MediterraneanSmall Group Discoveries

A Perfect Specimen of Sand Sea

on December 27, 2016

It is evening. All is quiet. From your private cabin, you step out onto desert sands under a sky that’s been set afire with oranges and reds by the setting sun. Sipping your glass of wine, poured for you with a most gracious Omani hospitality, you contemplate the dunes that surround your camp. They, too, are ablaze in a stunning golden hue as the sun takes it final bow behind the distant sea of sand in the west.

Dusk descends. Lights begin to flicker in the pavilion, casting a hushed glow against the colorful, intricately designed carpets hanging on the wall. Soon, you will gather for dinner around the al fresco community table, pillows and conversation all around as a roof of stars glitters overhead like far-off diamonds. But you’re not quite ready to share this experience with fellow diners yet. You find a chair underneath one of the ghaf trees with their tiny, intricate leaves. Sitting there, images of 1,001 Nights dance before your eyes, and the Bedouin spirit washes over you.

The Wahiba Sands are truly a magical place, and in your Discovery Tours small group, you’ll stay overnight amidst their desert splendor, just as Bedouins have done for centuries. Sand dunes here tower as tall as 650 feet, their ever-changing patterns and shifting slopes one of Oman’s breathtaking natural wonders. Some have called the uninhabited Wahiba “a perfect specimen of sand sea” and you’re sure to learn why.

Officially known as the Sharqiya Sands (but originally named for the Bani Wahiba tribe), this desert stretches for 4,800 square miles. Just 30 years ago, Britain’s Royal Geographic Society chronicled the diversity of its terrain and its life – identifying 16,000 invertebrates and 200 species of fauna and birds. Also impressive for a desert, they found 150 species of indigenous plants. To say that such a variety of desert life interested scientists of the day would be an understatement, and it interests them still.

Then there are the dunes themselves. Their graceful crests trace a long line from north to south. Known as “linear” dunes, their razor-sharp peaks are formed by the most meticulous sculptors: the Arabian winds. One comes in from the sea to the east and another from the sea to the south, one acting like a wall to the force of the other. They are constantly shifting, moving inland about 30 feet each year.

It is a privilege to visit here, and to get a glimpse of traditional ways that are quickly disappearing. During your stay, you will stop to visit a Bedouin family in their home, meeting the women in their elaborate dress and full-length abeyya made from gauze. Many of them, despite their demure manner, are skilled drivers in the desert sands. And their intricate crafts are a delight to behold.

Join Discovery Tours on our Explore Dubai & Oman itinerary, and experience the silent beauty of the Wahiba Sands for yourself.

EuropeGate 1 Connections

France by Design: Choose the Travel Style that Suits You with Gate 1

on December 22, 2016

What does your picture-perfect version of France look like? Does it feature a chocolate croissant and espresso in a Paris café within sight of the Eiffel Tower? Or perhaps the shores of Normandy, its beaches forever linked to heroism and sacrifice? Chateau-studded river valleys…wine country where a popped cork is the beginning of a perfect evening…the Mediterranean coast where ocean waves lap at the shore. Gate 1 Travel offers all these versions of France. No matter how you join us—on a classic escorted tour, an independent vacation, our “Fly & Drive” options, a relaxing river cruise, or even a rail vacation that combines Paris and another thrilling European capital—your France awaits you with Gate1.

Paris: France’s Cultural Centerpiece

It is said that all of France begins in Paris, the romantic city of splendid architecture, priceless art, towering monuments, and the graceful River Seine. The sweep of history is ever on display. The masterful Cathedral of Notre Dame harkens to the city’s medieval age, while the Arc de Triomphe celebrates the aspirations of Napoleon. And the city’s grande dame, the Eiffel Tower, stands regally above it all; the heart races at the mere glance of it.

With myriad delights, Paris beckons you to delve into its many neighborhoods at your own pace, following your interests.  That’s why many of our itineraries provide you with ample time to explore on your own. Browse the history-soaked fine arts of the Musée d’Orsay—or go strictly modern at the Centre Pompidou. Write in your journal along the Left Bank or browse the boutiques of the Champs-Élysées. Plus, optional tours reveal the highlights of the Louvre, the splendor of Louis XIV’s Versailles Palace, and the City of Light by night, in all its floodlit finery.

Loire Valley and Normandy: Of Castles & Conquests

Southwest of Paris, a wonderland of more than 300 castles and carefully manicured gardens adorns the countryside of the Loire Valley. Kings and nobles built these fortresses as far back as the tenth century. Many of them—like Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise—reflect the high ideals of the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment. And speaking of high ideals, the Loire capital of Chartres is home to the greatest Gothic cathedral in all of France, a sight not to be missed. And discover the lovely cities of Tours, renowned for its Loire wines and elegant architecture.

Battles underpin the history of Normandy province, whether in Bayeaux, with its 230-foot Tapestry commemorating the great Norman Conquest of 1066, to the code-named beaches—Omaha and Utah among them—where Allied troops set in motion the beginning of the end of World War II. Mont St. Michel, too, though revered today for its abbey and monastery, was strategically built on a tidal island, leaving the island fortress unconquered for the entire Hundred Years War.

Saone & Rhone Valleys: Witness to History, Inspiration to Artists and Chefs

Inspiration is everywhere in France, as a visit to the Saone and Rhone Valleys reveals. Impressionist painters Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin found their muses in central France and the celebrated Riviera. The dreamy provinces of Burgundy, Lyonnais, and Provence with their meandering rivers, vineyard hills, and lavender fields, all gave rise to many of their masterpieces.

Some of the region’s greatest masterpieces are culinary. Dijon, in the heart of Burgundy, is one of the centers of divine French cuisine. Dijon mustard was invented here, and internationally known chefs concoct ambrosia-like dishes in their restaurants. Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site city, is the other shining star of gastronomy, connected by the Saone and Rhone rivers to the wine-growing regions of Beaujolais to the north and Cotes du Rhone to the south.

The Rhone Valley’s love affair with wine became the fiscal lifeblood of the Popes of Avignon when they relocated the Holy See here and built the gargantuan Palais des Papes. They commandeered the wine-making tradition begun by the Romans here and commercialized it to bolster the local economy. Of course, wine isn’t the only legacy of the Romans in this historic corner of France: The vast Pont du Gard, a massive aqueduct built to transport water, still stands as a testament to their boundless ingenuity.

Southern France: Medieval Gems & Splendid Wine Capitals

The beauty of Mediterranean France seems boundless, too. Elegant Nice invites long strolls on its Promenade des Anglais. In medieval Carcassonne, cobbled streets lead you through a city frozen in time. And a timeless spell lingers over the market town of Lourdes, near the foothills of the Pyrenees. Here, in 1858, a miller’s daughter saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary in a grotto, transforming the village into a pilgrimage setting. Even now, a nightly torch-lit procession to the grotto inspires all who witness it.

In the Bordeaux region, raising a glass is the sacred nightly ritual. The splendid city (which some say rivals Paris in its beauty) is best known for its full-bodied red wines, while nearby St. Emilion tempts with a Merlot-heavy blend of its own. Meanwhile, the city of Cognac has refined the art of making the prized brandy that bears its name.

Expand Your Discoveries Beyond France

As you see, Gate 1 offers a bounty of choices when it comes to exploring the beauty of France, all with prices easy on your travel budget. Stretch the value of your airfare even more by visiting some of its European neighbors. After all, you’ve already flown to Europe, right? Enrich your French discoveries by experiencing the crown jewel of The Netherlands, navigating the winding canals of Amsterdam in a glass-top boat. Revel in the timeless tapestry of culture in Belgium, from the Grand Palace of Brussels to the medieval lanes of Bruges. Tiny Luxembourg and richly historic Germany are also nearby. What’s more, you can transform your visit to France into a European adventure when you connect by Europe’s meticulous rail system to cities like London, Amsterdam and Barcelona; take the train farther afield to discover Venetian, Renaissance and ancient treasures of Italy in Venice, Florence and Rome.

Experience France in a Discovery Tours Small Group

If you’d like to discover France on a more intimate scale, gaining greater access to local cultures in the company of a small group, consider getting to the heart of Northern France on our Discovery Tours itinerary. Our sister company limits group sizes to just 22 travelers, opening doors to places and experiences larger groups must forego. You’ll sip the wines of the Loire Valley, witness the rocky majesty of Mont St. Michel, and reflect on the triumphs and tragedy of war in St. Malo and Normandy during unique events and activities tailored to your group size. Bookend your Northern France exploration with stays in glittering Paris and Louis XIV’s dazzling Versailles.

You might also head south, exploring France and Spain on a single journey. Experience the vineyard-laden countryside and preserved medieval cities of southern France, and uncover the iconic cities and famously stunning countryside Spain’s Basque region. Sample local wines in Spanish Rioja and French Bordeaux. Soak up artistic masterpieces from the Guggenheim in Bilbao to the Prado in Madrid. Marvel at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s stunning cathedral more than a century in the making. With delights as diverse as the breathtaking beaches of San Sebastian and the unforgettable walled city of Carcassonne, it’s a journey like no other.

No matter how you explore France with the Gate 1 family, you’re assured exemplary accommodations in central locations, a rich array of included features, and unmatched value. As the French would say, c’est magnifique.

Explore France your way! Follow these links to our exciting Gate 1 Travel itineraries Or call to reserve, 1-800-682-3333!

EuropeTravel Tips

Bon Appétit!

on December 21, 2016

When you think of French cuisine, you might imagine elegantly trimmed plates with tiny portions served by white-gloved stuffy waiters. That image comes to mind quickly thanks to the haute cuisine movement (literally, “high cooking”) that has a firm grasp on luxury hotels and upscale restaurants throughout Europe. But everyday French cuisine has its roots in a farming peasant culture. For centuries, simple ingredients have been drawn from the earth and prepared together in a kind of culinary alchemy. And every region has its specialty.

Champagne

The cuisine of the Champagne region is heavily influenced by that of Lorraine and Alsace to the east. Wild game such as boar is popular here, as is all manner of ham. You’re likely to find the Breux potato on menus here, too, especially in towns that border Lorraine, as that region’s growing conditions for the root vegetable are considered among the best in the world. Smoked bacon is used in many dishes, including the famous quiche Lorraine. Alsatian influence includes German-style cuisine, including choucroute, the French version of sauerkraut, and tarte flambee, a kind of white-cheese and bacon flatbread with onion.

But Champagne is best known, of course, for its sparkling wine. One of its most famous streets is in Epernay, the Avenue de Champagne. Residents call it the most expensive street in the world for the millions of champagne bottles stored in cellars beneath the buildings that belong to the likes of Moet et Chandon and Mercier. The region’s dedication to bubbly is visible during the most casual of drives into the province; more than 60% of Champagne’s terrain is used in agriculture. From this fertile land, hundreds of millions of bottles of champagne are produced.

Brittany

The peninsula-like Brittany is surrounded by the sea – the English Channel, the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay. So as you can imagine, seafood is an important part of its cuisine, especially mussels and oysters. Fish stew, known locally as cotriade, is quite popular, made with potatoes and often poured over a toasted baguette. By some accounts, the beurre blanc sauce, a hollandaise-like sauce made with butter and white wine, was invented here and is often served with fish as well. Farm-based dishes are also prevalent, from kig ha farz, a stewed pork or beef with buckwheat dumplings, to gallette, a crusty cake filled with savory fillings.

With its proximity to the sea, Brittany is also a large producer of salt. This may seem a small matter, but it is used to prepare much of the cuisine beloved by local Bretons. The mineral is used to make butter, which in turn is used to prepare the region’s famous pastries such as kouign amann, or butter cake, and far Breton, similar to a sweet Yorkshire pudding. And you cannot step into a shop in Brittany without being tempted by the quaint iron boxes that contain the area’s ubiquitous biscuits, prepared with – you guessed it – salted butter.

Loire

It should come as no surprise that the Loire Valley, “the Garden of France,” offers up a huge variety of fruits and vegetables. Cherries are harvested here to satisfy a local appetite for Guignolet liqueur. Belle Angevine pears grow sweet and juicy. And the region’s strawberries and melons are hard to pass by. Like in Brittany, seafood is often served in beurre blanc sauce, a mixture of butter and white wine. Wild game, beef, and poultry are raised here. And it’s common to find young vegetables such as asparagus and artichoke served on your plate, perhaps alongside champignons de Paris, the region’s beloved mushrooms.

Loire wines lean toward the fruity side, with fresh flavors. Buttery white Vouvray, crisp Sauvignon Blanc with hints of grapefruit and gooseberry, smooth and light Pinot Noir, and sparkling Cremant are just four of the most popular grapes grown here along the meandering Loire River.

Normandy

Seafood takes center stage in Normandy. Oysters, scallops, and mussels are cultivated on the coast in huge numbers and shipped to the rest of the country. Sea bass, monkfish, and sole are common, served in sauces rich with butter. Apple trees grow in abundance here, too, and the fruit is used in many dishes, from mussels cooked in apples and cream to partridge flamed with apples.

For something with a kick, locals might sip kir normand, a shot or so of crème de cassis with apple cider. But Normandy might best be known for its Calvados, the apple brandy produced only in this part of the world. As for dessert, Normandy’s version of the apple tart, the Tarte Tatin, shouldn’t be missed – though even the locals often miss the correct pronunciation, calling it “tan tan tan tan” in local dialect.

MediterraneanSmall Group Discoveries

Oh My, Oman! 9 Intriguing Facts About a Little Known Nation.

on December 20, 2016

The beauty of exploring Oman in a small group is the opportunity it affords to really get to know a place. Here’s just a sample of the kinds of things you’ll learn about fascinating corner of Arabia:

  • Several cities in Oman were major stops along the Incense Route between the 7th and 2nd centuries BC. The route stretched between the Mediterranean and India and witnessed the trade of frankincense and myrrh, Indian spices, precious stones, pearls, silk, rare bird feathers and gold.
  • The mighty fortresses of Oman, beautifully restored to their former glory, once defended the nation from marauders. In all, 500 edifices still stand throughout the small country.
  • Oman’s colorful and bustling souks are a richly textured pastiche of perfume, livestock, freshly plucked dates, silver jewelry, and khanjars, the silver daggers that have long symbolized manhood here.
  • Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an enormous testament to the kind and giving Islamic faith. Its dazzling expanse of white marble is accented with wooden panels and fantastic stain-glass windows. Inside, its central carpet covers 45,000 square feet and its chandelier measures 46 feet tall!
  • The Portuguese ruled Oman from Muscat for 150 years. Two 16th-century forts – Al Jalali and Al Mirani – stand like guardians on either side of the Sultan’s Palace, adorned in turquoise and gold.
  • Muscat’s souk in the Muttrah district is called Al Dhalam, which means “darkness” in Arabic. This marketplace, one of the oldest in the Arab world, got its name from the constant shadows cast by its crowded stalls and narrow lanes. It can get so dark here even during the day, shoppers need lamps to find their destinations.
  • Oman enjoyed its own days as an imperial power. In the late 17th century, it actively vied for control of the region with Portugal and Britain. By the 19th century, its territories reached as far as Iran and Pakistan, and it relocated its capital to Zanzibar, the island off of today’s Tanzanian coast.
  • The tower of Nizwa Fort boasts many architectural deceptions and strategic secrets. Hidden shafts and false doors were meant to confuse anyone who breached the fort’s walls. A twisting narrow staircase led to the tower’s ramparts, but a heavy wooden door studded with spikes prevented entry once infiltrators reached that last step. Additionally, shafts above these doors allowed the defenders to pour boiling oil or the sticky syrup of dates onto their enemies.
  • Though football and basketball have recently entered Oman’s culture, traditional sports include horse racing, camel racing, bull fighting, falconry and the racing of dhows, the narrow wooden boats that have plied the country’s coast for centuries.

Travel to Dubai & Oman with Gate 1 Travel today!

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MediterraneanSmall Group Discoveries

Dubai & Abu Dhabi

on December 15, 2016

Shimmering Cities Rising from Desert Sands

It’s hard to believe that the ostentatious cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi were little more than backwaters on the Arabian Peninsula as little as 50 years ago. These humble places were sustained by centuries-old pearl-fishing and boat-building and dotted with goats, sheep, and date trees. Pearl divers took to the waters in handmade dhows, small wooden boats that still bob along the coast today.

Then oil was discovered in the mid-20th century – and the region’s extreme makeover began, financed by huge fortunes that grew quickly. With newfound wealth under their sands, the once-disparate regions of Dubai and Abu Dhabi joined together with Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain to form the United Arab Emirates. They named Abu Dhabi their capital. And the Arabian Peninsula has never been the same.

Dubai: an Intoxicating Blend of Modern and Ancient

You have to see Dubai to believe it. In this city of extremes, the world’s tallest building scrapes the sky, the world’s largest shopping mall spreads 1,200 shops at its feet, and a manmade island chain off its coast resembles a palm tree. In one afternoon in this desert city, you can see sharks at a huge aquarium, and step out of the heat to skate on an Olympic-sized ice rink or take to the snowy slopes at “Ski Dubai.” Many call it the most contradictory and diverse city on earth. Only 17% of Dubai’s people are true Emiratis and, amidst all this excess, the state religion is Islam, renowned for its tenets of modesty and reverence above all material possessions.

In your small group, you can contrast the futuristic metropolis with the traditional market of Old Dubai, where narrow lanes lead past shops and stalls brimming with aromatic spices, precious metals and stones and other treasures. Here, you can browse the world famous gold souk, a maze of covered streets and alleyways lined with gold. Speaking of old Dubai, you can get a glimpse of history in the Dubai Museum, located in the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest standing building in the city. It’s a remarkable foray into the days before the oil boom. Delve into Emirati culture and tradition with a local during a special discussion. And embark an authentic abra, or water taxi, for a scenic ride along Dubai Creek, passing traditional low-slung dwellings and svelte minarets pointing skyward.

From Old World to new communities, you’ll venture onto the Palm Jumeirah archipelago. This island chain juts into the gulf, a spectacular sight for two reasons: it is entirely manmade, and it is laid out in the shape of a palm tree. The “trunk” of the tree serves as a causeway and eight fronds fan out on either side. Once they were completed, the islands doubled the length of Dubai’s coastline. Burj Al Arab also complements the oceanside setting of Dubai. This magnificent 7-star hotel – built in the shape of a dhow’s billowing sail – overlooks the gulf from an artificial island. Its 575-foot atrium lobby is the tallest in the world. Rooms start at around $1,700 per night … needless to say, it’s not a property that we at Discovery Tours have been able to secure for our travelers! Visitors are welcome to stroll into the lobby and take in its grand magnificence.

Of all Dubai’s magnificent sights, the most impressive is the 2,723-foot Burj Khalifa. Record after record was broken with its completion: tallest building, fastest elevator (40 mph), the most floors (160), highest outdoor observation deck (124th floor), highest restaurant (122nd floor), tallest structure to offer residential space, and more. At its feet, the Dubai Mall is the largest in the world. There are 1,200 storefront and they lured 54 million shoppers in 2011 – more than the entire city of New York! It features designer label stores, high-end boutiques, cinema, an Olympic-size ice rink, and a theme park. You’ll have time to explore this massive complex on your own if you wish.

Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Thrilling Capital

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is a beautiful city of culture in its own right and a glorious desert metropolis down the coast from Dubai. Behind its glimmering façade lies a shining cultural beacon reminiscent of Islam’s golden age – the opulent, white-marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque boasts 82 domes, each topped with 24-carat gold, 1,000 columns, and a 40,000-capacity courtyard. Contrast this ten-year old building with Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone structure, Al-Husn Palace, the “white fort” originally built in 1761 … to the resplendent Zayed House, home of Sheikh Zayed, “Father of the Nation” … and to the second most expensive hotel ever built, the Emirate Palace (it cost $3 billion to construct over three years).

For a taste of local traditions, we’ve arranged a cruise through the city on a two-level dhow boat, giving you a unique perspective on this captivating city. More traditions live on at the Heritage Village, a fascinating open-air museum that depicts life before the oil boom, when women wove textiles, embroidered, and painted henna. You’ll look to the future at Manarat Al Saadiyat, an exhibition center profiling ongoing and projected developments in the city. And see the future at work at Masdar, the world’s first carbon-neutral, zero-waste city.

Witness the Giants of the UAE in a Small Group

The United Arab Emirates pulses with cultural and architectural treasures you have to see to believe. Dubai and Abu Dhabi only tell part of the story of this economic powerhouse. A visit here offers a mesmerizing blend of cosmopolitan flair and traditional Arab ways, all polished with a futuristic sheen. Between snacks of lamb kebabs and hummus in the tiny shawarma diners of the Deira district, or perhaps after relaxing in a shisha boutique with a bubbling water pipe, you’ll find lots to experience here.

EuropeGate 1 Connections

Witness Italy’s Endless Treasures with Gate 1

on November 29, 2016

Towering mountain peaks that plunge through emerald forests. Culture-steeped cities perched over glittering, cobalt seas. Cathedrals that soar, artwork that inspires, and cuisine that tempts the palate and then lingers on the memory—Italy is all of these things and more.

To truly immerse yourself in la dolce vita of Italy, you need to know the local people and what they love about their land; at Gate 1 Travel, we do. Our Tour Managers unveil to you their country’s most thrilling and fascinating sites, and are eager to enlighten you about Italy’s most beloved treasures. And as you arrive at some of Italy’s most visited museums and landmarks, you’ll bypass the long lines, thanks to our pre-purchased entry—offering more time for discoveries.

Welcome to Gate 1’s Italy!

Capitals of Culture: Rome, Venice, Florence & Milan

Rome really is an Eternal City, where past and present intermingle. On streets 2,000 years old, Vespas scoot by visitors soaking in the loveliness of the city’s charming piazzas. These open plazas embody public art at its finest, adorned with finely sculpted fountains carved by some of history’s greatest artists, from Bernini to della Porta.

Piazza to piazza, the architecture astounds—the Romans didn’t do anything half heartedly. Here, the Pantheon, built to honor the gods, soars to the skies. Its revolutionary crown – still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome – is a masterwork of Roman engineering that has never been duplicated. And the ancient Colosseum still dazzles: Once able to host 80,000 spectators, this was where Romans gathered to witness gladiatorial combat and contests between men and beasts.

Art and architecture come together in inspiring fashion in Vatican City. Surely, St. Peter’s Basilica and its sprawling square is one of the most moving pilgrimage sites in all of Christendom. Whether it is faith or art history that beckons you, the Vatican Museum rewards with one of the world’s undisputed treasures: Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment, painstakingly painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In total, the artist painted more than 5,000 square feet of frescoes here. Today, they remain a wonder of rich color and sumptuous detail.

Rome might think of itself as the pinnacle of Italian culture, but citizens of Venice would firmly disagree. The glories of the Venetian Empire, which ruled much of the Adriatic region for over 1,000 years, are on full display. The glittering domes of St. Mark’s Basilica watch over its namesake square, which Napoleon once called “the drawing room of Europe” for its grace and beauty. The nearby Doge’s Palace was the empire’s center. Here, opulent chambers recall the lifestyles of the rich and regal. And the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the prison, afforded the final view that convicted criminals enjoyed (and “sighed” over) before they were locked away. And you can still find Murano glass, a true Venetian treasure, being shaped on the neighboring island by descendants of the finest glass blowers in history.

It didn’t take a kingdom to elevate Florence—just a family. The politically powerful and deep-pocketed Medicis made the city the epicenter of art and intrigue alike, a powerful draw for the greatest minds and talents of Europe. No wonder Florence gave birth to the Renaissance. With its grand buildings, sculptures, gardens, and the astonishing Duomo of the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, the city is an open-air museum of the period that defined it. And visitors have two chances here to see its most iconic work, Michelangelo’s David: The original is in the Accademia of Fine Arts and a replica stands in the Piazza della Signoria.

Milan may not have given rise to an entire movement, but it made a name for itself as the heart of fashion in a nation that puts other countries to shame when it comes to style. You might never strut the catwalks of Fashion Week here, but you can always make your own runway with a stroll through the glamorous Victor Emmanuel Galleria, a 19th century pedestrian mall beneath a large arched glass ceiling. It’s the perfect distillation of Italian city life—stylish, historic, and aesthetically beautiful all in one.

Splendor of the Hills

When you leave the bustle of metropolitan centers for lush valleys and romantic hill towns, Italy’s astonishing natural beauty comes into view. At the medieval fortified town of Montecatini, spectacular vistas of emerald-hued slopes await—if you can tear yourself away from a soak in the city’s extensive thermal-fed spas. Travelers have long come here to “take the waters,” and you may do the same during your free time. 

Italy’s hill towns each boast a unique flavor and a distinct character. Lucca is a gem of medieval architecture. Its spectacularly preserved 17th-century wall is still fully intact and today is home to a public park that’s ideal for strolling and taking in amazing countryside views of olive and fig groves. Within its walls, the original Roman street layout reveals layer upon layer of history. Umbrian Assisi straddles a hilltop, appearing more like a fortress than a major center of the Franciscan Order, though the view from the city is indeed heavenly. Historic Verona is more focused on earthly pursuits, from the remarkably preserved amphitheater to the charming balcony on which Shakespeare’s Juliet is said to have swooned over her famous suitor.

Verdant green hillsides spill down to the sparkling waters of Lago di Como, or Lake Como, in Lombardy. Playground of jet-setters and celebrities, this vast and glistening lake is surrounded by cypress trees, earth-toned villas, lush gardens and spectacular mountain views. It is pure pleasure simply to be here and stroll the scenic lakeside promenade, and it’s hard to resist a cruise to nearby Bellagio, “The Pearl of Lake Como.” The gentle waves lapping at the shores of this lyrical red-roofed village whisper, “Come again…”

The Glittering Sea

As lovely a backdrop as Lake Como might be, it is easily rivaled by the stunning sweep of Italy’s jaw-dropping coastline. On the Italian Riviera, Cinque Terre, a necklace of five villages clinging to cliff sides, is one of the world’s most enchanting destinations. Largely untouched by the congestion of the modern world, the villages can only be accessed by foot or animal trail or by a 19th-century railway.

The Amalfi Coast tempts with one of the world’s most scenic drives, tracing dramatic and rocky shores to quaint seaside villages and colorful houses that seem to spill into the sea, from Positano to Ravello. Its gateway is Sorrento – famed for its limoncello lemon liqueur and its sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples.

On the Ligurian coast, romance and glamour infuse the route from Portofino to Chiavari with palm-fringed beaches and pastel-colored villas. At the heart of the beauty lies Rapallo, home to the 16th century Castello sul Mare (Castle-on-the-Sea), built to keep out pirates (though it’s understandable why they’d be attracted to such a pretty port).

Sicilian Splendor

Sicily knows a thing or two about pirates, having launched its own in the Roman era (including a crew which kidnapped Julius Caesar) and coming under attack from Barbary pirates for years after. An island of fierce individualism and cultural pride, its heritage nonetheless reflects the influences of the many empires which have tried to tame it.

The island has been a crossroads of civilizations for centuries and countless cultures left their mark here – from the hilltop Norman Cathedral in Monreale to the 12th-century Byzantine mosaics within. The island’s heart is Palermo, its Old Town a stunning blend of architectural styles, many of them represented in the Palermo Cathedral, which was built and enhanced over centuries.

A spectacular sampling of Greek culture defines Agrigento. Here, in the Valley of the Temples, are the best preserved worship sites outside mainland Greece, including the Temple of Juno and incredibly intact Temple of Concordia. Remarkably restored Roman villas are nearby, providing unique insight into the lives of that era.

The most active volcano in Europe, Mt. Etna is the island’s true conqueror, outlasting all other regimes. It watches over Taormina and Catania alike. Perched on a rocky plateau, Taormina overlooks the Bay of Naxos and the Ionian Sea. The meticulous preservation of its Greek stadium and its walls is equaled only by the coastal vista from its hillside setting. To the south, Catania stood on par with Florence for its cultural and artistic contributions during the Renaissance. Much of the town was destroyed during a 1693 earthquake, and so today it boasts a more baroque flavor, with wide-open piazzas and colorful markets.

Undiscovered Beauty

Perhaps less well known to outsiders than Sicily—and thus seldom as crowded—the Puglia region spreads across the heel of Italy’s boot. Surrounded by turquoise sea, the port city of Bari has been welcoming home sailors and fishermen for more than two millennia. At the open-air market, locals buy the day’s catch, often brought ashore by their own friends and loved ones. The Bari Cathedral and the grand Romanesque Basilica of San Nicola show that Italy’s penchant for artistry didn’t miss Puglia. The same is true in Lecce, where baroque gems outline 300 year-old cobblestone streets. From its Piazza del Duomo to its 2nd century Roman amphitheater, it’s easy to see why Lecce is fondly named the “Florence of the South.

Like in the rest of Italy, history stretches back across the centuries in Puglia, as a visit to a pair of UNESCO World Heritage Sites reveals. Alberobello is home to 14th-century dry stone huts known as trulli, small conical structures based on prehistoric building techniques. And in Matera, the Paleolithic Age is revealed by the mysterious Sassi, ancient stone dwellings carved into rock, believed to be the first human settlements in Italy.

Truly, the full sweep of human history awaits you here, from boot to heel and mountain to sea.

Join Gate 1 Travel in Italy to Make the Most of Your Visit, and Your Budget

You’re coming this far…add another country! Italy’s neighbors each have their own story to tell, and savvy travelers know that combining trips makes the most of their travel dollars. Follow the route of Venetian tradesman to Croatia & Slovenia, taking in gems like seaside Opatija and Dubrovnik, the UNESCO World Heritage site. Add a fourth additional country, with Bosnia fleshing out your Balkans experience. Compare the best of Italy with the ancient gems of Greece or a kaleidoscope of cultural capitals in Spain or in Spain and France.

Gate 1 offers choice not just in where you explore—but how. Prefer the up-close access and intimate feeling of a small group trip? Travel with Discovery Tours, our sister company that opens up doors that large groups just can’t access. Italy your way is always possible with Gate 1.

For the richest discoveries at the best value, join Gate 1 and discover the timeless appeal of Italy!

EuropeTravel Tips

All Roads Lead Here: The Must-See Wonders of Ancient Rome

on November 28, 2016

Standing outside the Roman Coliseum, you can almost hear the echoes of ancient crowds roaring through the ages. The mammoth amphitheater is one of the empire’s many architectural achievements whose remains lend an unparalleled historic depth to today’s Rome. This arena stands four stories tall and is graced by 80 entrance arches. In its day, it could accommodate a crowd of 50,000 spectators who rooted for man to slay beast, for beast to slay man, or for men to slay each other. The arena’s bowl could even be flooded with water so that Roman citizens could witness mock sea battles.

It’s hard to believe that such a place could have been imagined in the ancient world, never mind constructed. That’s the wonder of exploring the millennia-old sites of Rome. Their power and their glory transcend the city itself, rising above today’s modern bustle to whisper and shout all at once that this is where a great arc of history began.

The past is palpable here. Along the byways of the ancient Forum—called by historians the most celebrated meeting place in the world and in all of history—triumphal processions marched to proclaim Rome’s latest military victory … public speakers rattled on about the latest current events … senators debated the latest laws … and merchants traded goods with vendors from faraway lands. Of course, it’s not just the social and political buzz of history that makes this place so spectacular; the Roman Forum is a living museum of architectural splendor. 

The Temple of Saturn is, for many visitors, the most prominent of the remains. Rome’s trusted financiers walked through its eight towering columns—all that remains of the once-grand building—to gain access to the city’s treasury of gold and silver. Saturn was the logical god to look over it all because he ruled during the Golden Age and was closely associated with wealth.

Also impressive, the Arch of Septimus Severus, a hulking and incredibly preserved structure, has stood here since its completion in the year 203. It commemorated the victory of Severus over the Parthians. It is so well preserved for two reasons: First, it was incorporated into the structure of a Christian church by Pope Innocent III in 1199. When the church moved, the arch stayed. Second, in the Middle Ages, flooding deposited debris and silt into the small valley that the Forum occupies, leaving the arch half-buried.

There’s another monument to Rome’s rich past that is admittedly harder to find. (Here’s a hint: It’s next to Arch of Septimus Severus.) The Umbilicus Urbis Romae, or Navel of the City of Rome, is little more than a plaque that marks the symbolic city center. You might think such a marker insignificant, but to ancient Romans it meant everything. Rome was, after all, the center of the world. And so distances to and from every outpost of the Roman Empire started and ended at this point. All roads did indeed lead to Rome.

One road—the Via Triumphalis—led to the Navel of Rome via the magnificent Arch of Constantine. This remarkable gate, adorned with bas reliefs, commemorates Emperor Constantine’s defeat in the Battle of Milvian Bridge in the year 312. The arch was built to straddle the Via Triumphalis, the road on which emperors made their ceremonial entrance into the city after a victory. The structure was so admired that it served as the inspiration for arches built all over the world in the coming centuries.

The Pantheon predates the arch by at least 200 years, yet it is the most complete building from ancient Rome. This majestic monument to Roman engineering was originally built as a temple to all the gods of ancient Rome. Today, it serves as a church, making it one of the city’s oldest structures in continuous use. Its circular room is topped by the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The oculus at the apex of the dome bathes the rotunda in rays of sunlight. The massive gray-granite columns on the rectangular porch were quarried in Egypt, transported here down the Nile River, across the Mediterranean Sea, and up the Tiber River. 

It’s easy to see why all roads lead to ancient Rome. Ingenuity seems to have been born here, and inspiration lives in the brilliance of its architecture 2,000 years later.

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

The Flam Railway: Where Staggering Beauty Meets Human Engineering

on November 16, 2016

When a railroad was built to connect the major Norwegian cities of Bergen and Oslo, advocates and residents of the more rural region of Sogn saw an opportunity: Why not also construct an additional line that would lead visitors to the gorgeous Sognefjord and allow those who live in the countryside easier access to the rest of Norway? The result – the astonishing Flam Railway – is a man-made wonder where nature steals the show.

The distance between the railway’s starting point of Myrdal and its scenic terminus of Flåm, which gracefully rests on the edge of a fjord, was a mere 12 miles. But the incline to connect the two points was so steep—rising to almost 3,000 feet—it seemed beyond what a train could handle. Norway’s best engineers decided that the only way to pull it off would be to create a route that twisted and turned, not just hugging mountainsides but burrowing through them. After years of debate, a plan was finalized to carve 20 tunnels out of the rocky mountainside—18 of them by hand.

Construction started in the 1920s, eventually employing 280 builders at once. Local farms got an unexpected bonus: Suddenly, their horses and wagons were in high demand for hauling materials, filling the bank accounts of rural families more than their fields alone ever had. Tourists also came to watch the construction itself, pouring more income into the local economy. It was quite a show: Workers drilled into the rock walls, stuffed dynamite into the holes and blasted away. Each foot of progress required roughly 40-50 hours of backbreaking work. All this was not without danger; twice, construction was briefly halted when workers were killed in accidents.

Once the rail line’s ten stations were built and tracks were laid, the pace picked up. By the end of the 1930s, the first freight train was rolling along the route three times a week. World War II actually hastened construction as the occupying German forces wanted the route for steam locomotives, too. After the war, the Flam Line was a commercial hit as trains ran in both directions twice daily. It was the fastest way for people, goods and mail to travel between the region of Sogn and Oslo and Bergen.

Now, the tracks are maintained by the Norwegian rail authorities. In a route that takes you from sea level to 2,847 feet in the span of a single hour, you are treated to an endless array of vistas. Waterfalls plunge down steep slopes to wide verdant valleys. Peak after snowcapped peak etch out the horizon, while bucolic farms overlook flower-filled pastures. At one point, there is a thrill ride element, as the train emerges from a 2,000-foot tunnel onto a clifftop shelf with a staggeringly sheer vertical drop. It is easily one of the world most breathtaking train journeys.

Showered with accolades by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, and others, the Flam Line is now one of Norway’s top three most visited sites, no longer a route toward a destination, but the destination in itself.

It’s all aboard the Flam Railway when you join us in on our Scandinavia, Naturally Charming small group trip. Click here to learn more!

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Tiny Titans: Iceland’s Legendary Horses

on November 15, 2016

For a creature just over four feet tall, the Icelandic horse looms large in its country’s folklore. The breed arrived with the Vikings a thousand years ago and was featured in the Norse mythologies that came with them. With the passage of time, the tall tales of Norse gods were replaced by majestic Icelandic Sagas, but the hardy little horses remained.

Typically, a horse this short would be considered a pony, but Iceland has never agreed with the classification, noting the strength and spirited temperament of the breed. First used for sheepherding and other farm work, the breed was developed in seemingly endless permutations for showing and racing. There are now so many colors and patterns that there are 100 Icelandic words to distinguish them.

For all their visual variety, Iceland is keen on keeping its beloved species genetically pure. No Icelandic horse may be bred with any other species, and no other breeds are allowed to be imported. If an Icelandic horse is exported it may never return. The 19 nations lucky enough to have an exported herd must still refer to them as Icelandic.

Aside from their stout beauty, the horses are beloved for their friendly temperament. They are cheerful beasts, known for their enthusiastic personalities and enjoyment of human company. Without any natural predators, they aren’t easily spooked, which makes them easy to handle. Some of their behaviors, too, are distinct. They walk, trot, and canter like other horses, but have two extra gaits: an “ambling pace” (tölt) and a “flying pace” (skeið). The term “flying” references a brief moment when the tiny creature is suspended in the air, all four hoofs off the ground, lending a hint of the magic that earned them roles in the Icelandic Sagas.

In the best known legend, a mighty chieftain vowed that if anyone dared to ride his prized horse Freyfaxi, the interloper would be put to death. When the chief followed through on the threat, he was beaten and chased out of town by locals, who then threw Freyfaxi off a cliff and told the animal to fly to the gods. That act took things too far and the deities were displeased; they restored the chieftain to his fortune, and impoverished the horse’s tormentors. Alas, the gods did not bring Freyfaxi back to life but no one again dared show such disrespect to the value of an Icelandic horse. By the medieval era, such horses were without question the greatest treasure of a household, and warriors were often buried not next to their wives but to their horses.

At Fákasel Horse Park in the northern reaches of Iceland, you can see skilled exhibitions by the four-legged stars of the sagas. But you’ll see plenty of them outside this special equestrian facility, too: They remain highly popular. One census estimates there is roughly one horse for every four humans in Iceland. After a thousand years, this land is truly theirs.

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Lands Awash in Beauty

on November 14, 2016

From Norway’s Fjords to Iceland’s Watery Wonders

Where on earth could you find a deep-water coral reef teeming with life and a glacier bigger than the city of New Orleans? How about a volcano with slopes hot enough to cook eggs on and icy peaks gilded in permafrost? Only in Scandinavia. Norway and its North Sea cousin Iceland boast landscapes that linger long in memory, together composing one of Earth’s most dramatically diverse corners.

There’s Nowhere Like Norway 

The Vikings made the waters of Norway famous and exploring by boat is still the thrill of a lifetime. Nowhere is that more true than among the magnificent fjords that have long defined this astonishing part of the world. Sognefjord is Norway’s biggest and best known, rising higher than the tallest skyscraper on earth and plunging a whopping 4,291 feet. At 127 miles long, it’s not only the longest in Norway, but the second longest on earth, and at its widest point, the span is nearly three miles across.

Humbler in scope but concentrated in its beauty, Norddalsfjorden (which you can cruise through on your way to the village of Eidsdal) is only 9 miles long but has been praised for its beauty since it was first mentioned in writing during the Middle Ages. Lined now by quaint villages and webbed with limpid rivers, Norddalsfjorden is idyllic in the extreme, a model of pastoral beauty.

If one had to pick a favorite Norwegian fjord, surely Geirangerfjord would be in the running. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is lined alternately with vertical rock walls rising from the pristine water and emerald green slopes lush with vegetation. Just when you think the vista couldn’t get more impressive here, you witness how (in the words of the mother-in-law of Henrik Ibsen, the famed Norwegian writer), “Foaming waterfalls plunge into the fjord from jagged peaks.” Local legend has a more romantic interpretation of the showers that plunge down the cliffs: The “Seven Sisters” cascades face the singular waterfall known as “The Suitor” across the fjord, and folklore says the spirit of The Suitor keeps trying to woo one of the Sisters to be his bride. If he succeeds, they don’t have to go far to prepare for their nuptials: Geirangerfjord is also home to a lacy waterfall known as The Bridal Veil.

For an entirely different perspective on Norway’s natural splendor, go high along some of the most memorable driving routes on Earth. From the Dalsnibba Lookout, you can see not only Geirangerfjord, but a dozen more fjords and snow-capped mountain peaks beyond. The highest vantage point in the region, this route was the handiwork of 300 men. The breathtaking Trollstigen Mountain Road, which was completed next, was built by 11 teams, one for each of its 11 hairpin bends. As you zigzag past waterfalls, you’ll be rewarded with views stretching miles from mountains to fjord.

Iceland: Wild at Heart 

From the imaginary kingdom of Westeros in Game of Thrones to Ridley Scott’s alien landscape in Prometheus, Hollywood directors looking for the most eye-popping and otherworldly terrain head to Iceland.  And no wonder: it’s striking at every turn.

A trio of unforgettable settings comprises what is famously known as the Golden Circle, a wealth of fantastic vistas that harken back to the world’s primeval origins. Thingvellir is the site of Iceland’s first parliament, which was called to order back in 930 AD. On the flat of a rift valley, lawmakers assembled in the open air to discuss clan business. It’s a wonder anyone could focus on the work at hand: the setting itself is a showstopper. Between tumults of rock, the verdant green plains are riven with gleaming pools that reflect the blue of the vast sky. Mountains overlook the scene and Iceland’s largest lake forms the far border.  It’s a truly inspiring setting for Iceland’s National Shrine, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Just a forty-minute drive away waits Haukadalur, a geothermal hotspot where the hissing earth vents its emotions, continually letting off steam. This is home to the original geyser—or at least to the first place ever called “Geysir,” the jettisoning plume after which all others have been named. Geysir, first mentioned in 13th-century accounts, has lately been dormant, but its  showoff sister Strokkur still regularly delivers scalding jets of water as high as 100 feet into the sky every ten or fifteen minutes.

At Iceland’s famous Gullfoss waterfall, the water cascades downward rather than spurting upward. These raucous waters plunge 100 feet into a ravine, a spectacular foaming curtain that seems to disappear into the earth.  It’s a feast for the senses: the roar of the falls, the transient spectacle of rainbows in sunlight, the spray of the mist cooling your skin.  According to locals, it’s so beautiful that when it was almost sold to foreign investors as a potential energy source, the landowner’s daughter threatened to throw herself into the crevice. Happily, she didn’t need to; Iceland bought the falls outright to protect them for eternity.

Few places on Earth match Norway and Iceland for their magnificent beauty and pristine wilderness shaped by glacial and volcanic forces. We invite you to join a Discovery Tours small group to experience them to their awe-inspiring fullness.

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