Category: Mediterranean

EuropeMediterraneanTravel Tips

Croatia’s Surprising Vintages and Earthy, Fresh Cuisine

on July 19, 2017

Raise Your Glass!

Many travelers think of Croatia as a smaller version of Italy, right across the Adriatic Sea. To be sure, this makes for similarly dreamy landscapes. It also means that the climate and earth of Croatia produce similarly dreamy vintages. Not to be left behind its vinicultural neighbor, Croatia boasts more than 300 demarcated wine districts.

Central and South Dalmatia. The hugely popular Zinfandel is descended from a grape grown here, the Plavac Mali.

North Dalmatia. This region is famous for the Babić grape, a native Croatian varietal that produces inky red wine of considerable tannin and strength. The grape is also found on the island of Korcula.

Istria. In the hillsides and valleys of Istria, Moscato, Trebbiano and Verduzzo grapes flourish.

Slavonia. This is the epicenter of Croatia’s most widely planted vine, the native Grasevina. This fresh, lightly aromatic white wine – sometimes aged in oak casks carved from native oak forests – is reminiscent of a Chardonnay.

Plesivica.  On the steep, rocky slopes of this area, native vines produce Riesling and Chardonnay grapes.

Raise Your Fork!

We said earlier that Italy lies west across the Adriatic Sea from Croatia. Indeed, they share a lot in common, including a homegrown mix of agriculture, mari-culture, and viniculture that combine into a fresh farm-to-table cuisine. On land, fertile farms never stop yielding their bounty … with its location on the Adriatic Sea, the country’s fishing villages have long hauled in a generous and delicious catch. Here are some of our favorite Croatian dishes.

Gridele. The “straight off the gridele” preparation of oily Adriatic fish is simply divine. The fish is grilled with olive oil and fresh Mediterranean herbs over the wood from old grapevines or olive trees, for a deeply flavored dish.

Brodet. This light Croatian fish soup imparts the flavors of whichever catch of the day is used to make it – perhaps a whitefish like flounder, John Dory or red scorpionfish, or crab and shrimp. Polenta is often served on the side.

Pasticada. This Dalmatian specialty beef stew is seasoned with bacon and a sauce of herbs and vegetables. Potatoes, gnocchi, pasta, or rice and Swiss chard are often served on the side.

Fuži. Truffles are native to the Istrian peninsula, a luxurious addition to many Croatian dishes. They add a deep earthy flavor to pasta dishes and are wonderfully complemented by local parmigiano cheese.

Zganci. This polenta-like side dish is made from maize, wheat or buckwheat flour. Cooked zganci is crumbled on a plate and served with milk, yogurt, honey, or even the cracklings from bacon.

Scampi Buzara. This common dish from the north Adriatic is simple to cook and messy to eat. Unshelled shrimps are tossed in a light tomato sauce with shallots, garlic, wine and parsley. Grilled bread sops up any leftover sauce.

Prsut. This air-cured ham in Croatia is similar to Italian prosciutto. It makes for a light appetizer or a flavorful enhancement to main dishes.

Istarska Jota. Also known as Istrian stew, this dish gets its heartiness from beans and sauerkraut and showcases the surprising influence of Austria on Croatia’s cuisine.

Pod Pekom. Sometimes referred to as an “under the bell” cooking technique, this traditional method of slow-roasting meat is used in many homes. Poultry, lamb, veal, or octopus is placed atop chopped potatoes and drizzled with various Mediterranean spices and olive oil. Then a sacz, or steel dome lid, is placed over it all so that the ingredients cook in their own juices. It makes for an incredibly tender and flavorful meal.

Zelena Menestra. Dubrovnik’s traditional green stew is mentioned in writings as far back as 1480. This rich and hearty dish is prepared with lots of bacon, sausage, ham hock, potatoes, cabbage and other vegetables.

Palacinke. These thin pancakes are stuffed with different sweet fillings.

Fritule. These donut-like fried pastries are a popular sweet, flavored with brandy, raisins, and citrus zest, and dusted with powdered sugar.

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The Road to Morocco: “Blessings and Goodness”

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 9th 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 19th century – to the slender Koutoubia Minaret that punctuates the elegant mosque of the same name.

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

Desert Outposts Amidst Legendary Beauty

The Sahara Desert most often comes to the mind of travelers dreaming of Morocco. Of course, Gate 1 introduces you to this spellbinding region where the Atlas Mountains 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 12th-century Taourirt village that is still inhabited today. Nearby, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou comprises six kasbahs and fifty ksars. It is heralded as one of the world’s finest examples of earthen clay architecture, and has also seen its share of film crews scouring its streets for the perfect shot.

Morocco’s Coastal Gems

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

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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10 Things You’ll Only Experience in Morocco

on June 21, 2017

What makes a destination special? The things you won’t experience anywhere else. When you come to Morocco with Discovery Tours, an array of surprising and singular delights await.

Discover tree-climbing goats nimbly navigating the branches of the Argania tree so they can munch on its fruit.

Meet the women of an argan nut oil cooperative and witness how a product beloved around the world is made right where its source is grown.

Call the Sahara home for a night during an overnight tented stay in the shifting sands of the world’s most iconic desert.

Board the ship of the desert when you ride a camel in the Saharan dunes.

Fall under the spell of a gnawa performance which blends music, dance, and poetry in an African tradition said to have healing powers.

Witness the most inspiring failure in North Africa: the incomplete 140-foot tall Hassan Tower in Rabat, which inspired Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque Tower, the 7th largest mosque on earth.

Encounter fire-eaters and snake-chamers without a circus at Djemaa el Fna Square in Marrakesh, along with magicians, ape-handlers, and storytellers.

Behold the school that makes Oxford look like a kid, when you visit Al-Karaouine, established in 859, the world’s oldest degree-granting university still in operation.

Walk onto the set Lawrence of Arabia at Ait Ben Haddou, one of the settings used for the iconic David Lean film starring Peter O’Toole.

Enjoy a “Berber Foot Bath,” soaking your toes in saltwater warmed and scented with essential oils and seaweed.

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The Magnificent Creatures of the UAE

on December 28, 2016

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is world-renowned for its ultra-modern cities rising from desert sands. But long before glittering buildings pierced these skies, humans enjoyed productive and mutually-beneficial relationships with the region’s natural world – specifically, with some of the animals that have played an integral part in the desert ecosystem. A Discovery Tours small group lets you witness firsthand how these relationships have evolved into the 21st century.

A Breed Apart: The Arabian Horse

Dubai is renowned as one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Its sports facilities, too, are world-class, as you’ll discover at the Meydan Stables. This private club is home to some of the finest Arabian horses in the world. Though the finely chiseled breed can now be found all over the world, it evolved in this desert climate and has long been treasured by the Bedouin people. Their quick reflexes, high spiritedness and eagerness to please their trainers once made them ideal for sand-strewn battlefields. Today, their temperament makes Dubai’s equestrian sporting world a thrill to witness.

Our small group size gains us behind-the-scenes access to the Meydan Stables, the host of Dubai’s $10 million World Cup, the world’s riches horse race. Fortunes of sultans and oil tycoons are made and lost here and during your visit you’ll see the stables, grandstand and racecourse behind all the action. Our morning visit affords you a glimpse of the beautiful horses as they are put through their paces. You’ll also stroll through the stables where they are groomed and witness how trainers use a swimming pool to increase the horses’ strength. Then imagine the thrill of the race when you visit the jockeys’ rooms, saddling paddock and parade ring.

Majestic Dromedary: The Camel

Arabian horses are not the only four-legged wonders of the UAE. A visit to this desert region would not be complete without learning more about the legendary “ship of the desert,” the camel. But we won’t be riding these beasts of burden; instead, we’ll visit Camelicious, the first and only camel dairy farm in the UAE and the largest in the world.

Camels have long been heralded for their ability to travel great distances without water. But there’s another reason they are the perfect means of desert transport: Camel milk is highly nutritious and helps to nourish their fellow human travelers on long treks where food is scarce. In fact, camel shepherds still today might rely solely on the milk of their herd when traveling long distances. The milk has also been found to enhance the human immune system. For their part, the local Bedouins on the Arabian Peninsula believe it has curative powers.

Like any dairy farm, Camelicious produces more than just milk. Cheese, too, is made here, and you’ll witness the process – and meet some of the herd – during your visit.

Greatest Hunter: The Falcon

There’s no denying the nobility of horses and camels in Arabian culture. Another creature garners similar respect, so much in fact that its care is financed by His Highness the Crown Prince. We’re talking about the high-flying falcon and the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.

Falconry, the art of hunting small game using a highly trained and fearsome winged hunter, has been part of the fabric of the UAE culture for centuries. In the Middle Ages, it was both a status symbol of the royal elite and a means of hunting for food among the nomadic Bedouin. Regardless of a falconer’s class and station in life, those who could tame the powerful talons, robust strength, and laser-like reflexes of this raptor drew utmost respect

So central is the falcon to the cultural identity of the UAE that the bird has its very own hospital. Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Hospital, the first of its kind and one of the world’s largest avian medical centers, is a pioneer in the rescue and treatment of these birds. Since its opening in 1999, it has seen more than 75,000 patients and expanded its attention to all manner of birdlife. You’ll visit this remarkable place, gaining insight into the tradition of falconry and seeing the facilities where majestic birds are nursed back to health.

Explore Dubai and Oman with Discovery Tours and enjoy an experience with some of these amazing creatures.

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A Perfect Specimen of Sand Sea

on December 27, 2016

It is evening. All is quiet. From your private cabin, you step out onto desert sands under a sky that’s been set afire with oranges and reds by the setting sun. Sipping your glass of wine, poured for you with a most gracious Omani hospitality, you contemplate the dunes that surround your camp. They, too, are ablaze in a stunning golden hue as the sun takes it final bow behind the distant sea of sand in the west.

Dusk descends. Lights begin to flicker in the pavilion, casting a hushed glow against the colorful, intricately designed carpets hanging on the wall. Soon, you will gather for dinner around the al fresco community table, pillows and conversation all around as a roof of stars glitters overhead like far-off diamonds. But you’re not quite ready to share this experience with fellow diners yet. You find a chair underneath one of the ghaf trees with their tiny, intricate leaves. Sitting there, images of 1,001 Nights dance before your eyes, and the Bedouin spirit washes over you.

The Wahiba Sands are truly a magical place, and in your Discovery Tours small group, you’ll stay overnight amidst their desert splendor, just as Bedouins have done for centuries. Sand dunes here tower as tall as 650 feet, their ever-changing patterns and shifting slopes one of Oman’s breathtaking natural wonders. Some have called the uninhabited Wahiba “a perfect specimen of sand sea” and you’re sure to learn why.

Officially known as the Sharqiya Sands (but originally named for the Bani Wahiba tribe), this desert stretches for 4,800 square miles. Just 30 years ago, Britain’s Royal Geographic Society chronicled the diversity of its terrain and its life – identifying 16,000 invertebrates and 200 species of fauna and birds. Also impressive for a desert, they found 150 species of indigenous plants. To say that such a variety of desert life interested scientists of the day would be an understatement, and it interests them still.

Then there are the dunes themselves. Their graceful crests trace a long line from north to south. Known as “linear” dunes, their razor-sharp peaks are formed by the most meticulous sculptors: the Arabian winds. One comes in from the sea to the east and another from the sea to the south, one acting like a wall to the force of the other. They are constantly shifting, moving inland about 30 feet each year.

It is a privilege to visit here, and to get a glimpse of traditional ways that are quickly disappearing. During your stay, you will stop to visit a Bedouin family in their home, meeting the women in their elaborate dress and full-length abeyya made from gauze. Many of them, despite their demure manner, are skilled drivers in the desert sands. And their intricate crafts are a delight to behold.

Join Discovery Tours on our Explore Dubai & Oman itinerary, and experience the silent beauty of the Wahiba Sands for yourself.

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Oh My, Oman! 9 Intriguing Facts About a Little Known Nation.

on December 20, 2016

The beauty of exploring Oman in a small group is the opportunity it affords to really get to know a place. Here’s just a sample of the kinds of things you’ll learn about fascinating corner of Arabia:

  • Several cities in Oman were major stops along the Incense Route between the 7th and 2nd centuries BC. The route stretched between the Mediterranean and India and witnessed the trade of frankincense and myrrh, Indian spices, precious stones, pearls, silk, rare bird feathers and gold.
  • The mighty fortresses of Oman, beautifully restored to their former glory, once defended the nation from marauders. In all, 500 edifices still stand throughout the small country.
  • Oman’s colorful and bustling souks are a richly textured pastiche of perfume, livestock, freshly plucked dates, silver jewelry, and khanjars, the silver daggers that have long symbolized manhood here.
  • Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an enormous testament to the kind and giving Islamic faith. Its dazzling expanse of white marble is accented with wooden panels and fantastic stain-glass windows. Inside, its central carpet covers 45,000 square feet and its chandelier measures 46 feet tall!
  • The Portuguese ruled Oman from Muscat for 150 years. Two 16th-century forts – Al Jalali and Al Mirani – stand like guardians on either side of the Sultan’s Palace, adorned in turquoise and gold.
  • Muscat’s souk in the Muttrah district is called Al Dhalam, which means “darkness” in Arabic. This marketplace, one of the oldest in the Arab world, got its name from the constant shadows cast by its crowded stalls and narrow lanes. It can get so dark here even during the day, shoppers need lamps to find their destinations.
  • Oman enjoyed its own days as an imperial power. In the late 17th century, it actively vied for control of the region with Portugal and Britain. By the 19th century, its territories reached as far as Iran and Pakistan, and it relocated its capital to Zanzibar, the island off of today’s Tanzanian coast.
  • The tower of Nizwa Fort boasts many architectural deceptions and strategic secrets. Hidden shafts and false doors were meant to confuse anyone who breached the fort’s walls. A twisting narrow staircase led to the tower’s ramparts, but a heavy wooden door studded with spikes prevented entry once infiltrators reached that last step. Additionally, shafts above these doors allowed the defenders to pour boiling oil or the sticky syrup of dates onto their enemies.
  • Though football and basketball have recently entered Oman’s culture, traditional sports include horse racing, camel racing, bull fighting, falconry and the racing of dhows, the narrow wooden boats that have plied the country’s coast for centuries.

Travel to Dubai & Oman with Gate 1 Travel today!

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Dubai & Abu Dhabi

on December 15, 2016

Shimmering Cities Rising from Desert Sands

It’s hard to believe that the ostentatious cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi were little more than backwaters on the Arabian Peninsula as little as 50 years ago. These humble places were sustained by centuries-old pearl-fishing and boat-building and dotted with goats, sheep, and date trees. Pearl divers took to the waters in handmade dhows, small wooden boats that still bob along the coast today.

Then oil was discovered in the mid-20th century – and the region’s extreme makeover began, financed by huge fortunes that grew quickly. With newfound wealth under their sands, the once-disparate regions of Dubai and Abu Dhabi joined together with Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain to form the United Arab Emirates. They named Abu Dhabi their capital. And the Arabian Peninsula has never been the same.

Dubai: an Intoxicating Blend of Modern and Ancient

You have to see Dubai to believe it. In this city of extremes, the world’s tallest building scrapes the sky, the world’s largest shopping mall spreads 1,200 shops at its feet, and a manmade island chain off its coast resembles a palm tree. In one afternoon in this desert city, you can see sharks at a huge aquarium, and step out of the heat to skate on an Olympic-sized ice rink or take to the snowy slopes at “Ski Dubai.” Many call it the most contradictory and diverse city on earth. Only 17% of Dubai’s people are true Emiratis and, amidst all this excess, the state religion is Islam, renowned for its tenets of modesty and reverence above all material possessions.

In your small group, you can contrast the futuristic metropolis with the traditional market of Old Dubai, where narrow lanes lead past shops and stalls brimming with aromatic spices, precious metals and stones and other treasures. Here, you can browse the world famous gold souk, a maze of covered streets and alleyways lined with gold. Speaking of old Dubai, you can get a glimpse of history in the Dubai Museum, located in the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest standing building in the city. It’s a remarkable foray into the days before the oil boom. Delve into Emirati culture and tradition with a local during a special discussion. And embark an authentic abra, or water taxi, for a scenic ride along Dubai Creek, passing traditional low-slung dwellings and svelte minarets pointing skyward.

From Old World to new communities, you’ll venture onto the Palm Jumeirah archipelago. This island chain juts into the gulf, a spectacular sight for two reasons: it is entirely manmade, and it is laid out in the shape of a palm tree. The “trunk” of the tree serves as a causeway and eight fronds fan out on either side. Once they were completed, the islands doubled the length of Dubai’s coastline. Burj Al Arab also complements the oceanside setting of Dubai. This magnificent 7-star hotel – built in the shape of a dhow’s billowing sail – overlooks the gulf from an artificial island. Its 575-foot atrium lobby is the tallest in the world. Rooms start at around $1,700 per night … needless to say, it’s not a property that we at Discovery Tours have been able to secure for our travelers! Visitors are welcome to stroll into the lobby and take in its grand magnificence.

Of all Dubai’s magnificent sights, the most impressive is the 2,723-foot Burj Khalifa. Record after record was broken with its completion: tallest building, fastest elevator (40 mph), the most floors (160), highest outdoor observation deck (124th floor), highest restaurant (122nd floor), tallest structure to offer residential space, and more. At its feet, the Dubai Mall is the largest in the world. There are 1,200 storefront and they lured 54 million shoppers in 2011 – more than the entire city of New York! It features designer label stores, high-end boutiques, cinema, an Olympic-size ice rink, and a theme park. You’ll have time to explore this massive complex on your own if you wish.

Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Thrilling Capital

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is a beautiful city of culture in its own right and a glorious desert metropolis down the coast from Dubai. Behind its glimmering façade lies a shining cultural beacon reminiscent of Islam’s golden age – the opulent, white-marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque boasts 82 domes, each topped with 24-carat gold, 1,000 columns, and a 40,000-capacity courtyard. Contrast this ten-year old building with Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone structure, Al-Husn Palace, the “white fort” originally built in 1761 … to the resplendent Zayed House, home of Sheikh Zayed, “Father of the Nation” … and to the second most expensive hotel ever built, the Emirate Palace (it cost $3 billion to construct over three years).

For a taste of local traditions, we’ve arranged a cruise through the city on a two-level dhow boat, giving you a unique perspective on this captivating city. More traditions live on at the Heritage Village, a fascinating open-air museum that depicts life before the oil boom, when women wove textiles, embroidered, and painted henna. You’ll look to the future at Manarat Al Saadiyat, an exhibition center profiling ongoing and projected developments in the city. And see the future at work at Masdar, the world’s first carbon-neutral, zero-waste city.

Witness the Giants of the UAE in a Small Group

The United Arab Emirates pulses with cultural and architectural treasures you have to see to believe. Dubai and Abu Dhabi only tell part of the story of this economic powerhouse. A visit here offers a mesmerizing blend of cosmopolitan flair and traditional Arab ways, all polished with a futuristic sheen. Between snacks of lamb kebabs and hummus in the tiny shawarma diners of the Deira district, or perhaps after relaxing in a shisha boutique with a bubbling water pipe, you’ll find lots to experience here.

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Enter to win an all-inclusive getaway for 2 in Italy

on October 18, 2016

Enjoy a 7-night enchanting getaway for two to Italy. Experience Venice, Florence, and Rome! Prize provided by Gate 1 Travel.

Prize includes:

  • Round-trip airfare for 2 to Italy
  • 7 nights First Class accommodations:
    • 2 nights Venice or Venice Lido
    • 2 nights Florence
    • 2 nights Rome
  • Tour ancient Italian cities and gorgeous countryside
  • 11 Meals, including 4 dinners with wine
  • $500 Draper James shopping spree
  • Rustic Italian box from Hamptons Lane

Click here to enter now!

Good luck!

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Discover the Sacred Sites of Israel at Gate 1’s Value Pricing

on September 29, 2016

There are as many reasons to visit Israel with Gate 1 Travel as there are historic and religious sites in this incredible nation. If you’ve traveled with us before, you know that our value is unmatched. This is especially true in Israel, where we’ve fostered longstanding relationships for many years. No other company shows you the best of Israel for less.

Of course, the most convincing reason to visit Israel lies in the inspirational blend of culture, religion and history you’ll find here. Read on to learn more.

Jerusalem: The Soul of Israel

Perhaps no other city in the world boasts such a dense concentration of religious sites as Jerusalem. Many call this city the soul of Israel, and it’s easy to understand why. Powerful and moving emblems of faith appear on every corner of the Old City, as you’ll see in the Stations of the Cross that line the Via Dolorosa, or Way of Sorrows. Jesus is said to have walked this road while bearing His cross. This pilgrimage route – and our own walk – ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the site of His crucifixion. It’s a particularly moving visit – especially if you also pay homage at the place of His birth, Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, and at the Church of the Annunciation in the city of His youth, Nazareth.

In the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem, the Temple Mount – crowned by the gilded Dome of the Rock – is said to shelter the Talmudic source of life, the site from where God gathered dust to create man. In Islamic faith, it is the location of Mohammed’s ascent to heaven. More than this, it is a symbol of unity, as Gabriel brought Mohammed here to pray with Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The Western (or Wailing) Wall borders the temple – a pilgrimage site where the devout worship and insert prayerful slips of paper in the crannies between the mortar and rock. It is impossible to not be moved by the power of this place. We’ll examine it all as closely as religious law allows, then step outside the Old City for a breathtaking bird’s eye view from atop Mt. Zion – site of the ancient City of David.

Jerusalem’s new city is no less inspiring, as you might choose to discover for yourself. At the Israel Museum, art and archaeology from the country’s millennia of history are on display, none more remarkable than the fourth- and fifth-century Dead Sea Scrolls, housed under an impressive white dome. From inspiring to sobering, you may also visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

During your stay, you can join our excursion to test the Dead Sea’s buoyancy; its waters are 34% saline! Farther south, the towering massif of Masada tells the dramatic story of 960 Jewish rebels who committed suicide in AD 73 rather than surrender to the Roman Empire.

Tiberias: Gateway to the Jordan River Valley: The “Garden of God”

The River Jordan played a crucial part in Christian theology, the scene of miracles, battles, and baptisms. Most notably, John baptized Jesus in its waters at a site that we’ll visit. Today, the valley’s fertile history is on rich display and you can unravel it all, and so much more, during an enriching stay in Tiberias, hugging the Sea of Galilee’s shores. Nearby, Beit She’an a city dating to the 15th-century BC, invites you to stroll through 5,000 years of history.

Thousands of years of Canaanite, Egyptian, Roman, Arab, Byzantine, and Ottoman history blanket the shores of the Sea of Galilee. There’ll be ample time to explore Tiberias on your own – perhaps sampling one of its soothing thermal springs. But we suspect you’ll want to set out to discover more of Israel’s wide variety of sites. In Upper Galilee, a mystical Kabbala artists’ colony welcomes you, and in the Golan Heights, you may sample special vintages at a kosher winery. Perhaps, too, you will visit the remarkably historic port city of Acre, or Akko, where echoes of knights and crusaders whisper in Ottoman-era medieval streets, and explore the ancient ruins of Capernaum and the fabled spot where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, the Mount of Beatitudes.

Haifa & Tel Aviv: “Israel’s Riviera”

The Mediterranean Sea does not spring to everyone’s mind when they think of Israel. But some of the country’s most beautiful places grace its sun-kissed coast. The splendid terraced Baha’i Gardens offer magnificent views of Haifa. Mt. Carmel was the spot of Elijah’s sacrifice by fire by which he miraculously ended a drought. And in Caesarea, seat of Pontius Pilate and of impressive Roman and Crusader ruins, Herod the Great built a city to rival Rome. With the blue waters of the Mediterranean as their backdrop, these historic sites are all the more magnificent.

If Jerusalem is Israel’s soul, Tel Aviv is its beating heart. This young and vibrant city on the sea never sleeps, and offers a fun and fascinating glimpse into the country’s modern lifestyle. Whether you prefer an hour on the beach or an afternoon shopping at the Dizengoff Center, Tel Aviv never disappoints. By contrast, in the city’s southern districts, Jaffa is a wellspring of biblical and rabbinical history.

VENTURE BEYOND THE ESSENTIAL

As we’ve said, our 8 Day Essential Israel program offers Gate 1’s best value. But of course, there’s more to this magnificent country, from the stark beauty of its deserts and rich kibbutz culture to the staggering sites of its neighbor, Jordan. On these inspiring journeys, too, Gate 1’s value can’t be matched.

Take the Road to the Red Sea

In the south of Israel, the Negev stretches to the Red Sea. The desert makes for a mesmerizing drive through arid plains, but it’s not all barren land. At Kibbutz Sde Boker, the first prime minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion, retired and passed away. We’ll stop to pay respects at his grave. Farther south, the small town of Mitzpe Ramon sits on the northern ridge of the Ramon Crater. This once-forgotten enclave, built as a camp for the workers who laid the road to the Red Sea, is coming into its own as an eco-tourist destination.

The sea resort town of Eilat is a geographic crossroads; Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia are all visible from this northern tip of the Red Sea. Our days here are unregimented, with lots of time to swim or snorkel. And there’s plenty more to explore from here: join optional tours to the magnificent ancient city of Petra or to the Timna Valley, home to incredible rock formations carved by desert wind and the once-active copper mines known as King Solomon’s Mines.

While You’re Here, Marvel at Jordan’s Wonders

Throughout our Israel trips, Jordan is always right across the border. So it only makes sense to select an itinerary that also explores this welcoming and remarkable country. Its gleaming capital Amman, called the “white city” for the stone used to build its houses, is rich in culture and tradition. Outside Amman, Jerash – the “Pompeii of the East” – provides incredible insight into the lives of the Romans in one of their more remote outposts. And on the summit of Mt. Nebo, you’ll not only have views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea; you’ll also see the reputed burial site of Moses. But perhaps Jordan’s most magnificent gem is Petra, the red sandstone city carved into rocky cliff faces.

Essential Israel Is a Must for Travelers Yearning to Unravel the Nation’s Mysteries

No matter how you choose to visit Israel with Gate 1, you’ll discover that this small country holds countless surprises. Remember – our 8 Day Essential Israel itinerary provides our very best value. Plus, we offer numerous other comprehensive tours packed with sightseeing. One thing is certain: whether this is your first visit or your fifth, we’ll show it all to you at a price that beats any other tour operator. Join us!

MediterraneanTravel Tips

On Our Bookshelves: Israel

on September 20, 2016

We asked our specialists to tell us what books about Israel are on their reading lists. Here’s what they told us:

The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last 2,000 Years by Bernard Lewis

In a sweeping and vivid survey, renowned historian Bernard Lewis charts the history of the Middle East over the last 2,000 years, from the birth of Christianity through the modern era, focusing on the successive transformations that have shaped it. Elegantly written, scholarly yet accessible, The Middle East is the most comprehensive single volume history of the region ever written from the world’s foremost authority on the Middle East.

The Source by James A. Michener

In the grand storytelling style that is his signature, James Michener sweeps us back through time to the very beginnings of the Jewish faith, thousands of years ago. Through the predecessors of four modern men and women, we experience the entire colorful history of the Jews, including the life of the early Hebrews and their persecutions, the impact of Christianity, the Crusades, and the Spanish Inquisition, all the way to the founding of present-day Israel and the Middle-East conflict.

From Beirut to Jerusalem by Thomas L. Friedman

One of the most thought-provoking books ever written about the Middle East, From Beirut to Jerusalem remains vital to our understanding of this complex and volatile region of the world. Three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas L. Friedman drew upon his ten years of experience reporting from Lebanon and Israel to write this now-classic work of journalism.

The Great War for Civilization: The Conquest of the Middle East by Robert Fisk

A sweeping and dramatic history of the last half century of conflict in the Middle East from an award-winning journalist who has covered the region for over thirty years, The Great War for Civilization unflinchingly chronicles the tragedy of the region from the Algerian Civil War to the Iranian Revolution; from the American hostage crisis in Beirut to the Iran-Iraq War; from the 1991 Gulf War to the American invasion of Iraq in 2003.

The Jewish War by Josephus

Josephus’ account of a war marked by treachery and atrocity is a superbly detailed and evocative record of the Jewish rebellion against Rome between AD 66 and 70. Originally a rebel leader, Josephus changed sides after he was captured to become a Rome-appointed negotiator, and so was uniquely placed to observe these turbulent events, from the siege of Jerusalem to the final heroic resistance and mass suicides at Masada. His account provides much of what we know about the history of the Jews under Roman rule, with vivid portraits of such key figures as the Emperor Vespasian and Herod the Great.

The Earthly Jerusalem by Norman Kotker

Jerusalem’s centuries-long significance as a religious center is emphasized in an objective, well-written history that covers 5,000 years but gives far more space to the past than present.

Jerusalem: City of Mirrors by Amos Elon

A portrait of Jerusalem which gives an insight into the kaleidoscopic culture of this magical city. Battle-scarred from 4,000 years of violent conflict, the holy city is a sacred symbol of Judaism, Islam and Christianity and its religious wars of today reflect those of the past.

The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain

In 1867, Mark Twain and a group fellow Americans toured Europe and the Holy Land aboard a retired Civil War ship known as “Quaker City.” Throughout the journey, Twain kept a written record of his experiences. The Innocents Abroad is both a travelogue and a critique of clashing cultures—but more importantly, it is an entertaining and insightful work written by one of the great masters of American prose.

My Michael by Amos Oz

Set in 1950s Jerusalem, My Michael is the story of a remote and intense woman named Hannah Gonen and her marriage to a decent but unremarkable man named Michael. As the years pass and Hannah’s tempestuous fantasy life encroaches upon reality, she feels increasingly estranged from him and the marriage gradually disintegrates. Gorgeously written, profoundly moving, this extraordinary novel is at once a haunting love story, and a rich reflective portrait of a place.

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