Gate 1 ConnectionsUSA & Canada

Staying Close to Home? A Gate 1 Escorted Tour Makes It Easy!

on February 16, 2017

We hear time and again from friends and family that they’ve been so eager to visit other countries—from Europe to Asia, from Australia to Africa—that they’ve all but forgotten to see their own. So we want to tell you more about Gate 1 Travel’s itineraries right here in the U.S. Each one is carefully designed to be as enriching, as comprehensive, and as value-packed as our international trips.

From the magnificent sweep of our national parks to bustling cultural centers, from coastal beauty to southern charm, Gate 1 gives you plenty of reasons to stay close to home in 2017 and 2018. So join us … take a closer look at your own backyard.

Gate 1’s U.S. Escorted Tours: The Ultimate in Convenience and Value

Here’s the real beauty of seeing this magnificent country on a Gate 1 Escorted Tour: We take care of everything for you. This saves you countless hours of planning—arranging airfare and car rental, researching sites to visit and making sure you have driving directions, hoping you’ve picked a decent restaurant for your meals. We take care of all that for you, and are happy to recommend dining venues for meals that are not included in your trip cost. Plus, you’ll gain insight and learn more about your destination than you ever would on your own, thanks to the expert knowledge of our tour managers. Simply put, the only thing you have to worry about is enjoying yourself and taking in our country’s glorious sites.

What’s more, our buying power with hotels and other travel providers ensures you the lowest possible price for your overall trip. In fact, if you were to try to duplicate any one of our trips on your own, you would end up paying far more.

So let’s take a look at the breadth of Gate 1’s reach across our very own great country.

North by Northeast: Rich Histories and Seductive Charms

We’ll begin where the U.S. began. You’ve long heard about the birth of the nation and the gently rolling hills outside Boston, Massachusetts, that were the stage of the American Revolution. It’s quite a moving experience to witness firsthand the historic places that carry echoes of pre- and post-colonial days. It all comes startlingly to life in New England, from the first settlement at Plymouth Rock to the living museum of Old Sturbridge Village.

Of course, Boston was the hub of it all. Legendary sites like the Old North Church, Beacon Hill, and the Boston Commons—the oldest public park in the country—take you back to inspiring moments in history. There’s more inspiration in Hyannis on Cape Cod, lined with beautiful sand beaches and home of the Kennedy Compound, witness to so much national pride and tragedy. Massachusetts also nurtured some world-renowned literary and artistic talents, as you can see at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead; Edith Wharton’s home, the Mount; and the Norman Rockwell Museum—each one providing incredible insight into the lives of artists whose work has stood the test of time.

Those lovely rolling hills of Massachusetts rise into dramatic mountains in Vermont and New Hampshire. Traversing these stunningly beautiful states—much of them protected U.S. Forest Land—you’ll pause to explore charming, steepled New England villages and admire sweeping vistas of granite cliffs and hills blanketed in evergreen.

There’s more northern beauty along the legendary lakes that surround Michigan. This truly is one of the undiscovered corners of the U.S. But Michiganders are in the know about the tranquil beauty here, from inviting shores lined with Victorian gems and green forests to the charming Bavarian village of Frankenmuth. Major moments in history have also played out here: Detroit’s Henry Ford Museum chronicles the achievements of American inventors and Fort Mackinac was erected by the British to fend off the new colonists during the American Revolution.

The South: Grace and Vitality

The American South is a virtual gumbo of history, culture and beauty. Antebellum charms, pretty green parks, and trees dripping with Spanish moss line the streets in Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia. These inviting and very walkable cities are home to some of the country’s most treasured Greek Revival, Revolutionary Era, and plantation mansions. It’s easy to imagine sipping a mint julep on any of the sprawling porches of these gracious cities. Nearby, St. Augustine, Florida holds the torch as the country’s oldest city. Straddling the Matanzas River near its mouth, it was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1565, more than two centuries before independence.

For a completely different southern experience, you can visit New Orleans and Cajun Country, where life is lived slowly and strains of jazz echo on the bayou. Home of Bourbon Street and the annual Mardi Gras festival, New Orleans’ French Quarter is one of the most captivating musical centers in the country—a place to let your hair down and join in the fun. But the state of Louisiana has much more in store. You can take time to explore its rich history in its fascinating museums; take in the blend of Spanish, French, Creole and Cajun cultures in Baton Rouge; and witness the natural beauty of the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest wetlands in the U.S.

There’s music to be danced to, as well, in Tennessee. For country and rock music lovers, the state is home to revered pilgrimage sites. In Nashville, you can visit the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. In Memphis, music clubs lure you in with twangs and strums spilling onto the famous Beale Street. And, of course, no visit here should bypass Graceland, the palatial home of Elvis Presley. Another musical legend, BB King, is memorialized at his namesake museum in the Mississippi Delta.

Texas, too, has its musical roots and much of them live in the lively capital of Austin. But the Lone Star State is known more for its Old West charm, cowboy culture and presidential past. Near Austin, the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park preserves the memory of the 36th president and Lady Bird Johnson. Dallas is home to the sobering John F. Kennedy Memorial and the Sixth Floor Museum, fronted by the infamous “grassy knoll.”  The George W. Bush Presidential Library is also here, and you’ll pay a visit. From San Antonio to Houston, you’ll admire Spanish colonial charms and an impressive cosmopolitan air. And you’ll see where Texas gets it reputation for indulging in all things in the biggest possible way; Houston even helped send men to the moon.

Our National Parks: Magnificence Preserved

West of the Mississippi, the plains open up to some of the grandest vistas in the country. Symbols of the grand American ideal, many are protected as American Parkland.

Perhaps one of the most interesting parks, South Dakota’s Mt. Rushmore is more know for its man-made wonder than its natural ones. For many visitors, its quartet of presidential sculptures carved into the granite cliffs of the Black Hills serves as an altar to democracy. In Wyoming, endless grassland and soaring peaks set the stage for the drama of Yellowstone. Its countless hot springs, massive mountain faces, and towering waterfalls are truly stunning, but the “Old Faithful” geyser steals the show. Not to be outdone, the Grand Teton massif, with its distinctive and spectacular craggy range, is a humbling testament to the west’s natural beauty.

In Arizona and Utah, fissures in the earth have carved out breathtaking natural wonders. Almost 280 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, the Grand Canyon is the great American icon—a colossal chasm sculpted over millennia. In Utah’s Bryce Canyon, conical-shaped rock formations stand like sentries among pine-dotted hillsides. And at Zion National Park, red sandstone canyons are kissed by cascading waterfalls, flowing rivers and vivid desert colors. Though it is nowhere near the size of the Grand Canyon, it’s been said that its beauty far surpasses its larger cousin.

More startling earthen colors and stunning rock formations grace the landscapes of Canyonlands National Park. Ascend to its 1,500-foot mesa to marvel at red-rock vistas, including the legendary Mesa Arch. Many more of these astonishing natural sculptures – the densest concentration in the world – greet you in Arches National Park. In Colorado, you can get a glimpse of how ancient peoples lived amidst such ruggedly beautiful terrain at the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, home to 5,000 known archaeological sites.

Farther north, you might answer the call of the wild in Alaska. Denali, (formerly Mt. McKinley) watches over an untouched wilderness in Denali National Park. This is a pristine world of magnificent panoramas cut by babbling streams and salmon-rich rivers. A deluxe train journey and a tour of the tundra highlight it all. Incredible scenery is everywhere in Alaska; even our transfer days take the breath away! And no trip here would be complete without seeing its impressive glaciers. Kenai Fjords National Park and its 300-square-mile Harding Ice Field is one of the best spots to witness them as they calve into the icy waters. You can watch from a safe distance during a spectacular cruise among soaring, snow-capped peaks.

The West: Glittering Cities Amidst Natural Beauty

The western U.S. has a lot more to offer than its national parks. California, especially, is home to beautiful cities that enjoy beautiful settings. To be sure, the hills of San Francisco, its situation on its famous bay, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge make for one of the most breathtaking skylines in the world. Exploring the city—with its bustling Union Square and Ghirardelli Square—and the vineyards to the north—with their inviting wineries and galleries—is pure pleasure.

The star of California’s coast is the “17 Mile Drive.” Widely called one of the most scenic panoramas in the world, this road follows the jagged Big Sur coast to the Del Monte Forest. Sweeping vistas unfold around every corner, from crashing surf on rocky shores to multi-million dollar homes hugging hillsides. And of course, one cannot visit northern California without laying eyes on its towering redwoods, which you can do during visits to Redwood National Park and Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Long heralded as one of the most magnificent corners of the U.S., the Pacific Northwest offers an enriching blend of natural beauty and rich culture. If you want to get a sense of how much Oregonians love and respect the wilderness that surrounds them, just consider that Portland ranks high on the list of the most “green and livable” cities in the world. From here, an exploration of the Columbia River Gorge, an 80-mile-long twisting river canyon fed by plummeting waterfalls, takes the breath away. The lush, rugged Oregon coast and Crater National Park punctuate the state’s unrivalled natural diversity.

An entirely different landscape mesmerizes all who visit New Mexico, where starkly beautiful desert vistas have long inspired artists and craftspeople for generations. Glimpse the old Pueblo ways in Albuquerque at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Bandelier Monument, one of North America’s oldest settlements. In Taos, explore the streets of Taos Pueblo, a typical ancient village preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And get to know the life and works of the region’s most famous artist, Georgia O’Keefe, at her home known as Ghost Ranch and at Santa Fe’s renowned museum named for her.

Explore More of the Americas with Gate 1 Travel!

Convenience and ease … the unmatched value of our buying power … magnificent and awe-inspiring destinations … a comprehensive trip made all the more fascinating by our expert tour managers. If you’re planning to explore your own country in 2017 or 2018, then a Gate 1 Escorted Tour is your ticket to a trip unlike any other. Join us!

Small Group DiscoveriesUSA & Canada

Newfoundland & Labrador: A Rare and Undiscovered Treasure

on February 15, 2017

Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada’s most eastern province, has long danced to its own slow and lilting rhythm. Some 97% of its residents speak their own old-world language known as Newfoundland English. They also keep their own time zone (30 minutes ahead of the mainland). And as for that rhythm? Much of it is tinged with the fiddles, wooden flutes, banjos, Irish drums and accordions of Ireland, England and Scotland – part of a rich folk heritage that dates to the region’s immigrant population.

It’s easy to feel like you’ve left the rest of the world behind here, perhaps thanks to the island’s historic isolation, or perhaps because as its fishing villages grew into towns and cities, the locals had no intention of yielding their traditional ways and warm folksiness to modernity. This desire to preserve the unspoiled province extends beyond the cherished culture. The natural beauty of Newfoundland & Labrador is also well guarded – and rightly so, as it is among the most magnificent wilderness in North America.

From its remarkable history to its soaring and spectacular landscapes, this is a land like no other.

Witness a Maritime Culture Born from the Old World

The first Europeans to set foot on the island of Newfoundland were the Vikings. Leif Eriksson landed here at L’Anse aux Meadows around the year 1001, but their stay was short-lived. It was almost 500 years later, in 1497, that John Cabot received a charter from King Henry VII to “set up our banner on any new-found-land.” And so he did, at Cape Bonavista. Meanwhile, the Basque set up camps for fishing and the Portuguese arrived and claimed much of Labrador, after exploration by Joao Fernandes Lavrador. By 1583, Sir Humphrey Gilbert claimed Newfoundland as England’s first possession in North America. As for the other European settlers, they gave in to the Crown.

It wasn’t long before settlers saw how thick the Atlantic waters were with cod and so fishing villages appeared all along the coast, many of which remain. The French returned to set up their own colonies and over the centuries fought the British for land and sea rights. As the island prospered, more immigrants arrived from Ireland and Scotland, infusing Newfoundland with their unique cultures. As for the French, they eventually acquired land on the island’s west coast, but gave it up in the early 20th century.

This brief bit of history goes to show precisely why there’s so much of the United Kingdom in Newfoundland & Labrador. Nations of the UK worked hard to establish themselves here and so the people of this remote province hold fast to ancestral traditions. For instance, relaxed and welcoming pubs are prominent fixtures, from the capital of St. Johns to the tiniest villages like Quidi Vidi. Locals, like generations before them, are obsessed with the weather and will gladly engage you in a discussion about the soft morning mist or the brilliant blue skies that cast the rugged terrain in a sharp light. And everywhere, you will experience the beauty of gentle rolling hills, sharply contoured mountains carved by glaciers and a deeply rooted connection to the sea.

Marvel at an Unspoiled Beauty, from Rocky Coasts to Soaring Peaks

You might suspect, upon witnessing it all for yourself, that this latter point is no small matter. The landscapes of Newfoundland & Labrador evoke a local nostalgia for the Old World. In Gros Morne National Park, the wide green plains rising up to rust-colored slopes may bring the Scottish Highlands to mind. In Witless Bay – the ecological reserve of four islands that is home to the largest Atlantic puffin colony in North America – the magnificent rocky headlands plummeting to roiling surf conjure images of the Emerald Isle. And tiny seaside fishing hamlets from Trinity to Bonavista, with their multi-colored huts and bobbing boats in snug harbors, may make you think that England has misplaced its Cornwall. You may not be surprised, then, that the Long Range Mountains that you’ll see here form part of a mountain range that was split millennia ago whose other half, like a long-separated twin, rises from Atlantic shores in Scotland.

But make no mistake: the beauty of Newfoundland & Labrador is singular and staggering. Deep-cut fjords wind their way inland through cliff-lined glacial valleys. Flat-topped and stalwart Tableland mountains, thousands of feet tall, afford stunning panoramas. Coastal lowlands are blanketed with boreal forest and fertile bog. And everywhere, generous amounts of pure, fresh air fill wide open spaces.

Such a quiet corner of the world steeped in authenticity is best explored in a small group, which is why Discovery Tours is so eager for you to join us. With so few of us traveling together, you can linger a while at a pretty cove, delve more deeply into the sights that interest you and take some time to chat with some of the most welcoming people you’re ever likely to meet.

Discover the rare beauty and rich culture of Canada’s easternmost province for yourself during a Gate 1 Travel tour!

EuropeGate 1 Connections

Gate 1 Travel Brings Central Europe into Sharp Focus

on January 26, 2017

Central Europe is an astounding canvas of natural beauty. Dense forests blanket vast expanses, rolling rivers meander through a sloping terrain of granite, and colossal snow-capped peaks soar into a crisp, blue sky. Amidst these wonders, some of the world’s most storied cities evolved, tiny villages at first that burgeoned into richly layered cultural capitals that today are the pride of the region.

It’s easy to become so enamored with the awe-inspiring architecture and welcoming people that all you feel is gratitude toward all that made these majestic cities and charming villages what they are today. Yet the story of how Central Europe emerged into one of the most frequently visited places in the world is neither straightforward nor simple, and Gate 1 Travel’s tours and Tour Managers help you understand the complexities of local history and culture. After experiencing these six countries with our seasoned experts, you’ll return home richly rewarded and breathlessly inspired.

Germany: Cities of Glorious Architecture, Medieval Treasures

Behind Germany’s place as an economic powerhouse is a nation that has tightly held onto its medieval past. Even in Frankfurt, modern Europe’s largest financial center, the Altstadt, or Old Town, invites endless exploration through the Romerplatz—the historic square where the City Hall has stood watch for 600 years. Outside of Frankfurt, a more bucolic view of the Middle Ages unfolds along the banks of the Rhine River. Here, timber-framed houses and fairytale villages line the water’s shores and stalwart castles cling to hillsides. Even the endless vineyards that blanket the riverside date back to the ancients.

A riverboat idyll from the city of Mainz—birthplace of Gutenberg’s printing press—to the castle-dominated town of Heidelberg reveals Germany at its legendary best. Indeed, Heidelberg is one of the county’s most romantic destinations, thanks to its pretty location between the hills of Odenwald and the Neckar River. But as far as authentic historic towns go, Rothenberg is Germany’s best preserved. Untouched by the wars that have swept through Europe over the centuries—it even escaped the bombings of World War II—it provides a priceless snapshot of medieval life.

Other German cities, of course, were forever altered by war and stand today as triumphant testaments to the human spirit. Berlin today enjoys a free and transparent democracy. Just how transparent is today’s German government? It’s enough to say that the Reichstag, Berlin’s glorious Parliament building, is crowned with a see-through glass dome to symbolize the new openness. Arts are embraced here, too. The East Side Gallery comprises 105 paintings on a mile-long length of the old Berlin Wall, each one meant to convey the exuberance and euphoria of the newly united Germany. And the city’s Museum Island in the River Spree is home to five cultural institutions. The past is also well-preserved in Berlin at the 18th-century Brandenburg Gate and at the remnants of Checkpoint Charlie.

Dresden also rose from the ashes of World War II. So painstaking was its resurrection, you would never know today that it was completely decimated by Allied bombing. This city of Baroque art has been called the “Florence on the Elbe River” for its rich artistic heritage and sheer beauty. From the rococo-style Zwinger Palace and gardens … to the wedding-cake exterior of the Semper Opera House … to the stunning Frauenkirche with its massive dome, the city’s elegance is unmatched.

Many are surprised to learn that Nuremberg boasts a long tradition of handmade toys. Home to the Nuremberg Toy Museum and host of the annual Nuremberg International Toy Fair, a playful spirit lives on in the city’s Market Square and Old Town. It is a sad irony that the city staged Nazi rallies and became a center of Hitler’s propaganda machine. Yet it was entirely fitting that the Palace of Justice here hosted the post-war Nuremberg Trials that put war criminals behind bars.

One of Germany’s most striking sights is the Cologne Cathedral. It is an undeniably hulking piece of architecture; its double spires comprise the largest façade of any church. It was the tallest manmade structure in the world from 1880 to 1884, surpassed by the Washington Monument. The cathedral stands on the perimeter of the Altstadt, or Old Town, where you’ll find ample beer pubs. In fact, Cologne boasts the most pubs per capita in Germany.

The city of Hamburg is an underappreciated gem. Situated on the Elbe River, which flows into the North Sea, it is Europe’s second largest port city. Its official name (the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg) dates back to its time as a key trader in the medieval Hanseatic League and to its role as a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire. Today, it is a remarkably clean and graceful city. Its citizens embrace the great outdoors in several green spaces—while strolling the walkways at Alster Lake and exploring the fountains and gardens at Planten un Blomen Park.

The capital of Bavaria, Munich enjoys a breathtaking setting near the foothills of the German Alps. The city is most often associated with Oktoberfest, but its highlights point to a rich history and charming ambiance. At the Baroque Nymphenburg Palace, Bavarian kings whiled away the summer and strolled through their extensive gardens. And at the Marienplatz, or Old Town Square, the splendid Gothic Revival New Town Hall takes center stage each day at 11am when life-sized carved figures emerge to enact fabled stories of Bavaria.

Switzerland: Alpine Splendor

The German Alps outside Munich rise into the magnificent peaks of Switzerland, land of chocolate, cuckoo clocks, Gruyere cheese, and precision watches. Vistas here are so breathtaking, it’s little wonder that the Swiss have long maintained neutrality in world affairs; with so much inspirational beauty to marvel at day after day, you might not want to be distracted by petty conflicts either.

Three of its cultural centers sit on namesake lakes, each with a glorious alpine backdrop. The highlight of German-speaking Lucerne is its 14th-century wooden Chapel Bridge. The footbridge across the Reuss River is the oldest covered span in Europe, and its interiors are adorned with 17th-century paintings, each one depicting scenes from the city’s past. In French-speaking Geneva, life seems to revolve around its tremendous Jet d’Eau, a single geyser-like fountain that shoots up from the lake more than 400 feet. The green parks and promenades around the lake provide expansive views. Though Geneva hosts the most international organizations in the world, including the United Nations and the Red Cross, its Old City is home to 82 historic Swiss heritage sites. Zurich, too, enjoys a splendid lakeside setting. This stunning city is often cited as having the best quality of life in the world. It Fraumünster Church, with its five stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall, has been turning heads for centuries and its St. Peter’s Church boasts the largest clock face on a church in Europe.

Zermatt is perhaps the nation’s most laid-back resort town, if only because it is a traffic-free alpine paradise tucked on a plateau 5,300 feet above sea level. It is only accessible by a steep mountain tram. Long a base from which to ascend the nearby Matterhorn, whose distinctive summit is visible on clear days, it’s also where you can catch gondolas and a cog railway to some of the other peaks for incredible views. Not to be outdone, St. Moritz is Switzerland’s other mountain resort city, Nestled amidst soaring peaks at an elevation of 5,900 feet, this winter retreat for the well-heeled of Europe is one of the most luxurious places on earth.

Austria: Legacy of the Habsburgs

For almost 500 years, Vienna was at one time or another the capital of much of Central Europe, thanks to the Habsburg Dynasty and its descendants.  They made Vienna their elegant and graceful center of culture, with the grandest gifts along the city’s famed Ringstrasse—the Hofburg Palace, Opera House, City Hall, Belvedere Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The monarchy built their 1,441-room summer home at Schonbrunn, an opulent and sprawling estate. While here, be sure to take some time to experience Vienna’s famous café life, perhaps sampling the city’s decadent sacher torte.

While waltz-writer Johann Strauss called Vienna home, Mozart was born in Salzburg. His music still spills into these streets from concert halls, but it was the film, The Sound of Music, that put this dreamy alpine city on every traveler’s map. Embraced by lofty hills, the city is a delightful tapestry of elegant buildings, lovely squares and manicured gardens—all watched over by the looming 11th-century Hohensalzburg Castle perched atop the Festungsberg Hill.

The city of Innsbruck gained its fame as the host of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. But, like Salzburg, it is home to a stunning collection of splendid architecture, including the Gothic Hofburg Palace and the Baroque-rococo Helblinghaus. The elegant symbol of the city, the Golden Roof, is decorated with 2,738 fire-gilded copper tiles.

One of Lower Austria’s most beautiful regions is the Danube Valley. Long a lure for oenophiles, it has produced high-quality wines for centuries. Charming wine villages, vineyards, and lovely whitewashed churches dot the landscape. Amidst all this beauty in the riverside city of Melk, the Melk Abbey rests on a promontory overlooking the Danube River. The Baroque masterpiece, built in the early 1700s, features priceless frescoes and a library of thousands of medieval manuscripts.

Hungary: Home to a Stunning Riverside Capital

If you were to continue from Melk down the Danube River by river ship (and soon we will tell you how you can), you would arrive in Budapest, Hungary’s fascinating capital. The city gracefully straddles the Danube, with Buda on one side and Pest on the other. In Buda, sloping hills rise up to the fortress-like Fisherman’s Bastion, an ornate riverside terrace that seems torn from a storybook. It is just a hint of the wonder that lies beyond—the gleaming, Romanesque St. Matthias Church and the hulking Royal Palace with its massive wings and imposing dome.

On the opposite bank, Pest stretches eastward with a cosmopolitan air. Here, the mighty Parliament Building parallels the river’s shore. The sophisticated Andrassy Avenue, the city’s version of the Champs-Elysees, stretches to Heroes’ Square—a monumental square dedicated to the country’s leaders. To witness the spirituality of Budapesters at its grandest, visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, named for the first King of Hungary. And for a more down-to-earth option, the Great Market Hall is lined with endless stalls of goods that provide an unparalleled snapshot of the city’s culture.

The Czech Republic: A Medieval Jewel

The Czech Republic, once ruled by Communists with an iron fist, is today a vibrant and creative corner of Europe. Its political and cultural capital, Prague, is a scenic showcase of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and one of the best preserved medieval cities of its size. So authentic are the narrow cobbled streets of its Old Town they are often used to film movies set in the Middle Ages. Prague is aptly named the “City of a Hundred Spires” for the many towers that soar above the red rooftops.  Its Lesser Town, or Mala Strana, is a delightful cluster of old burgher houses and the Old Town Square lures the curious with its magnificent Orloj. This 600-year-old Astronomical Clock sends out a procession of figurines with the chiming of every hour. Across the 14th-century Charles Bridge, which spans the leisurely waters of the Vltava River, the Royal Castle District beckons from a hillside. The former residence of Bohemian kings, this town within a town was the site of early Prague, a collection of stately buildings, tiny enclaves and pretty courtyards built around the grand St. Vitus Cathedral.

Poland: Risen from the Ashes

For many, Poland stands out as one of Europe’s most resilient nations. Its capital Warsaw illustrates why. This beautiful city on the Vistula River was completely destroyed during World War II. After the war, its citizens took to rebuilding their beloved Old Town exactly as it was constructed in the 14th century. Its restored cobbled lanes lead to Market Square, its heart, where the Royal Castle and Cathedral of St. John invite exploration.

Medieval Krakow dates to the 7th century. Many consider this one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Its cultural and architectural heritage spans the centuries, leaving masterworks of the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras in the Wawel Royal Castle District, in St. Mary’s soaring basilica, in the Sukiennice Cloth Hall and all along its vast medieval market square. A more sobering sight here is Oskar Schindler’s enamelware factory. Schindler employed more than 1,000 Jews in order to save them from certain extermination at camps such as Auschwitz, which is right outside Krakow.

So Many Ways to Explore Central Europe with Gate 1 Travel

Our Gate 1 Travel land programs take you to some of the most fascinating pockets of Central Europe, with some of the region’s best-value hotels keeping you comfortable along the way. Want to add some luxury to your journey? Join our Signature Collection trip to Poland, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. And our European River Cruises along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers – with select itineraries sailing aboard Gate 1’s privately owned Monarch Empress – provide an equally rewarding option, with the opportunity to begin or conclude your trip with stays in some of the exciting cities we’ve told you about above. The beauty of a European river cruise is the luxury of unpacking your bags just once and letting fairytale villages and glittering cultural capitals come to you. All onboard meals are included, and you’ll explore at the leisurely pace of the waterways. You can even take advantage of the freedom and value of our Independent Vacations, a great way to follow your own interests in the great cities of Central Europe.

Whether you have eight days or fifteen, whether you want to explore one country or six. Gate 1 Travel has the ideal itinerary, each one enriched by the professional service, local insight, and cultural know-how of our attentive Tour Managers (unless you choose an Independent Vacation, of course). Join Gate 1 Travel in Central Europe, and enjoy unmatched discovery, unparalleled service and a value that no one can equal. We hope to see you soon!

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Normandy to Catalonia: A Feast of Farm-Fresh Cuisine and Stellar Wines

on January 25, 2017

The Pyrenees Mountains, their snow-capped peaks soaring into the skies, divide France and Spain like a colossal wall torn from larger-then-life mythologies. Historically and culturally, this natural border has allowed the two nations to evolve quite distinctly. It is remarkable how life is steeped in France’s typical joie de vivre on one side of the mountains and how particularly robust and rustic everything feels on the Spanish side.

But one thing the French and Spanish share is their love of their unique cuisines and wines. Are they different? Absolutely … and deliciously so! But each is rooted in an agricultural tradition that spans centuries, from generations-old farms to prolific vineyards that date back to ancient Rome. Here’s our survey of some of our favorite culinary pleasures, from the sweeping plains of Normandy to the tapas bars of Barcelona.

FROM FARM TO PLATE

Normandy: Land of Cheese and Apples

Normande cows and apple orchards dot the rolling countryside of Normandy. This is one of France’s most dairy-rich regions, home to working farms that produce creamy Camembert and Boursin cheeses, among many others. The butter and cream made here is celebrated as the most delicious in Europe. Apple cider, too, is pressed from the region’s abundant apple groves. But perhaps the fruit is best appreciated in the popular calvados, or apple brandy. In many households and restaurants, the French drink a glass between courses in order to improve the appetite. And who can blame them? When your next plate is piled high with fresh oysters or mussels from Brittany’s shores or a freshly baked apple tart, you’ll want to eat all you can!

Périgord: Duck, Duck, Goose

It’s not safe to be a waterfowl in the Périgord, where life on the wing often ends on the plate. One of the region’s signature dishes is magret de canard. The fattier (and more intensely flavorful) French Moulard duck breast is pan seared and then served with a sauce of wine enriched with rendered fat. Found on the vast majority of local restaurant menus, it’s a true comfort food. Confit de canard—which uses the legs instead of the breasts—is even more indulgent. Slow cooked so that they render fat, the legs are softened and then fried, often with potatoes. The result is melt-in-your-mouth meat. But the ultimate indulgence is Foie gras, the rich liver of a goose or duck. Sliced into tender slivers, pressed into a paté, or wrapped in puff pastry, it is a delicacy known worldwide.

Northern Spain: Where Fresh Cuisine Is a Social Event

One of the great pleasures of visiting Spain is participating in its lively food culture. Throughout the Basque region and Catalonia, vast farmlands raise livestock and grow produce that makes its way into the restaurant kitchens of Bilbao, Madrid and Barcelona. Then the chefs get to work creating the artful small plates for which Spain is known.

In Barcelona, tapas bars draw huge crowds of foodies every evening. These sophisticated small plates can be hot or cold – from simply presented olives and cheeses to more complex, richly flavored dishes that may be battered and fried or swimming in olive oil or delicious sauce. In the most authentic tapas bars, dishes may be on display in a glass case. Salted cod loin, meatballs, pickled vegetables, battered squid, sausages, croquettes and dozens of other items might grace a menu – reflecting the endless bounty of Northern Spain.

In Bilbao and throughout the Basque region, tapas go by a different name: pintxos or pinchos. Dry cured ham (or jamon serrano), anchovies, stuffed peppers and other often elaborate preparations are served on small slices of bread. These mouthwatering appetizers are named for the toothpick that secures the topping to the bread (a “pincho”).

Of course, to fully appreciate the incredible cuisine of France and Spain, it is best to pair your dish with one of the region’s wines. In France, vintners have been perfecting the art of wine-making for some 2,000 years, creating the largest wine economy in the world. Spain may have a younger viticulture, but it boasts the highest percentage of land dedicated solely to vineyards of any nation on earth. And both countries are passionate about the wines they make.

PERFECTION IN A GLASS

French Bordeaux & St. Emilion

As Bordeaux, known as “Little Paris” for the grandeur of its architecture, became a major port city, merchants ferried France’s finest wines to the Netherlands and Great Britain, creating a global demand. Still the epicenter of the wine industry to this day, Bordeaux’s 13,000 grape growers and 10,000 châteaux together produce nearly a billion bottles of wine every year.

The wines of Bordeaux vary by color, though the region is best known for its array of deep, rich reds. Bordeaux reds blend two wines—Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—and each vineyard determines the proportions. Vineyards on the left bank of the Gironde River are Cabernet heavy, while those across the water favor the Merlot. Both yield earthy reds, good with lamb, beef, truffles, and tomatoes. The whites here, drier than the reds, are excellent with seafood, including the sweeter varieties, which also shine with cheese.

Older than Bordeaux and further north, St. Emilion is one of the most romantic cities in France. Settled since prehistoric times, it is best known for its medieval architecture, with steep, narrow streets winding between limestone buildings. Some of the streets continue below ground into tunnels and catacombs, once home to the hermetic monk for whom the city is named.

Soon after its founding, St. Emilion was making wines commercially, expanding private vineyards that were planted a good 700 years before. When the Santiago de Compostela through France became a major pilgrimage route in the 11th century, a robust wine industry tempted visitors to stop here. Today, it is known for its reds, which most often blend Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with a few wineries adding Cabernet Sauvignon to the mix. Reaching maturity—and your table—faster than Bordeaux vintages, St. Emilion wines stand up well to game birds, salmon, and nutty cheeses like tomme de savoie or reblochon.

Spanish Rioja

Since at least the 9th century, when monks began tending vines, winemaking has been part of the local culture here, but it wasn’t until 1902 that Rioja was formally recognized as a wine variety, and not till the end of the 20th century that it was both awarded a certificate of origin (which guarantees its provenance) and given the highest classification Spain allows.

Though best known for its reds, white and rose Riojas are also produced here. Experts describe classic Rioja wines as bold and complex, with unmistakable cherry and vanilla notes. What makes a Rioja so full-bodied is the use of oak barrel-aging techniques inspired by the wineries of Bordeaux. Some Riojas are aged up to five years in barrel and bottle before their release. The result is a wine hardy enough to stand up to meat and strong cheeses, and, if you ask a Spaniard, to challenge any wine France can produce.

In a Discovery Tours small group, you’ll have time to indulge in every morsel on your plate and linger over every glass during our enriching itineraries to France and Spain, whether during included meals and tastings or during time on your own. We do hope you’ll join us to savor the culinary pleasures of these remarkable countries.

EuropeTravel Tips

Central Europe Book Recommendations

on January 24, 2017

Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination – either in advance of their trip or while traveling – as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests’ recommendations.

CENTRAL EUROPE: Books

The Eclipse of the Crescent Moon or Slave of the Huns by Géza Gárdonyi

A Modern Midas: A Romance by Mór Jókai

Fatelessness by Imre Kertész

How to be an Alien or How to be Poor by George Mikes

Csardas by Diane Pearson

Who Loves You Like This by Edith Bruck

Darkness at Noon by Arthur Koestler

Kasztner’s Train by Anna Porter

Imprimatur or Secretum or Veritas by Monaldi & Sorti

Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler by Rick Steves and Gene Openshaw

The Bridge at Andau by James A. Michener

I Served the King of England or Bambini di Praga 1947 by Bohumil Hrabal

Franz Kafka and Prague by Harald Salfellner

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

Old Czech Legends by Alois Jirásek

The Golem by Gustav Meyrink

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

The Good Soldier Svejk by Jaroslav Hašek

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Secrets of Loire Castles

on January 23, 2017

Exploring the Loire Valley is very much like exploring a fairy-tale land. Castles – at once elegant and extravagant, refined and flamboyant – appear around every bend in this pristine corner of France. It was the pastoral and natural terrain that drew royalty to build their “country homes” here. Forests made for good hunting during a weekend retreat or while hosting a diplomatic visit. And the valley produced some of the country’s best wines. Today the Loire Valley boasts the highest concentration of castles in the world, each one an example of the excess of royals. And every castle has its secrets, legends, and histories.

Chateau de Blois

  • Perhaps the most famous visitor of the Chateau de Blois was Joan of Arc, who traveled here with her army in 1429 to receive the blessing of the Archbishop of Reims en route to battle the English at Orleans.
  • Catherine de Medici kept a “chamber of secrets” at Chateau de Blois. Her wall of cabinets was rumored to conceal a collection of poisons that she might have kept to do away with those who plotted against her or her husband King Henry II. Today, historians know with more certainty that it served as an elegant curio cabinet in which she displayed precious objects.
  • At the Chateau de Blois in 1588, King Henry III ordered that his bodyguards assassinate his arch-enemy, Henry I, Duke of Guise. The move was bold, considering he had his orders carried out during a convention of diplomats being held here. The king’s audacity did not end there, however: He had the Duke’s brother Louis II, the Cardinal of Guise, murdered the very next day.

Chateau de Chambord

  • The designer of the Chateau de Chambord is uncertain, but some believe Leonardo da Vinci was responsible because the Italian artist had an interest in double helix staircases, a prominent feature of the castle.
  • In the days of Francis I, Chateau de Chambord was impractical to use as a long-term residence. For all its opulence, there were no villages nearby to stock it with everyday necessities. So whenever Francis and his entourage visited, all their provisions were transported by long caravans of carriages. As visiting parties could number up to 2,000 people, this was quite an endeavor!
  • As Nazi troops spread throughout Europe, curators of the Louvre shipped priceless artwork to the Chateau de Chambord for safekeeping. The Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo were among the treasures secretly stored here. Toward war’s end, an American B-24 bomber crash landed on the chateau’s vast lawn.

Chateau de Chenonceau

  • King Henry II scandalously gave Chateau de Chenonceau to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, in 1547. She was enamored with the property and oversaw the construction of its gardens and the span that now crosses the River Cher. Upon Henry’s death, his widow Catherine de Medici essentially tossed Diane out, but not without a consolation: Catherine gave her husband’s mistress the Chateau Chaumont, which overlooks the Loire River.
  • After Catherine’s death in 1589, the castle was bequeathed to King Henry III’s wife, Louise de Lorraine-Vaudemont. Within a year, Henry was assassinated, sending Louise into a spiral of despair that saw her aimlessly wandering the castle’s chambers and corridors dressed in black amid dark tapestries stitched with skulls and crossbones.
  • The Chateau Chenonceau straddles the River Cher which, during World War II, served as the natural boundary between German-occupied France and the “free zone” of Vichy. The castle thus served as a bridge to freedom for many French seeking to escape Nazi rule.

Chateau d’Amboise

  • In 1431, one of the castle’s first owners, Louis d’Amboise, was convicted of treason against Louis XI, the son of King Charles VII. The criminal faced execution, but the king pardoned him on condition that he give his castle to the royal family.
  • You would be well advised to watch your head as you explore the rooms of Chateau d’Amboise. Though he was not necessarily known for his clumsiness, King Charles VIII died here after giving himself a concussion on the top of a door frame.
  • The castle’s most famous interment is not a Frenchman at all, but an Italian. Leonardo da Vinci lived the final days of his life in Amboise working for King Francis I. Upon his death, he was buried in a small chapel on the castle grounds.

Explore the Loire Valley & its beautiful chateaux on our Discover Northern France small group tour.

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Gaudi & Dali: Spain’s Modern Masters

on January 20, 2017

Among the many pleasures of visiting Spain, art lovers especially revel in the ability to witness a millennium’s worth of the world’s greatest masterpieces as they explore the treasures of Museo del Prado in Madrid and the Guggenheim Bilbao. When you explore Spain with Discovery Tours, you’ll be in the lands of Picasso, Goya, and Velazquez, native sons whose fame reached well beyond their home country.

But two other masters stand out—Antoni Gaudi and Salvador Dali—and complete our list of Spain’s Top 5 acclaimed artists. One was an architect and one a painter, and their work seems dissimilar at a glance. But Gaudi’s influence on Dali, and the fact that both created work that broke the mold, link them in art history as Spain’s rebellious faces of modernity.

Gaudi: The Singular Saint

Born in 1852, Gaudi was part of the Modernistas, Catalan modernists who believed art played two roles: it was a way to defy bourgeois conformity and it was an outlet for creating change in society. Gaudi created works that elevated the influence of nature in the man-made, reflected his faith, and defied rules of symmetry and restraint that had previously defined good taste.

He studied architecture but never managed to impress his teachers. He had the last laugh, as he designed the otherworldly Sagrada Familia Cathedral (a work still in progress!), the vividly tiled Parc Guell, countless mansions, and even the ornate signature streetlamps of Barcelona. Seven of his creations are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Unfortunately, his face was not as easily recognized as his buildings. In 1926, after he was struck by a streetcar, he was mistaken for a beggar, and couldn’t convince a taxi to take him to the hospital. When a policeman finally removed him from the scene, he was left at the pauper’s ward, and his friends couldn’t find him till the next day—when he refused to be moved to better conditions, as a display of solidarity with the poor.

He died there a few days later, and the outpouring of grief was profound: it was reported that half of Barcelona’s citizenry donned black and took to the streets on the day of his funeral.

Dali: The Surreal View

Salvador Dali was born a half century after Gaudi, and by the time he was studying art, the influence of the modernistas was waning. Expelled from art school, he threw himself into experimenting with Cubism and Dadaism, and met kindred spirits in Miro and Picasso. It was in Surrealism, a movement which revived and reframed the values of the modernistas, that he found his visual language.

With the melting clocks of his most famous work, “The Persistence of Memory,” he put surrealism on the global map, joining the pantheon of Spanish masters. He was exhibited in Paris and New York and beyond, and held a special affinity for the US, living in the states during World War II, working on a scene for Albert Hitchcock, and even appearing in a US film commercial.

His time away from his native Spain allowed him to escape controversy at home. Dali was a staunch supporter of fascist leader General Francisco Franco, who he said brought “clarity, truth and order” to Spain. Despite the limited success of his painting in the final decades of his life, he was indeed seen as one of the most important artists of the century.

A few years before he died, Dali was asked to write the foreword to a biography of Gaudi. In doing so, he paid tribute not only to his predecessor but to his own work, and he wasn’t a bit modest in his assessment. He wrote, “Gaudi is a genius; so am I.”

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Capturing the Stunning Beauty of Normandy

on January 13, 2017

Normandy is forever etched in the mind of the world as the site of the largest military invasion by sea in history. It all unfolded during World War II along 50 miles of beaches code-named Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno and Sword. The plan was for the Allies to overwhelm occupying German forces with a barrage from the ocean the likes of which they could never imagine, then push them back to their border. The events of that heroic day and the months that followed have been well chronicled. But no amount of reading can prepare the visitor for the impact of gazing upon the 9,000 crosses and Stars of David at the American Cemetery, spread on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach.

There is, of course, more to Normandy than its role in this heroic chapter. In fact, its military past stretches back centuries. Named for the Vikings who conquered it in the ninth century (the “northmen”), it was later the launching pad for William the Conqueror’s incursion into Britain in 1066. The fantastically preserved Bayeaux Tapestry depicts his successful invasion. Eventually the Brits fought back and gained control during the Hundred Years War, bringing Joan of Arc to a fiery end after she famously inspired her French army to rise up against the British Crown.

Today, Normandy is unarguably one of France’s prettiest corners. Its green pastures and dramatic chalk hills guide the Seine River on its sinewy course. Black-spotted Norman cows graze wide fields and help produce some of the world’s most distinctive cheeses, including soft and earthy Camembert. Groves of apple trees blanket the countryside, providing some of the purest cider you’ll ever taste, as well as the famous Calvados, a delicious apple brandy served as an aperitif throughout the province.

Impressionist artist Claude Monet captured Normandy’s beautiful countryside en plein air. After the loss of his wife in 1879, he discovered Giverny along the Seine while traveling by train. Monet first rented a barn there and transformed it into his studio; he later purchased it and expanded the property. His famous gardens blossomed from the artist’s desire to paint “controlled nature.” In fact, he and his gardeners even re-routed part of the Seine River to form the lagoon that would become the subject of many of his paintings, including the famed Water Lilies.

Monet contributed to the idea that France’s light was distinct and special. The artist was obsessed with capturing the way sunlight illuminated a space. He was known to paint the same subject many times in different shades: full sunlight, overcast, rain and snow clouds, dawn and dusk. With his tireless examination of light, he transformed the world of art.

He – and other painters of his day – also transformed the way we see Normandy. Pastoral scenes along the Seine comprise many works of his contemporaries. Downriver from Giverny, where the Seine widens to form a pristine estuary, the fishing village of Honfleur became a favorite subject of artists, and remains so today. This is a quintessential picturesque fishing village of France: fishing boats bob along the quay, multi-hued gabled houses hug the shore, and yes, even today, painters lean into their easels, carefully dabbing bright colors on their canvases in an attempt to capture that famous light just so.

Experience Normandy with Gate 1 Travel and see the beauty and history for yourself!

Uncategorized

2nd Annual Gate 1 Photo Contest

on January 12, 2017

Gate 1 Travel is excited to announce that we are launching our 2nd annual photo contest with a chance to win $500! Tag your best photo(s) from past trips with both #gate1travel #gate1contest17 and be entered to win a $500 Visa pre-paid gift card. Previously submitted photos will not be counted. One winning photo will be selected from each category (Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, Asia & Pacific, USA & Canada, and Latin America). The grand prize winner will be chosen from among the regional winners by our Facebook fans! The contest is open until January 27, 2016 and a winner will be announced in March. Full Details

How to Enter:

  1. Upload photos to Twitter or Instagram or directly from you computer or device here
  2. Hashtag #gate1travel and #gate1contest17 with the country where you took the photo (ex: #gate1travel #gate1contest17 #italy)
  3. Be sure that your social profile (Twitter or Instagram) is set to public
  4. Keep an eye on our site and encourage your friends to vote for the grand prize winner on Facebook for your chance to win!

2016 Region Winners:

Europe - 1st Place: @toots4e
Europe – 1st Place: @toots4e
Mediterranean - 2nd Place: @tales_of_trails
Mediterranean – 2nd Place: @tales_of_trails
Africa - 3rd Place: @tmess1001
Africa – 3rd Place: @tmess1001
kdhamcharee-canada-finalist
USA & Canada – @kdhamcharee
Latin America - @mahalolucy
Latin America – @mahalolucy
Asia - @mingomatic
Asia – @mingomatic

Categories: Europe, Mediterranean, Africa, Asia & Pacific, USA & Canada, Latin America

Instagram & Twitter: #gate1travel #gate1contest17 & follow Gate 1 Travel

Facebook: click here to upload directly from your profile, like Gate 1 Travel & share with your friends to vote for your photo!

Looking for inspiration? Check out our traveler photo gallery to see what others have posted!

Click here for full Terms & Conditions.

MediterraneanSmall Group Discoveries

The Magnificent Creatures of the UAE

on December 28, 2016

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is world-renowned for its ultra-modern cities rising from desert sands. But long before glittering buildings pierced these skies, humans enjoyed productive and mutually-beneficial relationships with the region’s natural world – specifically, with some of the animals that have played an integral part in the desert ecosystem. A Discovery Tours small group lets you witness firsthand how these relationships have evolved into the 21st century.

A Breed Apart: The Arabian Horse

Dubai is renowned as one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Its sports facilities, too, are world-class, as you’ll discover at the Meydan Stables. This private club is home to some of the finest Arabian horses in the world. Though the finely chiseled breed can now be found all over the world, it evolved in this desert climate and has long been treasured by the Bedouin people. Their quick reflexes, high spiritedness and eagerness to please their trainers once made them ideal for sand-strewn battlefields. Today, their temperament makes Dubai’s equestrian sporting world a thrill to witness.

Our small group size gains us behind-the-scenes access to the Meydan Stables, the host of Dubai’s $10 million World Cup, the world’s riches horse race. Fortunes of sultans and oil tycoons are made and lost here and during your visit you’ll see the stables, grandstand and racecourse behind all the action. Our morning visit affords you a glimpse of the beautiful horses as they are put through their paces. You’ll also stroll through the stables where they are groomed and witness how trainers use a swimming pool to increase the horses’ strength. Then imagine the thrill of the race when you visit the jockeys’ rooms, saddling paddock and parade ring.

Majestic Dromedary: The Camel

Arabian horses are not the only four-legged wonders of the UAE. A visit to this desert region would not be complete without learning more about the legendary “ship of the desert,” the camel. But we won’t be riding these beasts of burden; instead, we’ll visit Camelicious, the first and only camel dairy farm in the UAE and the largest in the world.

Camels have long been heralded for their ability to travel great distances without water. But there’s another reason they are the perfect means of desert transport: Camel milk is highly nutritious and helps to nourish their fellow human travelers on long treks where food is scarce. In fact, camel shepherds still today might rely solely on the milk of their herd when traveling long distances. The milk has also been found to enhance the human immune system. For their part, the local Bedouins on the Arabian Peninsula believe it has curative powers.

Like any dairy farm, Camelicious produces more than just milk. Cheese, too, is made here, and you’ll witness the process – and meet some of the herd – during your visit.

Greatest Hunter: The Falcon

There’s no denying the nobility of horses and camels in Arabian culture. Another creature garners similar respect, so much in fact that its care is financed by His Highness the Crown Prince. We’re talking about the high-flying falcon and the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.

Falconry, the art of hunting small game using a highly trained and fearsome winged hunter, has been part of the fabric of the UAE culture for centuries. In the Middle Ages, it was both a status symbol of the royal elite and a means of hunting for food among the nomadic Bedouin. Regardless of a falconer’s class and station in life, those who could tame the powerful talons, robust strength, and laser-like reflexes of this raptor drew utmost respect

So central is the falcon to the cultural identity of the UAE that the bird has its very own hospital. Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Hospital, the first of its kind and one of the world’s largest avian medical centers, is a pioneer in the rescue and treatment of these birds. Since its opening in 1999, it has seen more than 75,000 patients and expanded its attention to all manner of birdlife. You’ll visit this remarkable place, gaining insight into the tradition of falconry and seeing the facilities where majestic birds are nursed back to health.

Explore Dubai and Oman with Discovery Tours and enjoy an experience with some of these amazing creatures.

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