Category: Signatures

Everest Flightseeing Tour
Asia & PacificSignatures

Fly over Mt Everest & meet a Sherpa guide

on June 9, 2016

Nepal’s Mount Everest looms large in popular culture as the tallest mountain in the world, challenging generations of mountaineers and adventurers. After our time in the sun-drenched tropics of India, we move on to Nepal’s higher altitude to view this unique region from a totally different perspective.

Our 16 Day Deluxe India with Nepal takes us to Kathmandu, in the shadow of the Himalayas, a melting pot of Indian and Tibetan cultures fondly called “The Roof of the World.” We’ll stay at Dwarika’s Hotel, modeled after the palaces of Newar Kings and home to a fascinating collection of 13th century artifacts.

Beneath the tallest mountain range in the world, we gather for a private lecture and conversation with an experienced Mt. Everest sherpa. Listen to stories of climbers’ determination and courage as they attempt to reach the peak of the world’s tallest mountain.

In clear weather, we rise before dawn for our flightseeing tour with views of Mt. Everest, soaring 29,000 feet above sea level. Embrace the exhilaration of viewing the dramatic Himalayas and glorious Mount Everest as the morning sun casts golden shadows on the mountain peaks. Our exploration of rural Nepal takes us to the town of Nagarkot, where we can admire spectacular panoramas of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu Valley. We end our Himalayan adventure with a sumptuous celebration dinner of Nepalese specialties in Kathmandu.

Visit the Signature homepage to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive deals and save hundreds on your Himalayan adventure!

Asia & PacificSignatures

Lake Pichola’s Floating Palaces

on June 8, 2016

Lake Pichola is a freshwater lake created in 1362 AD by the romantic city of Udaipur, chosen by rulers as the site of numerous grand palaces for its rolling hills and beautiful sunsets. Several islands on the lake host palaces, marble temples, and family mansions.

Our Signature Collection tour shows off Udaipur’s legendary scenery at its very best. We stay in a luxury hotel spread over 50 acres of sanctuary, affording spectacular views across verdant gardens and the sparkling lake. We have the opportunity to take an afternoon boat ride around pristine Lake Pichola to the resplendent Jag Mandir Palace, built of marble and yellow sandstone.

Beautifully ornamental bridges span narrow waterways at several points around the lake. You’ll likely catch glimpses of Lake Pichola’s abundant wildlife; the area serves as a sanctuary for egrets, terns, cormorants and kingfishers.

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Asia & PacificSignatures

Moonlight Square, Delhi’s oldest bazaar

on June 7, 2016

Chandni Chowk, or Moonlight Square, is one of the largest and oldest bazaars in India, designed over 400 years ago by Jahan Ara, the daughter of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The market originally featured canals filled with water to reflect the moonlight. Shops were originally built in a half-moon arrangement.

On the 13 Day Deluxe India, a tricycle rickshaw takes us on a ride through the endlessly fascinating streets of Old Delhi to the lively bazaar. With its endless rows of stalls and pungent aromas, you can find anything here from spices to local handicrafts to hand-loomed silk saris.The massive Red Fort, recalling the splendor and magnificence of Mughal Delhi, is located within the market. Its dazzling treasures highlight thousands of years of Indian history.

Chandni Chowk is bursting with authentic and specialty delicacies, spices and sweets. Try local favorite jalebi, a pretzel-shaped sweet fried in clarified butter and soaked in fruit-infused syrup.

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MediterraneanSignatures

What to Eat in Tel Aviv

on May 12, 2016

Image via @DeliciousIsrael

With immigrants from over 120 different countries, Israel’s cuisine is truly a melting pot. The burgeoning restaurant scene features blends of flavors from Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean and across the Middle East and North Africa.

Local Markets

Israel’s Mediterranean climate and tradition of fresh, local produce make the shuks, or open-air markets, an essential experience for visitors. You’ll find that the shuks in each city have their own local twist, from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to Jaffa. Market culture has become a trend in Tel Aviv nightlife, with “market restaurants” popping up throughout the city.

Our time in Tel Aviv includes the bustling Machane Yehuda Market. A local shuk expert takes you step-by-step to the best food stalls in the market. Our delectable lunch is a fantastic blend of home-grown flavors and fresh cooked tasty delights. Signature travelers also visit the dynamic Sarona Market complex, the heart of Israel’s culinary art scene.

While at the shuk, take note of the sheer variety of fresh-caught fish, pungent herbs, and Israeli olive oil available to the discerning shopper. Restaurants like The Eucalyptus in Jerusalem take full advantage of local specialties, serving a modern interpretation of biblical cuisine using spices and herbs grown in the surrounding hills of Jerusalem. Our Deluxe Israel tours include dinner at this famous eatery.

Arab Fusion

Israeli cuisine was forged in the Middle East, drawing on the native foods of immigrants from Yemen to Morocco, as well as local Palestinian traditions. Arab fusion restaurants abound, serving up shakshuka, a spicy egg dish, jachnun, a fried Yemeni pastry that is slow-cooked for 10 hours, and sabich, a delicious Iraqi pita packed with hummus, egg and a variety of greens and spices.

Authentic culinary experiences are woven into the fabric of our Signature experience. A trip to Haifa includes a very unique lunch at one of the foremost Arab fusion restaurants  in the area; on our excursion to the Negev near Eilat, we stop for desert-style hospitality  with warm Bedouin pita bread and sweet tea.

Travelers continuing with us to Jordan will learn the inside secrets of Middle Eastern cuisine at the Petra Kitchen, and try first-hand the unique Arab way of preparation.

Drinks & Desserts

No visit to the Holy Land would be complete without a taste of arak, the anise-based alcoholic beverage of the Levant. Stop into one of Tel Aviv’s trendy seaside bars to enjoy an arak cocktail by the beach.

Israel’s wine industry has blossomed in recent years, with endless local variations for tourists to enjoy. Our Signature tours visit a family owned winery for an exclusive vineyard tour of this family-owned winery, one of Israel’s finest. We taste the many types of wine, paried with handmade chocolates. In Jerusalem, we put our new Israeli wine expertise to use at a private wine and hors d’oeuvres reception at the Tower of David as the sun sets over the Old City.

After inhaling amazing aromas in the shuks, learning to cook like a local, and sampling the swirling fusion of Israeli cuisine, top off your culinary journey with a sweet treat. Try kanafeh, a Palestinian pastry of melted cheese soaked in sweet, fragrant syrup and topped with pistachio on its flaky, baked crust.

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MediterraneanSignaturesUncategorized

Wander the desert in style: deluxe Israel tours with Eilat resort

on May 11, 2016

Israel is a place of beauty, charm and history. Signature Collection’s 14 Day Deluxe Israel with Eilat is specially curated to offer the perfect blend of natural attractions, resort excursions, and cultural experiences.

Natural Wonders

In an open-topped Jeep, travel into the Eilat mountains, following dramatic trails that highlight the surreal scenery of the Negev Desert. We’ll stop for desert-style hospitality with warm Bedouin pita bread and sweet tea.

Explore the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, to the cliff-top fortress at Masada, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travel via verdant rolling hills to the tranquil Sea of Galilee for a truly unique experience as we embark on a replica boat and sail on the same waters as fisherman did in the time of Jesus.

Relaxation

Spend a morning enjoying the Red Sea’s crystal-clear turquoise waters – diving and snorkeling here is the best in the world – the underwater life can be seen clearly, including rare corals, hundreds of species of fish and much more. Sunbathe at the pool or, just pamper yourself at the hotel’s spa. At night, Eilat comes alive! There’s a wide choice of trendy international restaurants and a vibrant night scene.

We visit Tishbi Winery for an exclusive vineyard tour of this family-owned winery, one of Israel’s finest. Enjoy tastings of the many types of wine, handmade chocolates and share a delicious lunch.

In Jerusalem, a local “shuk” expert takes you step-by-step to the best food stalls in the market. The delectable lunch is a fantastic blend of home-grown flavors and fresh cooked tasty delights. Join us later for a private wine and hors d’oeuvres reception that opens our magical evening at the Tower of David as the sun sets over the Old City.

History

We’ll introduce you to the ancient port city of Jaffa (Joppa), eternally linked with the biblical tales of King Solomon, Jonah and St. Peter. Tour the ancient ruins, continuing along the winding cobblestone lanes to the reconstructed Artists’ Quarter.

Visit the Old City for views of the magnificent Dome of the Rock. Then, we follow the Via Dolorosa through the narrow alleys and souks of the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be where Jesus was crucified and buried.

Discover the timeless city of Acre (Akko), once capital of the Crusaders, and their last stronghold in the Holy Land. We travel to Nazareth, the sacred town where Jesus spent most of his youth; visit the Basilica of the Annunciation and Mary’s Well.

Culture

Visit the fascinating Ilana Goor Museum, located in an 18th century building that once served as the first Jewish inn for pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem. This unique museum is acclaimed for its extraordinary collection of international works of art, alongside Goor’s original creations.

Our Signature Collection tour includes an unforgettable opportunity to visit a working kibbutz and get acquainted with everyday life in this rural community.

In Jaffa, we visit the dynamic Sarona Market complex, heart of Israel’s culinary art scene, for a lunch of local specialties. Revel in the contrasting architecture of this city on the sea, home to more Bauhaus buildings than any other city in the world.

Signature Collection’s 14 Day Deluxe Israel with Eilat tour puts the very best of the Holy Land on spectacular display. Subscribe to our newsletter to save hundreds on your next trip to Israel.

MediterraneanSignatures

Where to watch the desert bloom

on May 9, 2016

In March, California’s Death Valley erupted into a beautiful carpet of wildflowers, a “super bloom” not seen in over a decade thanks to unusually heavy rainfall.

Last year, Chile’s Atacama desert also witnessed an explosion of beautiful pink wildflowers after a season of record-breaking rainfall in the world’s driest desert.

Floral landscapes might be rare in some arid regions, but many Middle Eastern locales which seem barren to newcomers are teeming with life, especially after the winter rains.

Rough Guides says March to May is the ideal time to visit Jordan, “when temperatures are toasty but not scorching, wildflowers are out everywhere (even the desert is carpeted), and the hills and valleys running down the center of the country are lush and gorgeously colorful…and low, clear sunlight draws a spectacular kaleidoscope of color and texture from the desert rocks.”

Wadi Rum

Springtime in Wadi Rum means pleasant temperatures and 9 hours of sunlight, giving travelers the rare opportunity to see sunrise and sunset during normal waking hours in the seasonally lush valley. Signature Collection’s tour of Israel & Jordan offers a full day to explore the valley in 4×4 vehicles, perfect for capturing the unique sight of Wadi Rum’s ancient river beds filled with flowers beneath its massive, wind-sculpted mountains.

Judaean Desert

Israel is a country known for “making the desert bloom”, and it’s easy to see why from a vantage point like Masada, the cliff-top fortress in the Judaean desert. Ascend the plateau by cable car for a breathtaking view overlooking the Dead Sea.

Jerash

Known as the “Pompeii of the East”, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world, uncovered after centuries hidden under the sand. Views of Jerash’s ancient ruins come alive in the springtime, with warm sunshine and bright wildflowers blanketing the hills surrounding the site. Our Signature tour allows plenty of time to relax & reflect on the beauty of the area with a stay at the Movenpick Resort & Spa in a lush garden on the northern shores of the Dead Sea.

Subscribe to the Signature Collection newsletter for an exclusive offer & save hundreds on your springtime journey to the Holy Land!

Asia & PacificSignatures

Discover Majestic Angkor Wat

on April 7, 2016

World-famous for its beauty and splendor, Angkor Wat has the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the entire outer gallery walls, depicting stories from Hindu mythology. This sprawling city, built by Khmer Kings, was once home to more than one million people at the height of the empire.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat is also considered the 7th Wonder of the World. Angkor Wat’s temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, a gem of Khmer architecture. Signature Collection’s tour of Southeast Asia allows ample time for reflection at this majestic, sacred site.

Later, we’ll be whisked off to Chiang Mai in Thailand, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. At night, when the magnificent temples and walls of the Old City are illuminated, we’ll tour Chiang Mai in a traditional tuk tuk, and visit the city’s frenetic all-night market.

The 17 Day Deluxe Southeast Asia tour is a captivating blend of unique experiences – exploring Ha Long Bay and Angkor Thom by boat, a market trip with a Vietnamese chef – with luxury accommodations and authentic culinary delights.

Subscribe to our newsletter to save hundreds on your luxury tour of Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand with Signature Collection by Gate 1 Travel!

Asia & PacificSignatures

5 amazing Thai foods that aren’t Pad Thai

on April 6, 2016

Thai food is full of contrasts: sweet and spicy, tangy and savory. We know this complex cuisine is best enjoyed at its source, and that’s why the Thailand portion of our tours are packed with lavish meals, a trip to a floating market, and a private dinner cruise. (Sightseeing varies per itinerary)

1. Red Pork Noodle Soup (Kuay Teow Moo Daeng)

You’ll never find this soup outside of Thailand, but it’s worth the trip: red pork, sprouts, bok choy and noodles in a pork-onion broth, best eaten with a bit of chili pepper.

kwayteow1

2. Panang Gai

Chicken, fried with red curry paste and smothered in coconut cream topped with lime leaves, makes for a dynamic plate bursting with flavor.

panang gai.jpg

3. Pad Ga Pow Moo Kai Dow

This stir-fried dish can be made with chicken, pork or minced meat and fried with oil, garlic, chilies, green beans and basil. Usually served over a pile of rice with a fried egg. You can find the dish almost anywhere in Thailand, but it’s best enjoyed in small local eateries.

Thai food

4. Kuay Tiew (Noodle Soup)

Noodle soup is a Thai staple, with dozens of variations. Thin noodles are paired with a meat like duck, pork or seafood, perfectly spiced and peppered with greens. You might need to set aside a few days to try them all!

kuaytiew

5. Mango Sticky Rice

We finish our list with a dessert. Picture sweet, ripe mangoes on a bed of sticky rice & coconut cream syrup – sweet, tangy and delicious!

mango sticky rice.jpg

Join a Gate 1 Travel tour for a true taste of Thailand. Enjoy these delicious culinary delights in the country that has inspired them all. Maybe visit a traditional floating market, where local farmers and villagers trade aboard small Sampan boats loaded with goods.

Asia & PacificSignatures

The World’s Most Luxurious Junk

on April 5, 2016

Local legend has it that Ha Long Bay was built by a family of dragons sent by the gods. The dragons spit out pearls and jade, which turned into a wall of islands to protect Vietnam from invaders. The dragons were so impressed by the beauty of the area, they decided to make their home in Ha Long Bay – and it’s easy to see why!

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with 2,000 islands and rock formations rising from the emerald sea, filled with secluded grottoes and lagoons. Fishermen and boaters traverse the bay by “junk”, an ancient Chinese ship design still used today.

Our Signature Collection tour of Southeast Asia includes an overnight stay on a Bhaya Classic boat, providing more time to explore the hidden caves by row boat or kayak than a typical day tour. Later, swim, relax on deck or take advantage of spa services before enjoying a cooking demonstration for our marvelous dinner. In the morning, rise early to watch the sun rise over the fairy tale landscape.

We can thank the dragons for the mystic landscape of Ha Long Bay, just one of the amazing scenes from Vietnam sure to stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Subscribe to the Signature Collection newsletter to save hundreds of dollars on your trip to Southeast Asia!

Ireland
EuropeSignatures

Wake up in a castle on the Emerald Isle

on March 10, 2016

St. Patrick’s Day is almost upon us, and the Signature Collection team is dreaming of rolling green hills and lakeside Irish castles.

Ireland is one of those rare places that combines rural charm, traditions and picturesque landscapes with easy access to modern conveniences. We try to build this unique Irish quality into every aspect of our Ireland experience. We stay in centuries-old castles, like the Lough Eske Hotel & Spa in Donegal, and sprawling manor estates, like the Glenlo Abbey Hotel, nestled between rugged Connemara and vibrant Galway.

In Dublin, you’ll wake up in the ultra-modern Marker Hotel, and spend the day immersed in centuries of history, and spend your evenings enjoying the fabulous restaurants, vibrant nightlife and friendly pubs of the Irish capital.

We’ll visit one of Ireland’s award-winning cooking schools, run by a noted Irish chef, where we’ll create traditional Irish soda bread & scones. Our freshly baked breads will pair perfectly with our tasty country lunch & homemade jams.

After standing in awe of the 700-foot-tall Cliffs of Moher overlooking the crashing surf of the Atlantic, we’ll indulge in an exclusive evening of Irish music in an intimate country setting on the shores of Galway Bay, where renowned musicians teach us about authentic Irish music.

Indulge in a truly unforgettable Irish experience with Signature Collection’s 14 Day Deluxe Ireland, and subscribe to the Signature newsletter on our homepage for the latest deals from Signature Collection.

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