Category: Regions

EuropeSmall Group DiscoveriesUncategorized

Take a Walk Around Dubrovnik, Literally

on April 10, 2019

To understand the civilized nature of those who governed the Republic of Ragusa—as the city of Dubrovnik was known from 1358 to 1808—look no further than the city’s motto. In Latin, it read, “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro.” Liberty is not well sold for all the gold.

But the liberty and freedom of Dubrovnik required more than these simple high ideals to protect it from outside influence. It also needed a fortified wall. And so in the 14th century the early founders of the city, fresh off a strained allegiance to the Venetian Republic and recovering from the Black Death of 1348, began work on a barricade that would grow and evolve over hundreds of years. Today, it stands as one of the largest and most complete medieval walls in all of Europe. So solid was its construction that it was never breached. And so perfectly did it help preserve Dubrovnik that George Bernard Shaw, upon visiting in 1929, wrote, “If you want to see heaven on earth, come to Dubrovnik.”

It’s easy to understand Shaw’s enchantment. His sentiment was likely an appraisal of the city’s narrow byways and incredibly preserved buildings. But perhaps he also should have written a love poem to the wall; after all, it was the skill of its builders that brought Dubrovnik into the modern age virtually unscathed. Even after the walls were complete, city dwellers rebuilt or maintained it as it aged. It didn’t take long for word to spread of the mighty fortification surrounding Dubrovnik; the city soon gained a reputation as unconquerable throughout Europe and—more importantly—in the land-grabbing Ottoman Empire.

History, however, had other plans. Dubrovnik fell to the army of Napoleon in 1806 and later to Austria in 1814. The city remained part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until that kingdom’s dissolution with the 1919 Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I.

The region’s next major conflict, though devastating to the Old Town, tested the strength of the walls like never before. Tragically, almost 70% of the 824 red-roofed buildings within the fortifications were damaged by the Yugoslav People’s Army during the 1991 Siege of Dubrovnik. In retrospect, historians have said that the ancient walls held up better against modern weaponry than the more contemporary fortifications around the modern city. Were it not for the strength of those ancient ramparts, much more of the city would have been lost. Since those dark days, Dubrovnik’s Old Town has been lovingly restored.

Today, visitors can walk the entire perimeter of Dubrovnik’s walls—with magnificent views of the red-roofed, stone-cut city below and the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea beyond. The walls stretch for 6,360 feet, just over a mile, boast a maximum height of 82 feet, and feature several towers and bulwarks.

Gazing over the rooftops of Dubrovnik provides a remarkable and enlightening perspective. You’ll have bird’s-eye views of the Franciscan Monastery, the Placa main thoroughfare, the charming Old Harbor, the island of Lokrum just off the coast and of course the rocky shore lashed by Adriatic waves. The smaller details you’ll observe bring the city to life, too: children kicking a soccer ball around a schoolyard, laundry draped high above an alleyway or the clatter of kitchen plates through an open window.

It’s a stroll that gives immeasurable insight into this protective and unconquerable wall. Still today, life goes on within its sheltering embrace as it has for centuries.

Walk along Dubrovnik’s medieval ramparts during our Dalmatian Isles, Croatia & Slovenia trip!

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

The Interior of La Sagrada Familia; Barcelona, Spain

on April 5, 2019

La Sagrada Familia is an essential point in the city of Barcelona, Spain and a true landmark of the area. Most people know the church from the exterior architecture, made famous by Antoni Gaudi, but what many people do not get to see is the colorful interior of this Roman Catholic church. Pictured is just one section of the inside with its stained-glass windows and vibrant colors. If you are looking for a place of faith, contemplation and inspiration, look no further.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @t.y.huang using the hashtag #gate1travel. This colorful scene was taken in Barcelona, Spain. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Spain trips here!

#G1PhotoFridayMediterranean

Epic Sites in Troy, Turkey

on March 29, 2019

The ancient city of Troy, and estimated point of the Trojan War, is located in modern day Anatolia, Turkey. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located just south of the mouth of the Dardanelles strait and northwest of Mount Ida. In this area, you will visit the walls of the acropolis, the sanctuary, ruins of the ancient city and a reconstructed Trojan horse, pictured here. Come see history for yourself in this ancient area of the middle east.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by traveler Gail Lund via Facebook. This epic scene was taken in Anatolia, Turkey. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Turkey trips here!

Asia & PacificSmall Group DiscoveriesUncategorized

Uzbekistan: Central Asia’s Magnificent Center of Culture and History

on March 27, 2019

“Yol boisin.” It’s an Uzbek saying that may well date back to the days of the Silk Road, when traders departed along crude desert and mountain byways carting spices, perfumes, jewels and textiles to far-off lands. “May your travels be free of obstacles” is a loose translation. Today, this blessing for a safe journey embodies the warmth of the Uzbekistan people and the open arms with which they welcome travelers.

If you’ve dreamed of walking in the footsteps of ancient merchants … of uncovering the secrets of Central Asia’s cultural and historic heart … casting your gaze on the turquoise domes and towering minarets of some of the world’s most magnificent and historically significant Islamic architecture … rubbing elbows in bustling bazaars with white-bearded elders adorned in flowing robes and distinctive skullcaps … then Uzbekistan should be on your travel to-do list. Mysterious, remote, and seldom seen by Westerners, it is one of the most rewarding travel experiences you will ever have.

Before you go, it’s worthwhile to know a little more about this enigmatic nation’s remarkable history and rich culture.

Region at a Crossroads: From Transoxiana to Uzbekistan

During the first millennium BC, Scythians settled along the rivers of today’s Uzbekistan. Bukhara and Samarkand emerged as cultural and governmental centers. As China established its silk trade with the West, these cities of Transoxiana (as the region was called) boomed and enjoyed many periods of prosperity. They became known for their wealth, making them the target of conquerors and kingdom-builders.

Macedonian ruler Alexander the Great is said to have fallen in love with Samarkand, saying it was “more beautiful than I ever imagined.” He moved in on the territory in 327 BC but met ferocious resistance. Nonetheless, it became the easternmost province of his Hellenistic world. In the first century BC, Persian empires began a long rule, but were ousted by Arabs in the eighth century AD. This was the beginning of the Islamic Golden Age, a prolific period of scholarly and artistic achievement. Trigonometry was developed, aiding in the study of the stars, and poets and artists graced the culture with their works.

Cultures and empires continued to evolve and prosper until the arrival of Genghis Khan in the 13th century. His Mongol invasion brought utter destruction and displacement. But peace and stability eventually settled in as Transoxiana was divided among the Mongol leader’s sons. Some 100 years later in the 1380s, the princes of various provinces started competing with each other for more extensive power. The chieftain Tamerlane (also known as Timur) won out and proceeded to conquer the western reaches of Central Asia, Iran, the Caucasus, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor and beyond. He was a brutal leader but in his short reign (he died in 1405), he ushered in a new era of Perso-Islamic culture. Palatial religious buildings were erected. Advances in medicine, science and the arts bloomed. Even a new literary language, Turkic, took hold.

The Timurid state could not survive the death of its leader. Internal fighting and the resulting power vacuum opened a window to nomadic Uzbek forces from the north. During the early 16th century, they moved in and created three different states: Bukhara, Khiva and Kokand. Some 300 years later, the Russian Empire called Uzbekistan its own and by 1924 it was part of the Soviet Union. By the time the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Uzbekistan had already declared its sovereignty.

A Rich Cultural Legacy

Uzbekistan’s culture is steeped in its varied history. The country’s many mosques, mausoleums and madrasas (Islamic educational centers) embody a centuries-long Islamic heritage that started with the arrival of Arabs in the eighth century. Today, Uzbeks remain rightly proud of their spectacular structures and monuments to Islam—and of the oldest copy of the Koran in the world, housed in Tashkent’s Muyi Muborak Madrasa. But many approach daily living with a secular view. Citizens seem to be more interested in sharing the latest news and gossip over kok choy, or green tea, at a traditional teahouse, than in trading views about religion.

That’s not to say that religious-based virtues are not celebrated in Uzbekistan. We’ve already mentioned that the world’s oldest Koran is housed in Tashkent. Tales of morality are also woven into the Uzbek psyche in the same way many fairy tales form the basis of Western ideas of right and wrong. The 11th century, especially, saw poets extolling virtuous ideas, from Yusuf Balasagun’s Kugadau Bilig (Knowledge of Grace) to Akhmad Yugnaki’s Hibat al-Haqa’iq (The Gift of Truth). And during the Timurid era, the great poet and philosopher Alisher Navoi founded the Uzbek literary language with works such as Chordevon and Khamsa.

You can soak in much of Uzbek’s culture in its many bazaars, colorful repositories where modern-day commerce and a centuries-old history converge. A kaleidoscope of culture is for the taking in these dizzying marketplaces. Richly colored suzani carpets, created with skillful needlework depicting flowers, vines, or leaves, recall the days when brides crafted textiles for their grooms. Carefully etched glazed tiles will remind you of the breathtaking artistry of mausoleums and mosques long after you return home. Freshly baked non, or bread, will give you an energetic boost as you explore.

No matter where you are, your wanderings might be accompanied by a distinctive Uzbek soundtrack. The country’s music reaches back as far as its original founding and consists of numerous styles and instruments. Shashmaqam music is thought to have originated in Bukhara in the late 1500s. This hypnotic form comprises six sections, each of which builds to a climax before returning to its original soft tones. Sufi poetry and long-necked string instruments (the tanbur, dutar, and sato) feature prominently. The karnay, a long-necked trumpet, is the Uzbek national instrument, while the nay (a flute blown from its end) and surnay (a loud wooden oboe) are also common.

All of Uzbekistan is music to our ears. We hope you’ll agree when you explore with a small group during our Discover Uzbekistan adventure!

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Uzbekistan’s Silk Road Cities

on March 25, 2019

For more than 2,000 years, camel caravans laden with textiles, jewels, spices and countless other coveted trinkets traversed the Silk Road between the Mediterranean and China. Harsh deserts and rugged mountains made for exhausting journeys, so traders were always relieved when welcoming, oasis-like cities appeared on the horizon. Our Discover Uzbekistan small-group adventure visits three of them—Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand—immersing you among the nation’s most breathtaking mosques, madrasas and mausoleums.

Khiva: First Oasis in Uzbekistan

A welcome sight to traders after their desert trek from Persia, extravagant Khiva emerges on the horizon like a mirage. Here are just a few highlights of this spectacular city:

  • The Ichan-Kala, or inner town, was defended by brick walls that stood 33 feet. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains today one of the most remarkably preserved examples of medieval Muslim architecture and urban planning in Central Asia.
  • Ichan-Kala’s expansive royal court is encircled by crenellated walls that might remind you of a massive sand castle. Palaces, mosques, minarets and other stunning structures adorned with majolica tiles transport you back to the days of powerful emirs.
  • The Kunya Ark dates back 1,000 years. It served as an expansive residence for Khiva’s rulers, complete with harems, stables, a throne room, and a jail that held slaves and prisoners.
  • The Djuma Mosque boasts a forest of some 200 pillars carved of wood and decorated with spiraling motifs.
  • The graceful architecture and blue tiles of the Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum are etched with age-old proverbs ascribed to the beloved poet and patron saint of the city.

Bukhara: The Holiest City

Bukhara is Central Asia’s most complete example of a medieval city. The urban planning and architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site were unsurpassed in the region. Its historic district is an open-air treasure trove of mosques, madrasas and minarets.

  • Within the Poyi-Kalon complex stands the massive Kalon Mosque, which can accommodate 10,000 worshippers. With its luminous blue domes, it proudly stands as a testament to Bukhara’s place as the most holy city in Central Asia. So stunning is its towering minaret, even Genghis Khan spared it from destruction.
  • The shakhristan, or Old Town, provides a snapshot of life in Bukhara 500 years ago. Slim alleyways of mud-brick lead to secluded mosques and fanciful residences from the 19th century.
  • Home of emirs, the Ark Fortress is an opulent summer palace and a resplendent town within a town.
  • The Oriental Bazaar evokes Silk Road traders of old with its shining jewelry, brightly hued carpets, silk clothing and countless other glittering treasures.
  • The center of Bukhara, the Lyabi Khauz Ensemble, is where locals gather for tea and conversation. Covered bazaars fan off the square and lead to the city’s religious sites.

Samarkand: A Thriving Center of Uzbek Culture

By some accounts, Samarkand is the most romantic of the Silk Road cities. It was certainly its most resplendent, thanks to the prosperous (albeit vicious) rule of Tamerlane the Great, who made it the shining capital of his empire.

  • The city, a stunning collection of architecture and art from the 13th century to today, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Registan Square is celebrated as the symbol of Central Asia. The ensemble of shimmering tiled buildings and gateways, including three madrasas, surround a vast and glorious square.
  • Samarkand’s mausoleums are a magnificent tribute to the dead. The enormous Guri Amir is the resting place of Tamerlane. Elsewhere, the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis—where dozens of history’s most notable people were laid—houses intricately decorated tombs surrounding that of Qussam Ibn Abbas, the cousin of Mohammed who is said to have brought Islam here in the 7th century.
  • The world’s largest mosque upon its completion in the 15th century, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque was built as a tribute to Tamerlane’s wife.
  • Portal to the stars in the 1420s, the short-lived yet fascinating Ulugh Beg Observatory was named for its builder. He and his colleagues used it to study the heavens until it was destroyed by religious zealots in 1449.

Experience these remarkable centers of the Silk Road during our Discover Uzbekistan small-group adventure!

#G1PhotoFridayMediterranean

Seeing Blue in Essaouira Port, Morocco

on March 22, 2019

Essaouira, Morocco is located in the western part of the country on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The Port of Essaouria was founded in 1770 and from then until the first half of the nineteenth century, the port was the most important trading port between Europe, Africa and the Americas. When Casablanca grew in the North and Agadir in the South, the port lost its popular status. The blue boats pictured here are for fishing! The fish caught are then sold in the port’s market.

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

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

The Majestic, Magnificent Madrasa

on March 20, 2019

To the Muslims of Uzbekistan, the madrasa is one of the most important cultural institutions in daily life. You need only look as far as their grand and glorious entranceways—enormous gate-like portals (called “iwan”) lined with glittering tiles and precise geometric design—to be moved to imagine what wonders lie within. The answer is both purely simple and highly revered—within each madrasa, you will find the wisdom of the ages.

“Madrasa” comes from an ancient word meaning “a place of learning or study.” Today, it refers to any type of school, whether it teaches children or young adults, from kindergarten to university. But madrasas date back to at least 859 when the first one was established in Fez, Morocco. Back then, students studied the teachings of the Koran, first aid, handwriting, athletics and other elements of wellness and wholeness. Over time, subjects taught at a madrasa evolved with shifts in culture, civics and science. For a time, “religious science” was often given priority over philosophy and secular science. That changed during the Islamic Golden Age, when fields such as astronomy, mathematics and botany saw major advances. Law and medicine, too, found their ways into the hallowed halls. 

Many madrasas include mosques as part of their complexes. Thanks to this religious element, the schools often enjoy an intimate link to a city’s social life. Outreach to local communities may include aid to the poor and other types of support to under-served populations. Citizens and students alike also benefit in a more organic way: The moral and spiritual teachings of a madrasa spill into a school’s community, while members of the community in turn contribute to the values upheld by the madrasa.

So essential is the madrasa to Uzbek life, it is impossible to spend a day in any major city without passing one by. The most fantastic ones may well be at Registan, the public square at the heart of Samarkand. Here, royal proclamations were once announced by horns forged from giant copper pipes called dzharchis. Registan is surrounded by three madrasas, making for a magnificent tableau of towering portals whose tiles glimmer in the sun. The Ulugh Beg Madrasa (1420), constructed by its namesake sultan, astronomer and mathematician, is the oldest. Its founder was a prominent teacher there, as was the great Persian poet and mystic Abdul-Rahman Jami. The Sher-Dor Madrasa (1636) is interesting for its mosaics. The tigers depicted in the glazed tiles ignored the Islamic ban that forbade the illustrations of living beings on religious buildings. Finally, the Tilya-Kori Madrasa (1660) doubled as a mosque. Its turquoise dome rises behind the façade. 

Join Discovery Tours during our Discover Uzbekistan small-group adventure to learn more about the revered madrasas that grace this proud nation’s stunning cities.

Gate 1 ConnectionsUSA & Canada

It’s All Here. Cultural Treasures, Remarkable History, Jaw-Dropping Beauty

on March 20, 2019

The greatest discoveries of your life could be right under your nose. The truth is, you don’t need to look far to gaze on breathtaking vistas … to immerse yourself in local ways of life … to uncover a history that you never knew about. It’s all here, in the United States. From the magnificent sweep of our national parks to bustling cultural centers, from coastal beauty to southern charm, Gate 1 pulls the curtain back on a remarkable country that you only thought you knew, all at a value that you never thought possible. 

The full roster of our itineraries in the U.S. is here. But we hope you’ll take a few minutes to read more about our favorite corners of this great nation below.

North by Northeast: Rich Histories and Seductive Charms

We’ll begin where the U.S. began. You’ve long heard about the birth of the nation and the gently rolling hills outside Boston, Massachusetts, that were the stage of the American Revolution. It’s quite a moving experience to witness firsthand the historic places that carry echoes of pre- and post-colonial days. It all comes startlingly to life in New England, particularly at the first settlement at Plymouth Rock. 

Of course, Boston was the hub of it all. Legendary sites like the Old North Church, Beacon Hill, and the Boston Commons—the oldest public park in the country—take you back to inspiring moments in history. There’s more inspiration in Hyannis on Cape Cod, lined with beautiful sand beaches and home of the Kennedy Compound, witness to so much national pride and tragedy. Massachusetts also nurtured some world-renowned literary and artistic talents. One stands apart at the Norman Rockwell Museum, where you will gain incredible insight into the life of a man whose work has stood the test of time. 

Those lovely rolling hills of Massachusetts rise into dramatic mountains in Vermont and New Hampshire. Traversing these stunningly beautiful states—much of them protected U.S. Forest Land—you’ll pause to explore charming, steepled New England villages and admire sweeping vistas of granite cliffs and hills blanketed in evergreen.

There’s more northern beauty along the legendary lakes that surround Michigan. This truly is one of the undiscovered corners of the U.S. But Michiganders are in the know about the tranquil beauty here, from inviting shores lined with Victorian gems and green forests to the charming Bavarian village of Frankenmuth. Major moments in history have also played out here: Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum chronicles the achievements of American inventors and Fort Mackinac was erected by the British to fend off the new colonists during the American Revolution.

The South: Grace and Vitality

The American South is a virtual gumbo of history, culture and beauty. Antebellum charms, pretty green parks, and trees dripping with Spanish moss line the streets in Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia. These inviting and very walkable cities are home to some of the country’s most treasured Greek Revival, Revolutionary Era, and plantation mansions. It’s easy to imagine sipping a mint julep on any of the sprawling porches of these gracious cities. Nearby, St. Augustine, Florida holds the torch as the country’s oldest city. Straddling the Matanzas River near its mouth, it was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1565, more than two centuries before independence.

For a completely different southern experience, you can visit New Orleans, where life is lived slowly and strains of jazz echo on the bayou. Home of Bourbon Street and the annual Mardi Gras festival, New Orleans’ French Quarter is one of the most captivating musical centers in the country—a place to let your hair down and join in the fun. But the state of Louisiana has much more in store. You can take time to explore its rich history in its fascinating museums; take in the blend of Spanish, French, Creole and Cajun cultures in Baton Rouge; and witness the natural beauty of the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest River Swamp in the U.S. 

There’s music to be danced to, as well, in Tennessee. For country and rock music lovers, the state is home to revered pilgrimage sites. In Nashville, you can visit the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. In Memphis, music clubs lure you in with twangs and strums spilling onto the famous Beale Street. And, of course, no visit here should bypass Graceland, the palatial home of Elvis Presley. Another musical legend, BB King, is memorialized at his namesake museum in the Mississippi Delta.

Our National Parks: Magnificence Preserved

West of the Mississippi, the plains open up to some of the grandest vistas in the country. Symbols of the grand American ideal, many are protected as American Parkland.

Perhaps one of the most interesting parks, South Dakota’s Mt. Rushmore is more known for its man-made wonder than its natural ones. For many visitors, its quartet of presidential sculptures carved into the granite cliffs of the Black Hills serves as an altar to democracy. In Wyoming, endless grassland and soaring peaks set the stage for the drama of Yellowstone. Its countless hot springs, massive mountain faces, and towering waterfalls are truly stunning, but the “Old Faithful” geyser steals the show. Not to be outdone, the Grand Teton massif, with its distinctive and spectacular craggy range, is a humbling testament to the west’s natural beauty.

In Arizona and Utah, fissures in the earth have carved out breathtaking natural wonders. Almost 280 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, the Grand Canyon is the great American icon. Though the colossal chasm was sculpted over millennia, it is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a national park in 2019. It was February 26, 1919, when Woodrow Wilson signed the Grand Canyon National Park Act. In Utah’s Bryce Canyon, conical-shaped rock formations stand like sentries among pine-dotted hillsides. And at Zion National Park, red sandstone canyons are kissed by cascading waterfalls, flowing rivers and vivid desert colors. Though it is nowhere near the size of the Grand Canyon, it’s been said that its beauty far surpasses that of its larger cousin.

More startling earthen colors and stunning rock formations grace the landscapes of Canyonlands National Park. Ascend to its 1,500-foot mesa to marvel at red-rock vistas, including the legendary Mesa Arch. Many more of these astonishing natural sculptures – the densest concentration in the world – greet you in Arches National Park. In Colorado, you can get a glimpse of how ancient peoples lived amidst such ruggedly beautiful terrain at the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, home to 5,000 known archaeological sites.

Farther north, you might answer the call of the wild in Alaska. Mt. McKinley watches over an untouched wilderness in Denali National Park. This is a pristine world of magnificent panoramas cut by babbling streams and salmon-rich rivers. A deluxe train journey and a tour of the tundra highlight it all. Incredible scenery is everywhere in Alaska; even our transfer days take the breath away! And no trip here would be complete without seeing its impressive glaciers. Kenai Fjords National Park and its 300-square-mile Harding Ice Field is one of the best spots to witness them as they calve into the icy waters. You can watch from a safe distance during a spectacular cruise among soaring, snow-capped peaks.  Alaska also offers visitors the opportunity to search the skies for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), among the most spectacular phenomena on earth.

The West: Glittering Cities Amidst Natural Beauty

The western U.S. has a lot more to offer than its national parks. California, especially, is home to beautiful cities that enjoy magnificent settings. To be sure, the hills of San Francisco, its situation on its famous bay, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge make for one of the most breathtaking skylines in the world. Exploring the city—with its bustling Union Square and Ghirardelli Square—and the vineyards to the north—with their inviting wineries and galleries—is pure pleasure. 

The star of California’s coast is the “17 Mile Drive.” Widely called one of the most scenic panoramas in the world, this road follows the jagged Big Sur coast to the Del Monte Forest. Sweeping vistas unfold around every corner, from crashing surf on rocky shores to multi-million-dollar homes hugging hillsides. And of course, one cannot visit northern California without laying eyes on its towering redwoods, which you can do during visits to Redwood National Park and Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Long heralded as one of the most magnificent corners of the U.S., the Pacific Northwest offers an enriching blend of natural beauty and rich culture. If you want to get a sense of how much Oregonians love and respect the wilderness that surrounds them, just consider that Portland ranks high on the list of the most “green and livable” cities in the world. From here, an exploration of the Columbia River Gorge, an 80-mile-long twisting river canyon fed by plummeting waterfalls, takes the breath away. The lush, rugged Oregon coast and Crater National Park punctuate the state’s unrivaled natural diversity.

An entirely different landscape mesmerizes all who visit New Mexico, where starkly beautiful desert vistas have long inspired artists and craftspeople for generations. Glimpse the old Pueblo ways in Albuquerque at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Bandelier Monument, one of North America’s oldest settlements. In Taos, explore the streets of Taos Pueblo, a typical ancient village preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And get to know the life and works of the region’s most famous artist, Georgia O’Keefe, at her home known as Ghost Ranch and at Santa Fe’s renowned museum named for her.

Gate 1’s U.S. Escorted Tours: The Ultimate in Convenience and Value 

Here’s the real beauty of seeing this magnificent country on a Gate 1 Escorted Tour: We take care of everything for you. This saves you countless hours of planning—arranging airfare and car rental, researching sites to visit and making sure you have driving directions, hoping you’ve picked a decent restaurant for your meals. Plus, you’ll gain insight and learn more about your destination than you ever would on your own, thanks to the expert knowledge of our tour managers. Simply put, the only thing you have to worry about is enjoying yourself and taking in our country’s glorious sites. 

What’s more, our buying power with hotels and other travel providers ensures you the lowest possible price for your overall trip. In fact, if you were to try to duplicate any one of our trips on your own, you would end up paying far more. 

Convenience and ease … the unmatched value of our buying power … magnificent and awe-inspiring destinations … a comprehensive trip made all the more fascinating by our expert tour managers. If you’re planning to explore your own country, then a Gate 1 Escorted Tour is your ticket to a trip unlike any other. Join us!

#G1PhotoFridayMediterranean

Traveling Back in Time in Ephesus, Turkey

on March 15, 2019

Ephesus, Turkey is a well-preserved ancient port city, used by both the Greeks and Romans. Some of the must see sites here include the Temple of Artemis, House of Virgin Mary, Library of Celsus (pictured) and Basilica of St. John. The Libaray of Celsus was built in 117 AD and is one of the most famous structures in this ancient city. It was used as a monumental tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the governor of the province of Asia; from his son Galius Julius Aquila. Visit beautiful Ephesus by way of the Port of Kusadasi, and enjoy ancient sites that will fill up your camera roll.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @miaminative75 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This regal scene was taken in Ephesus, Turkey. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Turkey trips here!

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Uzbek Cuisine: A Primer

on March 13, 2019

The cuisine of Uzbekistan has a lot in common with the food of the rest of Central Asia. Indeed, it shares much of its heritage with neighboring countries, thanks to their similar agricultural resources. To Americans, many dishes may look exotic, but ingredients are quite similar in origin. Grain farming, for instance, is widespread here, so you will often find breads, rice and noodles on the menu. Carrots and onions also figure prominently in various preparation, as do other in-season vegetables such as cabbage, eggplant tomato and garlic. And with an abundance of sheep roaming the hillsides, mutton is a very popular ingredient. Herewith, a primer on the Uzbek diet.

Food:

Obi non – The staple bread of Uzbekistan is baked in a tandir, or clay oven. So central is it to Uzbek culture that it was mentioned in The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of oldest written works in the world. Variations of non (bread) are made around the country, from the small, thick non of Samarkand to the sesame-sprinkled non of Bukhara.

Manti, chuchvara, somsa – These dumpling dishes can be filled with various ingredients, from lamb or beef to cabbage or potato. Manti may be served as an appetizer with sour cream, ketchup, or onions dashed with vinegar and black pepper. Chuchvara may be prepared as part of a larger dish, such as vegetables in a tomato sauce. Samsa is more of a meat pastry and has the appearance of baked buns.

Oshi toki – Similar to dolma found throughout the Mediterranean, these stuffed grape leaves are usually served as a small plate or appetizer.

Palov – Uzbekistan’s signature dish is a blend of rice, meat and grated carrots and onions. Similar to pilaf (and also related linguistically!), it may be served any time of day. One version of it (plov) is typically served in the morning as part of multi-day family celebrations.

Shurpa – This soup is prepared with chunks of fatty mutton and fresh vegetables.

Norin – The pasta and meat dish, made with very thin hand-rolled noodles, can be served hot or cold.

Dimlama – This stew of Turkic origin is made with meat, potatoes, onions, vegetables and sometimes fruits. It’s a popular spring or summer meal as the vegetables are in season.

Kebabs – Though kebabs are cooked throughout the world, they were first skewered and grilled over an open flame in the Middle East. In Uzbekistan, they are served as a main course.

Drink:

Green tea – The national hot beverage of Uzbekistan, green tea is served throughout the day in homes and teahouses alike. Tea – whether green or black – is part of every meal.

Ayran – A refreshing and nutritious summertime staple, ayran is a chilled yogurt drink.

Wine – Some 14 wineries operate in Uzbekistan; despite that Uzbeks consider themselves Muslim, they live a largely secular lifestyle. But the grapes grown here don’t exactly roll off the English-speaking tongue: Gulyakandoz, Shirin, Aleatiko and Kabernet likernoe. (This last one translates into “Cabernet dessert wine” in Russian.) By some accounts, vines were introduced here by the Romans as they passed through on the legendary Silk Road. Today, wines produced here win international awards.

Sample it all during our Discover Uzbekistan small-group adventure!

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