries ago. Figures of monkeys, fish, hummingbirds and lizards adorn the landscape, some of them 660 feet across. These massive figures on the high plateau of the Nazca Desert have puzzled scholars for generations. The mystery is not so much how they were made, but why. Many suggest a religious significance. Others believe they may have been fertility symbols or served some irrigation purpose. Or, they may have even been astronomical calendars.

Just outside Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, also known as Urubamba, holds more mystery. This fertile stretch of land, fed by the coursing waters of the Urubamba River, has hosted terraced farmland and ancient ruins for generations. Ollantaytambo is perhaps the best preserved fortress. Here, you get a truly authentic glimpse of an Inca town, thanks to its original layout, irrigation system, and houses. Nearby Chinchero holds a popular market that overflows with locals and travelers eager to find local goods and produce—such as Pima and Tanguis cotton (some of the finest in the world) or corncobs that are known to offer up the largest kernels in the world. The salt pans of Maras and the crop circles of Moray provide more insight into the agricultural tradition of this magnificent valley.

High above the valley, Machu Picchu straddles a saddleback mountain. The ancient site is accessible only by foot or by train; remarkably, the rail journey traverses as many ecological zones as you would experience on a trip from the North Pole to the equator. Upon arrival, there are 100 acres of meticulously built buildings, terraces, and stairways, all gloriously preserved. Each building was constructed with an inward inclination, a design intended to help cities withstand earthquakes. You might also see some of the 425 types of orchid that grow in and around Machu Picchu; Peru as a whole is home to 1,624 species!

Unrivaled Natural Splendor

Cultural, historic, and architectural wonders aside, Peru’s natural world is one of the most dramatic on the planet. Consider this: The mightiest river in the world flows through the northern reaches of the country, moving some 150,000 cubic meters per second through the largest forest in the world. The Amazon and its namesake river, in fact, cut such a huge swathe through the continent that they play host to the greatest variety of fauna and flora on earth, the latter of which often holds the key to curing disease. It’s a privilege to explore this magnificent place, and a thrill to experience it all from a forest lodge that we can only access by boat. Visits to riverside villages, sightings of pink dolphins, and thrilling walks on rainforest trails bring all the magnificence into sharp focus. What’s more, the birdlife here is unrivalled; all told, Peru is home to some 1,700 species in total, the most of any country, and many of them take wing in the Amazon.

To the south, Lake Titicaca serves as a natural border between Peru and Bolivia. In the shadow of the Andes—the world’s longest mountain range—this unique body of water is the highest navigable lake known to man at 12,500 feet. Like the Amazon has its tribal cultures, Titicaca has the Uru people. Some members of this ancient tribe still live on floating islands, sturdy platforms they’ve woven together from the tortora reeds that grow in the lake. Entire communities exist on these islands, which were originally constructed so that tribes could escape from invaders simply by floating away.

From the highest heights to the lowest depths, another body of water, the Colca River, has carved one of the world’s deepest canyons into the Peruvian plain. At 13,650 feet, the Colca Canyon is more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. But it’s not indigenous people that grab our attention here—though our spectacular drive often passes shepherds tending to their sheep. It’s the Andean condor. These rare birds ride the thermal air that rises up from the canyon floor, and they are a breathtaking sight.

Explore Peru Your Way with the Gate 1 Travel Family

No one knows Peru like Gate 1 Travel, with expert Tour Managers hailing from the very country they’re introducing you to. Their insider knowledge and connections are invaluable in ensuring you get the most from your visit, whether they’re taking you to meet locals in their homes or sharing bargaining tips with you as you explore Peru’s rich and lively markets. What’s more, our 30 years of experience in the region lets us offer you more ways to discover the magical wonders of Peru.

Discovery Tours by Gate 1 gives you the small group advantage. These feature-packed adventures are more active, allowing you to spend more time getting up close to Peru’s natural wonders. And because there are so few of us, you can spend more time lingering at the country’s most spectacular sites like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, while connecting with the locals on a more personal level. We invite you into the more intimate world of small group travel on our Peruvian Legends tour.

If it’s luxury you crave in Peru, experience the Signature Collection by Gate1 Travel. You’ll witness all the wonders of Peru in classic Gate 1 style, with a touch of elegance at deluxe accommodations. Enjoy premier first-class, five-star hotels and lodges, from the JW Marriott to a beautifully restored monastery, each offering the perfect balance of comfort, service and ambiance, and savor the finest cuisine locally sourced and meticulously prepared. So go ahead … pamper yourself with our Deluxe Peru itinerary.

Join Gate 1 Travel in Peru!

If you thought Machu Picchu was the only reason to visit Peru, think again. From rich cultural centers to remarkable Inca sites to breathtaking natural spectacles, there are endless wonders to explore. And many ways to explore them! Best of all, the family of Gate 1 Travel companies introduces you to this rewarding region in the most affordable way.

Learn more about our value-packed Peru itineraries here. Then call us to reserve!

Europe Gate 1 Connections Mediterranean

The Irresistible Allure of Greece

Gate 1 Travel on September 21, 2017

The Cradle of Civilization Is as Magnificent as Ever

It is no secret that Greece has long danced to its own rhythm. One would expect nothing less from the place where western civilization itself was born. From poetry to philosophy, from democracy to drama, all the major disciplines that formed the building blocks of how we live today were created here during an ancient renaissance of arts, science and critical thinking.

Greece remains one of the most beautiful and sought-after places on earth. How could it not? Its intense mountain and coastal beauty, dotted with colonnaded temples and awash in Aegean sun, are the stuff of every traveler’s dreams. Its lively culture, punctuated with dance and fabulous Mediterranean cuisine, engages the most stoic visitor. And its ancient monuments, proudly perched amidst cities, mountains and island vistas, have endured millennia of change. Dare we say, they will continue to do so. As for the Greeks themselves, they take hospitality to be god-given, just like their ancient ancestors. To them, warmth and kindness are divine rights that everyone deserves. They are as welcoming as ever, their spirit soaring and their doors and arms wide open, and their tables overflowing with fresh, delicious fare. And speaking of Greek dining …

Fresh, Mediterranean Cuisine at Every Table

Greece is world famous for its simple food. The Mediterranean diet has certainly won praise for its proven health benefits. Local dishes exude the steadfast character of their origins – fava in Santorini, amygdalota in Mykonos, cheese pie with honey in Crete. But no matter where you visit, you’ll encounter the pleasures of freshly baked breads and a bounty of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and zucchinis. To Greeks, food is a celebration best served as saganaki, a fried cheese; souvlaki, grilled meat on a skewer; moussaka, a meat and eggplant casserole; and fried octopus – all enhanced with that crisp Greek olive oil. To wash it all down, uncork a bottle of an up and coming wine grown in the country’s diverse terroir. The flavors and notes of Greek wines is so unique that 72% of its vintages that were entered into the Decanter World Wine Awards received a prize, 3 of them gold and 50 of them silver.

Civilization’s Cradle

Just as Athens is the Cradle of Civilization, it is also the central focus of many trips to Greece. Its Acropolis stands gloriously atop its hill like a beacon in the Grecian sun, as if shining down upon the modern-day city that it shaped. So many elements of civilization were born here—democracy, philosophy, arts—that it’s impossible to not be moved when you are surrounded by its temples and admiring its masterfully preserved Parthenon. Much of the site and its relics (as well as artifacts from Greek antiquity worldwide) are beautifully illuminated by a visit to the National Archaeological Museum. Indeed, it is considered one of the great museums of the world.

The legacy of the ancients lives far and wide, of course. But it’s especially poignant to witness the houses of democracy in the city of its birth, from the President’s residence to Constitution Square. And when it’s time for a relaxing stroll, the intimate streets of the shop-lined Plaka district at the base of Acropolis Hill invite you to explore.

The Pleasures of the Peloponnese

A 19^th-century engineering marvel separates the mainland from the Peloponnese Peninsula. The Corinth Canal, which opened in 1893, was literally carved out of solid rock. It had long been a dream of the ancients to connect the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf; construction efforts date as far back as the 1^st century AD. Today, the sculpted gorge is sheer-faced and dramatic.

The rustic Peloponnese Peninsula—to the west of metropolitan Athens—boasts a rich past of its own. Perhaps most famously, the first Olympic Games were held here, in Olympia. They were first staged in honor of the god Zeus, whose temple is still impressive despite that it lies in ruins. Nearby, the hillside city of Nauplion, with its stunning setting on the azure waters of the Argolic Gulf, was the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and a coveted city of many royal houses. Its cobbled streets and stone buildings with multi-hued shutters date back centuries. Two castles add to its scenic splendor: The Venetian Bourtzi sits in the middle of the harbor and the hilltop Palamidi offers dramatic views of the town. In the second millennium BC, however, it was Mycenae that held sway over southern Greece. This major center of ancient civilization was defended by a solid stone fortress whose ruins whisper of sieges past.

Stunning Places of Worship and Wonder

North of the Peloponnese, Delphi attracted countless devout worshipers in ancient times. Legend recalls that a high priestess delivered prophecies here in a highly agitated state. It was believed that the gods were speaking through her, but today scientists suspect it was the vapors rising from a chasm below the temple that put her in an altered state. Today, Delphi still inspires awe, albeit more from its natural setting than from its incantations. This vast complex includes the Temple of Apollo, the Delphi and Tholos temples and a huge amphitheater—all of it surrounded by soaring mountain slopes.

More sources of inspiration are perched high on sandstone pillars in the town of Kalambaka in Greece’s central plains. Here, the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries of Meteora (translated as “in the heavens above”) are perched atop naturally formed rock towers averaging 1,000 feet above sea level. When they were originally built starting in the 14^th century, they could only be reached by a harrowing climb up a rope ladder. These incredible structures must be seen to be believed.

The Aegean of Your Dreams

The Greek Islands find their way into every traveler’s dreams. Blue church domes and rustic windmills rise from a cluster of whitewashed villages that cling to hillsides. Sleepy cobbled streets lead to inviting squares and cafés where you can while away an afternoon over grape leaves and ouzo. Time slows down in the Aegean, and Gate 1’s island itineraries help you do the same in a magnificent setting, from the glittering Cyclades to the historic Dodecanese archipelagos.

The small island of Mykonos could be the most famed of the Greek Islands. Along the coast and amidst its hilly interior, white villages with blue doorways and rounded, thatched-roof windmills dot the landscape. Its labyrinthine tiny streets are a delight to explore and its sandy white beaches were surely made for basking.

Santorini is one of the most romantic islands. Its volcanic origins have given it beaches of white, red, and black sand. It is truly an otherworldly landscape of dramatic rock formations and lunar-like terrain. Its fascinating Bronze Age archeological site of Akrotiri opened recently, giving fascinating insight into primitive life here. Surprisingly, Santorini is one of Greece’s most prolific wine producers, as you’ll learn if you visit a local winery.

Vineyards also dot the landscape of Paros. All varieties of beaches line this pretty island’s shores, from tiny hidden bays to long swathes of golden sand. Gentle, terraced vine-laden hills and olive groves undulate over the island. The vibrant blue of Naoussa Bay plays host to fishing boats in cheery colors, a lovely sight against the waterside whitewash of the village.

Crete stands as the largest and most diverse of the Greek Islands. In addition to endless beauty and stunning beaches, tiny villages and agrarian settlements hold fast to tradition here. Medieval fortresses lord over the coast. Snow-covered peaks spill toward dramatic gorges that pour mountain-fed water into the sea. Crete is also home to large cities brimming with rich culture. But its historic touch-point is Knossos, an ancient palace complex dating to 1900 BC. This remarkable site is considered the oldest city in all of Europe. According to legend, King Minos kept his mythical son Minotaur in a labyrinth here.

These four islands offer just a taste of the Aegean’s magnificence. Select Gate 1 itineraries also call on the Cyclades Island of Milos and the Dodecanese Islands of Patmos and Rhodes, where a beautifully preserved medieval city and the sprawling Grand Masters Palace overlook the glimmering sea.

So Many Ways to Experience Greece with Gate 1 Travel

A country as diverse as Greece opens itself up to limitless exploration. Gate 1 offers an array of travel styles so you can take in the rich and colorful Aegean culture your way. Our classic Escorted Tours showcase the best of the country for you, with a generous array of inclusions and the services of a local Greek Tour Manager. For the free-spirited, choose one of our Independent Vacations, which provide your basic necessities like flights and hotels and leave you to follow your own whims.

If the magical Greek Islands call to you, choose an itinerary that combines land touring with overnight accommodations on a small ship. And if you’d rather rub elbows with locals, some of our hotel-based trips let you island-hop on local ferries, for a truly authentic experience.

The Perfect Time to See Greece Is Now

The timeless antiquities, spectacular beauty and warm welcomes of Greece are to be savored. And you can do just that in a relaxed and hospitable atmosphere, guided every step of the way by our Greek Tour Managers who know their country inside-out. Join us in 2018 and experience it all for yourself, at the value you’d expect, with Gate 1 Travel.

Join Gate 1 Travel in Greece! Follow these links to our exciting Greece Tours and Greek Island Cruises. Or call to reserve, 1-800-682-3333!

Europe Gate 1 Connections

From Cornwall to the Highlands: The Best of Britain

Gate 1 Travel on August 24, 2017

This is one of the most interesting times to visit England and Scotland. As the former turns its gaze toward Brexit and the latter grapples with the implications of the shift, both nations are inevitably looking inward, re-affirming their cultural identities and their entwined histories. Not incidentally, this is also the time to visit the British Isles if you want to go easy on your travel budget as the U.S. dollar will take you considerably farther.

But, Britain being Britain, most things haven’t changed at all. This proud island clings to tradition and ceremony no matter the political winds, from the hallowed halls of London where Britannia ruled the waves to the castle-topped craggy hills and glass-surfaced lochs of the Scottish Highlands. And here’s something else that will never change in England and Scotland: Gate 1 Travel’s longtime presence here means you’ll gain an immeasurable understanding of the past, present, and future of these beguiling countries from our local Tour Managers.

England: Legacies of Empire

The history of The Crown lives and breathes on every street corner in London. The architecture of this grand city spans the ages, from Westminster Abbey, whose origins date to the 10th century, to the 19th-century Gothic Revival splendor of the Houses of Parliament to the modern bustling squares of Piccadilly and Trafalgar. London—and much of England—opens windows to the Norman, Tudor, Victorian and Edwardian Ages like few other places can and reveals the stately vestiges of what was once the mightiest empire on the planet, whether you’re exploring Windsor Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in the world, or Blenheim Palace, the 17^th-century birthplace of Winston Churchill. If the nobility of England interests you, and if you were a devotee of Downton Abbey, visit Highclere Castle, where the fictional, post-Edwardian Granthams grappled with the changing tides of history.

Before England was the center of a mighty empire, it was merely an outpost to another great power: the Roman Empire. One of the most remarkable echoes of Rome’s presence here are the natural mineral springs of Bath. Today, the city is also a rich repository of Georgian architecture; the city’s showstopper is the Royal Crescent, a row of terraced houses forming an elegant crescent shape. Indeed, there is no shortage of elegance in England, as the nation’s renowned bard, William Shakespeare, reminds you during a visit to his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. If touring the playwright’s home leaves you yearning for additional academic pursuits, then a stop in Oxford may satisfy your craving. The city’s renowned ivy-cloaked colleges comprise the second oldest university in the world and many of its alumni went on to change the world, including Stephen Hawking and Margaret Thatcher.

Legendary English poet, John Keats, wrote that “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.” No doubt he was inspired by the Lake District, a dreamy expanse of gently rolling hills, charming farm villages and shimmering lakes. But there is also ample beauty to be joyful about in the south of England, in the Cotswolds and Cornwall. The tidy villages of the Cotswolds are among the most beautiful in the nation, clusters of stone houses topped by thatched roofs. Quaint, distinctly English villages also line the dramatic coast of Cornwall, though St. Michael’s Mount, perched atop a granite crag on a scenic tidal islet offshore, is a true scene-stealer.

Quite another seaside gem watches over England’s western shores. Liverpool is mostly celebrated as the home of The Beatles, but it is also beloved for its splendid setting on Liverpool Bay and the Mersey Estuary and its extraordinary architecture. Speaking of architecture, York Minster in the breathtaking, Viking-founded city of York was the crowning glory of medieval England. Still today, it is England’s largest Gothic cathedral. This masterpiece took 250 years to build and its central tower towers 200 feet.

Land of Tartans, Bagpipes and Whisky

Not far past Hadrian’s Wall, the largest surviving Roman artifact that stretches from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, Scotland fans northward, a dramatic canvas of rivers, lakes, and sophisticated cities threaded among starkly beautiful highlands. The nation’s landscapes have been called brooding and barren, but we think you’ll be spellbound by its soaring contours and wide-open splendor.

The capital, Edinburgh, provides insight into the Scottish heart and soul. The stunning Edinburgh Castle overlooks it all from a craggy perch as the Royal Mile stretches out to the country’s most treasured buildings: the baronial Scottish Parliament, Museum of Scotland, and Holyrood Palace, the queen’s residence when she is in town. Glasgow, Scotland’s other cultural capital, was proclaimed the “Second City of the British Empire” during Victorian and Edwardian days, such was its size and importance. Its 19^th and early 20^th century buildings are testament to its former status, a rich and satisfying blend of the periods’ architecture.

The stirring soul of Scotland, however, haunts the Scottish Highlands, an inspiring, wind-swept terrain of rocky hills and emerald-cloaked slopes and dales where calls of ancient clans echo through dense forests and over lochs, including its most famous, Loch Ness, legendary home of the fabled, elusive creature. The spectacular Cairngorms National Park is the centerpiece of the region, ideally explored from the enclave of Aviemore. It was near here at Culloden Battlefield that the Jacobites famously lost their battle with the British, losing their land to the empire. You can imagine the plotting behind stone walls that led up to the battle as you drive through the Highlands’ magnificent landscape dotted with castles, some left in dignified ruins and others splendidly preserved. And for sheer, unspoiled beauty, few experiences rival a drive through Glencoe, where precipitous mountains pierce the sky, rising over deep green valleys.

But the Highlands are not all inland mountains and lakes. The coastal regions have their own unique beauty. Nestled on the shore of Loch Linnhe, the town of Fort William rests at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak. Glen Nevis Valley skirts the mountain’s lush slopes and served as the pristine setting for movies such as Braveheart and Rob Roy. The sleepy seaside village of Ullapool, secluded and tranquil, provides a taste of life in the northwestern Highlands. Its cabbage trees might make you think you’re in the tropics for their resemblance to palm trees. Farther north, dramatic rocky coastlines point to the Castle and Gardens of Mey, once home to the Queen Mother, and to Thurso, the northernmost town on the mainland and the gateway for a day-long cruise to the Orkney Islands, a rural archipelago with a history that stretches back to the Viking Age.

On the west coast of the Highlands, the Inner Hebrides Islands beckon with their breathtaking vistas of jagged peaks, sparkling lochs, charming fishing villages and medieval castles. The Isle of Skye, connected to the mainland by a bridge in 1990, is the largest and closest to the mainland. On the Isle of Mull, spectacular sea cliffs and white-sand beaches greet you, reaching inland to jagged mountains of a rosy pink hue. The town of Tobermory is brimming with brightly colored shops, the perfect way to end a day after exploring the Isle of Iona, a sacred island where it is thought that monks created the famed illuminated Book of Kells.

Uncover the Cultural and Natural Wonders of England & Scotland with Gate 1!

There is no more rewarding way to explore Great Britain than with Gate 1 Travel, whether you’re planning your first or your fifth trip here. We’ve been showing travelers this island of unrivaled history and enriching culture for as long as we’re been in business, so we’re well suited to point you to the very best sites. Our long experience here also translates into unmatched value for you. No one can provide such a quality experience at such an affordable price. Join us!

Europe Gate 1 Connections Mediterranean

Croatia: Where Culture Runs Deep and Coastal Beauty Reigns

Gate 1 Travel on July 20, 2017

Red-roofed medieval cities huddle on Adriatic shores. A thousand emerald islands unfurl along a sparkling coast like a shining necklace. A forested mountainside is awash in a mesmerizing network of lakes and waterfalls. Croatia is overlooked by many travelers to Europe, and that’s a shame, because we think it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It’s also a gateway to even more Adriatic splendor that, when combined into one sweeping trip, introduce you to a vastly diverse range of culture and beauty.

Historic Cultural Capitals Glitter on a Magical Coast

Long the capital of the Ragusa Republic, which rivaled the Venetian Empire in power and influence, the glittering city of Dubrovnik has been called the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” It’s easy to see how this historic city gained the nickname. Jutting into the Adriatic on a limestone promontory and protected by a fully intact medieval wall, it is a city like no other. Brimming with Gothic and Renaissance treasures – including the splendid Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace and Franciscan Monastery – this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a delight to explore. One sure way to get a sense of its breadth is to climb the stairs to the ramparts that surround it; Dubrovnik’s 800-year old wall completely encircles the city and affords magnificent views over medieval rooftops and the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Once you witness Croatia’s magnificent Adriatic setting, you’ll come to understand why one of the Roman Empire’s most powerful leaders wanted to live out his days here. Emperor Diocletian chose Split as his retirement destination in 305 AD and had a grand palace built here to accommodate his post-imperial court. Today, the ancient Roman palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – serves as Split’s marketplace and its city center. To be sure, the passing of the ages has taken its toll on some of its structures, but many residents of Split make their homes and run their businesses within its walls. It’s remarkable to think that 2,000 people still call the palace grounds home.

Croatia’s capital of Zagreb has long been a crossroads of culture and commerce, and remains so today. It is the nation’s most important hub, the point where Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean are linked to Western and Northern Europe. Amidst its modern-day bustle, however, the past reigns supreme. The city’s historic Upper Town is dominated by the twin-spired Zagreb Cathedral on Kaptol Square, the most monumental ecclesiastic building southeast of the Alps. You’re sure to be equally impressed during a stroll along Kravi Most. Here, St. Mark’s Church boasts two coats of arms on its roof and the Jesuit St. Catherine’s Church was built when followers of that religion were invited here by the Croatian Parliament in the 17^th century.

In the north, charming Opatija lavishly reclines along Adriatic shores near the tip of the Gulf of Kvarner. A stroll along its seaside promenade, the Lungo Mare, lets you soak in the small city’s ambiance and lovely setting. Like the Istrian Peninsula to which it leads, Opatija has held many allegiances over the centuries – Austro-Hungarian, Italian, Yugoslavian and Croatian – making for a fascinating cultural blend. A side trip along the peninsula hugs the Adriatic coast, revealing Pula’s remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater, where performances are still held today, and Rovinj with its stunning Venetian bell towers and delightful cobbled streets. The historic Old Town of Zadar, too, has its robust share of history, dotted with an old Roman forum, medieval churches, Habsburg elegance and a picture-perfect seafront.

Rustic Charms Amidst Spellbinding Beauty

The cultural and historic riches of these cities take center stage amidst Croatia’s gorgeous coast and inland mountains. But in some corners of this spectacular country, it’s the natural beauty that gets all the attention, and rightly so. There are eight national parks in Croatian, and eleven locally designated nature parks.

Inland, the Plitvice Lakes are among the world’s most magnificent natural wonders. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these 16 lakes terrace their way down a hillside high in the Dinaric Mountains, each one connected to the last via cascading waterfalls, caves, springs and chutes. The highest falls tumble some 230 feet. All told, the string of lakes is almost five miles long, and over their lush course the waters fall a total of 430 feet. Raised wooden footpaths lead you through this spectacular wonderland.

Just off Croatia, more than 1,200 islands line the Dalmatian Coast like an emerald necklace. Korcula is one of the most stunning. There is a lot to savor here, including Renaissance palaces and the resplendent St. Mark’s Cathedral. Stonemasons, shipbuilders, sea merchants, and the island’s native son, Marco Polo, all helped put this island on the map and injected money and glory into its buildings and institutions. Aside from its rich culture of architecture and maritime endeavors, Korcula and its surrounding islands also boast a proud musical heritage. Its Klape singers, who indulge in a style of a cappella singing, carry tunes that date back to the 1800s.

Hvar is another enchanting island outpost. The island once served as a crossroads for trade between the Adriatic and Mediterranean. Its Old Town and cozy marina are a delight to explore. Hvar has consistently been voted among the world’s Top 10 most beautiful islands in the world by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, thanks to its pristine beaches, dramatic karst landscape, vast vineyards, rocky shores and lavender fields.

Explore More of the Adriatic – from Slovenia to Albania – with Gate 1 Travel!

The beauty of traveling to the Adriatic with Gate 1 is the variety of itineraries you can choose from – all at the unmatched value you’d expect. With alpine Slovenia to the north and the rich traditional cultures of Albania to the south, this is one of the most diverse corners of Europe.

Beyond the Tuscan-like landscapes of the Istrian Peninsula, Croatia’s terrain rises into Slovenia. Here, the intimately sized capital of Ljubljana offers endless architectural splendor from its Austro-Hungarian era and an open-air market selling huckleberry syrup and flavored honeys. Its famed Triple Bridge, three side-by-side spans, arches across the Ljubljanica River, connecting the medieval city to its more modern half.

Nearby, the dramatic heights of the magnificent, snow-capped Julian Alps pierce the skies. Here lies what is perhaps Slovenia’s most splendid vista: Lake Bled. This alpine lake with a glass-like, azure surface enchants. A tiny island rests at its center, crowned by the lovely Assumption of Mary church with its wonderful collection of frescoes and its belfry tower. On the lake’s shores, the 11^th-century Bled Castle overlooks the waters from a dramatic rocky perch, as moody and stunning as any fairytale abode.

To the south, historic Albania and Montenegro beg to be explored. The crowds are thin and the history is rich in these fascinating countries.

Albania’s capital, Tirana, is a treasure trove of culture and monuments. Its Et’hem Bey Mosque is a symbol of the people’s courage; closed during communist rule, it reopened in 1991 without endorsement from the government. Ten thousand worshippers attended services that day … with no interference. With its fresco-like depictions of trees, waterfalls and nature, it is a rarity in Islamic art. The Palace of Culture, a gathering place for the community, and the National History Museum, which traces Albania’s past, are also proud emblems.

A different vibe pulses in the Adriatic country of Montenegro. Here, legend says that the Moraca Monastery was built in 1252 using a mysterious yellow stone from some faraway place. But there’s no mystery to the beauty that unfolds in Durmitor National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the deep gorges, babbling rivers, dense pine forests and pristine lakes are among the most breathtaking sites you’ll see. Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, boasts gracious green spaces and modern, post-war buildings, and Cetinje is a gem of culture and heritage with beautiful architecture dating to the 1700s. And no visit to Montenegro is complete without witnessing the spectacle of medieval Kotor, tucked between mountains and its glorious bay. The UNESCO World Heritage Site at the end of southern Europe’s only fjord is surrounded by remarkable walls that date back to the Venetian Republic.

Throughout your Gate 1 trip to the Adriatic, local guides introduce you to the countries they love so much. And we work hard to ensure that you’ll end each discovery-rich day in accommodations whose comfort far surpasses our price tag.

We invite you to put Croatia and the Adriatic on your “must-see” list! Call to reserve your space today!

Africa Gate 1 Connections Mediterranean

The Road to Morocco: “Blessings and Goodness”

Gate 1 Travel on June 22, 2017

Shimmering desert sand stretches as far as the eye can see. It rolls and undulates into wind-shaped arcs and sculpted peaks and coffee-colored valleys. It’s hard to believe that it stretches thousands of miles across the Sahara. Utterly beautiful and mysterious, this endless view thrills you with a sense of possibility. And so, it turns out, does the rest of this magnificent and fabled country.

Despite its epic sweep, the Sahara only tells a fraction of Morocco’s story. Indeed, there are as many reasons to visit this enchanting land with Gate 1 Travel as there are 1,001 Nights. Imperial cities of grand architecture whisper the secrets of sultans. Berber tribes live amidst High Atlas Ranges as they have for centuries. Labyrinthine souks bustle with dizzying commerce and medieval pageantry. Earth-toned medinas rise from the sands like mirages. Varied landscapes mesmerize – from desert to high mountains to Atlantic beaches. And locals extend a warm “la baraka,” or “blessings and goodness,” at every turn. It is an achingly romantic and intriguing place that no serious traveler should miss.

Three Imperial Cities

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

For its sophistication and amazing history, Fez has been called the Athens of Africa. This intoxicating city was founded around the turn of the 9^th century and served as the country’s capital several times over its long history. There are countless 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 is thought to be one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, on par with Venice, making it a delight to stroll and explore. Its labyrinthine warrens brim with brass and leather goods, lush carpets, and handmade slippers, and so much more that embodies the spirit of Morocco, including the famous leather tanneries. Just outside Fez, the magnificent ruins of Volubilis reveal the ancient streets where Romans and Berbers once traded goods. A triumphal arch, modest homes with olive presses, and remarkably preserved mosaics give a glimpse of the Roman Empire’s reach.

The carnival-like Djemaa 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 19^th 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 12^th and 13^th 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 unfurl into 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. The Todra Palmeraie Gorge towers to 985 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 12^th-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.

Further south, Agadir hugs a crescent bay, a stunning sight to behold from the hilltop Kasbah, the city’s oldest district. The slope of the hill upon which the Kasbah rests bears an Arabic inscription that can be seen from across the bay: It reads “God, Country, King.” But 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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