Category: Regions

Spain: Splendid Architecture, Sweeping History, Breathtaking Beauty

Gate 1 Travel on January 7, 2016

Spain long held a strategic role as a link between North Africa and Europe. For centuries, anyone who controlled the Iberian peninsula held great commercial and political power; variously throughout history, Moors, Arabs, Christians and countless others knew this and called Spain their own. Still today, Spanish hills and plains embrace richly adorned citadels and Moorish influences can be seen coast to coast.

But still … you have to wonder if they were all just in it for the gorgeous real estate. After all, Spain boasts a very singular beauty: central plateaus rise to the snow-capped splendor of the Pyrenees in the north and the Sierra Nevadas toward the south. Vineyards and olive groves blanket the famed “plains of Spain.” Mediterranean beaches invite long strolls and refreshing dips. One can only envy Don Quixote’s wanderings across such a rhapsodic land.

The masterpieces of those former kingdoms still stand – fortresses, cathedrals, and citadels of staggering scale. And today Spain overflows with thrilling culture, colorful history, and a diverse natural beauty that takes your breath away. So we invite you to raise a glass of sangria, cava, or rioja … to a spellbinding land lauded by Hemingway and immortalized by Cervantes … a land where a flamenco-fueled fiesta is sure to follow close on the heels of an afternoon siesta.

The Beating Heart of Spain

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

History is palpable in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Segovia, north of Madrid. The Romanesque city has gone untouched for six centuries, but its most amazing site predates even that. The remarkably preserved Roman aqueduct stretches 2,700 feet long and – at its highest – 90 feet tall; it is a remarkable feat of ancient engineering, built without a dash of mortar. The city’s Jewish Quarter, or aljama as it was historically known, stands as testament to the city’s diverse past. The enormous Alcazar watches over it all from the city’s edge.

Toledo is considered by lovers of Spanish history and art a national monument, a rich canvas of all the elements that have shaped today’s Spain. Both Moorish and Christian architecture survive here, having had little influence on one another, a rarity in Spain. Steep, cobbled streets offer endless (though strenuous!) strolls. Its St. Tome Church evokes the romance of the high-style Gothic era, and the city’s many museums have earned it the moniker, “The Museum City.”

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

To the North, Sample World-Class Art and Wine

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

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

Live the Spain of Your Dreams in Andalusia

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

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

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

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

Catch Spain’s Mediterranean Breezes

The resort town of Torremolinos provides a taste of Spanish beach life. Mediterranean sands and the city’s delightful beachside promenade are right across the street from your hotel, and the town’s shops in the upper town invite an afternoon of browsing. It all makes for a relaxed stay, but truth be told, relaxing may be the last thing on your mind when you’re tempted with a day trip Morocco, right across the Strait of Gibraltar. If you opt for our tour including a three-night stay on the Costa del Sol, there’ll be time to embark on a ferry and explore the intoxicating streets of Tangier, touring its colorful medina and perusing the treasures and trinkets of the Grand Bazaar.

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

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

Take in All of Iberia – Add Portugal!

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

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

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

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

Gate 1 Connections Latin America Regions

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

Gate 1 Travel on January 7, 2016

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

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

Revel in Ecuador’s Natural Splendor

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

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

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

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

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

Get Enchanted by the Galapagos Isles

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

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

Embark a Thrilling Cruise with Up-Close Access.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover Rich Cultures and Enduring Traditions

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

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

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

Experience Ecuador’s Cosmopolitan Charms in its Cities

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

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

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

Explore in Comfort at a Terrific Value

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

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

Asia & Pacific Gate 1 Connections Regions

A Closer Look at Distant Empire: China Revealed

Gate 1 Travel on January 7, 2016

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

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

Past, President, and Future: Three Cities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beyond the Bright Lights: Singular Sensations

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

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

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

Resting easy in China

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

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

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

Africa Gate 1 Connections Mediterranean Regions

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

Gate 1 Travel on August 7, 2015

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

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

Three Imperial Cities

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

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

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

Desert Outposts Amidst Legendary Beauty

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

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

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

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

Morocco’s Coastal Gems

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

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

Experience Morocco, Gate 1 Style!

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

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

Asia & Pacific Gate 1 Connections Regions

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

Gate 1 Travel on August 7, 2015

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

Auckland, Where Modern and Maori Meet

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

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

Secrets of the Earth on North Island

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

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

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

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

The Gold Rush & the Wine Boom: Dunedin & Queenstown

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

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

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

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

More South Island Spectacles

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

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

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

Melbourne & Sydney Go Head to Head

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

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

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

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

Discover More Down Under

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

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

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

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

Gate 1 Connections Latin America Regions

Colombia: Welcoming Culture, Colonial Splendor & Magnificent Beauty

Gate 1 Travel on August 7, 2015

If one place in all of Colombia symbolizes how far the country has come since its founding, it is The Vaults in the gorgeous Caribbean city of Cartagena. These age-old archways once housed armaments and, later, prisoners. Today, they brim with color and vibrant energy, a thriving artisans’ center overflowing with creativity, life and handicrafts lovingly made by locals so that their culture can endure.

Wandering the colorful shops and stalls of the The Vaults, it’s easy to see how Colombia’s long and sometimes tumultuous history has given way to life everlasting, how past civil unrest has blossomed into creative freedom. Such is life in all of Colombia. We’ll come back to Cartagena in a moment; it is, after all, the perfect place to begin and end any discussion about this remarkable, phoenix-like country. But first, join us in this edition of Connections as we delve more deeply into this South American success story.

Bogota: Athens of South America

“Mi casa es su casa.” It’s a greeting you’re likely to hear wherever you go in Colombia with Gate 1 Travel. Indeed, surrounded by warm and welcoming people, you’ll quickly feel at home here. The truth is, it’s a place that surpasses all travelers’ expectations – full of eye-opening surprises and lush, emerald green valleys and mountains. These days, locals and visitors alike are fond of saying that there is only one risk in traveling to Colombia, and that’s the risk of wanting to stay.

The bustling capital city of Bogota provides a great introduction to Colombian traditions and culture. Often called “The Athens of South America,” it boasts many universities and libraries and more than 60 museums and galleries. Its heady mix of old and modern make it one of the most dynamic and engaging cities in the world.

The historic La Candelaria colonial district is a great place to peer into its rich past. Spanish Colonial, baroque and Art Deco architecture span the centuries here. Home to half a dozen universities, it is also the proud host of the Botero Museum, dedicated to the work of Fernando Botero, who made a name for himself by creating humorous political critiques. The Gold Museum is also here, a collection of more than 36,000 pre-Columbian pieces, one of the largest of its kind. One of its highlights is the diminutive Muisca Raft, believed to have ties to the legendary lost city of El Dorado.

To mingle with Bogotanes, browse the flower market in Bolivar Square. Or step into a game of Tejo, the national pastime that you’re likely to see throughout the city. The game originated with the ancient Chibcha people and involves throwing a metal disc across a 60-foot-long playing space at a target that’s been marked on a board.

Zona Cafetera: Land of Coffee and Incredible Beauty

Colombia is a country of breathtaking beauty, and few places prove this like the Cocora Valley. Soaring mountains, sweeping valleys and vast swathes of coffee plants dominate the landscape of Los Nevados National Park here, supporting a rich array of bird life from tiny hummingbirds to yellow-eared parrots. But one feature in the valley stands tall above all others: the towering wax palm trees. These are the tallest palms in the world, reaching up to 200 feet.

Once you arrive in Manizales, you’ll want to linger a long while … over its perfectly roasted coffee. Here, in the heart of Colombia’s Zona Cafetera, you’ll learn that there’s more to java than what you drip into your pot. Our tour of a coffee plantation reveals the subtle aromas and flavors that go into the perfect cup. It may be no surprise that Manizales produces so many coffee beans; this is a dramatically fertile place, a verdant patchwork of green parks, mountain views and flowing rivers. During your visit, you can visit the massive Cathedral and admire its elaborate gold canopy and huge stained-glass windows.

The town of Salento is nearby and visiting here is like stepping back in time. There was a time when the main route to Bogota passed right through here. But when the road was diverted elsewhere, development stopped, leaving Salento to make a name for itself around its untouched architecture and its relaxed way of life. It beautiful architecture and colorful balconies invite you to linger a little while.

Medellin: City of Eternal Spring

Earlier, we mentioned Cartagena’s Vaults as a symbol of Colombia’s turnaround from its darker days. But nestled in the Aburra Valley, surrounded by steep–sloped mountains, the city of Medellin is the true success story. It has not only rid itself of undesirable factions; it has re-imagined itself into an innovative city that serves all its citizens amidst a landscape of green parks, public art and contemporary architecture. Its most distinct feature is the public transit system, part below ground and part above. Look upward, and you’ll see gondolas – locally known as the “metrocable” – floating in the mountain air, conveying commuters between their mountainside homes and the city below. Without them, it would take hours for many people to get to work on zig-zagging byways and congested, exhaust-filled streets. Earlier this month, this lofty transportation system was on display at the UN-Habitat’s World Urban Forum as an example of adapting to growing populations.

It is a fascinating city that’s worth a closer look, made all the more pleasant by its temperate climate that has earned it the nickname “The City of Eternal Spring.” Its main plaza, the Parque de Bolivar, is anchored by the Metropolitan Cathedral, a vision of Romanesque wonder. Botero Plaza celebrates the city’s native son, adorned with the artist’s huge metal sculptures. And in the upscale Poblado district, known locally as Las Manzanas de Oro, or the Golden Apples, you can explore upscale shops and green parks.

Cartagena: Colonial Caribbean Treasure

Cartagena is quite distinct from the rest of Colombia, with its scenic setting on the Caribbean Sea. It is arguably one of the continent’s cultural treasures, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for its intact historic walled city and maze of cobbled alleys.Tropical and colorful and full of life, it is rich with incredible architecture. Its sprawling fortifications that once protected it from marauding pirates are the most extensive in South America. The city’s colonial district is graced by colorful balconied buildings, the Santo Domingo Church (with its unusually wide central nave and stunning baroque altar) and the Plaza de Bolivar, a haven of large shade trees. The city’s Gold Museum boasts a significant collection from the pre-Hispanic period.

Then there are The Vaults, known locally as Las Bovedas. The history of these arcaded dungeons dates back 200 years, when Spaniards built them as storage units for munitions and supplies, only to have them converted to prisons. At high tide, prisoners had sea water up to their knees. They embody a fascinating story of Colombia, reflecting a country that was founded by conquest, bolstered by coffee, tarnished by conflict, only to rise up as one of the world’s most intriguing destinations, rich with a welcoming and vibrant culture, magnificent architecture and spectacular beauty.

Our Tour Manager Know Colombia Because They ARE Colombian

There’s nothing like a local to show you around. When you join Gate 1 Travel in Colombia, you’re in the good hands of some of the most welcoming and knowledgeable Tour Managers in the world. Simply spend an hour with any of our experts onsite and you’ll quickly see that the only they love more than their country is introducing Gate 1 travelers to it. They know their cities and towns inside out, and will lead you to the most fascinating corners where Colombian culture comes to life.

And of course, you’ll enjoy the signature Gate 1 value as you settle in to comfortable, centrally located accommodations, savor delicious Colombian cuisine and participate in a generous array of included activities.

Join Gate 1 Travel in Colombia and experience its colorful culture, genuine hospitality and rich history firsthand!

Asia & Pacific Gate 1 Connections Regions

Vietnam: the Diverse and Welcoming Gem of Southeast Asia

Gate 1 Travel on August 7, 2015

There’s no denying the friendly feeling you get when you visit Vietnam. A profound sense of humanity and harmony infuses every aspect of this nation. It is also a mysterious and beautiful country – with 2,140 miles of coastline, bays crowded with a maze of limestone towers, French-flavored cities, soaring mountains and a river and delta system that hosts a rich array of wildlife and supports an ancient rural way of life. Gate 1 travelers witness it all in the most enriching manner possible.

Ho Chi Minh City: French Colonial Splendor and Colorful Markets

Named for Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh City has deep roots in Southeast Asian culture and history. Yet this stunning city – the former Saigon – strikes a very French pose with its wide boulevards and glorious architecture, holdovers from the hundred-year French occupation that ended in 1955. The twin-spired, neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Basilica was built with materials imported from France. The Saigon Opera House carries echoes of the Petit Palais in Paris. Even the Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel after he erected his famous tower, stands as a stately remnant of the French.

Captivating though these are, the city’s most colorful and mesmerizing experiences are found in its markets, where you’ll soak in the true Vietnam. Dong Khoi Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, captures the pulse of the city with its colorful shops and aromatic food stalls. And at the bustling and intoxicating indoor emporium of Ben Thanh Market, an architectural beauty in its own right, all things Vietnamese can be found, from handicrafts to ao dai, the traditional silk tunic worn by women. But perhaps the most unique markets in the Ho Chi Minh area are the ones that float. Boat excursions from nearby Bach Dang Pier lead into a fascinating maze of canals, where ancient houses and canal-side stalls are orbited by traditional longboats laden with all manner of goods and produce plucked from local farms.

The Mekong Delta: Ancient Waterworld

Ho Chi Minh City is the gateway to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s vast and astonishingly beautiful network of waterways that spill into the South China Sea from the fabled Mekong River. River cruises are the most awe-inspiring way to connect with this forgotten world of stilt houses, narrow sampan boats, and locals sporting non la, the traditional straw hat.

In and around Cai Be Harbor, more than 500 vendors gather in boats and at dockside stalls to sell fruits, vegetables and handmade wares. It’s an intoxicating atmosphere, all unfolding in the shadow of the massive French Gothic Cathedral. More French influence lines the Mekong’s shores further upstream toward Sa Dec and the border city of Chau Doc. Here, old colonial mansions and merchant homes hug the river’s banks, boasting of a once-powerful empire.

Hoi An: A Journey Back to Ancient Asia

There is no place in the world like Hoi An, a remarkably preserved Southeast Asia trading port. The buildings and streets of its Old Quarter remain much as they were more than 500 years ago. As far back as the 8th century, when the Champa people called this place home, a thriving spice trade infused unprecedented wealth into the region. Much later, a vibrant trade with Japan, China, India and Holland lured settlers here from those countries. The city’s famous, bright-red Japanese Covered Bridge still straddles the canal that once led to the Japanese settlement.

With such a rich past, it’s easy to understand why Hoi An is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. The spirit of its origins live on in the fascinating Old Quarter as artisans fashion paper lanterns and residents carry goods in wicker baskets hanging from sticks slung over shoulders. The Phuoc Kien Pagoda is one of the city’s more flamboyant structures. Built in 1692, today it serves as an Assembly Hall for locals.

Hue: A Once Great Capital

Though Hue was the capital of Vietnam for only 143 years, from 1802 to 1945, its cultural influence on the region has been immeasurable. This may be because the Nguyen Dynasty that ruled from here constructed such a vast and imposing complex of palaces and fortresses. Their Imperial City, badly damaged during the Tet Offensive of 1968, has undergone remarkable restoration. Its most notable structures are the 1.5-mile wall that surrounds it, the Imperial Enclosure, Thai Hoa Palace (or the Hall of Supreme Harmony), Hall of the Mandarins and the Forbidden Purple City, named after its Chinese counterpart. One especially priceless feature of the city are the Nine Dynastic Urns that stand in a row before the The Mieu Temple, specially cast in 1836 to celebrate the sovereignty of the dynasty.

Halong Bay: A String of Limestone Pearls

Halong Bay is arguably one of the world’s most scenic places. More than 3,000 islands rise from its shimmering waters, many of them several hundred feet in elevation. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is shrouded in myth and legend. According to one tale, the many islands were formed in Vietnam’s earliest days when it was vulnerable to invaders. The gods sent dragons to this coastline to protect the new country and they spat out jade and other jewels into the water. These precious stones linked together to protect the land from enemies approaching by sea. In another story, these towering islands suddenly appeared from the depths of the water in front of oncoming ships, leaving the enemy to crash into their rocky shores.

Sailing among this breathtaking archipelago is every traveler’s dream. The karst cliffs dwarf our ship, a traditional junk. Floating fishing villages cling to the shores of some islands and inviting sandy beaches line the shores of others. Within many of the hulking rocks, vast and echoing caves have a history all their own – each one a wonder of hanging stalactites, soaring stalagmites and small waterfalls.

Hanoi: The 1,000-Year-Old Capital

Hanoi recently celebrated its 1,000th birthday. For much of its history, it has been the political and cultural capital of the country, save for the brief period from 1802 to 1945 when Hue held that title during the Nguyen Dynasty. During the nation’s more turbulent times, it was the capital of French Indochina (1902-1954) and of North Vietnam (1954-1976).

Like in Ho Chi Minh City, the city’s French colonial influence is prevalent in the glorious architecture. But more than 50 ethnic groups have also shaped Hanoi and the surrounding region; many of their stories and cultural relics are on exhibit at the Museum of Ethnology. But perhaps nowhere is the nation’s heritage more dramatically represented than in the world-renowned water puppetry that originated here. These fascinating shows are performed over a pool of water, depicting ancient folktales and long-cherished lore set to traditional music and Cheo, a form of opera.

So Many Ways to Explore Vietnam with Gate 1 Travel

By land or by water, Gate 1 Travel offers so many ways to experience Vietnam. Our Classic Vietnam program shows you the best of all the major cities, including Halong Bay. You can also combine explorations of this remarkable country with time in its neighboring countries throughout Southeast Asia: Cambodia,Thailand, and Laos. And to witness life along the Mekong River, embark one of our thrilling river cruises. These enriching journeys feature glimpses of village and city life along this legendary waterway, with hotel stays in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon); the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat; and Thailand’s temple-strewn capital of Bangkok.

No matter how you choose to explore Vietnam with Gate 1 Travel, you’ll enjoy comfortable accommodations every step of the way, the expert and welcoming services of our Tour Managers, and generous features that bring the local culture to life – all at the Gate 1 value you know and love.

We hope to see you in Vietnam!

Europe Gate 1 Connections Regions

Renaissance History. Soaring Beauty. It Could Only Be Italy.

Gate 1 Travel on August 7, 2015

Endless romance. Unrivaled food and wine. A rich history of art, religion and civilizations that spans the ages. And breathtaking panoramas from mountain lakes and rolling hills to sweeping and rocky coasts.

This is Italy, one of the world’s most captivating and mesmerizing destinations. There is so much to see and experience here! And when you trust your Italian journey to Gate 1 Travel, we’ll help you make the most of your time. Our Escorted Tours offer the most efficient way to see the highlights of Italy. Our motor coaches whisk you from city to city, so you don’t need to worry about how you’ll get around. Our Tour Managers know the most thrilling and fascinating sites to show you, and are eager to enlighten you about their country’s most beloved treasures. And as you arrive at some of Italy’s most visited museums and landmarks, you’ll bypass the long lines, thanks to our pre-purchased entry.

Welcome to Gate 1’s Italy!

Italy’s Historic Centers: Rome, Venice & Florence

Just as all roads lead to Rome, any discussion of Italy must point to its historic streets. It is, without question, one of the world’s most enriching and fascinating cities. Here, ancient monuments heralding the days of the Roman Empire mingle easily with couture shops and buzzing Vespas. For 2,000 years, the center of Rome has been the mighty Coliseum. Once able to host 80,000 spectators, this was where Romans gathered to witness gladiatorial combat and contests between men and beasts.

Today, Romans and visitors alike are more likely to gather in the city’s charming piazzas. These open plazas embody public art at its finest, adorned with finely sculpted fountains carved by some of history’s greatest artists, from Bernini to della Porta. Piazza Navona is one of the most magnificent. Nearby, on the Piazza della Rotunda, the Pantheon soars to the skies, built by ancient Romans to honor the gods. Its revolutionary dome – still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome – is a masterwork of Roman engineering that has never been duplicated.

The city of Rome embraces another city that boasts an equally astonishing history and soaring architectural and artistic marvels: Vatican City. Surely, St. Peter’s Basilica and its sprawling square is one of the most moving pilgrimage sites in all of Christendom. The Vatican Museum boasts its own sacred calling card: Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment, painstakingly painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In total, the artist painted more than 5,000 square feet of frescoes here. Today, they remain a wonder of rich color and sumptuous detail.

The Roman Empire held great sway throughout Europe for many centuries. Another kingdom – much smaller but certainly no less influential – had its center on the northern Adriatic Sea. The Venetian Empire ruled much of the Adriatic region for over 1,000 years from its seat of power on an island just off Italy. Today, with its car-free medieval warrens, endless network of romantic canals, and Old World ambiance, Venice offers more than a spectacular journey back in time; it is a stunning repository of the empire’s prosperity. The glittering domes of St. Mark’s Basilica watch over its namesake square, which Napoleon once called “the drawing room of Europe” for its grace and beauty. The nearby Doge’s Palace was the empire’s center. Here, opulent chambers recall the lifestyles of the rich and regal. And the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the prison, affords the final view that convicted criminals enjoyed (and “sighed” over) before they were locked away.

The city of Venice is just one of 117 islands that dot the Venetian Lagoon. On the island of Murano, an age-old tradition of glass-blowing lives on. These talented artisans are descendants of the finest glass blowers in history. Their workshops were all moved here centuries ago to prevent the risk of fire on the main island. Its streets and shops are a delight to explore.

Like Rome and Venice, Florence was also an incredibly powerful city. Certainly, the Medici family enjoyed its share of wealth and land – and some would say strong-arming – from the halls of their Palazzo Vecchio in the city center. But Florence is more known as the birthplace of an innovative and creative movement that swept Europe by storm, and ultimately changed the course of the world: the Renaissance. The city, dotted with grand buildings, sculptures, gardens, and the astonishing Duomo of the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, is an open-air museum of the period that defined it. Michelangelo’s David is here – the original in the Accademia of Fine Arts and a replica in the Piazza della Signoria. And the medieval-era Ponte Vecchio, lined with jewelry and leather shops, spans the Arno River.

Of course, the Renaissance was not confined to Florence. The creative brilliance of the age spread all over Italy and Europe. One of the most breathtaking places to observe the period’s architecture at its most spiritual is in Pisa in the Piazza dei Miracoli. Here, a great trinity of white-marble buildings – the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery and the famous Leaning Tower – comprises one of Italy’s great accomplishments. The entire site is considered sacred by the Catholic Church.

Hilltop Wonders Amidst Natural Beauty

Florence and Pisa are the beating hearts of Tuscany, one of Italy’s most breathtaking regions of rolling hills and sprawling vineyards. And they provide just a hint of the country’s Renaissance and natural splendor.

Take the town of Montecatini, for instance. You can literally soak in the beauty here, thanks to its extensive spa facilities fed by thermal springs. Travelers have long come here to “take the waters,” and you may do the same during your free time. Lucca, too, is a gem of medieval architecture. Its spectacularly preserved 17th-century wall is still fully intact and today is home to a public park that’s ideal for strolling and taking in amazing views of olive and fig groves. Within the city, the original Roman street layout reveals layer upon layer of history.

Of Italy’s hilltop wonders, one of its most striking is Assisi. Rising from the countryside of Umbria, the city gloriously straddles a hilltop; from afar, it looks more like a fortress than a major center of the Franciscan Order. The order’s founder, Saint Francis of Assisi, is known as the patron saint of animals, nature and the environment. From its hillside basilica, you can imagine that he would have appreciated the heavenly view.

Equally uplifting vistas can be found at Lago di Como, or Lake Como, in the north of Italy. Long a destination for jet-setters and home to many celebrities, this vast and glistening lake is surrounded by cypress trees, earth-toned villas, lush gardens and spectacular mountain views. It is pure pleasure simply to be here and stroll the scenic lakeside promenade. The quaint village of Bellagio is just a short cruise away, called “The Pearl of Lake Como.” The historic city of Verona – with its remarkably preserved “Arena” amphitheater from Old Rome and its charming balcony on which Shakespeare’s Juliet is said to have swooned over her famous suitor – is also nearby.

Few regions exude as much as beauty as Italy’s western coastal regions. Cinque Terre – a necklace of five villages clinging to the cliffs of the Italian Riviera – is one of the world’s most enchanting destinations. Untouched by the commercial world, the villages can only be accessed by foot or animal trail or by a 19th-century railway. Farther south, Sorrento – famed for its limoncello lemon liqueur and its sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples – is the gateway to the stunning Amalfi Coast. This region is home to one of the world’s most scenic drives, tracing dramatic and rocky shores to quaint seaside villages and colorful houses that seem to spill into the sea, from Positano to Ravello.

Sicilian Splendor

Sicily is very much a part of Italy, yet this autonomous island retains its own rustic and lively character. Some have called it the “unspoiled Italy.” You’re sure to call it magnificent.

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

Greeks were among the many people who settled in Sicily, and they left behind a spectacular sampling of their culture in Agrigento. Here, in the Valley of the Temples, are the best preserved temples outside mainland Greece, including the Temple of Juno and incredibly intact Temple of Concordia. Remarkably preserved Roman villas are nearby, providing unique insight into the lives of the empire after it conquered the island.

Taormina, a charming city of gracious squares and structures spanning the medieval and baroque ages, enjoys one of the best views of all the cities in Sicily. Perched on a rocky plateau, it overlooks the Bay of Naxos and the Ionian Sea to the east and the rising cone of Mt. Etna to the west. Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, is a thrill to explore; we follow one of its roads up black volcanic slopes to a safe zone at the Silvestri Craters. In Taormina itself, there are more remains of ancient Greece, this time in the spectacular Greek Theater. The preservation of its stadium and its walls is equaled only by the coastal vista from its hillside setting.

Catania also sits in the shadow of Mt. Etna. Home of the island’s first university, it stood on par with Florence for its cultural and artistic contributions during the Renaissance. Much of the town was destroyed during a 1693 earthquake, and so today it boasts a more baroque flavor, with wide-open piazzas and colorful markets.

Join Gate 1 Travel in Italy to Make the Most of Your Visit, and Your Budget

Earlier, we talked about how Gate 1 provides the most efficient way to see Italy. But visiting Italy with Gate 1 Travel isn’t only about making the best use of your time. It’s also about stretching your travel dollar.

Our fully escorted tours are packed with features and events that showcase Italy’s culture and introduce you to its people during wine tastings, cooking classes, and farm visits. You could never arrange experiences like these on your own. Plus, we have longstanding contacts with all our hotels, which gives us unmatched buying power. You’ll be surprised not only by the central location of your accommodations throughout Italy, but also by their quality and comfort. Simply put, there is no other way to experience Italy to its absolute fullest.

To see the best of Italy at the best value, call Gate 1 Travel!

Europe Gate 1 Connections Mediterranean Regions

Croatia: Where Culture Runs Deep and Coastal Beauty Reigns

Gate 1 Travel on August 7, 2015

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

Historic Cultural Capitals Glitter on a Magical Coast

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

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

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

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

Rustic Charms Amidst Spellbinding Beauty

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

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

Just off Croatia, more than 1,200 islands line the Dalmatian Coast like an emerald necklace.Korcula is one of the most stunning. There is a lot to savor here, including Renaissance palaces and the resplendent St. Mark’s Cathedral. Stonemasons, shipbuilders, and sea merchants all helped put this island on the map and injected money and glory into its buildings and institutions. Aside from its rich culture of architecture and maritime endeavors, Korcula and its surrounding islands also boast a proud musical heritage. Its Klape singers, who indulge in a style of a cappella singing, carry tunes that date back to the 1800s. You have to wonder – once you lay your eyes on this magnificent Adriatic setting – why Marco Polo would have wanted to leave his home island to embark upon a quarter-century of globe-trotting. But leave it he did.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Category: Regions

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