Category: Small Group Discoveries

New Delhi
Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Understanding Old and New Delhi

on September 11, 2019

One of the largest cities in population in the world, Delhi must be seen to be believed. Metropolitan Delhi is a vast tapestry of many cities and towns that are collectively known as the National Capital Region, or NCR. Within the NCR, Delhi proper is equally impressive with its monuments to past empires and deep spirituality. Discovery Tours reveals the history and legends of both New and Old Delhi.

New Delhi

When India was ruled by Great Britain, King George V – who was also the Emperor of India – moved the capital here from Calcutta in 1911. The municipality of New Delhi was subsequently designed by British city planners to be a grand symbol of England’s supremacy. Its grandiosity still stands, and today New Delhi is home to the offices of the NCR, the government of India and a vivid and vibrant culture. Here are some of New Delhi’s highlights:

Qutab Minar Victory Tower. The second tallest minaret in India, the Qutab Minar stands 239 feet. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was constructed from red sandstone and marble over a 175-year period beginning in 1193. It is the focal point of a fascinating archaeological area known as the Qutab complex once home to 27 Hindu and Jain temples.

Gandhi Smriti. A sobering visit to this museum dedicated to the life and death of Mahatma Gandhi enhances any visit to New Delhi. The spiritual leader spent the final 144 days of his life here before being assassinated on these grounds in 1948.

India Gate War Memorial. Though it resembles a triumphal arch much more than a somber memorial, the India Gate nevertheless commemorates the 82,000 soldiers of the united British India Army who were killed in World War I. The names of 13,300 are etched in the stone.

Presidential Palace. With its main palace building of 340 rooms, expansive gardens, staff residences, stables and more, this 320-acre site is the second largest residence of a Head of State in the world.

Parliament House. Home to India’s government, this magnificent and sprawling building, built in the shape of a perfect circle, covers six acres.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Northwest of New Delhi, the province of Pujab is the world’s only state that boasts a majority Sikh population. The religion is also well represented here in Delhi, perhaps no place as dramatically as Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a glorious, gold-domed house of worship with a revered sarovar, or reflecting pool.

Old Delhi

Zooming in closer to the heart of New Delhi, Old Delhi is the original city of the Mughal Empire, once lined with elegant mosques and mansions of noblemen. It was founded in 1639 by Shah Jahan, the Mughal leader who ushered India into a Golden Age of prosperity and commissioner of the Taj Mahal. Back then, he named his new walled city for himself – Shahjahanabad. Here’s a sample of what you’ll experience in Old Delhi:

Chandni Chowk. The only way to explore one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest market areas is by cyclo-rickshaw. We’ll climb aboard one for the ride of our lives along ancient lanes and past colorful bazaars. Though the market was built by Shah Jahan, it was his daughter Jahan Ara who designed it. Back in the 17th century, it got its name (meaning “Moonlight Market”) from the canals that once divided its streets and reflected the lunar light.

Red Fort. This red sandstone citadel at one end of Chandni Chowk was the residence of the Mughal emperor for 200 years. The complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a massive collection of elaborate gates, residences, imperial baths, pavilions, gardens and mosques.

Jama Masjid. The “world-reflecting mosque,” as one of its names translates, is the best known in India. Another masterwork built under Shah Jahan in the mid-1600s, its courtyard can hold 25,000 worshippers. Its two minarets flanking three towering domes strike a dramatic pose, and its graceful entrance archway dwarfs all who walk through it.

AfricaSmall Group Discoveries

Tanzania: Wildlife Utopia of Africa

on August 21, 2019

If you’re an avid traveler with insatiable wanderlust, then an African safari is likely high on your bucket list. The continent is full of options for spotting the Big Five (water buffalo, rhinoceros, elephant, lion, and leopard), encountering a herd of elephants ushering their calves through the bush, or admiring the regal giraffe as it serenely glides over the plains.

What makes Tanzania so magnificent and unique from other African countries is the grand and sweeping stage on which the drama between predator and prey unfolds. Unlike many other parts of Africa, the landscape here takes the breath away as much as the animals do. For variety and the most spectacular landscapes, no country could outperform Tanzania. We here at Discovery Tours think this magnificent country makes for one of the most captivating travel experiences on the planet.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire boasts the most diverse landscape and vegetation anywhere in Tanzania’s safari parks. Thick Baobab trees, towering termite mounds and gentle hills dot the landscape of this immense park. Its 1,100 square miles are sliced in two by the Tarangire River, the only source of water in the Maasai land during the dry season. Even animals from Lake Manyara come here to drink when the water in their neighborhood dries up.

With such diverse ecosystems and a constant water supply, there’s a great concentration of big game here. This includes up to 6,000 elephants, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard and cheetah. Several antelope species not seen in larger parks can be found here, too, including the eland, oryx, and the elusive Grant’s Gazelle. Birds can also be seen in abundance with over 500 species calling Tarangire home. As for the Baobabs, these fascinating trees hold water in their trunks in reserve for the dry season, with the largest able to store 26,000 gallons. Keep your camera handy when visiting here so you can capture photos of the Baobab trees silhouetted against the sky, a sight unique to Africa.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara hosts one of Africa’s most unique parks. Most of its area comprises a narrow strip of land bordered by a mountainous wall on one side and its namesake lake on the other. The lake is the true centerpiece of the park and the hot spot of animal activity.

The lake, with rich alkaline properties that draw an abundance of pink flamingos, virtually disappears in the dry season. Some of these birds remain when the lake dries up. More than 400 species of bird live here year-round and by some accounts you can easily expect to see 100 of them in one day. Aside from its birds, all manner of wildlife lives within the park’s 130 square miles, including zebras, giraffes, elephants, and the famous blue monkeys. The hippo pond allows for thrilling, and safe, views of these rotund creatures. The park is also known for its tree-climbing lions, a rare sight.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is perhaps Africa’s most famous national park, and Tanzania’s oldest. When the Maasai people migrated to these lands in the late 1600s, they gave it a name that means, “the place where the land runs on forever.” That translation has been simplified over the centuries to “endless plains.” When you arrive at Serengeti, you will understand how it earned the name.

Here, you will see unforgettable images of Africa including vast expanses of tall grass dotted with umbrella-shaped acacia trees, fiery sunsets that cast the landscape in light, and wildebeest and zebra marching across the plains. These magical sights are very much unique to the park and Africa. You will view sights including the Simba Kopje, used as inspiration for settings in The Lion King, the Seronera Valley, famous for lion and leopard populations, and Moru Kopjes, a unique landscape characterized by rocky cliffs with boulders and caves. You can even choose to join the optional Sunrise Balloon Safari that will take you high above this tranquil setting as the sun rises. Drift above the landscape and watch wild game roam on the plains below.

The Serengeti also has the largest populations of the Big Five animals. Lions thrive here because of the abundance of prey. Leopards, though reclusive, number about 1,000. While elephants are recovering after years of poaching, rhinos are dwindling because of it, and the water buffalo population has suffered from disease. Still, all five are here and our sharp-eyed driver-guides will help you seek them out.

The Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, a wildlife sanctuary that has remained virtually unchanged for millennia. This vast caldera, covering around 100 square miles, was formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago. It has remained largely unchanged ever since. Today, it is home to a varied landscape of grassland, bushland, pristine streams, salt lakes lined with birdlife, and forests teeming with monkeys.

Here you will descend about 2,000 feet to the floor of the crater, one of the largest calderas in the world, and discover a diverse ecosystem and a concentration of birds and animals. Perhaps view herds of elephants with their calves wandering along the dirt paths or even see the endangered rhino, if you are lucky! You will enjoy a picnic lunch here before ascending back to the rim of the crater and returning to the lodge. This magical setting of abundant and unspoiled wilderness never fails to enthrall visitors.

 Discovery Tours Unlock Tanzania’s Wonders

You enjoyed an ancient river teaming with vegetation and wildlife, a bird haven on a lakeside sanctuary, the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park and a large caldera home to an Eden-like paradise. For its breathtaking variety and stunning beauty, no other safari experience can equal that of Tanzania. A Discovery Tours small group lets you experience it all in the most intimate fashion. We invite you to read more, then join us in Tanzania!

AfricaSmall Group Discoveries

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Animal Sanctuary

on August 19, 2019

Africa’s “Garden of Eden” or Ngorongoro Conservation Area is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a protected haven for all the animals that one would associate with Africa. The park is named after a large volcanic caldera, Ngorongoro Volcano, that was active around 2-3 million years ago and is thought to have collapsed inward after a major eruption. What was left can still be found here today; a vast and unbroken caldera that has barely been altered since the time of its collapse. The volcano is the world’s largest inactive, intact and unfilled volcanic caldera and it has brought a fascinating and complex ecosystem into the world due to its closed off and self-sufficient environment.

Upon arrival at the national park, you will descend to the caldera’s floor, almost 2,000 feet down and catch your first glimpse of the hugely diverse ecosystem, and concentration of birds and animals here. The floor is primarily open grassland and includes animals such as elephant, black rhino, leopard, buffalo, gazelle, warthogs, wildebeest and the densest population of lions in the entire world. The floor of the crater spans over 100 square miles and contains many animals including the “Big 5”. Nearby Lake Magadi is an excellent spot to see flocks of pink flamingos as the lake is a shallow soda lake ringed by extinct volcanoes. This is also a focal point for animals in the area as it is the perfect place to go and quench their thirst or find prey who are quenching their thirst.

An estimated 25,000 large mammals are resident in this caldera including 6,000 wildebeest, around 26 black rhino and around 70 lions. The crater is one of the most likely places in Tanzania to see the endangered black rhino, as a small population is thriving in this naturally-protected environment. It is also one of the few areas in the world where they continue to breed in the wild. The cheetah moves in and out of the area while the leopard is encountered mostly in the Lerai Forest. Golden and black jackal are abundant and the serval, who is primarily nocturnal, can be seen here during the day! A number of buffalos, zebra and Thompson’s gazelle can also be seen in abundance here.

The local Maasai people also graze their livestock in the crater and you may even see some of the people who have made this place their home. The cows and wild zebra even graze side by side with wild animals and sometimes brave giraffe can be seen wandering right by the homesteads of the Maasai people who live in the area. The Maasai live harmoniously with wildlife and it is taboo to consume wildlife meat or kill animals that are not harmful. Other native tribes that live in the area include the Datooga and the Hadzabe.

The Ngorongoro Area is one of the most fascinating places on Earth and a perfect place for nature enthusiasts to explore. We hope you will come and see its wonders with Discovery Tours.

AfricaSmall Group Discoveries

The Great Migration

on August 17, 2019

“The only beginning is the moment of birth” writes East African author Jonathan Scott of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders: the wildebeest migration.

Many people imagine that a migration has a start and an end point. But for 1.5 million white-bearded wildebeest—and their supporting cast of 350,000 Thomson’s gazelle, 200,000 zebra, and 12,000 eland—the endless loop through the Serengeti and the neighboring Masai Mara literally never ends.

Like with every other beast in Africa, their behavior is driven by the search for food and water. This great mass of ungulates chase the cycle of rain from plain to plain, feeding on newly grown grass and quenching their thirst in newly fed streams and rivers. Naturalists say that this constant chase is the only predictable thing about the great migration, its exact route varies year to year, which is often a disappointment for safari-goers who long to witness this phenomenon.

It’s hard to believe that even a gathering of almost 2 million can be hard to come across but it’s all thanks to the massive stage across which the migration unfolds. Its 15,000 square miles, known collectively as the Serengeti Ecosystem, stretches from the Ngorongoro Crater, westward through the Serengeti, and into the Masai Mara in Kenya.

During January and February of every year, 300,000 to 400,000 calves begin their endless journey right out of the womb. Incredibly, the newborn can walk within just two to three minutes after birth. It gets its bearings enough to run with the herd within just five minutes. This birthing period lays out a buffet for predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. Luckily, the huge numbers work in the wildebeests’ favor. There are far too many calves to go around, so most of them survive.

After birthing, the epic journey continues its endless cycle for the adults, but it’s just beginning for the newborns. Scientists aren’t exactly sure what guides the wildebeests toward the growth of new grass and sources of water. Some believe they react to thunder and lightning in the distance. Over millennia, they have learned that where there’s thunder, there’s rain and food. Others go deeper than this, pointing instead to an instinct etched into their DNA over countless generations. The herd as a collective whole has learned where food sources are abundant and where they are lacking. Basically, the wildebeests know where to go and where not to go.

They go where the land is fertile and teeming with life and nutrients. Generally, they follow a clockwise circuit from the southern Serengeti westward to Lake Victoria, where more than half a million cows mate within just a few weeks during May and June. As they head north into Kenya and the Masai Mara, they’re met with some of their most treacherous obstacles: the annual torrential swelling of the Mbalangeti, Grumeti, and Mara rivers. Wildebeest not only fear the water itself, but also what may lurk beneath its surface and amidst the vegetation on the rivers’ banks.

Scientists know that wildebeests fear the water because they’ve observed a great hesitation from them in crossing. Their numbers might build up by the tens of thousands on a river’s bank before they have no choice but to forge ahead. Then one of the greatest dramas in Africa plays out as crocodiles lunge and thrash for their meals, or as the weaker wildebeest are caught by the river’s current and washed away to their deaths. It may seem tragic that hundreds or even thousands are lost, but without this natural cycle, the wildebeest population would explode to unmanageable numbers in just a matter of a few years.

Come October, the herd has come full circle across the Masai Mara and back south into the Serengeti. Cows are heavy with calves waiting to enter the world. And the cycle begins anew. Come experience this incredible act of nature and see these incredible animals in the wild with Discovery Tours on the 11 Day The Serengeti & Beyond: A Tanzania Safari.

AfricaSmall Group Discoveries

A Discovery Tours Tanzania Safari Primer

on August 14, 2019

Many first-timers have lots of questions as their safari draws near. We invite you to review the Trip Preparation tab for our Serengeti & Beyond: A Tanzania Safari. In the meantime, we want to share with you what a typical safari day looks like, bearing in mind that the structure of your day will vary by exact itinerary and lodging you are staying at. We also be sure to share some safari-specific tips that will make your adventure safe and comfortable:

A Typical Safari Day

With years of experience, Discovery Tours driver-guides have learned where animals tend to gather, though they can never guarantee consistent sightings. One thing is certain, though: the thrill of any African safari is in the search. It also helps that the parks of Tanzania are graced with some of the most sweeping and spectacular vistas on the planet.

Rise and Shine

Wildlife is most active in the early morning hours, so we’re sure to get out and explore as soon as we can. On some mornings, we even squeeze in a game drive before breakfast, then return to our camp or lodge for a satisfying meal.

Break for Lunch & Relaxing

During full-day game drives, your driver-guides prepare a picnic that you’ll enjoy out in the bush. There’s something truly special about savoring a meal while scanning the plains for elephants or giraffes in the distance. If we’re only out for the morning, we return to the camp or lodge for lunch. Often, we spend a few hours at camp to avoid the hottest part of the day—a great chance to do some journaling or relaxing between adventures.

Close the Day with a Drink

It’s a long-held safari tradition: sharing a drink in the bush with fellow adventurers at the close of a thrilling day. Our driver-guides know the best spots to break out the cooler and mix some drinks or uncork a bottle. After lingering over a drink or two, we return to the camp or lodge for the night.

Helpful Safari Tips

1. There’s no need to buy new clothes. Unless bright and vivid colors are the only hues that hang in your closet, you probably have what you need for safari. Wear earthen tones during game drives; and if color is a must for you, keep it muted. You will want these neutral colors that adapt to the changing temperatures throughout the day. Remember also to keep comfort in mind. Breathable, cozy outfits are an excellent choice for safari days.

2. Don’t fear the mosquito. The malaria mosquito is nocturnal. Even then, they don’t like moving air, so keep the ceiling fan blowing in your room. And remember that most bug-repellant clothing is not breathable, so use spray instead.

3. Repel the tsetse fly with your wardrobe. Navy blue and black attract the tsetse fly. Consider this when packing clothes and keep in mind earthen tones from tip #1.

4. We won’t be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro but… the crater rim surrounding the Ngorongoro Crater lies at about 7,500 feet above sea level and might cause some discomfort if you’re sensitive to altitude changes. If you’re affected, then avoid over-exertion, drink plenty of water, and eat lightly.

5. Be a welcome guest, not a loud and smelly one. Remember that we are guests in the animals’ home. During safari, avoid making loud noises, eating, or other behavior that will distract the animals. And because animals’ senses of smell are so strong, leave your perfume and cologne at home.

6. Protect your skin. Tanzania is near the equator, so the sun is strong here year-round.  Pack plenty of sunscreen and apply it liberally and often. One bad sunburn can ruin your whole trip and you do not want to be hurting during your trip to incredible Tanzania.

7. Take a break, and bring your humility. The savannas and forests of Africa do not have public bathrooms. When we stop for bathroom breaks, men retreat behind one shrub and women behind another. Be prepared.

8. Don’t over-vaccinate. Consult your doctor or travel clinic to make sure, but typically malaria and yellow fever shots are all you’ll need. See your doctor or travel clinic 4-6 weeks before your scheduled departure.

9. Bring cash for visas. Tanzania requires a visa for entry into the country. The cost is $100 U.S. cash. Though you may purchase it at the Kilimanjaro Airport upon your arrival, we strongly recommend you acquire it in advance. To pre-purchase a visa, contact the Embassy of Tanzania, 1232 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20037, telephone (202) 884-1080. More information can be found here: https://www.gate1travel.com/visas

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Japan: Land of Innovation and Beauty

on July 24, 2019

Konnichiwa travel lovers! Today we explore a country that may not be on the top of your bucket list, but it’s time to clear a spot. This extraordinary country has so much to offer visitors. It boasts unique experiences you cannot have anywhere else on earth. We are talking, of course, about the beautiful island of Japan, located in Asia in the North Pacific Ocean to the east of China and north of the Philippines. This “Land of the Rising Sun” is begging for you to come explore! Whether it be the exciting city of Tokyo, the traditional experience at Kaga, historic Takayama or fascinating Kyoto, you will find astounding adventure every single day on your small groups escorted tour of Japan with Discovery Tours.

Tokyo, A Mesmerizing City with Ancient Traditions:

If any city embraces the mixture of modern and historic, of new wave and traditional, it has to be Tokyo. Tokyo is located on the east coast of the country and is the largest city and Japan’s capital since 1869. Tokyo is not only the most populous city in Japan but it is also consistently one of the most populous cities in the entire world with over 13 million people. Some numbers even boast that the number is much larger and around 36 million when considering its 3 surrounding prefectures.

In Tokyo, you will discover the lanes of the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market, famous for fish and fresh seafood. After navigating this place, you will join a culinary demonstration led by a professional sushi chef and you will enjoy creating sushi for lunch and eating it afterwards. One cannot visit Tokyo without experiencing the Ginza district, a section celebrated for upscale shopping, dining and entertainment. Next, visit Akihabara, the technological district that includes electrical equipment shops, computer shops and animation studios that are attracting attention from all over the globe. Step into the pedestrian area of shops and cafes designed to replicate the cartoonish appearance of the anime world.

Visit the Imperial Palace East Garden and view the Nijubashi Bridge that stretches over the moat in the outer garden with its colorful displays of seasonal flowers. Later, travel to the Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensoji) that contains a golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Walk along Nakamise, a centuries-old, shopping area with everything from souvenirs to genuine Edo-style crafts. This is an excellent place to buy souvenirs. The serene Meiji Shrine is nestled in a forest area and honors the first emperor of modern Japan and his beloved wife.

A highlight of your trip will be riding the famous Shinkansen, or bullet train. The train will take you from Tokyo to the south of the Noto Peninsula to Kaga. This train was built originally to connect distant regions with the capital of Tokyo to promote economic growth and development. The maximum speed of the train reaches up to 240-320 km/h (150-200 mph).

Hakone, Scenic National Park with Extraordinary Sights:

Hakone is full of breathtaking scenery and is the most famous national park in the country. A gondola will whisk you away to the Owakudani Valley’s volcanic zone while majestic Mt. Fuji looms in the background. Perhaps sample one of the black hard-boiled eggs boiled in the sulfuric water here. It is said to prolong your life by 7 years. Do not worry about the black color, only the outside of the shell is black, the actual edible part of the egg remains white. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around the placid Lake Ashi and take in the beautiful scenery around you. End your visit in Hakone by driving along Cedar Avenue, a historic site of Hakone that linked Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period, 1603-1868.

Kaga, A Unique Cultural Experience:

Upon arrival in Kagaonsen you will enter your Ryokan (inn) where you will spend the night. The Ryokan is similar to a bed and breakfast but much more basic. It originated in the Edo period to serve traveling traders. Honor the tradition by dressing in a yukata (bathrobe) and making your way to the onsen (hot spring spa). Enjoy authentic Japanese lodgings with tatami mats and a futon bed. Feast on a full course Kaiseki Dinner that is accentuated by regional specialties before retiring to your traditional room for the night. This cultural experience will be one you will not soon forget.

Takayama, “Little Kyoto”:

Takayama is a quaint and enchanting little city that is sometimes referred to as “Little Kyoto”. A collection of museums, galleries and temples can be found here and you will see some of these on a walking tour in the Sanno-machi Historic District. Walk along the streets of Takayama and be immediately transported back in time on these streets of the old town with traditional merchant houses, restaurants, shops and more. Visit the Miyagawa Morning Market along the river where farmers and craftsmen sell everything from fresh food to intricate carvings.

Kyoto, Sacred City and Hot Spot of Culture:

Tokyo may be the political capital of the country, but Kyoto is the heart and soul. Founded in the 8th century, Kyoto has long enchanted visitors and residents alike. Kyoto was once the capital of the country and it still holds the key to much of the culture of the country.

You will begin your exploration with a tour of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603. Next, familiarize yourself with Zen meditation, a calming practice deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Meditation here is equivalent to praying in western religion. While focusing on your breath, suspend all judgment and let your thoughts and ideas just pass through you without pondering or elaborating on them. Participate next in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where you join in the ritualized art of preparing and serving tea. Japan has a long history intertwined with tea and it is very much a part of the culture.

Take a stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and be sure to take lots of photos. This beautiful site is unique to Japan and the city of Kyoto. Take a thrilling ride on a traditional Japanese rickshaw through this area and take in the sights while zooming through the streets. The Kinkaku-ji temple, or Golden Pavilion, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the next stop on your visit. View this magnificent gold-leaf covered temple and discover why it is so coveted and celebrated.

Nara, Daibutsu and Deer Park:

Nara will become a true highlight of your trip to Japan with its incredible Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and Nara (deer) park. Begin your visit by visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Southern Kyoto before taking a private bus ride to the Imperial City of Nara. Here you will enter the wooden Todai-Ji Temple, and view the incredible bronze statue of Buddha looming 50 feet high. Feel the spirituality of this place before continuing to the Nara Park where 1,200 tame deer roam free. You can buy feed for the deer here and they will bow to you before accepting the food. The deer here are not seen as pests but heaven-sent guardians that led the city’s original founder here. Lastly, visit the Kasuga Grand shrine via a pathway lined with 3,000 stone lanterns. The vast shrine complex enjoys a spectacular setting at the foot of the sacred hills of Kasugayama Primeval Forest, its woods untouched since the days when Nara was the capital, from 710 to 794. Inside the honden (sacred building), elegant bronze lanterns decorate the sanctuary.

Your time in Japan has come to an end, but this could be just the beginning of your adventure! Click here to book our 12 Day Japan, Then & Now tour with Discovery Tours and see all of these fascinating places for yourself. Feeding the deer in Nara, wearing a yukata in Kagaonsen and exploring the Ginza district of Tokyo are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you will have in Japan. Book your trip, show up to the airport and we will take you from place to place with convenience and ease that traveling rarely inspires. This is Japan the Discovery Tours way.

*Please note that itinerary may vary slightly from 2019 to 2020.

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Unraveling Japan’s Complex Etiquette and Customs

on July 22, 2019

Japan is known the world over for its conventions of etiquette and intricate customs. Respecting these basic social graces goes a long way in ensuring you are warmly welcomed.

Bowing – Instead of a handshake, bows are exchanged upon meeting someone. This greeting is the most important moment in Japanese etiquette because it sets the tone in an interaction and defines the nature of your relationship to your hosts. With the back straight, you bow at the waist. Many westerners fold their hands in front of their chests as they bow; this is incorrect in Japan. In the proper bow, men keep their hands at their sides and women clasp their hands in the lap. A 30-degree angle in your bow is appropriate with the people you will meet. Bows are deeper among more formal colleagues or shallower among families and friends.

Payment – Many businesses in Japan have a small tray at the cash register so you can place your payment on it. If you see one, then it is improper to hand your money directly to the cashier; use it instead.

Mealtime – Leaving food on your plate is a signal to the host that would like another serving. If you would not like more, you must finish your meal completely. Always chew with your mouth closed. If soup is on the menu, it is okay to lift the bowl and sip it, though it is acceptable to use a spoon for soups with fixings in the broth. When using chopsticks, the tapered ends are for bringing food to your mouth; the thicker ends are for taking a serving from a shared plate.

Blowing your nose – It is considered rude to blow your nose in public, especially at a restaurant. It is preferable and perfectly acceptable to sniffle instead.

Visiting – As most Japanese consider their homes too humble to entertain guests, it is a great privilege to be invited. Guests do not wear shoes inside; rather, they are removed in the genkan (a kind of mudroom) and replaced with uwabaki, or slippers. If uwabaki are not available, it is okay to wear socks. Bare feet, however, are only acceptable if you are visiting a close friend.

Seating – In Japan, there is a “top seat,” or kamiza, reserved in every house for the person at the top of the social hierarchy. Traditionally, it is the seat farthest from the door, because in feudal times it provided both warmth and safety from attack.

Tea ceremony – The elaborate Japanese tea ceremony, also called the “Way of Tea,” produces much more than great-tasting tea. With close ties to Zen Buddhism, the careful steps of making tea are meant to foster harmony, discipline the mind, quiet the heart and help the preparer attain purity. A vast culture exists around making tea in Japan, so much so that gardens and houses are built for the sole purpose; there are even tea schools that elect Grand Masters of Tea. A ceremony might include carefully timed bows, charcoal fires, ringing of gongs, and precise arrangement of tools and bowls.

Zen meditation – Just as prayer is central to western religions, zazen – or meditation – is the heart of Zen Buddhism, the nation’s major religion. The practice involves, quite simply, sitting. While focusing only on your breath, you suspend all judgment and let your thoughts and ideas just pass through you without pondering or elaborating on them.

Maiko dance – The face-painted maiko is an apprentice geiko, a Japanese female hostess or entertainer well-versed in classical music, dancing and conversation. Typically, maiko are older teenagers devoted to their craft. They spend their time learning to dance, playing the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument, and learning to speak the local Kyoto dialect. Their jet-black hairstyle with flower accessories dates back to the Edo period (the 17th to the 19th centuries) and their kimono usually features a train.

Ryokan – Japanese inns – ryokan – are similar to bed-and-breakfasts, yet more basic in accommodation. The concept began in the Edo period to serve traveling traders. Today, most are located in the country, often with easy access to onsite onsen, or hot springs. Basic amenities with few distractions help you truly enjoy the surroundings. As guests, Discovery Tours travelers are provided a kimono and yukata, or bathrobes, that can be worn to the onsen. Rooms are simple, with tatami mats as flooring and a futon mattress.

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Best Districts to Visit in Tokyo, Japan

on July 20, 2019

Tokyo never leaves much to be desired, you can find just about anything you can imagine in this city. From fascinating places to eat, to trendy shopping, to world-famous markets, Tokyo, Japan will never bore. Join us on our list detailing some of the most fascinating and must-visit neighborhoods in this innovative city.

Tsukiji
You may recognize the name of Tsukiji as the namesake to the fish market located there. This world-famous market contains aisle upon aisle of some of the freshest seafood in the entire world. It is a unique place to visit to view the seafood for sale but also a perfect place to have a snack! Not only does Tsukiji include the inner market, where the licensed wholesale market and auctions take place, but also the outer market that contains grocery stores, restaurants and shops. If you like sushi and want some of the freshest you can get, this is the place to indulge.

Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the neighborhood home to the busiest train station in the entire world, Shinjuku Station. Many of the people from out of town coming to Tokyo arrive at this bustling train station first. This area contains a plethora of entertainment from restaurants to clubs and hotels. Park yourself at a bar in the Golden Gai, a network of 6 narrow alleys with over 200 bars, clubs and eateries squeezed into the small area. Hang out shoulder to shoulder with Japanese locals while enjoying local beverages, food or entertainment.

Shibuya
Welcome to the home of the busiest intersection in the entire world, Shibuya Crossing, in the district with the same name. This crossing is an excellent place to take pictures and get a feel for the insanity that is Shibuya Crossing. Shibuya is the center of culture and trends of Tokyo and contains the Shibuya 109 building with incredible shopping. This department store/building/mall is so popular and culturally important, it even had its own Emoji at one time.

Akihabara
Akihabara is the technology area of Tokyo and has become a haven for otaku, a young person obsessed with computers, and anime culture. Akihabara is a perfect place to look through the electronic stores and gaze upon the most up-to-date technologies available on the market. This district is the perfect place to witness the underground culture of Japan come to the surface and find some compelling high-tech gadgets.

Harajuku
If you like shopping, Harajuku is a must for you. Harajuku is notorious for its colorful and playful fashion stores and trendy cafes. Head down to Takeshita Street and be thrown into a world of kawaii (cute) and pop culture. Shops, cafes and desert stands are all plentiful on Takeshita Street. If trendy clothes are not your thing, head to one of the beautiful nature spots in the area and sit down to people watch. This might be one of the best places for people-watching in the entire world because people in Harajuku are known to dress in wild outfits.

Ginza
Ginza is the fabulous and expensive part of the city where you can find the luxury designer and flagship stores including Sanrio World, Uniqlo, Apple, Yves Saint Laurent and more. The main street here is called Chuo-dori and is closed to traffic on weekend afternoons, so it is a perfect place to take a stroll and window shop while having free time.

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Geisha, Maiko and Geiko, What is the Difference?

on July 17, 2019

Geisha, maiko and geiko may seem like complex ideas from Japanese culture but we are going to break down what each of them mean and give you the knowledge to impress your friends and other travelers on your 12 Day Japan, Then & Now tour.

These entertainers have been performing for guests for centuries by dancing, playing instruments, games, pouring drinks and being professional conversationalists. This practice is still being done today and hopefully you will see one of these gorgeous women while visiting Gion in Kyoto or in Tokyo. White-face makeup, red lips and colorful kimonos are your first sign that you have encountered a geisha, maiko or geiko but we will get into the smaller variations so you can tell exactly who you have just met. There are also visitors that can pay to dress up like geisha so it is important to know the difference.

Geisha Vs. Geiko:

Both the geisha and the geiko are taught music, singing, dancing, speaking and pouring drinks. They are both trained to be charismatic and charming to their guests. Both are trained for 5 years before they become geisha (“gei” meaning arts and “sha” meaning person) or geiko and therefore, true “people of the arts.”

The only main difference between the two is where they come from. In Kyoto, the women are called geiko while in Tokyo, they are geisha. Although the names differ from place to place, do not be concerned if you forget because the term geisha is widely accepted and will be understood whether you are in Tokyo or Kyoto.

Maiko Vs. Geisha/Geiko:

A maiko is known as an apprentice geisha and is a younger woman who is currently in training in the arts of entertainment and charm. She is training to become well-versed in classical music, dancing and conversation and does not yet earn as much as a geisha. They spend their time training to dance, play the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument and learn to speak local Kyoto/Tokyo dialects. Their training typically takes around 5 years. The maiko’s training continues until finally graduating to be a geisha in a ceremony known as “turning of the collar.”

Her hair differs from that of a geisha in that a geisha’s hair is typically a wig that is pre-styled whereas the maiko uses her natural hair for her elaborate styles. It can take the maiko hours to get her hair just right. Both wear flower accessories in the hair with a geisha having much simpler decor. They both wear kimonos that feature a train called the obi. Maikos obi are wide and hang almost to the length of the ankles while geisha have a much shorter and thinner one. The maiko has brightly colored garments and the geisha has a plainer kimono typically with red, gold and white colors. As for footwear, the maiko normally wears high wooden sandals while the geisha wears shorter ones.

The makeup of the maiko includes a strip of bare skin left unpainted by the hairline, pink blush around the cheeks, red and black around the eyes and eyebrows defined with red or pink under the black. The lips of the maiko will only be partially covered red, with only the bottom one being painted during the first year of training. The geisha’s face is totally white with no bare strip because the wig that they wear will cover it. Geisha will only have black on their eyes and a little red under the black of their eyebrows. Their lips will be painted almost entirely in red.

Now that you know the differences between the three, it is time to visit Japan and test your knowledge!

MediterraneanSmall Group Discoveries

Dubai and Oman: Cultural Gems with Immense Wealth

on June 19, 2019

Today we are bringing you to two of the most popular cities in the world for tourism: Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and a country, bigger than the United Arab Emirates but largely unknown to tourists: Oman. Sit back and enjoy as we take you on a tour through some of the most sought after travel locations of the present. Experience tradition, culture and immense riches while you enjoy your escorted tour through the Middle East with Discovery Tours.

In Dubai, you will tour and navigate the city that is world-famous for futuristic architecture and opulent buildings, hotels and skyscrapers. Dubai brilliantly shows off its mix of old and new to travelers. Visitors will see traditional houses and minarets against a backdrop of shiny glass high rises, talk about a collision of past and present! You will observe sites that you have only heard about including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Island and Dubai Creek. Abu Dhabi is a short ride down the coast of the Persian Gulf and offers a look into the capital of the United Arab Emirates. In Abu Dhabi you will visit the Falcon Hospital, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace and Louvre Abu Dhabi all while Gate 1 takes you effortlessly from location to location.

Oman welcomes you with open arms into a culturally rich country brimming with incredible experiences. Visit places including Jabreen Castle, Wahiba Sands Desert Camp and Ancient Muscat, the capital of Oman.

What UAE and Oman lack in similarities they make up for in sites to see and scenes to marvel at. Futuristic landscapes, intricate mosques and ever-changing sand dunes in the desert all await you in the Middle East with Gate 1 Travel. Just pack up your suitcase and come along with us. We will take care of all the details.

Dubai, the 5-Star City:
If you love opulence, luxury and hyper-modernity, look no further than Dubai, United Arab Emirates. One of the most futuristic cities in the world, you have truly never seen another city like Dubai. Incredible glass facades, sky-high hotels and immaculate beaches with blue waters all await you here. This city was once a tiny fishing village and Bedouin port until oil production shot this city into the stratospheres of wealth. If you would have come to visit Dubai just 100 years ago, you would have found yourself in a very different place.

Entering the old city is easy as journeying from one end of the Dubai Creek to the other. The old city includes the Dubai Museum located in the Al Fahidi Fort, a realistic replica of a desert fort, and the souks, where you will explore the narrow lanes and tiny shops for excellent finds. The souks are the perfect place to look for souvenirs as well as a fun place to explore during free time. The new city includes the Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world, Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world with 160 habitable stories, the Dubai Fountain, with its delightful dancing waters with lights and music and a stop at the Burj Al Arab, the sail-shaped hotel that is a famous landmark of Dubai and boasts an astounding “7-star” rating. Take in the epitome of luxury and decadence that is Dubai and enjoy all of the entertainment it has to offer because there is no shortage of excitement in this bustling city.

Abu Dhabi, the City of Old and New:
Located about an hours drive along the coast from Dubai, is the slightly more conservative and traditional city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. Dubai may be the more popular of the cities for tourists but Abu Dhabi is more politically significant and traditional. Dubai may be one of the most famous cities in the world but Abu Dhabi has plenty of things to see and is also ultra-modern. Abu Dhabi has a similar history to Dubai in that it became rich and developed within the last several decades because of oil discovery and is now unrecognizable from its former self.

Take a journey to the Falcon Hospital where you will visit with these intelligent birds and learn about the nurture and rescue efforts for the species. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the country and one of the largest places of worship in the entire world, housing up to 40,000 people! The mosque is stark white and looks beautiful during the day in the glow of the sun or when it is all lit up at night so charge up your camera no matter what time you stop by. Take in the art world at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum of the Arab world and enjoy a photo-stop at the Emirates Palace hotel, a very expensive, 5-star hotel that glows perfectly in the night.

Make your way to the ethereal “Garden City” of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, located near the Omani border. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes several oasis areas, including Al Ain Oasis and Al Jimi Oasis, and archaeological forts, including Al Jahill Fort and Al Qattara Fort. The several water sources in the area mean there is much biodiversity to be found. There are also plenty of green public spaces for visitors and locals to appreciate.

Oman, Culturally Rich Oasis:
It may not be the first country on your bucket list or even one you know much about but Oman is a true “can’t miss” oasis. Referring to Oman as an oasis has two different meanings. The landscape of Oman contains a majority of desert with incredible cities popping up along the way, making these areas much like mini-oases in the middle of the dry, arid terrain. It also refers to the political oasis that Oman has become. Some of Oman’s neighbors have negative reputations in the US due to acts of violence and terrorism but the country has remained largely unaffected. Oman welcomes tourists to its country happily and with friendly faces and beautiful settings. Gate 1 Travel will navigate you around this land and take you to the must see cities and spots in this alluring country.

Jabreen:
This Omani landmark is located in the northeast part of the country and is located on your route. The Jabreen Castle was built in the 1600s as an homage to the grand European palaces of the time. The castle was constructed by the same man who expelled the Portuguese from the area in 1650, Imam Bel’arab bin Sultan Al Yarubi. Colorful paintings, impressive ceilings and intricate carvings all decorate this dreamy building. Continue on to Balha, most famous for its ancient fort with towers of unbaked bricks. This UNSECO Heritage Site is located at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar highlands and is adjacent to the Friday Mosque with decoratively sculpted prayer niche.

Wahiba Sands Desert Camp:
The wilderness of the Middle East welcomes you into its ever-changing landscape in the deserts of Oman. You will stay overnight here and in the midst of the desert sands. Your hotel is comfortable and has every accommodation you could need while you sit back and relax. Perhaps decide on watching the sunset under the stars and view the rise and fall of the red and white seas of sand that can rise and fall to over 650 feet. A perfect way to end the day.

Muscat:
The capital of Oman and one of the oldest cities in the Middle East is located about a 2 hours drive from the Wahiba Sands. This historic capital sits on the Gulf of Oman and is surrounded by the neighboring desert and mountains. Muscat will capture your heart from the beginning with its incredible views, beautiful waters and pristine sites. This city is also extremely safe and clean so you can enjoy an evening stroll without worry. With both Arab and Islam influences, Muscat has a unique culture that is reflected in the friendly and helpful nature of its residents. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the most ornate and decorated mosques in the world. Journey to the Muttrah Quarter, a section of the city that evokes a medieval charm. Here you will find winding streets and ancient buildings while sandalwood scents fill the air around the souks.

Explore one of the most popular areas in travel today with Gate 1. We will take care of all the details and you will enjoy an unforgettable trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman. Explore Dubai & Oman and live the experiences that you have could have only imagined on this memorable tour through the Arabian Peninsula.

Please Note: Sightseeing varies per itinerary.

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