More of the World for Less!
Gate 1 traveler Gabriel Duarte (@photographyloverla) spotted this accessorized baby lamb on our Ecuador, the Amazon & Peru with Machu Picchu tour. How precious!
The glamorous ungulate was seen sporting a sassy cap of red, blue and yellow yarn and wrapped in a traditional Peruvian-style cloth, carried by her proud owner through the streets of Peru’s capital. Shop her look in one of Cuzco’s famous open-air markets on a journey through Ecuador & Peru!
The unspoiled savannahs of Kenya are renowned as an untamed wilderness. Left unchecked, nature would take its course and species would thrive and falter as they may. But many animals are vulnerable to human interference such as poaching, loss of habitat due to human encroachment, deforestation and drought. These all threaten populations—and nature’s balance—leaving newborns as orphans and herds at risk. That’s where two remarkable organizations come in to play, and you’ll visit them in a small group during our Kenya Safari Exploration.
Nurturing Orphans Back into the Wild
It is not uncommon for the passionate and caring staff of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) to encounter baby elephants alone in the bush. In many cases, they have wandered from their families, victims of poaching; the little calves have been spared because they have not yet developed ivory tusks. The story is told time and again, which is why the DSWT developed the Orphans’ Project, the most successful orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world.
The adorable little elephants are brought to the Trust’s farm-like clinic, fed a steady diet, and taught skills by the staff that they will never learn from their mothers and aunts, all while being eased out of the trauma of loss. It is a remarkable thing to witness as these miniature beasts bond with staff, following them wherever they go.
Since its founding, DSWT has successfully reared some 150 elephants and reintegrated them into the wild. In fact, many wild-born calves are reared in the wild by elephants that were nurtured back to health at the clinic, a hopeful note that the work they do has fostered entire generations.
Elephants are not the only focus of DSWT. Black Rhinos, also prized for their tusks, are also raised at the clinic. The Trust’s efforts also include anti-poaching initiatives, protecting the natural environment, raising community awareness, animal welfare and veterinary services to wild animals. Founded in 1977, it is one of the pioneering wildlife conservation organizations in East Africa.
Saving a Threatened Giraffe
Nearby, the Giraffe Center, part of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, has similar goals to support the preservation of the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe. It is thought that just several hundred of these majestic creatures remain in the wild, and you just might spot some during your game drives at Lake Nakuru National Park, distinguishable by their creamier-colored coat and the “white stockings” above their hooves. Curiously, the Rothschild’s is also the only species to have five ossicones on its head, the stubby antler-like horns. (Most other species only have two.)
Founded in 1979 as a breeding center, the Giraffe Center today is also an educational center for Kenyan youth. Their vision is to create a harmonious relationship between man and nature by raising awareness among the next generation. This is no small task considering the vast natural resources and wildlife that Kenya hosts. But all of the center’s programs are offered to schoolchildren free of charge, so we can hope that this brings greater access, and with it much success.
The focal point of the center is the giraffe feeding platform, a raised structure that lets you meet these gentle giants at their level. Inside, an auditorium offers talks to guests. And it is all charmingly decorated with artwork created by local schoolchildren – inspired by the giraffes, of course!
The small group size of our Kenya Safari Exploration lets us experience these remarkable places at their fullest. We hope you’ll visit them with us.
Photo credit: Kent DuFault
Gate 1 traveler Stephen Wang visited China on our 14 Day China with 4 Day Yangtze River Cruise, and he’s sharing the story of his travels on his photography website. Stephen opted to take a guided tour with his father on his first trip to China, where his grandparents originated, “since neither of us speak Chinese, and we don’t have family there anymore,” he says. “It was a fantastic trip, and it was great to experience the country my ancestors are from.”
Though the 14-day tour includes visits to China’s key tourist sites, including the Great Wall, Three Gorges Dam and the Terracotta Army, “we also got to explore on our own and experience the local culture outside the touristy areas,” Stephen notes. “One of my favorite parts of the trip was walking through local markets and checking out all the fruits, vegetables, meats, and even a dentist.” He and his father took the optional tour to Suzhou, where Stephen’s grandmother is from, for a boat ride through the city’s meandering canals.
Though not usually a cruiser, Stephen said the Yangtze River cruise route “passing through gorges and seeing towns along the shore definitely beats being out in the middle of the ocean.” He snapped some amazing photos of the many sights along the riverbanks, including the traditional stilt houses of the Three Gorges tribe, wild monkeys, and jaw-dropping cliffs and caves.
Stephen appreciated the additional value that our local tour managers provide. “Our guide Jason did a fantastic job showing us around, organizing our accommodations, and sharing his vast knowledge of his country with us,” he says.
Click here for more details about our 14-day China tour, and head over to Stephen’s blog to see his incredible photos from the trip!
A passenger snapped this photo in Lucerne, Switzerland, a city nestled between pristine lakes and gorgeous mountainous panoramas in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
A Gate 1 Travel tour doesn’t miss an opportunity to showcase the charms of the Alps region, with plenty of time to shop for chocolate, watches and world-famous Swiss and German cuckoo clocks.
This image depicts the medieval Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe, and Lucerne’s most iconic attraction. The bridge was originally built in 1333 as part of Lucerne’s fortifications.
While in Lucerne, don’t miss the exciting optional visit to Mount Pilatus, including a cable car ride to the summit at nearly 7000 feet; a perfect opportunity to admire the spectacular views of the Bernese Oberland and snowcapped Swiss Peaks!
Nepal’s Mount Everest looms large in popular culture as the tallest mountain in the world, challenging generations of mountaineers and adventurers. After our time in the sun-drenched tropics of India, we move on to Nepal’s higher altitude to view this unique region from a totally different perspective.
Our 16 Day Deluxe India with Nepal takes us to Kathmandu, in the shadow of the Himalayas, a melting pot of Indian and Tibetan cultures fondly called “The Roof of the World.” We’ll stay at Dwarika’s Hotel, modeled after the palaces of Newar Kings and home to a fascinating collection of 13th century artifacts.
Beneath the tallest mountain range in the world, we gather for a private lecture and conversation with an experienced Mt. Everest sherpa. Listen to stories of climbers’ determination and courage as they attempt to reach the peak of the world’s tallest mountain.
In clear weather, we rise before dawn for our flightseeing tour with views of Mt. Everest, soaring 29,000 feet above sea level. Embrace the exhilaration of viewing the dramatic Himalayas and glorious Mount Everest as the morning sun casts golden shadows on the mountain peaks. Our exploration of rural Nepal takes us to the town of Nagarkot, where we can admire spectacular panoramas of the Himalayas and the Kathmandu Valley. We end our Himalayan adventure with a sumptuous celebration dinner of Nepalese specialties in Kathmandu.
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Lake Pichola is a freshwater lake created in 1362 AD by the romantic city of Udaipur, chosen by rulers as the site of numerous grand palaces for its rolling hills and beautiful sunsets. Several islands on the lake host palaces, marble temples, and family mansions.
Our Signature Collection tour shows off Udaipur’s legendary scenery at its very best. We stay in a luxury hotel spread over 50 acres of sanctuary, affording spectacular views across verdant gardens and the sparkling lake. We have the opportunity to take an afternoon boat ride around pristine Lake Pichola to the resplendent Jag Mandir Palace, built of marble and yellow sandstone.
Beautifully ornamental bridges span narrow waterways at several points around the lake. You’ll likely catch glimpses of Lake Pichola’s abundant wildlife; the area serves as a sanctuary for egrets, terns, cormorants and kingfishers.
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Chandni Chowk, or Moonlight Square, is one of the largest and oldest bazaars in India, designed over 400 years ago by Jahan Ara, the daughter of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The market originally featured canals filled with water to reflect the moonlight. Shops were originally built in a half-moon arrangement.
On the 13 Day Deluxe India, a tricycle rickshaw takes us on a ride through the endlessly fascinating streets of Old Delhi to the lively bazaar. With its endless rows of stalls and pungent aromas, you can find anything here from spices to local handicrafts to hand-loomed silk saris.The massive Red Fort, recalling the splendor and magnificence of Mughal Delhi, is located within the market. Its dazzling treasures highlight thousands of years of Indian history.
Chandni Chowk is bursting with authentic and specialty delicacies, spices and sweets. Try local favorite jalebi, a pretzel-shaped sweet fried in clarified butter and soaked in fruit-infused syrup.
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Where but Iceland can you relax in a hot spring and hike a glacier in one day? Iceland is split between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are slowly separating each year. This geologic oddity means the tiny island is home to a host of natural wonders, including volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs.
Ashley (@smashleylanders) took this photo of the Blue Lagoon after a short hike on rugged lava fields nearby. “The lagoon was our first visual experience of Iceland,” Ashley says. “The spa at Blue Lagoon was the perfect way to recover from the flight.”
Ashley traveled to Iceland on Gate 1’s 5 Day Iceland’s Northern Lights package. “My best friend and I travel together every year, and this was the perfect long-weekend trip,” she says. “Everyone is extremely friendly and Reykjavik is very quaint, accessible, and safe. The Golden Circle Tour is a must-see. Each site gives you a better perspective on how Iceland harnesses and utilizes its natural resources.”
Ashley also stopped for a shot of the Mid-Atlantic ridge, where the two continents have separated. We have this tiny chasm to thank for shaping Iceland into a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth!
Kerala’s Mystical, Magical Backwaters
Kerala is one of India’s smallest provinces, but it’s big on discovery and magnificent natural wonders. Nestled in the southwestern corner of India, it stretches 370 miles at the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea and extends just 7 miles inland at its narrowest point and 75 miles at its widest.
The small city of Alleppey lies in the midst of a vast network of peaceful, isolated backwaters where life goes on much as it has for centuries. Within this magnificent, unspoiled maze of rivers, lakes, canals and lagoons – a circuitous labyrinth of some 600 miles that has earned it the nickname “Venice of the East” – rice paddy fields and dense forests teeming with wildlife blanket the shores; fishermen ply calm waters in traditional longboats or in vallams, a type of canoe; children splash on shallow banks; and kingfishers perch in riverside coconut palm trees waiting for an opportunity to snatch an unsuspecting meal from the waters.
Kerala is home to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna. About one-quarter of all India’s plant species are here, remarkable for such a small region. Also roaming the forests are 102 species of mammal, including the Indian elephant and Bengal tiger; 476 types of birds such as the great hornbill; and 169 reptiles, including India’s legendary king cobra and mugger crocodile.
But it’s not only the natural beauty and simple living for which this breathtaking region is known. Within these forests, medicinal plants have been harvested over the centuries and given birth to the Ayurveda movement. It’s a long tradition rooted in the herbal oils and exotic spices that first drew Portuguese explorers to these shores. Today, the natural treatments first discovered here and the principles of Buddhism they follow form the basis of alternative health practices and philosophies of well-being all around the world.
In your Discovery Tours small group, you’ll board one of the kettuvallams that cruise among these serene waters. These elegant houseboats were originally used to transport rice, spices and other goods; thatched roofs protected the harvests from the elements. Later, a select few were converted to royal barges, extravagantly outfitted for the pleasure of maharajahs and their families. You will embark and get underway with your crew. As you quietly drift along, you’ll marvel at a way of life that you never dreamed still existed. You might even see some fishermen wading into the waters up to their necks, seeking out fish with their feet.
During your cruise, your expert crew will prepare a lunch of authentic Keralan cuisine, flavored with the spices for which this region has long been celebrated. Perhaps a curry or masala dish will enhance your backwater experience, with ample locally grown rice. You’ve never had a “farm to table” experience quite like this, in a setting so magical. It is an experience unlike any other.
Experience Kerala’s spectacular backwaters up close during our Spiritual Southern India tour!
