EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

This is Macedonia; Astounding Nature, Enriching Culture and Incredible History

on September 8, 2018

With its secluded location north of Greece, east of Albania, and west of Bulgaria, Macedonia boasts a rich and enduring culture that has been shaped and, yes, sometimes tested, by its geography and its history. Today, it is one of Europe’s best kept secrets, where deep-rooted traditions blend with some of the Balkans’ most dramatic mountains and sweeping valleys that give rise to rivers that flow to the Aegean, the Adriatic, and the Black Seas. Macedonia is, by all accounts, a breathtaking spectacle of natural and cultural beauty. All this in a nation that’s not much larger than the U.S. state of Vermont.

Intimate in scale yet vast in its beauty, Macedonia is best explored in a Discovery Tours small group. As we hope you will soon find out for yourself on our new Majestic Balkans trip.

Skopje: A Stunning Capital Where East Meets West

The nation’s capital of Skopje wears its pride with the aplomb of any European cultural center. Ottoman Turks ruled here for 500 years and vestiges of their culture are everywhere, lending the city an “east-meets-west” atmosphere. Its historic centerpiece, the Kale—kale means “fortress” in Turkish—overlooks the city. In its heyday, oneskopje3 renowned writer visiting in 1660 remarked that “one cannot see so much refinement and art” as he saw here.

Much of that era’s flavor also seeps through the stone lanes of the Turkish Bazaar, known locally as Čaršija. Home to some 30 mosques and a number of historic caravansaries, its stalls are brimming with colorful carpets, handmade crafts, carved dolls, and all the traditional makings of Macedonia. With its vast collection of historic architecture, it is perhaps Skopje’s most significant area of cultural heritage. Nearby, one of the 20th century’s greatest humanitarian figures, Mother Teresa, was born in 1910, when the city was part of Albania.

Stobi: The Pompeii of Macedonia

Macedonia has been occupied and ruled by many empires throughout its history. Another city you will visit paints a fascinating picture of the region’s early past. The ancient site of Stobi was home to the Paeonians, believed to have been allies to the Trojans. When the Persians invaded in the 5th century BC, they exiled the Paeonians to Asia, which eventually opened a door for Philip II of Macedon to conquer the area around 355 BC.

Some 200 years later, the Romans moved in to establish their new province of Macedonia Salutaris. They made Stobi its revered capital. Today, its incredibly preserved remains—a grand amphitheater, a palace, basilicas, baths, residences, and more line ancient stone streets. Like Pompeii, Volubilis, or any other surviving treasure, it provides fascinating insight into life in the Empire.

Remarkably, this ancient land provides an ideal environment for a rich viniculture. The most common wine you will see, and perhaps drink, is Vranec, a lush red. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes are also grown here. And for a unique wine tasting experience, be sure to sample Stanušina Crna, a high-quality wine not known outside the country. You will have the chance to sip and swirl at a local winery after your visit to Stobi.

Ohrid: A Lakeside Jewel of Culture and History

Lake Ohrid straddles the Macedonia-Albania border. With its red-roofed houses and hilltop fortress overlooking pristine waters, the lake’s namesake town and its surroundings may remind you of Italy’s Lake Como. Ohrid and Lake Ohrid hold a rare distinction of holding UNESCO World Heritage status as both Cultural and Natural Sites. And it’s easy to understand why.

When the 17th-century Ottoman traveler Mehmed Zilli traveled through scenic Ohrid, he observed that there were 365 chapels here, one for every day of the year. Whether ohrid2legend or fact (today there are far fewer), the reputation stuck and Ohrid is still known as the “Macedonian Jerusalem.” The Church of St. Sophia is one of the most important in the nation, boasting splendid medieval architecture and beautifully preserved frescoes dating as far back as the 11th century. One of the most dramatic remaining ecclesiastic centers is the Monastery of St. Naum, perched on a rocky upwelling beside the lake. But the most dramatic site of Ohrid is the Fortress of Tsar Samoil; its ramparts look out over the lake as if still searching for invaders approaching by boat. Ancient Greece, too, left its mark in Ohrid, in the form of an open-air theater tucked between two hills.

Discovery Tours is pleased to bring our small groups to the cultural and scenic heart of Macedonia, long a crossroads of culture, commerce, and—today—discovery. We hope you will join us on our new Majestic Balkans itinerary!

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

The Historic Center of Toledo, Spain

on September 7, 2018

Ancient Toledo, Spain is packed with history within its old city walls. It is home to Arab, Jewish and Christian monuments and the former home of Mannerist painter El Greco! The “city of three cultures” has an array of beautiful sites to visit including Toledo Cathedral, Bisagra Gate, Sol Gate, Alcazar of Toledo, Museo del Greco, Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and many more! If relaxing is more your style; walk the centuries-old streets, grab some Spanish cuisine at a local restaurant or stroll along the San Martin Bridge, first constructed in the 1200s.

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

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

The Rise of Bucharest, Romania’s Gem

on September 4, 2018

You might be forgiven if you confuse Bucharest, Romania and Budapest, Hungary. But probably not by the locals. It’s not that they’re not used to it. It’s more that their pride runs deep and they’re looking forward to their beloved Romanian capital of culture and finance finding its place in the Eastern European sun. Well, we think the time is now. Here are just a few things about this fascinating city that make it stand out.

  • The 15th-century Old Princely Court (Curtea Veche) served as the residence of Romania’s rulers, including Vlad the Impaler, the notorious Wallachian prince whose treacherous ways were the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
  • Today’s Bucharest offers a rich and varied arts scene, from art-house cinemas and folklore performances to ballet and the philharmonic.
  • Get a true taste of Bucharest’s culinary culture when you sample sarmale (cabbage rolls) or papanasi (curd cheese on donuts), perhaps followed by the beloved local digestif tuica, a fruit brandy.
  • Architecture in this stately capital runs the gamut: Neoclassical facades rub elbows with stone-faced structures from the city’s communist past and Romanian Orthodox churches sidle up alongside Parisian-like parks. But the true darlings of Bucharest are its many belle époque mansions.
  • Between the two world wars, the elegance and sophistication of Bucharest earned it the nickname “the Paris of the East.”
  • In the center of the city, the artificial Lake Cismigiu is surrounded by its namesake gardens, inspiration to poets and writers since their opening in 1847. In the northern part of the city, the Botanical Gardens—once the pleasure park of the royal family—boast 10,000 species of plants.
  • The Palace of the Parliament, the megalomaniacal product of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu’s mind, is the second largest administrative building in the world, after The Pentagon. It 480 chandeliers, 1,409 ceiling lights and its mirrors were made from 3,500 tons of crystal. More than 2 million square feet of wool, velvet and brocade went into the carpeting and curtains, some of them woven inside the building because they would have been too large to fit through entrance ways. More than 35 million cubic feet of marble and about the same amount of local wood were also used.
  • Other palaces are more measured and refined. The Palace of the Patriarchate evokes the façade of the Roman Athenaeum with its six Ionic columns. The Palace of Justice on the Dambovita River hosts the Court of Appeal. And in the Royal Palace, you can browse the National Museum of Art of Romania, a splendid collection of medieval and modern work.
  • The shops and cafes of Lipscani Street date from the medieval age to the early 19th century. Back then, every trade was concentrated here, from goldsmiths to saddlemakers. Today, it is decidedly more modern, but every bit as bustling with commerce.

Bucharest deserves a closer look. And there’s no better way to experience it than in a Discovery Tours small group.

#G1PhotoFridayUSA & Canada

Iconic Mount Rushmore

on August 31, 2018

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson welcome you to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone, South Dakota. One of the most famous landmarks in the United States, this granite sculpture is carved into the Black Hills in west South Dakota. These sculptures are 60 feet long and are visited by about 3 million people a year! Come visit some of the most important people in the history of the United States.

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This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @Amy Bubenheim using the hashtag #gate1travel. This historic scene was taken at Mount Rushmore National Park in Keystone, South Dakota.  Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s National Parks and USA trips here!

#G1PhotoFridayLatin America

Sunset Tides in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

on August 24, 2018

Manuel Antonio National Park is located in the Puntarenas Province on the Pacific coast in Costa Rica. This national park encompasses a huge array of wildlife including; three-toed sloths, Capuchin monkeys, hundreds of different bird species and even marine animals! Tropical plants, coral reefs, beautiful beaches, parks and hiking trails can also be found here, so there is plenty to see and explore.

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This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @kellyjeanphotog using the hashtag #gate1travel. This sunset view was taken in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.  Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Costa Rica trips here!

AfricaGate 1 Connections

South Africa: Epic Beauty, Warm Cultures

on August 23, 2018

“The Rainbow Nation” only begins to describe the diverse splendors of South Africa. Staggering vistas, magnificent wildlife, a thriving viniculture, grand echoes of the colonial era, fascinating history, and a beautiful and inspiring mix of people who speak eleven languages. If you’re looking for a travel experience that fills your senses and checks off every box on your list of travel must-haves, you must come to South Africa.

And if you’re looking for the ideal company to accompany you through this breathtaking land, you must visit with Gate 1 Travel. Veterans of South Africa travel, we have a longstanding presence here, so we’ll help you get the most of every moment.

Johannesburg, City of Gold

Johannesburg was founded as a gold mining town. Today it stands as the capital city of South Africa’s wealthiest province of Gauteng, which translates as “Place of Gold.” But the city’s mining history has long, dark chapters—the darkest of which was the establishment of Soweto (South-Western Townships) as a township apart from its parent city of “Jo-burg.” The intent of the ruling white minority was to segregate native African mine workers into a ghetto of ramshackle huts.

It’s not surprising that two of the nation’s most outspoken anti-apartheid advocates lived in Soweto: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Their former homes—Mandela’s also serving as a museum that traces his life’s history—are a highlight of any visit to Soweto. But there’s another thing that stands out in this township: Today, it is a diverse and active multi-class community. The city’s—and country’s—past is memorialized at the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum. Named for the 13-year old boy shot by police during a peaceful protest in 1976, it is a powerful museum that chronicles the country’s struggle to abolish apartheid and in particular the 1976 uprising and events surrounding the protests.

Sweeping, Spellbinding Beauty of the Northeast

It’s not only South Africa’s history that’s rich and stirring. Many vistas along the breathtaking Panorama Route evoke Eden itself. The 16-mile-long Blyde River Canyon, for instance, cuts through a lush landscape of towering monoliths skirted in green. By some accounts, it is one of the largest canyons on earth thanks to the dizzying heights of its red sandstone walls. The meeting of the Blyde River and the Treur River forms Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a series of dramatic waterfalls, plunge pools, and cylindrical rock formations that have been sculpted over millennia. But perhaps the most dramatic vista, as its name implies, is God’s Window. This magnificent view, best seen on clear days, stretches forever, tracing the Drakensberg escarpment’s sheer cliffs that spill into the low veld.

While the Panorama Route reveals some of South Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, Kruger National Park is the country’s haven for an astounding array of wildlife. Kruger is larger than the state of Connecticut and boasts some of the most spectacular game viewing on the planet. Though Gate 1 guides always keep their eyes peeled for “The Big Five”—buffalo, rhino, elephant, lion, and leopard.

Kruger, though it is South Africa’s most famous, is not the country’s only wildlife game reserve. In the northeastern reaches of the country, the Mabula Game Reserve immerses you in the quintessential Africa, with sightings of magnificent wildlife at close range. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, a hilly reserve in northern KwaZulu Natal near South Africa’s east coast, also hosts a vast diversity of flora and fauna, and with its conservation efforts it can lay claim to the largest population of white rhino in the world. In the same province and closer to the Indian Ocean’s shores, the nearby St. Lucia Estuary harbors Nile crocodiles, hippos, sea turtles, and even sharks, as Gate 1 travelers see firsthand on a safari cruise.

Cultural Riches of the East

South Africa is the kind of country that keeps on giving. Even away from the safari circuit, it has wonders in store. In Port Elizabeth, perched on the Indian Ocean at one of the nation’s most southeasterly tips, take in the ambiance of “The Friendly City.” The legacy of Britain lives large here: in the City Hall, in the old stone Fort Frederick, and in the cricket grounds in St. George’s Park. Of course, South Africa’s culture lives larger: The city’s “Route 67” is a series of 67 public artworks, one for each year Nelson Mandela committed himself to winning his nation’s freedom.

Port Elizabeth is also renowned as the start of the Garden Route, a 190-mile scenic drive that traces the coast all the way to Cape Town. One of the route’s highlights, Tsitsikamma National Park, traverses a stunning gorge. The seaside town of Knysna is a gateway to the scenic beauty of the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Accessible only by ferry, it is a stunning landscape of green and blue waters washing up on coffee-colored sands and soaring emerald hills. Few experiences rival a walk through this paradise. More splendid vistas and memorable detours lead to Oudtshoorn. Known as the “Ostrich Capital of the World,” it hosts the world’s largest population of the flightless bird, and there are ample opportunities to learn more about the town’s feathered friend.

Big Discoveries, Tiny Country

It’s easy to overlook Africa’s tiniest independent country, eSwatini, just 120 miles north to south and 80 miles east to west. This modest country about the size of New Jersey makes for a fascinating visit. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about eSwatini is that it has such a wide variety of landscapes, from rainforests to mountains and savannas to canyons. But its culture is equally remarkable, with a centuries-old tradition of crafts that is honored in today’s candle workshops and glassblowing studios.

Cape Town’s Cultural and Natural Treasures

Cape Town and its surrounding region may well showcase South Africa’s diverse culture and rugged beauty best. To be sure, the city itself with its splendid baroque City Hall, impressive Cathedral of St. George, and the cheery multi-hued houses of Bo-Kaap, is a delight to explore. Its star-shaped Castle of Good Hope is the world’s best-preserved example of a Dutch East India Company fort, originally built in 1666. But Cape Town’s natural surroundings take the breath away. The most ubiquitous natural wonder is Table Mountain, hovering over the city like a god. From its summit, views of the sterling city stretch to Table Bay, home to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent much of his time in prison. Another gem rests at the foot of Table Mountain, equal parts natural and manmade: the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. More than 7,000 indigenous species thrive here representing many different regions, from savanna to shrub-land fynbos.

The Cape Peninsula, which extends south into the Atlantic from Cape Town, offers dramatic seascapes and rugged coasts. Steep mountains spill into secluded coves and onto crescent, rock-lined beaches. The environment that’s evolved here—where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, surf crashes into head-rock, and wind whips at vegetation—has created a unique ecosystem worth preserving. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve does just that. Its 17,300 acres provide an undisturbed home for a rich diversity of flora and for more than 250 bird species. As for marine life, Boulders Beach is a cushy habitat for the African penguin, thanks to the calm waters of the sheltered cove.

Calmer waters don’t only host penguins here. They also support fishing villages like the town of Hout Bay. This charming enclave was originally founded by the Dutch for its timber rather than its fish. Another small town known as Simon’s Town enjoys a quiet spot on False Bay, earning it a place as the home of the South African Navy.

Add More of Africa for a Sweeping Adventure!

Southern Africa is overflowing with natural and cultural wonders. And when you travel this far, you’ll want to make the most of your airfare and reach beyond South Africa. To that end, we invite you to add Botswana and Zimbabwe to your adventure. They’re a short flight away from Johannesburg, but offer a magnificent beauty you won’t find anywhere else. In Botswana, marvel at the secluded splendor and astonishing wildlife of Chobe National Park, home to the densest concentration of elephants in Africa. At the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles, Victoria Falls. Here, thundering cataracts that send untold millions of gallons of water into a precipitous gorge.

Or venture with us to Namibia, home to some of the most starkly beautiful landscapes on the planet, not to mention abundant marine life. A catamaran cruise takes you out into the lagoon and the wetlands to mingle with flamingos, dolphins, and more while a 4×4 safari brings you into the towering dunes that face the coast. And in the Namib Desert, you’ll witness surreal landscapes, spectacular sunsets and incredible wildlife that has adapted to the harsh environment. A highlight here are the enormous dunes that look tall as mountains. The German-flavored city of Windhoek puts you back in touch with civilization.

Experience South Africa with Gate 1 Travel!

Join Gate 1 Travel in South Africa and experience firsthand its unrivaled natural beauty, warm and welcoming culture, and fantastic wildlife. And here’s another reason to travel here with Gate 1: The value of our tours to South Africa cannot be matched in the industry.

There is no better time to experience the Rainbow Nation for yourself. We hope you’ll join us!

#G1PhotoFridayLatin America

Magical Tikal, Guatemala

on August 17, 2018

The Mayan people left a huge mark on parts of Central America through their culture, food and society. Tikal, Guatemala is one of the greatest Mayan ruin sites in all of Central America and is now a great source of pride and a national symbol to the people of Guatemala. Tikal is thought to have flourished around 200 – 850 A.D. and was abandoned thereafter. This enchanting complex houses such sites as Tikal Temple I, or the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, Tikal Temple IV and Mundo Perdido Pyramid.CZfZ56YWwAQnOfc

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

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

Cruisin’ on the Danube River

on August 10, 2018

A river cruise is a truly unique experience much different from touring by bus or car. You will stop at ports to see different cities each day and also get to watch the scenery and small towns pass by while on board. You also have a beautiful ship to go back to while you are whisked away to your next destination while you sleep or rest! This picture was taken of our very own Gate 1 Travel ship, the Monarch Baroness, on the Danube River (this picture was taken in Passau, Germany). An intimate cruise on an extraordinary river like the Danube might just become your new favorite way of traveling.

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This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @bettybroker using the hashtag #gate1travel. This view along the Danube River was taken in Passau, Germany.  Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s River Cruise trips here!

Uncategorized

Top 7 Affordable United States Locations

on August 9, 2018

(Pictured above: Boston Public Gardens)

Some travelers think that it is a must to get out of the country to see sites that are unforgettable, but we have some magnificent ones in our own backyard! Our country may not have a hugely extensive history but we make up for it in soul. The U.S. is full of different cultures, amazing cuisine and friendly people that won’t cost you a fortune to visit. From the untouched wilderness of Alaska to the bustling cities of Texas to the quaint charm of New England, there is so much our country has to offer. We have compiled a list of some of the best destinations in the United States and gave you the low down on what to see there. See our country at it’s best with the Top 7 Affordable United States Locations.

7. Michigan, Mackinac Island & Chicago

First on our list is the exciting Michigan, Mackinac Island & Chicago area that you are sure to fall in love with. First up, visit Detroit where you will visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation that commemorates American inventors and important innovations such as historic trains, cars and airplanes. Also tour the city of Detroit, where you will view major sites, theaters, the art district and live music venues, to name a few. Mackinac Island is next up and you will fall in love with this island that transports you to a simpler time. Mackinac Island is located in the pristine waters of Lake Huron and no cars are allowed on the island. While here, enjoy a carriage ride around the island, Arch Rock, a formation that is set against striking views of lake Huron, Fort Mackinac, the oldest building in Michigan, and the downtown area, perfect for shopping, art gallery viewing and eating. Stop at Charlevoix to view the iconic Earl Young’s Mushroom Houses, with each house designed specifically to blend in with its surroundings and no two looking alike. Your last stop is the “foodie” capital of the Midwest, beautiful Chicago, Illinois, located along the Lake Michigan waterfront. In Chicago you will visit Millennium Park, the home of some of Chicago’s most popular sculptures, 360 Chicago, a 1,000 foot observatory that gives you views of the whole city, and a city tour taken by bus, to get you acquainted with the area. Explore the Midwest and see the sights and landmarks of the area, you will not be disappointed with what you find.

6. National Parks

The National Parks of the United States are truly something that everyone who lives in this country should see. They show what the landscape of our country is really like, display some of the most amazing naturally occurring sites in the world and are packed with adventure and education. The other great thing about the National Parks is that they are all different and unique from one another. The Grand Canyon in Arizona is filled with huge gorges and canyons that contain breathtaking views, and is one of the most famous natural landmarks in the country. Bryce Canyon is in Utah and is full of pine trees, hoodoos and magnificent rock formations that rival that of fairy-tale castles. Zion Yllwstne_Falls2National Park, Utah contains red splashed desert rock and sandstone canyons, with birds of prey like eagles, falcons and California condors in the sky. Yellowstone is located in Wyoming and is the first national park of the United States, founded in 1872. Old Faithful, rock formations, geysers and thermal pools are all located in this park. Further Northwest in Wyoming is Grand Teton National Park, an excellent stop for glaciers, lakes, rich forests and excellent wildlife. Canyonlands is located in Utah and is divided by the Green River and Colorado River and your first sweeping view from the Green River Outlook will look atop a massive 1,500 foot mesa. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado protects nearly 5,000 archaeological sites of the Pueblo people and gives you a unique look at the life and times of where they called home. No National Parks list is complete without the mention of Mount Rushmore, also considered a national park area, that is located in South Dakota. This massive memorial is probably the most famous icon of America, and is definitely the world’s largest statue-monument. The national parks are so diverse that anyone can find enjoyment and activities in these places. Whether it be the rugged terrain of the Grand Canyon or the massive faces of past presidents at Mount Rushmore, there is truly something for everyone.

5. Alaska

Alaska is a true must for the bucket list because it is unlike anywhere else in the United States and the world. Breathtaking views and natural phenomenon that you can’t see anywhere else are an everyday occurrence here. The capital city of Anchorage is a bustling town that is located between the Chugach Mountains and the Cook Inlet. This city has plenty of restaurants, museums, shops and more to get you in the Alaskan mindset. Denali National Park brings you to a true Tundra setting that houses wildlife that are unique to the North; black bears, gray wolves, Alaskan moose, Dall sheep and more! This park encompasses 6 million acres of land and provides you with unforgettable views and memories. Next, visit the most popular port in Alaska, Seward, once known for its history with Russian fur traders and gold prospectors. Enjoy scenic Juneau, with the immense Juneau Icefields located right next door. In Juneau you can go shopping, kayak, whale watch, dogsled or hike! This is the place to let out your inner adventurer and do some activities you have always wanted to do. Lastly, enjoy Ketchikan and see beautiful wilderness and fjords created by retreating glaciers. Alaska is a marvel and it is time to see what you’ve been missing.

4. New England

New England is truly its most beautiful in the fall with the leaves changing and the beautiful scenery coming into its own. This area is enchanting all year round but during the fall, it truly comes to life. The quaint towns and friendly cities offer capes, farms and cuisine all their own. While on tour, visit the historic city of Boston, Massachusetts, where you will visit sites such as Old North Church, Boston Commons, Faneuil Hall, and Plymouth Rock at Pilgrim Memorial State Park, the usual site of Mayflower Pilgrims disembarkation. Visit Hyannis, the All-American heart of Cape Cod where you will find the JFK Hyannis Museum, fish shacks, restaurants, beaches, ferries and so much more. You can also choose to take an optional full day excursion to Martha’s Vineyard while in Cape Cod, to enjoy one of the most elegant seasides resorts in the whole of the Northeast. Travel to the Berkshires where you will visit a working Cranberry farm, the number one crop in Massachusetts. Continue onto the village of Stowe, known for its thriving arts community and cultural events. The Mt. Mansfield landscape serves as a backdrop in this picturesque region. Visit the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory in Waterbury, Vermont and enjoy some of America’s best loved ice cream in the factory where it is created. Finally, visit the coastal Ogunquit where you will visit the Seashore Trolley Museum and enjoy a large collection of trolley trams and trains from different cities of the United States. New England is calling for you to visit with its charming sites and scenes, it’s time for a visit.

3. Texas

Texas is one of the largest states in the United States, meaning it is filled with sites that you must see and several major cities that are completely different from one another! Start off in sunny Dallas, where you will visit sites such as the John F. Kennedy Memorial, Dealey Plaza, the Sixth Floor Museum, George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and so much more! Next, enjoy the city of Fort Worth where you will enjoy a guided tour of the once busiest and biggest livestock marketing center in the Southwest. Austin is your next big stop and here you will enjoy a bustling city with an excellent cultural scene and top-notch nightlife. Venture to the birthplace of Lyndon B Johnson and where he lived with his wife Lady Bird in Fredricksburg, Texas, and explore the national park located here. Visit the “American Venice” of San Antonio, Texas, with historic missions, a river walk centerpiece and lots of beauty. While here, experience a barge cruise on the San Antonio River, Mission San Jose, Mission Conception, The Alamo, and more. On your last stop, visit the largest and most diverse city of Texas: Houston. In Houston enjoy a city tour that includes views of the JP Morgan Chase Tower, City Hall, Texas Medical Center and a stop at the U.S.S. Texas Battleship. Also tour the Space Center Houston that contains many hands on displays, space artifacts and even a full size space shuttle! Texas‘ cities are as diverse as they are spectacular, so why not visit them today and have a trip worth remembering.

2. California

California is like Texas, in that its large size allows for many different large cities with a lot of different excitement and adventures to offer! Explore the, “City by the Bay” of San Francisco where you will have free time to explore and/or enjoy views of Nob Hill, Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Next, explore one of the most beautiful National Parks in our country, Yosemite, with its waterfalls, hiking trails, rock formations and exquisite charm. Take in Monterey and its coastline stretching for miles on the Monterey Bay Peninsula. See photographic vistas, multi-million dollar homes and the dramatic Pacific coastline on “17 Mile Drive”. Los Angeles awaits and brings you a Fishermans Wharfmorning sightseeing tour that shows you around the celebrity homes, unique neighborhoods and iconic sights. Another excellent reason to visit California is it’s proximity to other places in neighboring states that you do not want to miss while visiting the West coast. Some of these include Las Vegas, Nevada the hub of gambling and luxurious hotels, Grand Canyon, an unforgettable National Park in Arizona that will leave you with the best pictures on earth, and up to Portland, the city that is extremely green and earth-conscious, located just north in Oregon. Do not miss California and it’s neighboring states because on the West Coast, there is a whole different lifestyle and attitude that you will love being a part of.

1. The South

The South encompasses a huge area of the U.S. and has some cuisine and culture that you cannot miss! From the historic town of Charleston, South Carolina, to the bayous of New Orleans, you are going to love waking up each day to explore different parts of this area. On our “Musical Journey Through the South” tour, start your trip in the “Music City” of Nashville, Tennessee. In Nashville, tour the oldest recording studio in the U.S., RCA Studio B, Music Row, the heart of Nashville’s entertainment industry and Centennial Park, an area including the world’s only full scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens. Next up is glitzy Memphis where you will enjoy the sounds of Beale Street, known for its Blue, Jazz and Rock n’ Roll Music. Also visit Graceland, where you will tour the mansion of American legend, Elvis Presley. Lastly, experience the vibrant city of New Orleans with its delicious Cajun cuisine, a behind the scenes Mardi Gras parade exhibit, and a tour of the Southern Louisiana Swampland by boat! If you prefer history, our “Historical South” itinerary savannah2starts in St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the United States! Here you will take part in a guided trolley tour to get to know the city. After that enjoy the city at leisure and perhaps visit the Old Jail, History Museum or Flagler College. Next visit one of the most beautiful cities in the country; Savannah, Georgia, where you will want to visit some of the landmarks including Forsyth Park, River Street and the Cotton Exchange. Walk along the cobblestone streets of this enchanting place and feel the embrace of the South. Our last spot is Charleston, South Carolina, a city that is beyond historic and truly filled with Southern grace. Enjoy the multi-colored homes, Southern buildings and architectural styles from the Revolutionary War to the Antebellum mansions. You will find hospitality, warmth and plenty of charm when you are in the South and you will discover places and sites that you never knew were right in our country. Come on down to the South where you will share memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

#G1PhotoFridayMediterranean

The Dreamscape of Santorini, Greece

on August 3, 2018

There aren’t many places on earth that are as beautiful as the Greek Isles and one of the most loved and visited is Santorini. Santorini is known for its iconic white houses with blue accents that are super popular with visitors. Fira Town is the capital of Santorini and is where the featured photo was taken! This area is easily walk-able and a must see when visiting the area.

firatown
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @ tsanta2011 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This Mediterranean view was taken in Santorini, Greece.  Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Greece trips here!

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