NewsSmall Group Discoveries

Dalmatia Exposed: The best vantage points, no matter the destination

on November 11, 2016

Call them gypsies, nomads or wanderers, Mark & Kate are truly Vagrants of The World by doing what most of us only wish we had the courage to do: sell everything you own and travel the world. Like many stories about following dreams, it was a combination of good timing and luck that permitted this couple to turn their passion into a lifestyle. Through their photographs, we followed them around the medieval landscape The Dalmatian Isles, Croatia & Slovenia provides. The Vagrants’ mantra of “Inspiration and ideas through slow travel and living local” epitomizes what our Discovery Tours offer. Each unique itinerary reveals the world in an intimate, unfiltered and authentic way. It is only with a small group size that allows you to truly savor the beauty of the destination.

Novice or newcomer… day or night… Mark & Kate provide easy, feasible methods of capturing moments you’ll want to relive at home again and again. Plus, find out their first hand recommendations on how to experience this magical archipelago to the fullest!

If you enjoy the value and convenience of escorted tours, but also crave an intimate view of local cultures that large groups can’t provide, then you’ll love Discovery Tours by Gate 1. Learn more about the tour the Vagrants selected or explore all of our destinations and be en route to your next adventure!

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Oslo’s Art of Reinvention

on November 10, 2016

Step aside, London and Paris. Move over Tokyo and Manhattan. There’s a new cultural capital on the map: Oslo. Granted, you can’t really call a nearly 967-year-old city “new” but with a recent boom in architecture and forward-thinking renovations of public space, it’s become the destination for those seeking sophisticated modern pleasures.

All eyes are on the waterfront. For the last decade, as part of a master plan reaching to 2020, Oslo has pumped money into transforming this once dour, industrial area into a glittering interconnected strand of inviting neighborhoods known as the Urban Fjord. The five-mile Havnepromenaden (Harbor Promenade) runs east to west like a ribbon tying the city together, with vivid orange markers guiding those who would like to follow the entire route.

One of the first finished areas was Sorenga, which boasts a public seawater pool and a lamplit tunnel that connects kayakers to the Akerselva River. Strolling down the promenade, you arrive at the new Barcode district, where shining ultramodern high-rises draw your gaze upward. Further along, the Aker Brigg Wharf is studded with cafes, boutiques, and a jetty rife with some of Oslo’s most acclaimed restaurants. One of the newest districts is Tjuvholmen, known for its romantic Venetian-style canals, and the Astrup Fearnley Museum, which has become a magnet for contemporary art lovers from across the globe.

The crown jewel of the waterfront remains the new Oslo Opera House. The 60-million-dollar beauty mixes gleaming glass with sloping white marble and granite ramps designed to mimic a glacier rising from the sea. Norwegians love strolling up the ramp-like surface all the way to the rooftop, where summertime begs for basking in the sunlight and taking in lovely views. It’s just one of the reasons the New York Times made Oslo one of the top places to visit in 2013, and called the city “ready to shine.”
Not all of Oslo’s treasures are new, of course. The Vigeland Sculpture Park is one of the great masterpieces of 20th-century culture in Oslo. The stunning outdoor collection of more than 200 granite, bronze, and wrought iron pieces is the largest sculpture park on earth by a single artist. Their creator, Gustav Vigeland, was considered a master in his own time: Back in the 1920s, the city agreed to build him a home, studio, and future museum. The result is the massive outdoor garden and a stunning indoor collection that Vigeland gifted to the city.

Perhaps Vigeland’s best known work, however, is his design for the Nobel Peace Prize medal. The Peace Prize is the only Nobel that is not awarded in Stockholm. The annual ceremony is a grand affair hosted at Rådhuset, Oslo’s City Hall, a modern-style building built in the mid-20th century. Yet its enormous clock face and carillon bell towers recall centuries-old European town halls, and the peal of the bells lends an especially timeless feel. True to Norway’s citizen-centered spirit, City Hall’s simple brick façade was meant to reflect the lives of ordinary Norwegian workers, while the stunning interior central hall is ablaze with color from the greatest Norwegian muralists and fresco artists.

With more treasures still in the making, Oslo feels like a thrilling hub of urban evolution. After nearly a millennium, travelers are finally taking notice: Oslo’s moment is now.

Visit Oslo, Norway with Gate 1 Travel today! View our trips to Norway here.

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

From the Gobi to Khovsgol: Keeping in Steppe with Mongolia’s Remote Beauty

on October 26, 2016

Most people envision unspoiled Mongolia as two ruggedly different environments: the barren Gobi Desert and vast steppes blanketed with grassland. But these two landscapes only paint a fraction of a remarkable canvas.

To start, the Gobi—one of the last great untraveled places on earth—is unlike any desert you’ve imagined. It is kept dry by the Himalayas, which prevent rain clouds from heading northeast. The Gobi is the third largest “hot” desert in the world, after the Sahara and the Arabian, and only three percent of it is actually covered by sand. The rest is a surprisingly diverse array of ecosystems: gravelly plains, exposed rock, soaring peaks, dizzying gorges, dense forest, and babbling springs. It all thrives with a miniscule amount of annual rainfall and supports a rich variety of wildlife.  Little wonder that 13 million acres of the desert have been declared the Great Gobi Protected Area, and comprise Asia’s largest UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Within this massive reserve, Gurvansaikhan National Park—whose name translates into “Three Beauties” for its three mountain ranges known as East, Middle, and West Beauty—hosts some remarkable desert delights. The range is completely surrounded by desert, yet a semi-permanent ice field clings to its slopes. Elsewhere, in Eagle Valley, the stunning bearded vulture, or lammergeyer, rides warm thermals where deep gorges have been carved into the desert floor. You might imagine this raptor has been around since the age of the dinosaurs. If so, then its ancestors would have witnessed the reign of Velociraptors and Tyrannosaurids here; dinosaur egg fossils and other prehistoric remains of these beasts have been uncovered in the shadow of the Flaming Cliffs, breathtaking monolithic rock formations named for their vivid red sandstone.

Perhaps the Gobi’s most mesmerizing natural wonder are its Singing Sands. You might think it magical that these towering sand dunes would whistle like desert spirits sending a message to the living. But this is a natural phenomenon, not a ghostly one. These sands can only sing because of a unique recipe found only here and a few other places on earth: Start with specifically-sized grains of sand … make sure they contain silica … and adjust the sand’s humidity to a very precise level. Add a gust of wind, and listen to the sands sing.

All told, the Gobi is a colossal, dynamic living organism that’s been known to affect climates outside its borders. Easterly winds during Mongolia’s stormy seasons can kick up Gobi dust and carry it to China, even lingering over major cities like Beijing.

Heading west from the Gobi, tiny villages of round tented huts called gers dot the green steppes. Wild horses drink from spring-fed, pristine lakes. Perhaps a nomadic family journeys across an open plain, their yak and reindeer and provisions in tow. And perhaps they are headed to Khovsgol in the far northwest, Mongolia’s green paradise of forests, mountains, and lakes.

Just over Khovsgol’s Sayan mountain range of 10,000-footers, Russia’s great Siberian wilderness—the taiga, or subarctic coniferous forest—stretches in all directions. Sacred rivers course down alpine slopes and feed some of the purest lakes in the world, Lake Khovsgol among them, known as the “dark blue pearl.” It is the largest fresh water lake in the country, and the centerpiece of a protected national park area larger than Yellowstone.

Life is simple here … both for the locals who have learned to welcome travelers without harming their cherished way of life … and for visitors who quickly learn to slow down to a peaceful pace among forests of Siberian larch trees and magenta fireweed. This is about as remote as the Gobi, perhaps even more so, the kind of place where you can hear yourself breathe amidst the whispers of a pine-scented breeze.

Who knew Mongolia was so magnificent? Discover it for yourself during our Mongolia & the Gobi Desert trip. Click here to learn more!

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

The Wrath of Khans

on October 24, 2016

Like all nations, Mongolia has seen its share of violent days. After all, if you’ve got building an empire on your mind, politeness is likely to fall away. The Mongolian Empire, largely bookended by Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan, blossomed throughout the 13th century, reaching as far west as today’s Poland, south to Pakistan and South China, and east all the way to Pacific shores. It was the largest contiguous land empire in human history, comprising 16% of the earth’s land surface. Herewith, the niceties of war, Khan-style:

  • Genghis Khan did not allow looting of his enemies without his prior approval, preferring to split acquired wealth among his warriors and their families.
  • He codified all laws, including prohibitions against selling women, stealing, fighting among Mongols, and hunting during the breeding season.
  • Genghis Khan declared religious freedom, international trade, and literacy for all, thus forming many alliances.
  • Genghis Khan saw his son and heir Ogedei as courteous, generous, and charismatic. Ironically, this kept the Empire on the path originally laid by Genghis, and Ogedei Khan expanded it to its farthest points west and south.
  • By the time of the third Khan’s enthronement at Karakorum in 1246, the reach of the Empire’s power was apparent: many foreign ambassadors attended Guyuk Khan’s coronation, including Pope Innocent IV, the Grand Duke of Moscow, a Seljuk Sultan, and the Emperor of India.
  • Khan #4, Mongke Khan, built Buddhist monasteries, mosques, and Christian churches in the Mongol capital. One prized installation in Karakorum was a silver tree whimsically adorned with pipes that dispensed various drinks. A replica of its stands before a Chinese temple today.
  • After Mongke Khan’s death, his two brothers Ariqboke and Kublai fought over the throne, stirring up a civil war in the once-united empire. Kublai emerged victorious.
  • Kublai Khan, after conquering all of China, became the first non-Chinese Emperor of that country. He grew the economy there and opened more than 20,000 public schools.
  • As the Mongol Empire grew, it broke into disparate factions who held allegiances to different ancestral brothers. By the time Kublai Khan died, southern expansion had reached its limit and over the following decades, the empire crumbled.
EuropeGate 1 Connections

Spectacular Scandinavia!

on October 20, 2016

Lovers of European history and culture can’t get enough of the continent. But many gravitate toward central and southern Europe. And as many Gate 1 travelers will tell you, they’re missing out. In the continent’s northern reaches, sweeping vistas and rich cultures unlike anywhere else on Earth are begging to be explored: deep, dramatic fjords and colossal glaciers shimmer in untouched splendor … charming farmhouses dwarfed by soaring peaks nestle in gently sloping valleys of green … cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages are married to the ebb and flow of the sea … a fascinating past stretches all the way to the Viking Age. What’s more, it’s all celebrated in some of the world’s most magnificent painting, music and literature borne from passionate national pride.

Norway’s Rich Culture and Magnificent Fjords

Norwegian Oslo exudes all the flair of any major European capital. The city takes full advantage of its seaside location, boasting a beautifully restored quay and a modern, world-class Opera House that slopes dramatically into the water. This innovative structure only hints at the city’s – and the nation’s – deep desire to stay connected to the natural world. You can witness the full expression of this desire at Vigeland Sculpture Park, a stunning outdoor installation of 212 bronze and granite sculptures depicting various stages of life. The artist behind these figures, Gustav Vigeland, is also beloved as the designer of the Nobel Peace Prize medal, which is awarded each year in Oslo’s City Hall. To glimpse Scandinavia’s Viking past, you can opt to visit three restored ships used by the explorers 1,200 years ago.

If the cosmopolitan beauty of Oslo takes your breath away, Norway’s natural beauty will send your spirit soaring. Lillehammer, situated at the northern end of Lake Mjosa, hosted the 1994 Winter Olympic Games and you’ll understand why when you witness its alpine setting. The town of Lom is home to one of the best preserved stave churches in the country, its wooden structure taking inspiration from its woodland surroundings. It was built without a single nail! But perhaps there is no more inspirational feature of Norway than its fjords.

Cruising the glacier-carved fjords is surely one of life’s most unforgettable and astonishing experiences. Depending on your itinerary, you’ll savor a leisurely cruise through Sognefjord, the longest and deepest of them all, and witness the magnificent natural splendor of these glacier-carved landscapes during a ride on the legendary Flam railway, passing flower-filled pastures, waterfalls and snow-covered peaks. This spectacular train journey, one of the world’s most scenic, climbs to 3,000 feet in 12 miles, delivering you to unbelievable vistas.

Nestled amidst it all is the historic coastal city of Bergen, capital of history’s Hanseatic League, the mercantile trade organization that controlled much of northern Europe’s trade in the Middle Ages. Its neat and pretty wooden structures recall the heydays when cargo ships unloaded pelts, spice, bronze and countless other wares from distant lands, filling the coffers of local merchants with endless riches. Today’s fish market still bustles with shoppers and made-to-order lunch stalls. Visit the Bergen Museum to learn more about this influential city’s fascinating past.

There is no more breathtaking way to take in the pristine and remote beauty of Norway than on a coastal cruise. You’ll trace the routes of postal ships, stopping at culture-rich cities and charming villages tucked into stunning fjords along the way. Exact itineraries of our multiple-night cruises vary. You might disembark to admire the Art Nouveau architecture of Alesund, rebuilt in this style after a fire destroyed the city in the early 20th century. Explore Trondheim, Norway’s oldest city and original capital. Cross the Arctic Circle, where you might spot sea eagles amidst the dramatic vistas of Bodo. Visit the Lofoten and Vesteralen Islands, known for their soaring granite cliffs and tiny fishing villages. Stop in Tromso, historic gateway to the northerly polar reaches, and witness the northernmost points of Europe during a call to Honningsvag or Hammerfest. Take all these sites in, and so much more, as you cruise among magnificent fjords and past staggering coastal mountains.

Sweden’s Grand Historic Capital

Spread across a vast archipelago, Stockholm is Sweden’s scintillating capital. Three of the city’s historic buildings stand out. The Royal Palace, a vast Italian-Baroque wonder and home to the Swedish royal family, overlooks the water from its perch on the island of Stadsholmen. Riddarholm Church, with its tall spire pointing skyward from the island of Riddarholmen, was the royal burial place until 1950. And the Romanesque City Hall on the island of Kungsholmen, with architectural touches that mirror the great buildings of Venice, hosts the Nobel Prize banquet each year. The city’s Gamla Stan, or Old Town, is a delightful maze of cobbled streets that lead to inviting squares surrounded by gabled houses and grand public buildings.

Second only to Stockholm in size and cultural offerings, Gothenburg is a lively university town. Many call it the friendliest city in Sweden, if not all of Scandinavia. One thing is certain: Its youthful vibe is truly contagious. You can tour this vibrant city via its charming 17th-century canals.

Denmark’s Fairytale Splendor

South of Sweden across the five-mile Oresund Bridge lies the island of Zealand, part of the nation of Denmark and home to the Danish capital, Copenhagen. The city is a delightful amalgam of elegant palaces, fairytale streets and beautiful public spaces. But amidst all the city’s grandiosity, every visitor is drawn to the Little Mermaid statue in the quaint park of Langelinie. The charming sculpture is based on the fairy tale written by the city’s native son, Hans Christian Andersen. During your stay in this pretty city, try a traditional smorrebrod, the Danish version of an open-faced sandwich. And if you wish, venture out of town to visit some of the country’s famed castles, including Elsinor, made famous by Shakespeare when he penned Hamlet.

Iceland’s Primeval Beauty

It’s easy to forget that Iceland is part of Scandinavia. But once you visit, you’ll surely never forget the unspoiled natural beauty that seems to steer you back to the very beginning of Earth’s origins.

Reykjavik is the nation’s gateway and the world’s northernmost capital city. You can get a good look at the city layout from Oskjuhlid Hill, where the lookout spot of Perlan provides excellent views. But you’ll want a closer look. As you explore the city, you’ll no doubt notice a charm reminiscent of smaller-scale buildings from the continent’s Old Towns. No grand palaces and enormous open squares here, just a delightful fully functioning city frozen in time that befits the nation’s small population. You’ll see the modest stone Parliament and the adjacent Cathedral, the National Museum, and the Hofdi House, where Reagan and Gorbachev famously met in 1986. Of course, a trip to the Reykjavik area isn’t complete without a soak in the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.

Outside Reykjavik, the modern day seems to slip away as you step into an untouched, primitive world marked by volcanic slopes, glaciers, waterfalls and geysers in a starkly beautiful landscape free of trees. Traversing this barren terrain, you can’t help but feel that this is what the earth must have looked like in primeval days. And you wouldn’t be far from the truth: Geologically, Iceland is a young land and its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge makes it an active and ever-changing zone. You’ll hear more about this during a visit to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located right on the ridge.

Witness all this breathtaking natural beauty when you stop to marvel at Dyrholaey Nature Reserve on the South Shore, admire the sheer splendor of Skaftafell National Park, thrill to the famous Gullfoss waterfall, and explore the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with its colossal Snaefellsjokull Glacier. That’s only a fraction of the unforgettable natural sites you’ll view.

Throughout your exploration on our Classic Iceland tour, you’ll stop to witness Icelandic culture and history, whether at the Skogar Folk Museum, the Fridheimar Tomato Farm, the Bjanarhofn Farm or the Settlement Center at Borgarnes, which chronicles the history of the Vikings here. Learn about the impact of global warming on the country’s glaciers, and hear how geothermal energy and a thriving greenhouse culture have helped Iceland harness energy in the most efficient manner.

To see even more of Iceland, choose the Kaleidoscope of Iceland tour, which circles the country on its world-famous ring road. See Akureyri, Iceland’s “cultural capital of the north”, and the exquisite Lake Myvatn and Dettifoss waterfall. Or you might wish to join the small group Discovery tour Iceland, Natural Force & Beauty, where you’ll have the chance to explore an ice cave inside Langjökull Glacier, and go on a whale watching boat trip in northern Iceland.

So Many Ways to Explore Scandinavia with Gate 1

The beauty of Gate 1 Travel is the many options you’ll enjoy as you decide how you’d best like to discover Scandinavia. If Russia is on your bucket list, for instance, then you’ll want to join our Scandinavia & Russia trip. In addition to exploring Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Stockholm, you’ll spend one night on a Baltic Sea ferry and two nights in Helsinki, Finland’s stylish and historic capital. Then board a high-speed train for a scenic journey to St. Petersburg, Peter the Great’s gilded city and home to the priceless collections of the Hermitage Museum. Continue by train to Moscow, Russia’s fascinating capital, where you can view the magnificent Faberge Eggs at the Armory Museum and explore the nation’s grandest gathering spot, Red Square, with its colorful onion-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral.

Get a closer look at Scandinavia when you explore with a small group on our Discovery Tours Scandinavia, Naturally Charming itinerary. Immerse yourself in the glories of Stockholm, Bergen, and Oslo. Plus, in Sweden, explore the architectural diversity of Falun and take in the alpine setting and Olympic venues of Lillehammer. In Norway, marvel at what many have called the most spectacular scenery in the world in Geiranger, nestled in a dramatic fjord, and visit Sogndal, home to a stunning stave church, one of the largest in Norway.

For More Natural Wonders, Look to the Sky

No one brings you this close to Scandinavia. And when you travel to these northern nations at the height of summer, you’ll enjoy them to their fullest, thanks to the near-constant Midnight Sun. Off season, too, has its advantages. The farther north you travel, the more likely you are to view the fantastical Northern Lights, a stunning celestial light show that illuminates the night sky in greens, blues and reds.  Of course, Gate 1 can never guarantee sightings, but should you join us at the right time of year, your Tour Manager will monitor conditions to increase your chances.

Discover Spectacular Scandinavia with Gate 1 Travel!

Join Gate 1 in Scandinavia and add its glorious cultural capitals, astonishing fjords, staggering mountains and dramatic landscapes to your favorite European destinations. And do so knowing that you’ll enjoy the best value in the industry, and the most rewarding experience. Join us!

EuropeTravel Tips

Scandinavia Climate & Clothing

on October 19, 2016

Denmark – The winters are not particularly cold, and the summers are cool. Autumn is the wettest season and spring is the driest. Spring and Fall: 32°F–61°F; Summer: 52°F–69°F; Winter: 28°F–39°F. Because of the country’s northern location, the length of the day with sunlight varies greatly. There are short days during the winter and long days during the summer. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, an all-weather jacket, and an umbrella.

Denmark Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#scandinavia-weather

Norway – Norway’s coastal regions tend to be temperate, with more extreme temperature ranges occurring further inland. Summers can be moderately warm, even in northern areas, but only for limited periods. The length of the winter and amount of snow varies by region. In the north there is more snow and winters are dark; on the southern and western coast, winters are moderate and rainy. Daylight also varies greatly during the year. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, warm clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket.

Norway Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#scandinavia-weather

Sweden – Temperatures vary greatly from north to south. Southern and central parts of the country have warm summers and cold winters, while the northern part of the country has shorter, cooler summers and longer, colder and snowier winters. Because of the high latitude, the length of daylight varies greatly. The sun never sets for part of each summer, and it never rises for part of each winter.

Sweden Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#scandinavia-weather
EuropeGate 1 ConnectionsMediterranean

Enter to win an all-inclusive getaway for 2 in Italy

on October 18, 2016

Enjoy a 7-night enchanting getaway for two to Italy. Experience Venice, Florence, and Rome! Prize provided by Gate 1 Travel.

Prize includes:

  • Round-trip airfare for 2 to Italy
  • 7 nights First Class accommodations:
    • 2 nights Venice or Venice Lido
    • 2 nights Florence
    • 2 nights Rome
  • Tour ancient Italian cities and gorgeous countryside
  • 11 Meals, including 4 dinners with wine
  • $500 Draper James shopping spree
  • Rustic Italian box from Hamptons Lane

Click here to enter now!

Good luck!

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Mongolia’s Cultural Touchstones

on October 18, 2016

Mongolia’s national flag tells a story. In its left bar, the Soyombo stands proud, a symbol of Buddhism—the sun, moon, stars, and heavens represented in ornate geometric form. It seems simple enough, this national proclamation of united religion. But it stands for a victorious triumph after a long 20th-century struggle under Communism.

In 1924, Mongolia was home to 100,000 Buddhist monks. But as Communism took hold from neighboring Russia, 700 monasteries were closed or destroyed, Buddhist teachings were repressed and monks were killed. By 1990, 110 monks lived quietly in hidden monasteries. A year later, with the fall of Communism, that all changed. Buddhism once again rose as Mongolia’s dominant religion, and other religions such as shamanism also emerged from the shadows.

It’s a long, dark chapter, one that underscores the unwavering passion of a peaceful people. And it holds a lesson: Don’t let Genghis Khan, Kublai Kahn, and the warring ways of the Mongolian Empire fool you. Mongolians are peace-loving, big-hearted, and eager to share their culture with visitors.

Mongolians of today are not defined by borders, but by openness; it might be the wide spaces and vast steppes in which they live that lulls them into kindness. That’s why you’re likely to get invited into many a ger (the circular, tented structures they call home—again, no harsh straight lines here) for tea, mutton soup, or a cup of airag, fermented mare’s milk. Fried dumplings, called khuushuur, might also be on the menu. To be sure, Mongolian cuisine is simple, derived as it is from nomadic ways that require the most efficient use of livestock and humble harvests. And don’t be surprised if you’re invited to wash it all down with Mongolian grain vodka, a holdover from Russia’s occupation.

Seasonal festivals similarly take their cues from a rugged past. The Naadam, for instance, is perhaps Mongolia’s most famous national sport gathering. For three days each July, towns all over the country participate in Olympic-style games of strength and endurance.

Naadam is known locally as “Eriin Gurvan Naadam,” or the Three Games of Men: wrestling, horse racing, and archery. In these modern times, the Games’ title is no longer accurate as women now participate in the latter two. (The wrestling costume, an open-fronted jacket called a zodog, ensures that women do not try to enter that competition.) Naadam is a tradition that dates back 1,000 years, and the events are based on the traditional hunting culture of the Mongolian army. At the largest venue for the Games, in Ulaanbaatar, more than 600 horses stampede across the steppe for ten miles.

The Golden Eagle Festival—founded very recently, in 2000—demonstrates another symbol of military might: the event’s namesake bird. This powerful raptor has long been used to hunt for food and pelts, and each October the best falconers descend on a valley in the Altai Mountains to show off the speed, agility, and accuracy of their birds.

No doubt music plays a part in these celebrations, and most certainly at more intimate gatherings. Like so much of Mongolian culture, the country’s music has firm roots in nature and nomadism. The nation’s most famous instrument—the morin khur, a bowed stringed instrument with a boxy base and long neck—is said to produce a sound resembling a neighing horse or, even more poetically, a breeze blowing through the grasslands. Khoomei, or throat singing, is a haunting multi-tone melody produced deep in the throat. “Long song”—so named not because of a song’s length but because of each syllable’s length within the song—also plays a crucial part in the Mongolian songbook.

Experience Mongolia’s rich and welcoming culture during our Mongolia & the Gobi Desert trip. Click here to learn more!

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Notes on an Itinerant People

on October 12, 2016

Mongolia’s Nomads Cling to a Treasured Way of Life

In the annals of travel, one of the oft-quoted explorers, Marco Polo, is reported to have said on his death bed, “I did not tell half of what I saw. No one would have believed it.”
The 13th-century adventurer journeyed to the exotic ends of the world and returned home with stories of double-humped camels and long-haired cattle. Indeed, many of his readers believed his stories were outrageous and called him a liar. Surely, they said, such bizarre creatures could not roam the earth!

Of course, the four-legged wonders that Marco Polo witnessed in Mongolia were emblematic of a larger and far more exotic world than anyone back home in the civilized Venetian Republic could have dreamed. Imagine, for instance, a people who never stayed in one place … who lived off the land completely with no sense of permanent, centralized community … who lived in round huts made of animal pelts that could be disassembled quickly when it was time to move on to their next home. “No one would have believed it,” the traveler wrote. Indeed, Mongolia’s rugged culture and its people’s itinerant ways must be seen to be believed. And Discovery Tours invites you to do just that.

An Ancient Capital on the Move
The history of Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, says a lot about the nomadic culture that still survives today. Typically, young countries establish capitals in order to centralize government functions and develop a national and cultural pride of place. Not so in Ulaanbaatar. This fledgling capital was founded in 1639 as a mobile monastery, a seat for the first Tibetan lama of Mongolia, Zanabazar. Simply put, this capital city was nomadic, moving from place to place as the need for supplies dictated.

It must have been quite a site to see a capital city on the move; thousands of gers—the round tent-like structures that served as homes—would have been broken down, packed away, and loaded into a massive caravan of wheeled carts pulled by horses, yaks, and reindeer. It was an epic seasonal exodus that led to temporary establishments along the Selenge, Orkhon, and Tuul rivers. To Western eyes, it seems like it would have been a hard life, and perhaps it was. But the lama preferred his capital to be mobile so that his monastery could better serve its people. Then there was the added benefit of being able to relocate quickly to Inner Mongolia during the Dzungar Wars in the late 17th century.

All told, Ulaanbaatar settled in 24 places. Its shortest stay was less than a year; its longest was 34 years. In 1778, as the U.S. was stepping into independence, the city settled in its current location where the Selbe and Tuul rivers meet.

So a nomadic lifestyle would seem to be coursing through Mongolians’ blood, if not coded into their DNA. Many still move with their livestock two-to-four times a year as their livelihood depends on the health of their horses, yaks, and reindeer. After all, greener pastures mean a healthier diet. It’s a life dictated by the cycle of seasons, and many might tell you that it comes with a freedom as wide as the endless steppes.

Ger: the Basis for Nomadic Life
Of course, in order to move about so often, one needs the Mongolian version of a mobile home. The round, tent-like ger is just that. You might know these simple structures as yurts, an equally accurate term that was used by Russians when they occupied Mongolia in the 20th century. So perfect is the structure of the ger for nomadic life that it hasn’t changed in 1,000 years—a circular lattice skeleton; a central wooden dome, kind of a large inverted dish set on pillars; a series of radial ribs connecting the dome and the lattice; all covered with animal pelts.

The ger, in fact, may be the closest tie that American culture—and other cultures around the world—have to Mongolia. They are not unfamiliar structures, thanks in part to William Coperwaite, a Harvard educator from Maine who was first inspired to build these round huts in the 1960s after reading a National Geographic article chronicling the Mongolian journey of Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas. But many of these so-called replicas, found at campgrounds or ski resorts around the world, are made with higher-grade materials and stand as permanent structures, so they are far from authentic or culturally accurate.

The Steed of the Steppes
Mongolia is two-and-a-half times the size of Texas. And just like in that southern state, its people relied on the horse for transportation from the country’s earliest days. Camels and reindeer may also have gotten people where they needed to go, but horses provided greater speed compared to these pack animals. So you can imagine that nomadic cultures evolved to become very horse-centric.

The timeless image of the Mongolian horseman is the leathery-skinned loner cantering astride his steed on a grassy steppe, his deel or robe dancing on a breeze. It is an intimate connection between herder and horse. Some riders carve their saddles from wood and adorn them with silver. And the horse’s mane is braided into rope. But horse and rider most thrillingly take center stage each year during the horse races of Naadam.

A Culture on the Edge
Few nomadic people remain in the world, so this Mongolian culture is precious. Many factors are contributing to their dwindling numbers. Mongolia’s economy, for one, is showing great promise. So the younger generation is being drawn to larger cities to pursue 21st-century careers. Climate change is also creating a shift in the environment as deserts reach out to strangle fertile grasslands, threatening grazing land, herds, and the nomadic way of life. Recent winters have been harsh, too, driving herders to opt for lives in mining towns and more urban comforts.

Still, the vast majority of Mongolia’s landscapes remains innocent and unspoiled and pure. And its nomads remain as much a part of the season’s cycles as the shifting winds.

Witness Mongolia’s nomadic culture during our Mongolia & the Gobi Desert trip. Click here for trip details!

jerusalem
Gate 1 ConnectionsMediterranean

Discover the Sacred Sites of Israel at Gate 1’s Value Pricing

on September 29, 2016

There are as many reasons to visit Israel with Gate 1 Travel as there are historic and religious sites in this incredible nation. If you’ve traveled with us before, you know that our value is unmatched. This is especially true in Israel, where we’ve fostered longstanding relationships for many years. No other company shows you the best of Israel for less.

Of course, the most convincing reason to visit Israel lies in the inspirational blend of culture, religion and history you’ll find here. Read on to learn more.

Jerusalem: The Soul of Israel

Perhaps no other city in the world boasts such a dense concentration of religious sites as Jerusalem. Many call this city the soul of Israel, and it’s easy to understand why. Powerful and moving emblems of faith appear on every corner of the Old City, as you’ll see in the Stations of the Cross that line the Via Dolorosa, or Way of Sorrows. Jesus is said to have walked this road while bearing His cross. This pilgrimage route – and our own walk – ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built on the site of His crucifixion. It’s a particularly moving visit – especially if you also pay homage at the place of His birth, Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, and at the Church of the Annunciation in the city of His youth, Nazareth.

In the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem, the Temple Mount – crowned by the gilded Dome of the Rock – is said to shelter the Talmudic source of life, the site from where God gathered dust to create man. In Islamic faith, it is the location of Mohammed’s ascent to heaven. More than this, it is a symbol of unity, as Gabriel brought Mohammed here to pray with Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The Western (or Wailing) Wall borders the temple – a pilgrimage site where the devout worship and insert prayerful slips of paper in the crannies between the mortar and rock. It is impossible to not be moved by the power of this place. We’ll examine it all as closely as religious law allows, then step outside the Old City for a breathtaking bird’s eye view from atop Mt. Zion – site of the ancient City of David.

Jerusalem’s new city is no less inspiring, as you might choose to discover for yourself. At the Israel Museum, art and archaeology from the country’s millennia of history are on display, none more remarkable than the fourth- and fifth-century Dead Sea Scrolls, housed under an impressive white dome. From inspiring to sobering, you may also visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

During your stay, you can join our excursion to test the Dead Sea’s buoyancy; its waters are 34% saline! Farther south, the towering massif of Masada tells the dramatic story of 960 Jewish rebels who committed suicide in AD 73 rather than surrender to the Roman Empire.

Tiberias: Gateway to the Jordan River Valley: The “Garden of God”

The River Jordan played a crucial part in Christian theology, the scene of miracles, battles, and baptisms. Most notably, John baptized Jesus in its waters at a site that we’ll visit. Today, the valley’s fertile history is on rich display and you can unravel it all, and so much more, during an enriching stay in Tiberias, hugging the Sea of Galilee’s shores. Nearby, Beit She’an a city dating to the 15th-century BC, invites you to stroll through 5,000 years of history.

Thousands of years of Canaanite, Egyptian, Roman, Arab, Byzantine, and Ottoman history blanket the shores of the Sea of Galilee. There’ll be ample time to explore Tiberias on your own – perhaps sampling one of its soothing thermal springs. But we suspect you’ll want to set out to discover more of Israel’s wide variety of sites. In Upper Galilee, a mystical Kabbala artists’ colony welcomes you, and in the Golan Heights, you may sample special vintages at a kosher winery. Perhaps, too, you will visit the remarkably historic port city of Acre, or Akko, where echoes of knights and crusaders whisper in Ottoman-era medieval streets, and explore the ancient ruins of Capernaum and the fabled spot where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, the Mount of Beatitudes.

Haifa & Tel Aviv: “Israel’s Riviera”

The Mediterranean Sea does not spring to everyone’s mind when they think of Israel. But some of the country’s most beautiful places grace its sun-kissed coast. The splendid terraced Baha’i Gardens offer magnificent views of Haifa. Mt. Carmel was the spot of Elijah’s sacrifice by fire by which he miraculously ended a drought. And in Caesarea, seat of Pontius Pilate and of impressive Roman and Crusader ruins, Herod the Great built a city to rival Rome. With the blue waters of the Mediterranean as their backdrop, these historic sites are all the more magnificent.

If Jerusalem is Israel’s soul, Tel Aviv is its beating heart. This young and vibrant city on the sea never sleeps, and offers a fun and fascinating glimpse into the country’s modern lifestyle. Whether you prefer an hour on the beach or an afternoon shopping at the Dizengoff Center, Tel Aviv never disappoints. By contrast, in the city’s southern districts, Jaffa is a wellspring of biblical and rabbinical history.

VENTURE BEYOND THE ESSENTIAL

As we’ve said, our 8 Day Essential Israel program offers Gate 1’s best value. But of course, there’s more to this magnificent country, from the stark beauty of its deserts and rich kibbutz culture to the staggering sites of its neighbor, Jordan. On these inspiring journeys, too, Gate 1’s value can’t be matched.

Take the Road to the Red Sea

In the south of Israel, the Negev stretches to the Red Sea. The desert makes for a mesmerizing drive through arid plains, but it’s not all barren land. At Kibbutz Sde Boker, the first prime minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion, retired and passed away. We’ll stop to pay respects at his grave. Farther south, the small town of Mitzpe Ramon sits on the northern ridge of the Ramon Crater. This once-forgotten enclave, built as a camp for the workers who laid the road to the Red Sea, is coming into its own as an eco-tourist destination.

The sea resort town of Eilat is a geographic crossroads; Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia are all visible from this northern tip of the Red Sea. Our days here are unregimented, with lots of time to swim or snorkel. And there’s plenty more to explore from here: join optional tours to the magnificent ancient city of Petra or to the Timna Valley, home to incredible rock formations carved by desert wind and the once-active copper mines known as King Solomon’s Mines.

While You’re Here, Marvel at Jordan’s Wonders

Throughout our Israel trips, Jordan is always right across the border. So it only makes sense to select an itinerary that also explores this welcoming and remarkable country. Its gleaming capital Amman, called the “white city” for the stone used to build its houses, is rich in culture and tradition. Outside Amman, Jerash – the “Pompeii of the East” – provides incredible insight into the lives of the Romans in one of their more remote outposts. And on the summit of Mt. Nebo, you’ll not only have views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea; you’ll also see the reputed burial site of Moses. But perhaps Jordan’s most magnificent gem is Petra, the red sandstone city carved into rocky cliff faces.

Essential Israel Is a Must for Travelers Yearning to Unravel the Nation’s Mysteries

No matter how you choose to visit Israel with Gate 1, you’ll discover that this small country holds countless surprises. Remember – our 8 Day Essential Israel itinerary provides our very best value. Plus, we offer numerous other comprehensive tours packed with sightseeing. One thing is certain: whether this is your first visit or your fifth, we’ll show it all to you at a price that beats any other tour operator. Join us!

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