Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

An Intimate Glimpse of Gandhi

on May 25, 2016

Mahatma Gandhi was one of India’s most seminal figures. Discovery Tours small groups learn more about him during a visit to the Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai, one of five museums throughout the country dedicated to the national hero.

This remarkable museum was born from a remarkable request. Several years after Gandhi’s assassination, a call went out to all the people of India to establish memorial sites to the man who won them their independence from Britain. Rich and poor and other Indians from all walks of life contributed to the cause. The Madurai museum opened in 1959 in the palace of Rani Mangammal, who reigned over this region at the turn of the 18th century and was instrumental in creating its infrastructure – a fitting place to commemorate the man who laid the foundations of India’s independence.

Gandhi famously embraced nonviolent protest in the face of tyranny. This gentle man brought only himself – clad in a pure white dhoti and shawl – to confrontations with officials of the British Raj, who were donned in full uniform and weaponry. But this was no meek and simple man. He was a brilliant arbiter of morality who earned a law degree in London. Before he stood up against oppressors in his own country, he practiced law for the expatriate Indian community in South Africa, who were also being denied their civil rights.

He returned to India to lead peasants and farmers in protests against high taxes and discrimination. His causes expanded to include other social justice issues, such as women’s rights, poverty alleviation and religious harmony. Famously, he led the 1930 “Salt March,” a 24-day walk to the sea to protest the British criminalization of making salt from seawater, which had been a long-held Indian practice long before the British landed on Indian shores. In 1942, Gandhi’s “Quit India” speech implored British withdrawal and led to the imprisonment of many of his followers. Gandhi, too, spent many years in prison for his various protests. Also throughout his life, he went on long fasts to draw attention to the British oppression of Indian people and gain international attention.

In 1947, Gandhi’s efforts proved victorious as Britain granted India independence, creating the nations of Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan. Religious violence resulted as many Hindus and Muslims relocated to their respective new countries. In this volatile and ever-changing environment, Gandhi was assassinated, in 1948.

The Gandhi Memorial Museum is a remarkable collection of artifacts from his life, including handwritten correspondence, rare photographs, and other items, even a piece of the blood-stained clothing he was wearing when he was shot. It is a touching tribute to an iconic man, and a celebration of India’s road to freedom.

Visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum during our Spiritual Southern India tour!

AfricaMediterraneanUncategorized

Rabat, Morocco: A City of Contrasts

on May 20, 2016

Nestled right between the Atlantic & the Mediterranean, Morocco is truly a crossroads of world cultures. The small kingdom of 30 million people sits at the western tip of Africa, just 7 miles from the coast of Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. Morocco’s vibrant culture reflects centuries of European, West African, Arab, and indigenous influences.

rabat red.jpg

A Gate 1 traveler took this colorful photo last week on our 13 Day Kaleidoscope of Morocco tour. The group visited Rabat, Morocco’s coastal capital, where the traveler took advantage of the refreshing Atlantic breezes by the beach. “This city is overwhelmingly beautiful,” she notes.

From Rabat, our tour continues to Fez to visit its famous tanneries and wander its ancient medina, and dine with a local family. We’ll spend nights in the cedar woods of the Atlas Mountains, the vast Sahara Desert, and the towering canyons of Ouarzazate before arriving in Marrakesh, site of the lively Jema al Fna square. After a whirlwind of tastes, geographies, sounds and cities, you’ll fall in love with Morocco’s mosaic of cultures.

Latin AmericaTravel Tips

Staying Healthy While Traveling in Peru

on May 19, 2016

While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, especially if traveling to the Amazon or onward to Bolivia. Please consult your physician before traveling to Peru.

You may encounter mosquitoes in both urban and rural areas, especially during wet seasons. Travelers are encouraged to bring insect repellant and consider wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs.

Traveler’s diarrhea caused by contaminated food or water, often resulting in dehydration, is common. Take care to follow these steps to avoid or reduce the symptoms.

  • Drink only bottled water.
  • Avoid unpasteurized cheeses and unpeeled or unwashed fruits and vegetables.
  • Eggs, meat and seafood should be properly and fully cooked.
  • Please note that the popular Peruvian alcoholic beverage, Pisco Sour is often made with uncooked egg white.
  • If you have contracted diarrhea, let your stomach rest. Do not eat for several hours or until you are feeling better.
  • Drink bottled or boiled water and rehydration beverages containing electrolytes (sports drinks) frequently and in small amounts.
  • Resume your diet with simple and bland foods, such as crackers, rice, bread, potatoes, or bananas, which usually will help slow diarrhea.


High Altitude Illness:
Altitude illness occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in the air at high altitudes, including Cuzco (11,000 feet) and Puno (12,600 feet). Altitude illness will affect some travelers, with no apparent regard to age, gender or physical condition. Symptoms may include headache, loss of appetite, dizziness and trouble sleeping. For some it will pass within a few hours, however for many the condition if gone untreated may last for several days. We urge you to read and follow these suggestions in order to reduce the chances and/or severity of altitude illness.

  • Prior to departure, speak with your health care provider. They may recommend the medication acetazolamide (Diamox), which has been found to reduce the symptoms if taken a day or two before you depart.
  • Stick to a light diet the day before traveling to a high altitude. Foods found easy to digest include fish, chicken and hot liquids. Avoid fried foods, beef, lamb and caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before and during your stay. Many find saline nasal drops/spray beneficial.
  • Upon arrival take it easy. Allow your body to adjust by lying down for 10-15 minutes. Rest as much as possible during the trip. Over-exertion can exacerbate the symptoms.
  • Oxygen can be beneficial, and is easily found in airports, hotels and pharmacies.
  • For headaches, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) have been found to be helpful.
  • Coca tea and wild mint (Munia) may ease the symptoms.
  • A diet high in carbohydrates, breads, cereals, grains, and pasta can also help alleviate the symptoms.

Once again, we highly suggest you consult your personal healthcare provider before making the decision to travel to any high altitude destination and before choosing any course of treatment.

Gate 1 ConnectionsLatin AmericaNews

Gate 1 Travel Announces World-Class Amazon River Cruise

on May 18, 2016

Gate 1 Travel Announces World-Class Amazon River Cruise

The Peruvian Amazon River has long been a favorite destination of Gate 1 travelers. For many years, guests have experienced the lush and legendary rainforest from tourist-class lodges.

Now, we’re thrilled to announce that you can experience the Amazon River in a whole new way with Gate 1 Travel: aboard the world-class Amazon Discovery river ship. This deluxe 42-passenger river ship, just launched in October 2015, was custom-built to sail the waters of the Amazon, offering the ultimate in comfort and the most sweeping views of the ever-changing river and its wildlife and tribal villages. There’s no better way to experience the Amazon up close and in complete comfort!

The New Amazon Discovery: Your Floating Hotel on a Magnificent River

Observe the passing riverbanks from the comfortable indoor and outdoor lounges on the top deck. Sip a pisco sour at the full bar. Indulge yourself at the onboard spa or at the gym. And find the perfect keepsake at the ship’s boutique. The amenities on board the Amazon Discovery are elegant and refined and never over the top, because we know you’ve come to the Amazon to fully experience its spectacular wilderness and fascinating cultures without distraction. And the onboard naturalists help you do just that. Interpretive Amazon guides, many of whom grew up right on the Amazon’s shores, add immeasurably to your journey, filling you in on the plants and birdlife you’ll see along the way and sharing the region’s rich history and tribal insights.

Each suite was designed with your comfort in mind, featuring air conditioning, one king or two double beds, a sitting area for private Amazon viewing through floor-to-ceiling windows, a large bathroom with hot showers and a hair dryer, a safe, telescope, and a yoga mat so you can greet the morning in the sun splashing through your windows. What’s more, the Amazon Discovery was built to reflect the character of of your destination, with water-repellent irapay leaves laid out on the roof (just like on rainforest huts), lamp shades made from paiche fish scales, and en-suite lotions made from jungle ingredients.

Diverse Ways to Explore the Most Diverse Place on Earth

By day, you’ll embark a small skiff to explore river and tributary banks up close, perhaps spotting colorful macaws or tree sloths. Swim with pink river dolphins in a mirror-like lagoon or walk to visit local riberenos in their village. Fish for piranha or learn about local medicinal plants. By night, dine on a 3-course, carefully prepared gourmet meal of local ingredients. Enjoy a drink at the bar and gaze into a sea of stars from the top deck. And listen for the chorus of wildlife singing in the darkness, from spectacled owls to herons, from monkeys to tree frogs. What’s more, all excursions are included in your cost.

Choose from our carefully crafted itineraries to this spectacular corner of the world, each featuring a 6-night stay on the beautiful Amazon Discovery combined with even more discoveries of Peru:

Explore the Peruvian capital of Lima before your 6-night Amazon cruise, for a 10-day exploration.

Enjoy a comprehensive 8-night tour of the Sacred Valley (including Machu Picchu), Cuzco, and Lima, then embark your 6-night Amazon cruise, making for an incredible 16-day adventure (or a 15-day trip if you’re departing from Miami).

We look forward to welcoming you aboard the Amazon Discovery, the latest addition to the Gate 1 Travel family!

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Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

How India’s Spices Changed the World

on May 17, 2016

As you explore the city of Kochi, consider this: The “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” as the port city is known, has been exporting spices for 5,000 years. For the majority of this time, the highly valued cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, pepper and turmeric were shipped out via large caravans of camels and horses. Saddled with their fragrant cargo, they followed the well-traveled Silk Road that linked China and the Middle East, history’s first global trade route. But as the trade-friendly Byzantine Empire fell to the highly territorial Ottomans in the 15th century, the Silk Road was cut off. Traders had to find another way to transport spice and other goods.

This was the dawning of the Age of Discovery. Navigators and explorers set sail from Europe’s shores in search of a sea route that would connect them to their treasured spices. In 1498, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was the first to arrive on India’s Malabar Coast, having navigated his way around the Cape of Good Hope at the tip of southern Africa. Had his pioneering journey only resulted in fostering a mutually beneficial trade relationship, history would have unfolded very differently. Instead, the Portuguese – and later the Dutch and British – saw an opportunity to expand their empires. And so European dominance took root in India.

The Indian spice trade changed the world in other ways, too. Before da Gama’s voyage, Christopher Columbus set off in search of a western route to the Indies in 1492. He, of course, came upon the Americas instead. Some believe that when he met island natives in the Bahamas, he called them “Indians,” believing that he had landed in India. It’s a name that has stuck to Native Americans to this day. In 1500, Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral, too, stumbled on unknown shores when he tried to reproduce da Gama’s journey. He was blown off course and instead landed on the beaches of today’s Brazil, which still today exudes a rich Portuguese influence.

All of this – the accidental discovery of new worlds, monumental achievements in navigation, the growth of empires – unfolded in the name of spice. Ideas of Buddhism and Hinduism left India’s borders as tenets of Christianity arrived. Merchants needed to learn the language of their colleagues to survive. Ideas of economy, art, cuisine and customs were exchanged on a newly global scale. The international yearning for Asia’s spices transformed the world in ways pre-colonial spice farmers could not have imagined.

Black pepper was the most prized spice traded along the Malabar Coast. Cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, saffron, vanilla and other fragrant spices were among the countless other culinary and medicinal enhancers that left India’s shores. (Many people include curry in this list, but curry is actually a flavor achieved by the combination of several spices.)

In your Discovery Tours small group, you’ll savor the fragrances of Kochi’s spice trade and uncover more of its fascinating history when you visit a spice plantation. Stroll through fields redolent with sweet and tangy aromas and learn about the variety of ways spices are used in medicine and in cuisine. Later, you’ll visit a private home and be welcomed into your host’s kitchen for a cooking class. You’ll be transfixed as your cook transforms some of India’s most prized spices into an incredible dish that you’ll later enjoy for lunch.

Gate 1 ConnectionsLatin America

This Can Only Be Peru

on May 16, 2016

Breathtaking Ancient Cities, Colonial Wonders, Magnificent Natural Beauty

As peak experiences go, there are few that beat Machu Picchu. This spectacular ancient site straddling Andean slopes takes the breath away; not just for its sheer beauty but also for its mystery. How exactly did the mighty Inca Empire haul these colossal stones to this saddleback ridge? And what purpose did the city serve … a royal retreat, a spiritual sanctuary?

We may never know. But one thing is certain. Peru is overflowing with mysteries and wonder far beyond the heights of Machu Picchu. And when you journey to this magnificent country with Gate 1 Travel, our local Tour Managers bring them all to life for you, from fortresses of stone to historic cities rich in culture to a warm and welcoming people.

Cities Awash in Colonial and Incan History

If you think of Machu Picchu as the pinnacle of Peru, then consider Cuzco and Lima as the country’s historic and cultural foundations. Indeed, no visit to Peru is complete without exploring these two cities. Cuzco may have a decidedly colonial atmosphere—with its low-slung red-roofed houses, expansive Plaza de Armas and Gothic-Renaissance cathedral—but it began as the capital of the Inca Empire. If you need proof, look no further (literally) than the ground at your feet. When Spanish conquistadors took the city, they razed its buildings and replaced them with what we see today. But the original Inca foundations remain, making for a fascinating architectural blend.

Perhaps the city’s most distinct emblem of its Incan origins can be found at Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun. In pre-colonial days, the floors and walls of this Inca place of worship were awash in gold. Unfortunately, much of it was paid to the Spanish as ransom to save the life of Inca leader Atahualpa. Gate 1 shows you these important sites during a city tour.

Lima, on Peru’s Pacific coast, was founded by Francisco Pizarro as the capital of the Spanish Empire. Its European ambiance makes it a delight to explore. The architectural star of the city’s main square is the Basilica Cathedral. Pizarro himself laid the first stone of this splendid neoclassical-colonial church and is buried inside. The Archbishop’s Palace is adjacent; its ornate façade features a pair of dramatic enclosed balconies. Lima is also known for its food scene. Even American chef Todd English has called it Latin America’s culinary capital. The city offers up a rich gastronomy simmered in the technique and spices of all who have shaped the city: indigenous foods have been infused with Spanish flair, of course. Asian flavors were brought here with a wave of immigrants, too. And Creole spices were introduced by Caribbean workers. Peruvian cuisine is so “hot” that it’s gone global; even the Chilean sea bass at your local grocer is most likely from Peru.

To the south, the white-stone buildings of another colonial gem shimmer in the Andean sun: Arequipa. The city, nicknamed La Ciudad Blanca, or White City, was constructed from a white volcanic rock called sillar. Its bright buildings surely make for a magical visit. For a splash of color, the Santa Catalina Monastery boasts vivid facades and the local outdoor market brims with multi-hued produce and textiles.

Mysteries of Empires

Fascinating as Peru’s colonial cities are, nothing in the western hemisphere compares to the country’s pre-colonial sites. One of its most mysterious lies in a desert far from the heights of Machu Picchu. The colossal Nazca Lines, only visible in full from the air, were drawn in the sand between 400 and 600 AD. Figures of monkeys, fish, hummingbirds and lizards adorn the landscape, some of them 660 feet across. These massive figures on the high plateau of the Nazca Desert have puzzled scholars for generations. The mystery is not so much how they were made, but why. Many suggest a religious significance. Others believe they may have been fertility symbols or served some irrigation purpose. Or, they may have even been astronomical calendars.

Just outside Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, also known as Urubamba, holds more mystery. This fertile stretch of land, fed by the coursing waters of the Urubamba River, has hosted terraced farmland and ancient ruins for generations. Ollantaytambo is perhaps the best preserved fortress. Here, you get a truly authentic glimpse of an Inca town, thanks to its original layout, irrigation system, and houses. Nearby Chinchero holds a popular market that overflows with locals and travelers eager to find local goods and produce—such as Pima and Tanguis cotton (some of the finest in the world) or corncobs that are known to offer up the largest kernels in the world. The salt pans of Maras and the crop circles of Moray provide more insight into the agricultural tradition of this magnificent valley.

High above the valley, Machu Picchu straddles a saddleback mountain. The ancient site is accessible only by foot or by train; remarkably, the rail journey traverses as many ecological zones as you would experience on a trip from the North Pole to the equator. Upon arrival, there are 100 acres of meticulously built buildings, terraces, and stairways, all gloriously preserved. Each building was constructed with an inward inclination, a design intended to help cities withstand earthquakes. You might also see some of the 425 types of orchid that grow in and around Machu Picchu; Peru as a whole is home to 1,624 species!

Unrivaled Natural Splendor

Cultural, historic, and architectural wonders aside, Peru’s natural world is one of the most dramatic on the planet. Consider this: The mightiest river in the world flows through the northern reaches of the country, moving some 150,000 cubic meters per second through the largest forest in the world. The Amazon and its namesake river, in fact, cut such a huge swathe through the continent that they play host to the greatest variety of fauna and flora on earth, the latter of which often holds the key to curing disease. It’s a privilege to explore this magnificent place, and a thrill to experience it all from a forest lodge that we can only access by boat. Visits to riverside villages, sightings of pink dolphins, and thrilling walks on rainforest trails bring all the magnificence into sharp focus. What’s more, the birdlife here is unrivalled; all told, Peru is home to some 1,700 species in total, the most of any country, and many of them take wing in the Amazon.

To the south, Lake Titicaca serves as a natural border between Peru and Bolivia. In the shadow of the Andes—the world’s longest mountain range—this unique body of water is the highest navigable lake known to man at 12,500 feet. Like the Amazon has its tribal cultures, Titicaca has the Uru people. Some members of this ancient tribe still live on floating islands, sturdy platforms they’ve woven together from the tortora reeds that grow in the lake. Entire communities exist on these islands, which were originally constructed so that tribes could escape from invaders simply by floating away.

From the highest heights to the lowest depths, another body of water, the Colca River, has carved one of the world’s deepest canyons into the Peruvian plain. At 13,650 feet, the Colca Canyon is more than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon. But it’s not indigenous people that grab our attention here—though our spectacular drive here often passes shepherds tending to their sheep. It’s the Andean condor. These rare birds ride the thermal air that rises up from the canyon floor, and they are a breathtaking sight.

Explore Peru Your Way with the Gate 1 Travel Family

No one knows Peru like Gate 1 Travel, with expert Tour Managers hailing from the very country they’re introducing you to. Their insider knowledge and connections are invaluable in ensuring you get the most from your visit, whether they’re taking you to meet locals in their homes or sharing bargaining tips with you as you explore Peru’s rich and lively markets. What’s more, our 30 years of experience in the region lets us offer you more ways to discover the magical wonders of Peru.

Discovery Tours by Gate 1 gives you the small group advantage. These feature-packed adventures are more active, allowing you to spend more time getting up close to Peru’s natural wonders. And because there are so few of us, you can spend more time lingering at the country’s most spectacular sites like Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, while connecting with the locals on a more personal level. It’s a whole new way to see Peru. We invite you into the more intimate world of small group travel on our Peruvian Legends tour.

If it’s luxury you crave in Peru, experience the Signature Collection by Gate1 Travel. You’ll experience all the wonders of Peru in classic Gate 1 style, with a touch of elegance at deluxe accommodations. Enjoy premier first-class, five-star hotels and lodges, from the JW Marriott to a beautifully restored monastery, each offering the perfect balance of comfort, service and ambiance, and savor the finest cuisine locally sourced and meticulously prepared. So go ahead … pamper yourself with our Deluxe Peru itinerary.

Join Gate 1 Travel in Peru!

If you thought Machu Picchu was the only reason to visit Peru, think again. From rich cultural centers to remarkable Inca sites to breathtaking natural spectacles, there are endless wonders to explore. And many ways to explore them! Best of all, the family of Gate 1 Travel companies introduces you to this rewarding region in the most affordable way.

Learn more about our value-packed Peru itineraries here. Then call us to reserve!

Europe

Old friends reunite in Slovenia after 62 years

on May 14, 2016

Sixty-two years is a long time to wait to reunite with a one-time soul mate, now living worlds apart. Yet thanks to Gate 1 Travel Tour Manager Bine Augustin, Gate 1 tour guest Benjamin Wells did just that.

It was at the start of his 12 day tour of Croatia and Slovenia, April 13, 2016, that Benjamin related his story to Bine.  It was 1954.  Benjamin was a student traveling through Europe, earning travel money by taking odd jobs and washing dishes in hotels and restaurants.  It was during that sojourn in 1954 where he met Yugoslavian Franc Zupan, a student himself working as a hiking guide at the same resort.  The two struck up a friendship and traveled together through the Slovenian Alps and Franc’s hometown of Ljubljana.

Benjamin tells the story best, as relayed to his family and friends upon his return just a few weeks ago:

I had a reunion in Ljubljana, Slovenia with an old friend with whom I lost touch 62 years ago. In 1954 when I was hitch-hiking around Europe I met in a Paris hostel a great guy — one Franc Zupan from Ljubljana in what was then called Yugoslavia. Franc, three years my senior, was a newly-minted graduate of an art history curriculum and an experienced mountain climber. He had just guided (for a fee) two French school teachers to the summit of Mt. Blanc (at 15,777 ft. the highest mountain in the Alps). I had only two years of college and knew bloody nothing – certainly nothing about art and its history. So, as we wandered through the museums of Paris he taught me a lot, on which I have built a life-long interest in art history.
Franc also invited me to visit him in Yugoslavia, which I did even though it was a communist block nation. While most of those nations were closed to western tourists in those days Yugoslavia was different because Tito had recently pushed back against the Soviets and initiated limited, independent relations with the West. Franc had an independent and rebellious soul. In 1947-48 when Tito had mobilized all teenagers to collectively build the autoway between Zagreb and Belgrade Franc refused to be regimented and the authorities denied him the rest of his high school education. He used the idle time to master mountain climbing in the Julian Alps which fill the northwestern corner of the country.
You’re probably wondering how this reunion happened? Over breakfast one day I told our tour guide about my long-ago visit to Ljubljana and my old friend. He immediately whipped out one of those remarkable Apple gadgets and found several Franc Zupans in a digital phone book. Over the next two days after our daily touring he called each of them and found my old friend and arranged a meeting. It was bloody marvelous! Others in my tour group were charmed by it all as I jokingly told them how after we each (Franc, at 87 and me, at 84) decided in which ear to hear each other we got on famously.

Tour Manager Bine, after hearing the story, made it his mission to locate Franc before the end of Benjamin’s 12 day tour, which was scheduled to end in Franc’s former home, Slovenia.  As noted by Benjamin, Bine made lists of all phone listings for the name Zupan, unfortunately a common Slovenian name, and each evening at the end of the day’s touring, called a handful of them.  He had no success until the last day before leaving for Bled and Ljubljana, he found Franc, who was skeptical and asked to speak with Ben (as Franc referred to his friend). Not wanting to ruin the surprise meeting, Bine related to Franc as much of the story as he knew, until Franc was convinced that the man was indeed Ben, his one-time friend from their student days.

Bine and Franc proceeded to make plans for the surprise encounter at Ljubljana’s main marketplace.  Bine briefed the rest of the tour group what to expect.  And precisely at the appointed time, Franc rode up on his bicycle (yes, at 80+ years old!)  Needless to say, Benjamin was ecstatic, shocked and speechless.  The two men and all group members were wiping away tears, and as Bine related, “it was one of the most emotional moments I have ever experienced during my guiding career”. It is said that travel is something you pay for that makes you richer.  We are all richer for having been part of this touching story.

Europe

Lost in Venice

on May 13, 2016

Jessie (Instagram: @15minutes_late) traveled to Italy with Gate 1 on our 13 Day Affordable Croatia & Slovenia with Venice tour. “Venice was the perfect bookend to a wonderful 2 weeks in Europe,” Jessie says. “As a solo traveler, Gate 1 provided a great mix between group travel and solo exploration. Once we checked in to our hotel in Venice, I dropped my bags and headed out to explore. I grabbed the best pistachio gelato at a place I never found again, and made turn after turn, snapping pictures along the way.”

Jessie spent her leisure time exploring the winding alleys of Venice. “I pretty much ate my way through the city, snacked on a sandwich while I watched a woman hang her laundry to dry and enjoyed a coffee while watching a grocery store receive a delivery. I found the best little pasta shop, no tables or chairs, just a bar top & a name I can’t remember. I got completely lost, but figured I couldn’t wander too far – it is an island, after all!”

Along the way, she spotted this little canal framed by colorful walls. “When I took this photo, I had just finished sucking down a bowl of pasta & pesto and I was back to wandering around the streets of Venice… I could hear the hustle & bustle of the Grand Canal, just a few short minutes’ walk away, but I couldn’t see any of the chaos. Somehow, in that specific spot, the water was calm & no one was around. I had the whole bridge, the whole canal, to myself.”

lost in venice photo friday

MediterraneanSignatures

What to Eat in Tel Aviv

on May 12, 2016

Image via @DeliciousIsrael

With immigrants from over 120 different countries, Israel’s cuisine is truly a melting pot. The burgeoning restaurant scene features blends of flavors from Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean and across the Middle East and North Africa.

Local Markets

Israel’s Mediterranean climate and tradition of fresh, local produce make the shuks, or open-air markets, an essential experience for visitors. You’ll find that the shuks in each city have their own local twist, from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to Jaffa. Market culture has become a trend in Tel Aviv nightlife, with “market restaurants” popping up throughout the city.

Our time in Tel Aviv includes the bustling Machane Yehuda Market. A local shuk expert takes you step-by-step to the best food stalls in the market. Our delectable lunch is a fantastic blend of home-grown flavors and fresh cooked tasty delights. Signature travelers also visit the dynamic Sarona Market complex, the heart of Israel’s culinary art scene.

While at the shuk, take note of the sheer variety of fresh-caught fish, pungent herbs, and Israeli olive oil available to the discerning shopper. Restaurants like The Eucalyptus in Jerusalem take full advantage of local specialties, serving a modern interpretation of biblical cuisine using spices and herbs grown in the surrounding hills of Jerusalem. Our Deluxe Israel tours include dinner at this famous eatery.

Arab Fusion

Israeli cuisine was forged in the Middle East, drawing on the native foods of immigrants from Yemen to Morocco, as well as local Palestinian traditions. Arab fusion restaurants abound, serving up shakshuka, a spicy egg dish, jachnun, a fried Yemeni pastry that is slow-cooked for 10 hours, and sabich, a delicious Iraqi pita packed with hummus, egg and a variety of greens and spices.

Authentic culinary experiences are woven into the fabric of our Signature experience. A trip to Haifa includes a very unique lunch at one of the foremost Arab fusion restaurants  in the area; on our excursion to the Negev near Eilat, we stop for desert-style hospitality  with warm Bedouin pita bread and sweet tea.

Travelers continuing with us to Jordan will learn the inside secrets of Middle Eastern cuisine at the Petra Kitchen, and try first-hand the unique Arab way of preparation.

Drinks & Desserts

No visit to the Holy Land would be complete without a taste of arak, the anise-based alcoholic beverage of the Levant. Stop into one of Tel Aviv’s trendy seaside bars to enjoy an arak cocktail by the beach.

Israel’s wine industry has blossomed in recent years, with endless local variations for tourists to enjoy. Our Signature tours visit a family owned winery for an exclusive vineyard tour of this family-owned winery, one of Israel’s finest. We taste the many types of wine, paried with handmade chocolates. In Jerusalem, we put our new Israeli wine expertise to use at a private wine and hors d’oeuvres reception at the Tower of David as the sun sets over the Old City.

After inhaling amazing aromas in the shuks, learning to cook like a local, and sampling the swirling fusion of Israeli cuisine, top off your culinary journey with a sweet treat. Try kanafeh, a Palestinian pastry of melted cheese soaked in sweet, fragrant syrup and topped with pistachio on its flaky, baked crust.

Subscribe to the Signature Collection newsletter to save hundreds on your next trip to Israel.

 

 

MediterraneanSignaturesUncategorized

Wander the desert in style: deluxe Israel tours with Eilat resort

on May 11, 2016

Israel is a place of beauty, charm and history. Signature Collection’s 14 Day Deluxe Israel with Eilat is specially curated to offer the perfect blend of natural attractions, resort excursions, and cultural experiences.

Natural Wonders

In an open-topped Jeep, travel into the Eilat mountains, following dramatic trails that highlight the surreal scenery of the Negev Desert. We’ll stop for desert-style hospitality with warm Bedouin pita bread and sweet tea.

Explore the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, to the cliff-top fortress at Masada, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travel via verdant rolling hills to the tranquil Sea of Galilee for a truly unique experience as we embark on a replica boat and sail on the same waters as fisherman did in the time of Jesus.

Relaxation

Spend a morning enjoying the Red Sea’s crystal-clear turquoise waters – diving and snorkeling here is the best in the world – the underwater life can be seen clearly, including rare corals, hundreds of species of fish and much more. Sunbathe at the pool or, just pamper yourself at the hotel’s spa. At night, Eilat comes alive! There’s a wide choice of trendy international restaurants and a vibrant night scene.

We visit Tishbi Winery for an exclusive vineyard tour of this family-owned winery, one of Israel’s finest. Enjoy tastings of the many types of wine, handmade chocolates and share a delicious lunch.

In Jerusalem, a local “shuk” expert takes you step-by-step to the best food stalls in the market. The delectable lunch is a fantastic blend of home-grown flavors and fresh cooked tasty delights. Join us later for a private wine and hors d’oeuvres reception that opens our magical evening at the Tower of David as the sun sets over the Old City.

History

We’ll introduce you to the ancient port city of Jaffa (Joppa), eternally linked with the biblical tales of King Solomon, Jonah and St. Peter. Tour the ancient ruins, continuing along the winding cobblestone lanes to the reconstructed Artists’ Quarter.

Visit the Old City for views of the magnificent Dome of the Rock. Then, we follow the Via Dolorosa through the narrow alleys and souks of the Old City to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be where Jesus was crucified and buried.

Discover the timeless city of Acre (Akko), once capital of the Crusaders, and their last stronghold in the Holy Land. We travel to Nazareth, the sacred town where Jesus spent most of his youth; visit the Basilica of the Annunciation and Mary’s Well.

Culture

Visit the fascinating Ilana Goor Museum, located in an 18th century building that once served as the first Jewish inn for pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem. This unique museum is acclaimed for its extraordinary collection of international works of art, alongside Goor’s original creations.

Our Signature Collection tour includes an unforgettable opportunity to visit a working kibbutz and get acquainted with everyday life in this rural community.

In Jaffa, we visit the dynamic Sarona Market complex, heart of Israel’s culinary art scene, for a lunch of local specialties. Revel in the contrasting architecture of this city on the sea, home to more Bauhaus buildings than any other city in the world.

Signature Collection’s 14 Day Deluxe Israel with Eilat tour puts the very best of the Holy Land on spectacular display. Subscribe to our newsletter to save hundreds on your next trip to Israel.

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