Category: Europe

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

The Stunning Island of Capri, Italy

on January 25, 2019

Capri, Italy is an island located in the Gulf of Naples on the southern coast of Italy. It is known for its luxurious resorts, plentiful shops, cove-studded coastline and the Blue Grotto Cave. Do not forget to take in the rugged landscape, picture-perfect natural beauty and clear-blue/green waters that you have to see to believe. Take lots of photos in Capri because it is one of the most postcard-worthy landscapes you will ever see!

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @thetravelingbrunettes
 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This water-front photo was taken in Capri, Italy. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Italy trips here!

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Gaudi & Dali: Spain’s Modern Masters

on January 23, 2019

Among the many pleasures of visiting Spain, art lovers especially revel in the ability to witness a millennium’s worth of the world’s greatest masterpieces. Two masters stand out—famed modernista Antoni Gaudi and surrealist Salvador Dali. The former was an architect and the latter a painter, and their work seems dissimilar at a glance. But Gaudi’s influence on Dali, and the fact that both created work that shattered conventional ideas of what art could be, link them in art history as Spain’s rebellious artists.

Gaudi: The Singular Saint

Gaudi was part of the modernistas, Catalan modernists who believed art played two roles: to defy bourgeois conformity and to create change in society. Gaudi created works that elevated the influence of nature in the man-made, reflected his faith, and resist rules of symmetry and restraint that had previously defined “good taste.”

Born in 1852, he studied architecture but never managed to impress his teachers. He had the last laugh, as he designed the otherworldly Sagrada Familia Cathedral (a work still in progress!), the vividly tiled Parc Guell, countless mansions, and even the ornate signature streetlamps of Barcelona. Seven of his creations are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Unfortunately, his face was not as easily recognized as his buildings. In 1926, after he was struck by a streetcar, he was mistaken for a beggar and couldn’t convince a taxi to take him to the hospital. When a policeman finally removed him from the scene, he was left at the pauper’s ward, and his friends couldn’t find him until the next day. But as a display of solidarity with the poor, he refused to be moved to better conditions. 

He died there a few days later, and the outpouring of grief was profound: it was reported that half of Barcelona’s citizenry donned black and took to the streets on the day of his funeral.

Dali: The Surreal View

Salvador Dali was born a half century after Gaudi, and by the time he was studying art, the influence of the modernistas was waning. Expelled from art school, he threw himself into experimenting with cubism and dadaism, and met kindred spirits in Miro and Picasso. It was in Surrealism, a movement which revived and reframed the values of the modernistas, that he found his visual language. 

With the melting clocks of his most famous work, “The Persistence of Memory,” he put surrealism on the global map, joining the pantheon of Spanish masters. He was exhibited in Paris and New York and beyond, and held a special affinity for the US: The artist lived in the states during World War II, worked on a scene for Albert Hitchcock, and even appeared in a US film commercial.

His time away from his native Spain allowed him to escape controversy at home. Dali was a staunch supporter of fascist leader General Francisco Franco, who he said brought “clarity, truth and order” to Spain. Despite the limited success of his paintings in the final decades of his life, he was indeed seen as one of the most important artists of the century.

A few years before he died, Dali was asked to write the foreword to a biography of Gaudi. In doing so, he paid tribute not only to his predecessor but to his own work, and he wasn’t a bit modest in his assessment. He wrote, “Gaudi is a genius; so am I.” 

Learn more about these fascinating artists during our new France & Spain: History, Culture & Wine trip.

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Bordeaux to Catalonia: A Feast of Farm-Fresh Cuisine and Stellar Wines

on January 23, 2019

The Pyrenees Mountains, their snow-capped peaks soaring to the heavens, divide France and Spain like a colossal wall torn from larger-than-life mythologies. Historically and culturally, this natural border has allowed the two nations to evolve quite distinctly. It is remarkable how life is steeped in France’s typical joie de vivre on one side of the mountains and how particularly robust and rustic everything feels on the Spanish side. 

But one thing the French and Spanish share is their love of their unique cuisines and wines. Are they different? Absolutely … and deliciously so! But each is rooted in an agricultural tradition that spans centuries, from generations-old farms to prolific vineyards that date back to ancient Rome. Here’s our survey of some of our favorite culinary pleasures, from the rolling, rocky hills of the Dordogne Valley to the tapas bars of Barcelona.

FROM FARM TO PLATE

Dordogne: Duck, Duck, Goose

It’s not safe to be a waterfowl in France’s Dordogne region, where life on the wing often ends on the plate. One of the region’s signature dishes is magret de canard. The fattier (and more intensely flavorful) French Moulard duck breast is pan seared and then served with a sauce of wine enriched with rendered fat. Found on the vast majority of local restaurant menus, it’s a true comfort food. Confit de canard—which uses the legs instead of the breasts—is even more indulgent. Slow cooked so that they render fat, the legs are softened and then fried, often with potatoes. The result is melt-in-your-mouth meat. But the ultimate indulgence is Foie gras, the rich liver of a goose or duck. Sliced into tender slivers, pressed into a paté, or wrapped in puff pastry, it is a delicacy known worldwide. 

Bordeaux & Beyond: Classic Local Dishes

Bordeaux may be close to the sea, but the city’s most in-demand dish is entrecôte marchand de vin, a rib steak seared with a red-wine gravy which purists prepare with butter, shallots, herbs, and bone marrow. This style of preparation—known as à la bordelaise—is practiced all over the city and in surrounding areas and might also be used to create the perfect lamb dish. 

A visit—or a meal!—in southern France is not complete without sampling mouthwatering desserts. When in St. Emilion, you won’t have to go far to discover a rainbow sampling of cute and colorful macaroons, the snappy sandwich cookie filled with delicious cream. They do, after all, originate from here. The native-born dessert in Bordeaux is decidedly less dainty: a rum-soaked confection created by nuns from the Annonciades convent in the city. The cakes—called canalés, named for the fluted copper mold in which they are made—are filled with custard and have a crispy sweet glaze.

Northern Spain: Where Fresh Cuisine Is a Social Event

One of the great pleasures of visiting Spain is participating in its lively food culture. Throughout the Basque region and Catalonia, vast farmlands raise livestock and grow produce that makes its way into the restaurant kitchens of Bilbao, Madrid and Barcelona. Then the chefs get to work creating the artful small plates for which Spain is known.

In Barcelona, tapas bars draw huge crowds of foodies every evening. These sophisticated small plates can be hot or cold – from simply presented olives and cheeses to more complex, richly flavored dishes that may be battered and fried or swimming in olive oil or delicious sauce. In the most authentic tapas bars, dishes may be on display in a glass case. Salted cod loin, meatballs, pickled vegetables, battered squid, sausages, croquettes and dozens of other items might grace a menu – reflecting the endless bounty of Northern Spain.

In Bilbao and throughout the Basque region, tapas go by a different name: pintxos or pinchos. Dry cured ham (or jamon serrano), anchovies, stuffed peppers and other often elaborate preparations are served on small slices of bread. These mouthwatering appetizers are named for the toothpick that secures the topping to the bread (a “pincho”).

Of course, to fully appreciate the incredible cuisine of France and Spain, it is best to pair your dish with one of the region’s wines. In France, vintners have been perfecting the art of wine-making for some 2,000 years, creating the largest wine economy in the world. Spain may have a younger viticulture, but it boasts the highest percentage of land dedicated solely to vineyards of any nation on earth. And both countries are passionate about the wines they make.

PERFECTION IN A GLASS

French Bordeaux & St. Emilion

As Bordeaux, known as “Little Paris” for the grandeur of its architecture, became a major port city, merchants here ferried France’s finest wines to the Netherlands and Great Britain, creating a global demand. Still the epicenter of the wine industry to this day, Bordeaux’s 13,000 grape growers and 10,000 châteaux together produce nearly a billion bottles of wine every year.

The wines of Bordeaux vary by color, though the region is best known for its array of deep, rich reds. Bordeaux reds blend two wines—Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—and each vineyard determines the proportions. Vineyards on the left bank of the Gironde River are Cabernet heavy, while those across the water favor the Merlot. Both yield earthy reds, good with lamb, beef, truffles, and tomatoes. The whites here, drier than the reds, are excellent with seafood, including the sweeter varieties, which also shine with cheese.

Older than Bordeaux and further north, St. Emilion is one of the most romantic cities in France. Soon after its founding, it was making wines commercially, expanding private vineyards that were planted a good 700 years before. When the Santiago de Compostela through France became a major pilgrimage route in the 11th century, a robust wine industry tempted visitors to stop here. Today, it is known for its reds, which most often blend Merlot and Cabernet Franc; a few wineries adding Cabernet Sauvignon to the mix. Reaching maturity—and your table—faster than Bordeaux vintages, St. Emilion wines stand up well to game birds, salmon, and nutty cheeses like tomme de savoie or reblochon.

Spanish Rioja

Since at least the 9th century, when monks began tending vines, winemaking has been part of the local culture here, but it wasn’t until 1902 that Rioja was formally recognized as a wine variety, and not till the end of the 20th century that it was both awarded a certificate of origin (which guarantees its provenance) and given the highest classification Spain allows.

Though best known for its red wines, white and rosé Riojas are also produced here. Experts describe classic Rioja wines as bold and complex, with unmistakable cherry and vanilla notes. What makes a Rioja so full-bodied is the use of oak barrel-aging techniques inspired by the wineries of Bordeaux. Some Riojas are aged up to five years in barrel and bottle before their release. The result is a wine hardy enough to stand up to meat and strong cheeses, and, if you ask a Spaniard, to challenge any wine France can produce.

In a Discovery Tours small group, you’ll have time to indulge in every morsel on your plate and linger over every glass, whether during included meals and tastings or during time on your own. We do hope you’ll join us to savor the culinary pleasures of these remarkable countries.

Learn more about our delicious France & Spain: History, Culture & Wine trip!

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Carcassonne

on January 21, 2019

It is impossible not to be completely enchanted by France’s medieval fortress town of Carcassonne. It is the perfect storybook castle. Built upon a rocky hillock, it is encircled by nearly two miles of remarkably preserved walls and some 50 watchtowers. But it’s a wonder that it is standing today at all: In the mid-1800s, it was almost completely demolished by the French government, a loss that is impossible to imagine.

Celtic tribes were among the early inhabitants of this region of Gaul, as it was known during the Iron Age. It was the Romans who erected the first walls here in the fourth century, recognizing this location on the River Aude as an ideal crossroads for trade routes between the Mediterranean and Atlantic and between the Pyrenees and France’s Massif Central mountains. Visigoths rebuilt the fortifications in the fifth and sixth centuries and more walls were added in the 13th and, under King Philip IV, in the 14th. 

This is all to say that a walk through Carcassonne is a journey through France’s rich past. If these walls could talk, they would tell of the rise and fall of empires and, eventually, of the fall of Carcassonne itself when the Sun King Louis XIV signed the Treaty of the Pyrenees with Spain in 1659. The treaty gave France the province of Roussillon, thus moving the French border farther south and stripping away Carcassonne’s importance as a military defense.

Those who remained in Carcassonne reinvented their city as a center for woolen textiles. But by 1849, the French government saw no reason to let the now-dilapidated walls continue standing. The medieval city was marked for demolition.

But the 1848 Revolution (which predated the French Revolution by 40 years or so) had emboldened the citizenry of France—and the people of Carcassonne. Led by the mayor Jean-Pierre Cros-Mayrevieille and by archaeologist/historian Prosper Mérimée, they campaigned to preserve their beloved city and its history for future generations. The government relented and thus began an epic effort to restore Carcassonne to its original glory, a decades-long endeavor overseen by architect Eugene Viollèt-le-Duc. In 1997, this incredible treasure was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Witness the magnificently preserved walled city of Carcassonne for yourself during our France & Spain: History, Culture & Wine trip!

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

One Culture, Two Countries

on January 18, 2019

Robust, hearty, and proud, the Basque region is said to have a mind of its own. By some accounts, it enjoys more autonomy than any other region in Europe. Officially, it comprises Spain’s undulating farmland and jagged hills that roll from the famed Rioja region north to the Bay of Biscay. Unofficially (that is to say, historically), it is much larger, hopping the French border into the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department.

Our Discovery Tours small group has the privilege of experiencing one Basque culture in two different countries when we cross the border from San Sebastian, Spain, to Biarritz, France.

San Sebastian: A Coastal Retreat Fit for Spanish Royalty

So stunning is the setting of San Sebastian—squeezed between mountains and sea and boasting one of the most beautiful sand crescent beaches in Europe—the Spanish queen-regent Maria Cristina proclaimed it the royal summer home. La Concha Beach, watched over by elegant 19th-century architecture, fronts the city like a horseshoe as misty mountains rise on either side. Throughout San Sebastian’s inviting streets, Belle Epoque resort buildings grace the cityscape.

The city, just 12 miles from the French border, has had a long and turbulent history, some of it owing to its strategic location on the Bay of Biscay. But today the “Pearl of Northern Spain” has emerged as a revered center of Basque culture and cuisine. Locals here embrace their Basque heritage with more verve than their Spanish traditions. Look no further than the city’s street signs, dutifully printed in Euskara, the Basque language. Residents even call their city “Donastia,” its Basque name. You’re sure to fall for its many charms: gorgeous architecture, tree-lined green spaces, and young athletes playing pelota (an early form of jai alai, which was invented in the region) in parks.

Biarritz: French Seaside Glamour

Biarritz has long relied on the sea. From the 12th century, whaling was a major industry. It lasted about 300 years until the whales migrated to coastal Canada. In the 18th century, area doctors claimed the ocean here held curative properties, which lured those seeking good health. Napoleon III caught on to the town’s popularity and built a villa here for his Spanish bride, Empress Eugenie. British and Russian nobles followed, cementing Biarritz’s reputation as a luxury resort. Victor Hugo himself regaled, “I have not met in the world any place more pleasant and perfect than Biarritz.”

Today, Eugenie’s villa is the elegant and massive Hotel du Palais, the glittering centerpiece of Biarritz. Europeans flock here for the casinos as much as they do for sunbathing time on La Grande Plage, the largest beach. Even surfers find the bay’s conditions favorable; in fact, it was here that Europe saw its first surfers. The story goes that the American director of The Sun Also Rises was filming here in 1957 when his California friend visited, surfboard in tow. As he took to the waves, the French had never seen anything like it. 

And you will never see anything like San Sebastian and Biarritz. Join us on our France & Spain: History, Culture & Wine trip!

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

The Majestic Alps of Innsbruck, Austria

on January 11, 2019

Welcome to the Tyrolean capital of the Austrian Alps; picturesque Innsbruck, Austria. Winter adventures, Imperial architecture, Alpine accommodations and a traditional culture are just a few of the things you will experience in Innsbruck. While visiting the city, make sure to visit the Nordkette funicular, view the Ambras Castle and marvel at the Court Church. Find yourself among the Alps and in the heart of Central Europe in this town that will charm you from the start.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @thetravelingpractitioner using the hashtag #gate1travel. This landscape photo was taken in Innsbruck, Austria. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Austria trips here!

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A COMPLETE GUIDE TO GATE 1’S COUNTLESS RIVER CRUISE EXPERIENCES

on December 20, 2018

Imagine unpacking your bag just once and settling in to your river ship cabin with an ever-changing view. You indulge in a generous array of amenities as Europe’s most charming villages, lush vineyards, bucolic landscapes, and vibrant cities are delivered to your door. Along the way, you indulge in three mouthwatering meals a day, savor local wine, and have a seasoned cruise director by your side to fill you in on the fascinating history and rich culture of thrilling ports. What’s more, city centers and fairy tale village squares are a delightful stroll from every dock. 

It’s the most relaxing way to see Europe. And with Gate 1 Travel, you can choose from dozens of itineraries, from Germany to Russia, aboard our privately owned ship or on private charters, during springtime or over the holidays. You can even explore some of Europe’s most scintillating cultural capitals before or after your cruise. Read on to learn more!

Embark the Deluxe MS Monarch Empress – 

Built by Gate 1, Controlled by Gate 1

The beautiful MS Monarch Empress is the very first European river ship built to Gate 1’s specifications for our travelers. Come aboard our deluxe vessel and you’ll enjoy some of the most spacious and comfortable accommodations on Europe’s rivers. Cabins range in size from 144 to 210 square feet and include large bathrooms. A full 80% of rooms offer French balconies, providing private views as the stunning riverbanks unfold. What’s more, rooms can be configured with one or two beds; when configured with one, you’ll sleep in comfort in a bed that is larger than a U.S. full-sized.

With room for just 144 passengers, the ship is designed with the view in mind, with large windows in the cabins, dining room, lounge, and other public space – and with few exterior visual obstructions on the outside decks. Throughout, you’ll find soothing blue and white interiors with cherry wood accents, top of the line furnishings and stylish décor. At mealtimes, you’ll have full outdoor views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Lounge on the sun deck and watch the passing scenery. Share a drink with fellow travelers in the lounge. Curl up with a book or surf the internet in our generously sized library.  The MS Monarch Empress promises all the comforts and pleasures of a deluxe floating hotel.

What’s more, because we own the ship, we fully control the quality of your experience. The MS Monarch Empress is staffed by Gate 1, with Tour Managers, waitstaff, chefs, housekeepers and more all committed to ensuring you have the most memorable experience on Europe’s waterways. One Departure Only: Meet Gate 1’s President! We’ve reserved the MS Monarch Empress for our special Presidential River Cruise along the Danube. This special departure sets sail in June of 2019, the perfect time of year to take in Europe’s splendor. The hills are once again emerald-green, vineyards are blooming, the bottled wines from last fall’s harvest have had time to settle, and locals are enjoying the great outdoors. It’s no wonder the president of Gate 1 Travel wants to join you! If experiencing the Danube in early summer is on your list, we suggest you reserve soon as this one-time only departure will fill up quickly!

More Gate 1 River Ships Mean More Discovery

You may also join one of our private charters aboard a First-Class river ship. These intimate ships feature spacious outside cabins, each fully air-conditioned with private bath facilities, shower, telephone and flat screen satellite TV. They are the ideal way to sail amidst the rainbow of colors along Holland’s waterways in springtime, cruise the romantic waters of the Danube, or explore the lilting waters of Germany’s Rhine River. 

Now, here’s your guide to Gate 1’s river cruises:

A CLASSIC NEVER GETS OLD

Sail Through Five Countries on One Sweeping River Cruise

To take in the full sweep of Europe’s rivers, you can’t go wrong with our Classic European River Cruise. With the 1992 opening of the Main-Danube Canal, river ships could traverse the entire continent from Holland to Hungary. This favorite itinerary takes full advantage of the engineering triumph, spanning the entire continent in 16 days. We break down the journey section by section for you here. 

THE RHINE: From Dutch Treats to Rich German Culture

Begin in Amsterdam, the charming canal-laced city of gabled houses and graceful bridges built on the wealth of the Dutch Golden Age. This cultural center is rich in treasures, from the art collections of the Rijksmuseum to the bustling stalls of the Albert Cuyp market. As “old world” as Amsterdam feels, it’s Nijmegen that is Holland’s oldest city. And it enjoys a lovely setting on the Waal River. As you wander its charming streets, you are tracing 2,000 years of history.

Soon after entering Germany, the unmistakable twin spires of the Cologne Cathedral come into view. This stunning piece of architecture has watched over the city for centuries and it’s a thrill to tour the atmospheric Old Town, lined with timber-framed houses and distinctive brauhausen (pubs) in its towering shadow. Koblenz, nestled where the Rhine meets the Moselle River, enjoys a picturesque setting, dotted with stunning Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers that recall the town’s founding as a Roman stronghold that protected the rivers’ convergence.

THE MAIN: Into the Charms of Franconia

The beautiful medieval town of Miltenberg, with its 14th-century hilltop castle of the same name, is one of the Main River’s true treasures. Its narrow, crooked streets lead to half-timbered houses and are a pleasure to explore. Wertheim, too, boasts a hillside fortification, this one of stunning red sandstone. Taken together, these tiny riverside villages remind travelers of the depth of history that has unfolded on these riverbanks. Castles such as these once collected tolls from cargo ships and defended the sovereignty of kingdoms.

In Wurzburg, the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Germany’s scenic route that reveals the heart of Franconia, another castle looms large: the Marienberg fortress. But the scene stealer here may be the ornate Bishops’ Residenz Palace, a baroque masterpiece that boasts the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. More beauty greets you in Bamberg, set on the old Regnitz Island. This city suffered very little during World War II and so its buildings are remarkably preserved; more than 2,000 of them are listed as historical monuments.

THE DANUBE: Austro-Hungarian Treasures 

History remembers Nuremberg most as the site of Hitler’s rallies and as the host of the post-war Nuremberg trials. But this historic and lovely city has a colorful side, too. Accented by half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and a history of crafting delightful toys, it rests on the Main-Danube Canal.

Downriver, Regensburg graces the river’s banks. This is a true European gem, one of the continent’s best-preserved medieval cities thanks to its escape from World War II bombing. As the Danube approaches the Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau emerges where the three rivers meet. Surrounded by tranquil waterways, it enjoys a singular and pretty setting. Passau also enjoys fame as the home of Europe’s largest pipe organ; its 17,774 pipes grace Passau with their musical grandeur from the baroque St. Stephan’s cathedral.

Austria’s Benedictine Melk Abbey perches like a confection on a bluff overlooking the Danube. Its imperial rooms house a library of 85,000 historic volumes. The views of the Wachau Valley from the abbey’s terrace are stunning. This architectural masterwork is the perfect prelude to the wonders of Vienna, elegance unparalleled. Its circular roadway, the Ringstrasse, is lined with some of the most graceful buildings you’re every likely to see, like the famed Opera House. And the city’s sprawling palace of Schonbrunn is a glittering monument to the Habsburg Dynasty that ruled the region for centuries. 

But little compares to cruising into the heart of Budapest, the Danube’s grand dame. The fortress of Fisherman’s Bastion rises on one bank and the mighty Parliament watches over from the other while the iconic Chain Bridge arcs over the water like a crown. 

If you prefer a shorter trip, you can browse our wide selection and enjoy just a segment or two of the above journey. Or explore one of the above rivers in more depth, adding time in a nearby city before or after your cruise.

ALL OF EUROPE IS AT YOUR FEET!

Gate 1 Travel’s river cruises not only put you at the front door of Europe’s great cities and charming villages. They are also a great launchpad for further exploration. Here’s how you can enhance your river cruise experience by exploring one of the above rivers in greater depth, adding city stays, or discovering another river entirely!

Tulip Time River Cruises: Witness the Low Countries in Bloom. Explore the waterways of Holland and Belgium in the springtime. There’s no better way to witness the vibrant colors of tulips, daffodils and countless other blooms than by river ship. Along the way, you’ll explore medieval cities, see the famed windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and breathe in the clean open air as you cruise through the vast Rhine delta system. If you wish, you may select our Tulip Time itineraries that include city stays in Amsterdam, Paris, or both.

Rhine River Cruises. Germany’s wine country comes to life as you drift along “Father Rhine,” lined with vineyard-laden sloping hills, welcoming wine-making villages and storybook hamlets. You’ll follow the Rhine where it forms the border of Germany and France, exploring French Strasbourg and its charming Old Town. Take in the canal-laced lanes of Amsterdam. Or add time in Lake Como, Lucerne, Bruges, or Paris. 

Danube River Cruises. Experience the best of Bavaria, Austria and Hungary during a cruise into some of Europe’s most scenic corners. Visit all the Danube ports discussed above, plus have the chance to visit Salzburg, Austria’s alpine-ringed city where The Sound of Music was filmed, or Bucharest, the Romanian capital with an atmospheric Old Town. While you’re in this corner of Europe, you can elect to also spend time in France, Germany, or Poland … uncover the historic treasures of Budapest and Prague, and more. 

Russian River Cruises. Gain invaluable insight into what really makes Russia tick: its welcoming people, rich traditions, and vast repositories of arts and culture. Cruise between historic Moscow and glittering St. Petersburg, passing tranquil countryside dotted with onion-domed churches, vibrant small cities, and tiny villages. Along the way, enjoy ample opportunity to experience Russian culture up close. If you wish, select the itinerary that gives you time to discover more of St. Petersburg and Moscow.

ENJOY A HOLIDAY GETAWAY IN 2019

There is no place like Europe for the holiday season, and no better way to experience long held traditions of yuletide than on a Gate 1 River Cruise to the continent’s festive Christmas Markets. Old Town squares come alive with local traditions that conjure Christmases past. Each year, cities in Germany and Austria offer a feast for the senses. Aromas of cinnamon, gingerbread, baked apples and roasting chestnuts waft through the air. Gaily decorated stalls brim with handmade ornaments, toys, and endless ideas for holiday gift-giving. Artisans are often on hand to demonstrate their crafts, carolers roam about the snowy squares, and stalls are decorated with the finest finery. It’s hard to find a more perfect place to ring in the holiday season than in Central Europe. 

And if you’d like to celebrate Thanksgiving in Europe, then join us on a special Rhine and Main sailing from Basel, Switzerland to Nuremberg, Germany. The tourist crowds have long gone home as a chill in the air arrives, so you’ll feel less rushed as you explore. 

DISCOVER THE EASE OF EXPLORING EUROPE BY RIVER CRUISE – 

AT AN UNMATCHED GATE 1 VALUE!

All the exciting corners of Europe are waiting to be explored by river ship with Gate 1 Travel! No matter which itinerary you select, you’ll enjoy an intimate experience that only a small ship allows … included city tours at all ports … the full services of a Cruise Director and/or Tour Manager … and an incredible all-inclusive value. All while unpacking your bags just once and letting Europe come to you!

 

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

Colorful Mosaics in Kotor, Montenegro

on November 23, 2018

Beautiful Kotor is a fortified town located on the coast of the Adriatic in Montenegro. It is just down the coast from Dubrovnik, Croatia and is located on the Bay of Kotor. This town is characterized by its old town feel and medieval look. Winding streets, scenic views, Romanesque architecture and historic monuments are all must sees while visiting. The city walls have protected Kotor for hundreds of years and they extend for over 2.5 miles!

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @where2this_time 
using the hashtag #gate1travel. This colorful scene was taken in Kotor, Montenegro. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Croatia/Montenegro trips here!

EuropeMediterranean

The Cradle of Civilization: As Magnificent as Ever

on November 15, 2018

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. 

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 Greek 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 modern-day 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 19th-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 1st 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 14th 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 stuffed 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 archaeological 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. 

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 three 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 2019 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!

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

Crisp and Clear Bergen, Norway

on October 26, 2018

Beautiful Bergen, Norway is one of the most picturesque towns in the world. This city is located on the southwestern coast of the Scandinavian country and is surrounded by mountain ranges and fjords. Must sees here include the Bryggen wharf, where you can get a taste of the local culture, Floyen, the local mountain that you can choose to hike or ride a funicular up the side of for fantastic views and the Edvard Grieg House, where the famous composer once lived. Bergen will steal your heart with its colorful views and small town feel.

bergennorway

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @rosemaryrt using the hashtag #gate1travel. This incredible scene was taken in Bergen, Norway. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Scandinavia trips here!

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