Latin AmericaSmall Group Discoveries

The Slow, Epic Saga of the Galapagos Tortoise

on July 21, 2017

In 1835, Charles Darwin arrived in the Galapagos Islands on the HMS Beagle. It was the ship’s second voyage and he was eager to take rock specimens home for study. But what he found instead piqued his curiosity: Tortoises from different islands, he wrote, “differ not only in size, but in other characters.” Some had long necks, some short. Some had shells shaped like domes, some were curved at the edges like saddles. The observation laid the foundation for his pivotal theory of evolution.

It also drew new attention to the Galapagos tortoise, named 300 years earlier by the Spanish when they landed here and first saw this gigantic creature. They could not yet know that these wise-looking animals live to be well over 100 years old and can weigh up to 900 pounds. One female, named Harriet, is said to have been brought to England, then Australia, by Darwin; remarkably, she died in 2006 at the Australia Zoo, at the ripe old age of 175.

When Spaniards landed on the Galapagos, there were about 250,000 tortoises on the islands, but that number shrank to just 3,000 by the 1970s. Predation by humans and other non-native animals that have been introduced to the islands—including goats, pigs and egg-eating rats—is responsible for the decline. Ten of the original fifteen species that Darwin observed survive. An eleventh was long represented by a lone survivor, named Lonesome George, until his death in 2012. Today, about 19,000 turtles roam the islands, thanks to conservation and breeding efforts.

One of the islands’ breeding centers is located on Isabela Island, and your Discovery Tours small group will have a chance to visit and learn about its successes and challenges. The center exists largely thanks to the formation of the Galapagos National Park in 1959, which alerted the government to the near-extinction of the remaining tortoise species. Breed-and-release programs started in 1965 and have done well to bring the population back. Goat eradication has also been effective, with 41,000 being removed from the islands over a period of a decade.

Conservation efforts are about more than bringing species back from near-extinction. Tortoises are what naturalists call a “keystone species” in that they play a critical role in maintaining entire ecosystems. To the casual observer, it might look like they merely roam around an island without having much impact on their environment. But their slow lumber helps to spread plant seeds and thin the underbrush so that sunlight can bring other plant life to germinate. The tortoise also frequently has company: small birds such as the flycatcher. The winged freeloader finds a perch atop the shell and, as their host tramples over brush, they catch the insects that are released into the air. The unassuming tortoise, then, helps flora thrive, supports birdlife, and keeps the insect population in check.

You may meet the magnificent, unsung Galapagos tortoise during our Gate 1 Travel Galapagos trips.

EuropeGate 1 ConnectionsMediterranean

Croatia: Where Culture Runs Deep and Coastal Beauty Reigns

on July 20, 2017

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

Historic Cultural Capitals Glitter on a Magical Coast

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

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

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

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

Rustic Charms Amidst Spellbinding Beauty

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

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

Just off Croatia, more than 1,200 islands line the Dalmatian Coast like an emerald necklace. Korcula is one of the most stunning. There is a lot to savor here, including Renaissance palaces and the resplendent St. Mark’s Cathedral. Stonemasons, shipbuilders, sea merchants, and the island’s native son, Marco Polo, all helped put this island on the map and injected money and glory into its buildings and institutions. Aside from its rich culture of architecture and maritime endeavors, Korcula and its surrounding islands also boast a proud musical heritage. Its Klape singers, who indulge in a style of a cappella singing, carry tunes that date back to the 1800s.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EuropeMediterraneanTravel Tips

Croatia’s Surprising Vintages and Earthy, Fresh Cuisine

on July 19, 2017

Raise Your Glass!

Many travelers think of Croatia as a smaller version of Italy, right across the Adriatic Sea. To be sure, this makes for similarly dreamy landscapes. It also means that the climate and earth of Croatia produce similarly dreamy vintages. Not to be left behind its vinicultural neighbor, Croatia boasts more than 300 demarcated wine districts.

Central and South Dalmatia. The hugely popular Zinfandel is descended from a grape grown here, the Plavac Mali.

North Dalmatia. This region is famous for the Babić grape, a native Croatian varietal that produces inky red wine of considerable tannin and strength. The grape is also found on the island of Korcula.

Istria. In the hillsides and valleys of Istria, Moscato, Trebbiano and Verduzzo grapes flourish.

Slavonia. This is the epicenter of Croatia’s most widely planted vine, the native Grasevina. This fresh, lightly aromatic white wine – sometimes aged in oak casks carved from native oak forests – is reminiscent of a Chardonnay.

Plesivica.  On the steep, rocky slopes of this area, native vines produce Riesling and Chardonnay grapes.

Raise Your Fork!

We said earlier that Italy lies west across the Adriatic Sea from Croatia. Indeed, they share a lot in common, including a homegrown mix of agriculture, mari-culture, and viniculture that combine into a fresh farm-to-table cuisine. On land, fertile farms never stop yielding their bounty … with its location on the Adriatic Sea, the country’s fishing villages have long hauled in a generous and delicious catch. Here are some of our favorite Croatian dishes.

Gridele. The “straight off the gridele” preparation of oily Adriatic fish is simply divine. The fish is grilled with olive oil and fresh Mediterranean herbs over the wood from old grapevines or olive trees, for a deeply flavored dish.

Brodet. This light Croatian fish soup imparts the flavors of whichever catch of the day is used to make it – perhaps a whitefish like flounder, John Dory or red scorpionfish, or crab and shrimp. Polenta is often served on the side.

Pasticada. This Dalmatian specialty beef stew is seasoned with bacon and a sauce of herbs and vegetables. Potatoes, gnocchi, pasta, or rice and Swiss chard are often served on the side.

Fuži. Truffles are native to the Istrian peninsula, a luxurious addition to many Croatian dishes. They add a deep earthy flavor to pasta dishes and are wonderfully complemented by local parmigiano cheese.

Zganci. This polenta-like side dish is made from maize, wheat or buckwheat flour. Cooked zganci is crumbled on a plate and served with milk, yogurt, honey, or even the cracklings from bacon.

Scampi Buzara. This common dish from the north Adriatic is simple to cook and messy to eat. Unshelled shrimps are tossed in a light tomato sauce with shallots, garlic, wine and parsley. Grilled bread sops up any leftover sauce.

Prsut. This air-cured ham in Croatia is similar to Italian prosciutto. It makes for a light appetizer or a flavorful enhancement to main dishes.

Istarska Jota. Also known as Istrian stew, this dish gets its heartiness from beans and sauerkraut and showcases the surprising influence of Austria on Croatia’s cuisine.

Pod Pekom. Sometimes referred to as an “under the bell” cooking technique, this traditional method of slow-roasting meat is used in many homes. Poultry, lamb, veal, or octopus is placed atop chopped potatoes and drizzled with various Mediterranean spices and olive oil. Then a sacz, or steel dome lid, is placed over it all so that the ingredients cook in their own juices. It makes for an incredibly tender and flavorful meal.

Zelena Menestra. Dubrovnik’s traditional green stew is mentioned in writings as far back as 1480. This rich and hearty dish is prepared with lots of bacon, sausage, ham hock, potatoes, cabbage and other vegetables.

Palacinke. These thin pancakes are stuffed with different sweet fillings.

Fritule. These donut-like fried pastries are a popular sweet, flavored with brandy, raisins, and citrus zest, and dusted with powdered sugar.

Latin AmericaSmall Group Discoveries

Isabela Island: An Equatorial and Evolutionary Wonder

on July 17, 2017

If there’s one island in the Galapagos that illustrates the diversity and natural history of the spectacular archipelago, it is Isabela. The largest of the islands – four times the size of the next largest, Santa Cruz – it is also one of the youngest, a mere one million years old. During our exciting new Galapagos, Ecuador, Andes & Amazon trip, our Discovery Tours small group spends three nights on Isabela, ample time to explore.

Most travelers come to the Galapagos for the wildlife. But once you set eyes on Isabela Island, you are as likely to be transfixed by its geology. And you’ll be in good company; after all, geologists remain fascinated by this active zone of volcanic activity. Straddling the equator, the island itself was formed when six volcanoes erupted and pushed their magma above the surface of the Pacific, merging together into one land mass. The tallest, Volcan Wolf, stands at 5,600 feet, and you will have the chance to hike the lunar-like landscape to the crater of Sierra Negra, at 3,688 feet, whose caldera stretches across six miles.

Like most any volcanic zone, Isabela is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Certainly, Charles Darwin thought so when he observed species and subspecies here found nowhere else on earth. For instance, more wild tortoises live here than on any other of the islands, but several different types developed over millennia. Why? Because the hilly topography of Isabela prevented the gigantic lumbering tortoises from moving around the island. So small groups became isolated and evolved on their own, adjacent to but forever disconnected from their hard-shelled brethren. Today, they roam wild in the island’s various calderas.

Land iguanas, boobies, pink flamingoes, Sally Lightfoot crabs, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos hawks and other species also call Isabela home, and have done so for countless centuries. Forever isolated from predators, they show no fear of humans and might be more curious about you than you are about them. Just off the coast, surrounding the Tintoreras Islet, more wildlife abounds: This is an ideal spot to view penguins, sea lions, sea turtles and marine iguanas, the only lizard in the world whose habitat is the sea.

Humans also have a place on Isabela Island. The sleepy fishing village of Puerto Villamil, home to just a couple thousand people, is one of the island’s bases for exploration. Its pretty harbor is often dotted with yachts stopping over en route to the Marquesas. Just outside of town is evidence of a darker chapter in island history: the Wall of Tears, or El Muro de las Lágrimas. The 65-foot-tall wall was built between 1945 and 1959 by prisoners of war, when part of the island was a penal colony.

Human history aside, it’s the breathtaking natural beauty of the Galapagos that stirs the soul—a rich canvas of stunning volcanic island beauty, turquoise waters, walking trails that lead to mangroves and lava fields, and magnificent wildlife. Join our new Galapagos, Ecuador, Andes & Amazon trip and explore it all up close in your small group.

Small Group Discoveries

New 2018 Discovery Small Group Tours

on June 28, 2017

It’s hard to believe that 2018 marks our 5th-year anniversary of launching our very first adventure! To celebrate, we’ve recently put the finishing touches on no less than 10 new Discovery Tours experiences, all of them debuting next year and available for booking now.

From the soaring heights of the Himalayas and the desert sands of the Arabian Peninsula … from the rich heritage of the British Isles to natural and cultural wonders of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, we invite you to join us as we offer even more ways for you to explore the world in a small group!

AMERICAS:

Galapagos, Ecuador, Andes & Amazon

12 days

Ecuador is home to some of South America’s most iconic wonders, and you can experience them up close in a small group. Discover the magnificent Galapagos Islands, Darwin’s living laboratory of giant iguanas, massive tortoises, and more. Relax in steaming Andean thermal baths. And explore deep into the Amazon, the “lungs of the world,” a lush forest of vibrant birdlife, howling monkeys, and incredible beauty. You’ll also witness the lively cultures of Guayaquil and Quito.

Discovery Tours Small Group Highlights:

  • Meet welcoming Ecuadoreans at a working cocoa plantation, at a Kichwa Interpretation Center, and at the home of a glass artist.
  • See the sea lions, turtles, iguanas, and whitetip reef sharks of the stunning Tintoreras Islet.
  • Commune with Ecuador’s unrivalled nature when you fish for piranha, hike a volcano, walk in the treetops along a canopy walkway, and more.
  • Take a nocturnal walk with a local guide in the Amazon.

ASIA & SOUTH PACIFIC:

Treasures of Sri Lanka

14 days

Step into the ancient and seductive world of Old Ceylon, shrouded in mystery and beauty. Witness a surprising blend of timeless temples and edifices, wildlife preserves, and misty tea-covered hills. You’ll view the island’s wild elephants, gaze up at the Sigriya Rock Fortress, and learn about one of history’s most thriving and vibrant ancient societies. Seek out Sri Lanka’s astonishing wildlife in Yala and Minneriya National Parks and along the Madu River. And absorb the local culture in the cities of Kandy, Galle, and Negombo.

Discovery Tours Small Group Highlights:

  • Immerse yourself in local culture during visits to the lively Negombo fish market, Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth, and a Tea Estate Factory.
  • Search for the island’s magnificent elephants and other wildlife during tours and safaris in Minneriya and Yala National Parks and during a Madu River cruise.
  • Meet today’s Sri Lankans during home-hosted meals of island specialties.
  • Marvel at the immensity of the Sigriya Rock Fortress, a hulking mass of rock on a wide open plain.

India, Nepal & Bhutan: Tradition & Majesty

26 Days

Immerse yourself in the splendid Mughal architecture, soaring Himalayan peaks, and deep spirituality of these three unforgettable cultures. Marvel at the stalwart fortresses and colorful culture of India. Discover the diversity of Nepal, from the high Kathmandu Valley with its mountain stupas and ancient palaces to the low-lying Chitwan National Park, home to astonishing wildlife. And experience the spiritual and rustic Himalayan country whose success is measured by the happiness of its people. This is an epic adventure that opens doors to some of Asia’s most elusive cultures.

Discovery Tours Small Group Highlights:

  • Stroll the grounds of Shah Jahan’s enchanting Taj Mahal, a spellbinding testament to the power of love, and explore the immense Agra Fort.
  • Seek out the amazing wildlife of Nepal’s Chitwan National Park during an elephant-back safari.
  • Explore the bustling and colorful medieval streets of Kathmandu amidst the wafting of incense and spices.
  • Get to know those who call these countries home during a Nepalese village lunch and a visit with monks at Bhutan’s National Memorial Chorten.

EUROPE:

Treasures of Provence

12 Days

The authentic side of Provence awaits your small group. You’ll explore this storied region of sunflower and lavender fields, lush vineyards, and a history that spans from the Roman age to the City of Popes—all brought into sharp focus by that celebrated light that inspired the world’s great Impressionist artists. Stroll the narrow lanes of hilltop villages carved from stone. Explore the sophisticated cities and coastal beauty of the sun-splashed French Riviera. And witness the stunning landscapes of the Camargue, France’s wildest region, home to wild horses and flamingoes.

Discovery Tours Small Group Highlights:

  • Visit the Riviera’s most sophisticated cultural capitals, from Marseilles and Nice to Monaco’s glamorous city of Monte Carlo.
  • Absorb the true spirit of Provence when you join locals for a game of boules, share lunch with Camargue cowboys at a ranch, and enjoy a cooking lesson with dinner.
  • Stroll typical Provencal villages lined with stone-carved buildings and colorful markets selling honey, linens, lavender and other regional treasures.
  • Take time to linger over two of the region’s most spectacular architectural triumphs: the Palace of the Popes and the three-tiered Pont du Gard aqueduct.

Irish Heritage

13 Days

The luck of the Irish is with you when you explore the land of Eire in a small group with Discovery Tours. You’ll traverse this magical island, taking in the history, culture, and magnificent beauty of Northern Ireland and Ireland, from up-and-coming Belfast and legendary Dublin to historic Cork and the breathtaking Ring of Kerry. Along the way, vast farmlands tinged with green and criss-crossed by ancient stone walls create an astonishing canvas that you’ll only see in Ireland. And locals greet you with their smiling Irish eyes.

Discovery Tours Small Group Highlights:

  • View Ireland’s magnificent natural wonders, from the hexagonal rock columns of the Giant’s Causeway and the soaring Cliffs of Moher to the coastal and mountain splendor of the Ring of Kerry.
  • Meet the Irish where they live and work during visits to a whiskey distillery, the Irish National Stud Farm, a sheep farm, and over a home-hosted farm lunch.
  • Uncover the cultural and historic treasures of Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Killarney, and Adare.
  • Explore Ireland’s legendary castles and manses, featuring the Rock of Cashel, Russborough House, the Muckross Estate, and Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous stone!

England & Scotland: Castles & Countryside

15 Days

Span England south-to-north, exploring its compelling cities and citadels along the way, and delve into the treasures of pretty Edinburgh, Scotland’s stately capital. This is a grand panorama of two of Europe’s most beloved countries, introducing you to fascinating histories of the ancient, royal, literary, and political sort. From London to Stratford and beyond, you’ll visit the major sites central to the nation’s most pivotal moments and home to the Crown’s most influential figures, from Shakespeare to Churchill. And you’ll slow down along the way as only a small group can, sipping tea at Harrods, strolling in the bard’s footsteps, and visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Discovery Tours Small Group Highlights:

  • Visit the United Kingdom’s most renowned castles and palaces, from Blenheim, birthplace of Winston Churchill, and Hever, home to Anne Boleyn, to Edinburgh, where the crown jewels glitter in all their glory.
  • Immerse yourself in England’s rich literary past during visits to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and William Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage.
  • Take in the charming English countryside when you cruise Windermere Lake and stroll past the thatched-roof cottages of the Cotswolds.
  • Tour the breathtaking medieval city of York by foot, an historic treasure encircled by remarkably preserved walls.

Swiss Alpine Jewels

12 Days

Surround yourself with the sky-piercing peaks of the snow-capped Alps during this epic small-group journey into Switzerland. “Breathtaking” does not even begin to describe the staggering scenery you’ll witness as you traverse the southern and central reaches of this storied country. As you travel from one magnificent cultural center to the next—ascending as high as Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn and riding one of the world’s most scenic trains—you’ll pass steeply sloped massifs, sweeping valleys, and pristine lakes. From Lausanne to Lugano, from St. Moritz to Lucerne, this sweeping small-group tour of Switzerland is the peak of inspiration!

  • Ride the Swiss Glacier Express, celebrated as the slowest express train in the world and one of the planet’s most spectacularly scenic rail routes.
  • Take in the splendor of pedestrian-free Zermatt, high in the Alps, and embark its thrilling open-air cogwheel railway to the summit of Gornergrat.
  • Take in splendid vistas when you stop at the Simplon Pass near the Swiss-Italian border, visit Italy’s Lake Maggiore, cruise Lake Lugano, marvel at the thundering waterfalls of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and so much more.
  • Get into the spirit of Switzerland when you sample locally made chocolate, enjoy a savory lunch of cheese fondue, taste locally produced wines, and visit a woodcarving museum.

MEDITERRANEAN:

Explore Dubai & Oman

12 Days

The United Arab Emirates and Oman must be seen to be believed. These starkly beautiful nations, risen from desert sands, provide exhilarating glimpses into lands of ancient frankincense traders, warm and inspiring spirituality, and mesmerizing cityscapes glittering in the Arab sun. There is no place like this on earth, at once futuristic and deeply traditional, a land of plenty amidst an arid sea of sand, a pocket of Old-World Arabia and desert camps juxtaposed against towering glass skyscrapers. Your Discovery Tours small group helps you experience it all up close and personal.

Discovery Tours Small Group Highlights:

  • Experience Arabia’s traditional and hospitable ways during a cruise on Dubai Creek, a visit to Heritage Village, and an overnight at a desert camp.
  • Witness the glittering spectacle of Dubai, home to the world’s tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, and the Burj al-Arab, the famous sail-shaped hotel.
  • Marvel at the gleaming whitewashed city of Muscat and its enormous Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, able to accommodate 20,000 worshippers.
  • Learn about the region’s deep connections to its animals during visits to the Meydan Stables, a camel dairy farm, and the Falcon Hospital.

Jordan: Tradition & Inspiration

12 Days

Israelites seeking the Promised Land. Muslims making their way to Mecca. Crusaders leading the charge to take back the Holy Land. They all passed through Jordan, leaving behind fantastic monuments to history and infusing its cities, stark sands, and dramatic desert valleys with legend and lore. A rich biblical history resides here, too. And the red sandstone ancient city of Petra is impossible to forget once you’ve laid eyes on its splendidly carved facades. Now it’s your turn to pass through this breathtaking nation. And with Discovery Tours, you’re sure to savor every moment, thanks to our small group size.

Discovery Tours Small Group Highlights:

  • Delve into Jordan’s biblical past when you walk in the footsteps of Moses on Mt. Nebo, view the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in Madaba, and visit the sacred site of Bethany.
  • Witness Jordan’s stunning natural beauty in Wadi Rum, where spectacular rock formations litter the desert floor, and the Ajlun Nature Reserve, home to diverse wildlife.
  • See the magnificent rose-red city of Petra, sculpted into towering cliffsides by the Nabateans in the 3rd century.
  • Visit Jordan’s most important historic and modern cites, from the old trading hub of Al-Salt and the ancient site of Jerash to the thriving capital and cultural center of Amman.

AFRICA:

Uganda Wildlife Exploration

10 Days

It is a rare privilege to “sit with” the primates of East Africa, and Discovery Tours has arranged for you to do so on this thrilling itinerary into the beating heart of Uganda. You’ll explore the astonishing national parks of this incredible nation—Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, and Murchison Falls—trekking deep into the jungled hills in search of chimpanzees and mountain gorillas and setting out in safari vehicles on traditional game drives and river cruises. This is an exploration unlike any other.

Discovery Tours Small Group Highlights:

  • Explore Murchison Falls National Park by safari vehicle and by a cruise on the Nile River, spotting elephants, hippos, more than 450 species of birds, and marveling at the fantastic Murchison Falls.
  • Set out into the jungle in search of the chimpanzee, whose habitat is deep in the forest amidst dense flora.
  • Seek out the big game in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where diverse ecosystems of savanna, forest, lakes, and wetlands host a huge array of wildlife.
  • Sit with majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, amid the rough rainforest terrain of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
AfricaGate 1 ConnectionsMediterranean

The Road to Morocco: “Blessings and Goodness”

on June 22, 2017

Shimmering desert sand stretches as far as the eye can see. It rolls and undulates into wind-shaped arcs and sculpted peaks and coffee-colored valleys. It’s hard to believe that it stretches thousands of miles across the Sahara. Utterly beautiful and mysterious, this endless view thrills you with a sense of possibility. And so, it turns out, does the rest of this magnificent and fabled country.

Despite its epic sweep, the Sahara only tells a fraction of Morocco’s story. Indeed, there are as many reasons to visit this enchanting land with Gate 1 Travel as there are 1,001 Nights. Imperial cities of grand architecture whisper the secrets of sultans. Berber tribes live amidst High Atlas Ranges as they have for centuries. Labyrinthine souks bustle with dizzying commerce and medieval pageantry. Earth-toned medinas rise from the sands like mirages. Varied landscapes mesmerize – from desert to high mountains to Atlantic beaches. And locals extend a warm “la baraka,” or “blessings and goodness,” at every turn. It is an achingly romantic and intriguing place that no serious traveler should miss.

Three Imperial Cities

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

For its sophistication and amazing history, Fez has been called the Athens of Africa. This intoxicating city was founded around the turn of the 9th century and served as the country’s capital several times over its long history. There are countless highlights, the University of Al Karaouine, the oldest university in the world; the splendid Royal Palace; and a richly traditional Jewish Quarter among them. But for many, the highlight of this remarkable city is the Fes el Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sprawling marketplace is thought to be one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, on par with Venice, making it a delight to stroll and explore. Its labyrinthine warrens brim with brass and leather goods, lush carpets, and handmade slippers, and so much more that embodies the spirit of Morocco, including the famous leather tanneries. Just outside Fez, the magnificent ruins of Volubilis reveal the ancient streets where Romans and Berbers once traded goods. A triumphal arch, modest homes with olive presses, and remarkably preserved mosaics give a glimpse of the Roman Empire’s reach.

The carnival-like Djemaa El Fna Square of Marrakesh is synonymous with all things Moroccan. As evening sets in, it becomes an intoxicating blend of snake charmers, fire eaters, kebab stalls and much more. Many people come to Morocco just to experience this feast for the senses. However, there’s lots more to see here, from the glittering Bahia Palace and Gardens – the greatest palace of its day in the 19th century – to the slender Koutoubia Minaret that punctuates the elegant mosque of the same name.

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

Desert Outposts Amidst Legendary Beauty

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

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

Some of the world’s most dramatic canyons slice through these Middle Atlas Mountains. The Todra Palmeraie Gorge towers to 985 feet. It once guided a raging river through its rocky passage but has since dried up. The Dades Gorges, too, add unspeakable, lunar-like beauty to this spectacular corner of Morocco.

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

Morocco’s Coastal Gems

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

Further south, Agadir hugs a crescent bay, a stunning sight to behold from the hilltop Kasbah, the city’s oldest district. The slope of the hill upon which the Kasbah rests bears an Arabic inscription that can be seen from across the bay: It reads “God, Country, King.” But Essaouira is perhaps Morocco’s most scenic coastal city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a perfect example of a typical North African fortified town, with its cannons pointing out to sea, preserved ramparts and brightly hued fishing boats. The Skala de la Ville once defended the city from sea attacks. The town has attracted artists and craftspeople from all over the world who have created a thriving community all their own. Thanks to their unbridled creativity, the souks within the medina seem the perfect marriage of traditional and modern trades, offering everything from sea-inspired jewelry to original paintings.

Experience Morocco, Gate 1 Style!

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

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

AfricaMediterraneanTravel Tips

10 Things You’ll Only Experience in Morocco

on June 21, 2017

What makes a destination special? The things you won’t experience anywhere else. When you come to Morocco with Discovery Tours, an array of surprising and singular delights await.

Discover tree-climbing goats nimbly navigating the branches of the Argania tree so they can munch on its fruit.

Meet the women of an argan nut oil cooperative and witness how a product beloved around the world is made right where its source is grown.

Call the Sahara home for a night during an overnight tented stay in the shifting sands of the world’s most iconic desert.

Board the ship of the desert when you ride a camel in the Saharan dunes.

Fall under the spell of a gnawa performance which blends music, dance, and poetry in an African tradition said to have healing powers.

Witness the most inspiring failure in North Africa: the incomplete 140-foot tall Hassan Tower in Rabat, which inspired Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque Tower, the 7th largest mosque on earth.

Encounter fire-eaters and snake-chamers without a circus at Djemaa el Fna Square in Marrakesh, along with magicians, ape-handlers, and storytellers.

Behold the school that makes Oxford look like a kid, when you visit Al-Karaouine, established in 859, the world’s oldest degree-granting university still in operation.

Walk onto the set Lawrence of Arabia at Ait Ben Haddou, one of the settings used for the iconic David Lean film starring Peter O’Toole.

Enjoy a “Berber Foot Bath,” soaking your toes in saltwater warmed and scented with essential oils and seaweed.

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Indonesia’s Rich Bounties of Rice and Tea

on May 24, 2017

Indonesia’s lush volcanic landscapes are home to some of the world’s most fertile farmland. Indeed, farming is a tradition of which Indonesians are rightfully proud as the people here over the centuries have adapted the terrain to suit their needs and their culture, resulting in some of the most gracefully contoured land you’re likely to ever see. Nowhere is this more apparent than with the nation’s crops of rice and tea.

Jatiluwih’s Elegant Rice Fields

On the island of Bali, mountainous terrain once made it impossible to cultivate rice because the crop must be grown underwater. The solution, developed centuries ago, was not only brilliant, but also visually striking: to carve into the hillsides a series of stepped terraces that retain water in which the rice can flourish. Today, you will see these elegantly sculpted hills throughout Indonesia, and those at Jatiluwih are among the most magnificent and culturally significant.

The rice terraces on Bali are supported by a system known as subak, a form of communal irrigation based on the philosophical concept of “Tri Hita Karana.” This set of beliefs unites man and nature via the spirit world. The vast subak complex of canals and weirs includes temples built to honor the water spirit which, it is believed, so kindly gives of itself so that farmers can harvest their crops and locals can gain nourishment. In this benign spirit of giving, water must be shared democratically so that all can thrive – which the subak irrigation system accomplishes. It is one of the world’s most elegant and revealing instances in which cultural beliefs are manifested in man’s relationship to nature, earning many of Bali’s rice terraces and irrigation systems a place on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List.

In your Discovery Tours small group, you will enjoy the privilege of walking among Jatiluwih’s astonishing and magical hills. A local farmer will accompany you, providing insight into a centuries-old farming tradition.

The Scenic Kemuning Tea Plantation

Meanwhile on Java, the slopes of Mount Lawu have been preserved in their natural and magnificent undulating state for the sake of another Indonesian crop – tea leaves. Here, at the Kemuning Tea Plantation, row up tidy row of tea bushes give the hills a terraced look.

The story of tea in Java is a bit complicated. The Dutch East India Company, which ruled Java for more than 300 years, shipped tea from Batavia (today’s Jakarta) long before the leaf was ever grown on the island, as the port city was often used as a collection and packing station for items being shipped to Europe from China and Japan. By the early 1600s, the Dutch dominated the tea market throughout Europe with their Far East leaves, but it wasn’t until 1684 that they planted the first Chinese tea bush on Java. But the plants didn’t take well to the environment, so the Dutch planters, taking a cue from England’s success with the Assam bush from India, replaced the Chinese seeds with Indian seeds in the mid-1800s. Java’s tea industry has flourished ever since.

Your small group will witness the bumper crop firsthand during a visit to Kemuning, surrounded by a rich green canvas of rolling hills.  During your visit, wander among the tea bushes as the plantation’s tea pickers pluck leaves around you and fill their canvas satchels to overflowing. You will see that the Dutch influence lingers here as you settle in for a cup of fresh tea at the Ndoro Donker Tea House, a quaint Dutch-colonial style house.

Witness Indonesia’s rice and tea cultures during our Indonesia: Java & Bali small group adventure.

Indonesia
Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Indonesia: Where Two Worlds Meet

on May 22, 2017

Natural Wonders of Java and Bali Have a Mystical Side

If there’s one thing that stands supreme amidst all of Indonesia’s sumptuous beauty, it’s the volcano. Indonesia, after all, is its volcanoes. Lush rainforest, vast seas of sand, dense woodland, and the remarkable variety of wildlife … they were all borne from lava and ash. Indonesia’s islands – abundant, luxuriant, verdant, and so very respectful of their own beauty – are lucky and beautiful children.

Tanah Lot Indonesia

On Java and Bali – the two islands you’ll visit during Gate 1’s 15 Day Indonesia: Java & Bali guided tour – towering peaks form a spine near each island’s center. From these heights, green blankets of land flow to the sea, cradling tiny villages, vibrant cities, and oceanside havens along the way. It makes for a magnificent setting, and a rich lesson in how Javanese and Balinese people nurture their relationship with their Indian Ocean islands.

Calming the Spirits

To understand the Indonesians’ connection to their natural world, you need to know only one thing: many Balinese people (and many older tribes on Java) believe that objects in the natural world such as animals, plants, and mountains carry a spiritual essence. All things, therefore, possess their own power which can be used for good or for evil.

Lake Butar Indonesia

Nowhere is this spiritual notion more apparent than in the history of Indonesians’ relationships to the volcanoes. Sacrifices have long thought to appease the mountain gods that spew smoke from their crowns. Stories of human sacrifice are merely the stuff of legend, though devout locals do participate in pre-dawn hikes to craters so that they may sacrifice fruit, vegetables, rice, and livestock into the calderas.

Crops of the Gods

Volcanic soil makes for some of the most prolific farming. Certainly, Java and Bali have a huge bounty to show for their fortunate locale amidst this agricultural gold mine. Their economy in fact relies on this fertility; agriculture is the country’s second largest profit-maker after tourism. Throughout the countryside, farming terraces climb steep slopes and everywhere farmers work their land.

Indonesia Farming

But in many regions, it’s not the farmers who regulate irrigation to their terraces and paddy fields. It’s the priests. Crops here are fed by a water management system known as Subak, which is based on a Hindu philosophy of “Tri Hita Karana” that fosters a good relationship with God, with other people, and with the environment. Put simply, this system creates an intimate tie among farmers, communities, and their temples.

Though it might sound odd for a priest to regulate water distribution in a land with plenty of water, it’s helpful to remember that the infinite elements of nature – trees, fields, crops, even water itself – are spiritual beings. So who is better suited to negotiate the needs of the spirit world with the needs of the people? Subak remains a crucial part of Indonesia; because of it, the resulting cultural landscape on Bali has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Asia’s Amazon

For its natural beauty and rich wildlife, Indonesia is an unsung giant. It hails as the second most bio-diverse country on the planet, after Brazil. Dense forest covers about 60% of its land, much of it thriving with natural flora and fauna thanks to a combination of nutrient-rich earth and tropical climate. Its many islands – 17,508 of them, 11,500 of which are uninhabited by humans – further bolster a rich variety of species. As you might imagine, a healthy mix of Asian plants grow here, too, as Java and Bali were once connected to the mainland. We’re sure to spot some of them throughout our journey. However, more than a third of its 1,531 bird species and its 515 mammal species are endemic to these islands. Only Australia can claim a larger percentage than this.

Ubud Bali Indonesia

With 50,000 miles of coastline in this archipelago nation, natural diversity also takes to the waters. Varied ecosystems – beach, sand dune, mangrove, coral reef, and others – support more than 1,650 species of coral reef fish. This is one of the greatest varieties on the planet, and it earned Indonesia membership in the Coral Triangle, sometimes known as the “Amazon of the Seas.”

Paradise on earth. It’s a phrase often used to describe Java and Bali. But their magnificent beauty goes deeper than this. In Indonesia, the natural world is also the spirit world, and vice versa. And the real beauty lies in the people’s respect for them both, and in what passes between them. Our Discovery Tours small groups bring you close enough to experience it all firsthand.

You can learn more about our Gate 1’s 15 Day Indonesia: Java & Bali guided tour here. To browse Gate 1’s Southeast Asia itinerary, click here.

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