MediterraneanTravel Tips

Food & Wine of Greece

on January 20, 2016

Greece is no stranger to cuisine. In fact, it was a Greek, Archestratos, who wrote the first cookbook in history, in 320 B.C. Today, the Mediterranean diet consistently wins praise for its proven health benefits. Local dishes exude the steadfast character of their origins – fava in Santorini, masticha in Chios, amygdalota in Mykonos, cheese pie with honey in Crete. But no matter where you visit, you’ll encounter the pleasures of freshly baked breads and a bounty of vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and zucchinis.
To Greeks, food is a celebration best served as saganaki, grilled lamb, moussaka, fried octopus – all enhanced with that crisp Greek olive oil.

The diverse terroir of Greece has been producing wines longer than most any other place in the world, for close to 6,500 years. The flavors and notes of Greek wines is so unique that 72% of its vintages that were entered into the Decanter World Wine Awards received a prize, 3 of them gold and 50 of them silver.

Here’s what you can expect to find on the Greek table:

Food of Greece:

Mezes. Like Spanish tapas, mezes is a small-plate approach to Greek dining. Items can vary from piquant olives to a pita bread with dips to more complicated dishes such as cold eggplant salad. Mezes should not be confused with orektika that you might see on a menu, which is the formal name for appetizers that are intended to precede larger meals.

Olive oil. Like in many Mediterranean restaurants, olive oil is a central ingredient in Greek cooking, pressed from the olive trees that have graced the country’s landscape for centuries.

Cheese. With a climate and landscape conducive to goats and sheep, a wide array of cheeses are common in the Greek diet, from feta to kasseri.

Filo. Whether in large sheets or bite-sized triangles, various fillings might be wrapped in filo dough, from chicken to spinach and cheese to minced meat. One version of this, spanakopita, might be served with cubes of feta.

Tiganita. These deep-fried vegetables might be served as a side dish.

Dolmadakia. Cousins of the Turkish dolma, these grape leaves are often stuffed with rice, vegetables, or meat.

Fava. This puree of yellow split peas or beans might be flavored with olive oil, garlic or parsley and served as part of mezes with pita bread.

Greek salad. This simple salad is made with tomato salad, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese and kalamata olives.

Tzatziki. Served with warm pita bread, this is a yogurt with cucumber and garlic puree.

Fasolada. Often called the national food of Greece, this white bean soup is made with tomatoes, carrot and celery.

Fakes. This lentil soup is typically accompanied by vinegar and olive oil.

Moussaka. Eaten warm or cold, this casserole is usually made with ground meat and either eggplant or potatoes.

Wines of Greece:

Agiorghitiko (red). Also known as St. George’s grape, this wine is mostly produced in the Peloponnese region. The soft, fruity red expresses itself in many styles with qualities that are similar to Beaujolais.

Xinomavro (red). This “sour black” grape ages well and has flavor notes that actually bring tomatoes and olives.

Assyrtiko (white). This grape is mostly grown on the island of Santorini, whose old vines were resistant to the phylloxera virus that wiped out other European vineyards. It has characteristics similar to Riesling.

Savatiano (white). Known as the “Saturday” grape, this is the major white grape of Attica. It has a distinct floral, fruity aroma and if fermented without cooling, its wine matches well with Mediterranean dishes.

Roditis (rose). Very popular in the Peloponnese, this elegant and light wine has lovely citrus flavors.

News

The Gate 1 Photo Contest – Win up to $500!

on January 20, 2016

Gate 1 Travel is excited to announce that we are launching our first photo contest with a chance to win $500! Tag your best photo(s) from past trips with both #gate1travel #gate1contest and be entered to win a $500 Visa pre-paid gift card. One winning photo will be selected from each category (Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, Asia & Pacific, USA & Canada, and Latin America). The grand prize winner will be chosen from among the regional winners by our Facebook fans! The contest is open until February 29, 2016 and a winner will be announced in March. Full Details

How to Enter:

  1. Upload photos to Twitter or Instagram or from your computer/device at gate1travel.com/photocontest
  2. Hashtag #gate1travel and #gate1contest with the country where you took the photo (ex: #gate1travel #contest #italy)
  3. Be sure that your social profile (Twitter or Instagram) is set to public
  4. Keep an eye on our site and encourage your friends to vote for the grand prize winner on Facebook for your chance to win!

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

Instagram & Twitter: #gate1travel #gate1contest & follow Gate 1 Travel

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

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

Click here for full Terms & Conditions.

MediterraneanSmall Group Discoveries

Morocco’s Imperial Gems

on January 8, 2016

With shifting sands of time, four cities have vied for Morocco’s crown

“The tar of my country is better than the honey of others.” So goes the old Moroccan proverb, revealing the deep pride of its people-a pride justified by its sweeping history, abiding culture, and dramatic settings. And there’s no better way to peer behind the veil of centuries than to explore Morocco’s four Imperial Cities. Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Meknes have all held the title of capital-often swapping back and forth-but each has its own unique flavor.

A Son Shows Off: Fez

Sultan Idriss II, a great-great grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, established Fez, Morocco’s first capital, early in the 9th century-directly across the river from the city his father founded. The city takes it name from the word for pickaxe, as Idriss II is said to have used one made of gold and silver to mark the glorious city’s borders. The son’s handiwork soon outpaced the father’s when the new city welcomed 800 Berber families fleeing conflict in Andalusia; they were soon followed by 2,000 displaced Arab families.

Over centuries, the two cities-Idriss II’s and his father’s-became one, blossoming into an epic metropolis whose city walls extended for nearly 10 miles. By 1170, it was home to over 200,000 and the largest city on earth. See the city from above today and its scope remains staggering, with the constantly bustling medina (the world’s largest car-free urban area), the “new” city from the 13th century, and the French-influenced ville nouvelle.

Here, one experiences a panoply of delights from the colors and textures of ancient madrasas to the artisan district where carpets are made, leather is dyed, and copper craftsmen ply their trade. The world’s oldest continuously operating university, the Islamic Al-Karaouine, is here, coexisting for centuries with the adjacent Mellah, the Jewish Quarter. But it’s more than architecture and monuments that inspire visitors: sharing a meal with a local family will offer you the best insight of all into life in this storied city.

A palm-dotted sight for sore eyes: Marrakesh

Even while Fez was still growing, an upstart nabbed the title of capital. Marrakesh was made an Imperial capital by successive Berber empires in the 12th century, the first of which laid the groundwork for a true city. The second included a building spree that yielded the Marrakesh we see today, with its royal palaces, imposing Kasbah, and city walls. An array of entirely new mosques was built as well; the second rulers tore down the old ones because it was deemed that they had been positioned incorrectly in relation to Mecca.

With the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains to one side and deserts stretching into the distance on the other, Marrakesh was a natural caravanserai for camel-riding traders. It greeted weary travelers with hundreds of acres of lush greenery and a stand of more than 100,000 palm trees-an oasis better than any mirage could be. No wonder the Berbers called it the “land of god.”

Not everyone agreed with this praise, and the capital returned to Fez, launching a rivalry that, in many ways, continues to this day. From copper-topped Koutoubia Mosque to the 360-room Bahia palace, it’s easy to see how Marrakesh stakes its claim. And there’s still something for everyone here, from the serenity of the Majorelle botanical gardens to the electricity of lively Djemaa el Fna square, the souk of all souks.

Pirate’s bounty: Rabat

It is said that when coastal Rabat was made capital, it was to shut up Fez and Marrakesh both. Rabat was an old city, settled as Chellah in 300 BC and renamed Sala Colonia by the Romans in the first century. It was the Almohads who made it a capital in the 12th century-rebuking both former capitals in the process and calling it “The Stronghold of Victory.” The ruling Sultan ordered the building of the world’s largest minaret, the Hassan Tower, with a grand mosque and madrasa, to show his kingdom’s might-but he died and the tower was capped at 140 feet (just over half the height he imagined). It still stands today.

The sultan’s death led to the decline of the city and the loss of its capital status. By the 17th century, it had a new reputation as a pirate lair. As the base for Barbary pirates who called their territory the Republic of Bou Regreg, Rabat was the launch pad for countless sailing attacks on western traders for nearly 200 years. But the days of lawlessness ended when France set up a protectorate in the early 20th century, and Rabat became a port to visit-not fear-once again.

From its ruins of Chellah and Sala Colonia to the unfinished tower and lush French-Andalusian gardens, it’s easy to see why UNESCO named Rabat a World Heritage Site.

A Bloody Showoff: Meknes

While pirates were running the show in Rabat, Moulay Ismail had moved the Moroccan capital to Meknes in 1672. Meknes was not a new city: it had been settled by the Berber people known as the Miknas (who gave the city its name) in the 9th century and had grown steadily under three successive dynasties. But Ismail had a vision for something bigger.

He built a 25-mile wall, along with massive gates, lush gardens, and dozens upon dozens of mosques, earning Meknes the title “City of a Hundred Minarets.” It was also a city of blood: the “Warrior King,” as he was known, once adorned those new city walls with 10,000 human heads. Though legend of his barbarism endured, he himself perished, and Meknes was displaced as capital in less than a century. Marrakesh reclaimed the honor – at least for a time.

For the last century, Rabat has been capital, its seaside location making it both a practical and visually appealing choice. Any visitor is quick to choose their favored Imperial Capital, regardless of the tales that history tells. But this much is clear no matter which modern capital calls to you most: the pride of Morocco endures.

Visit the Imperial Cities for yourself during our Moroccan Allure trip. Click here for trip details!

Bhutan
Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Preserving a Kingdom: Bhutan’s Enduring Culture

on January 8, 2016

To enter Bhutan is to enter a world unto itself. Many have compared it to the elusive Shangri-La of fable, and the country safeguards its treasured traditional culture. With its doors closed to outsiders until 1974, and the flow of visitors still carefully observed, this kingdom of the dragon tucked between Tibet and India has preserved its glorious textiles, beloved national pastimes like archery, and its Buddhist serenity. From lush low-lying plains to Himalayan peaks rising a stunning 23,000 feet, its diverse ecosystems boast an epic beauty that is maintained with deep pride and the force of law.

All of this leaves the traveler with the indelible impression that they have, indeed, stepped into Shangri-La. But Bhutan is far better than Shangri-La: It’s real.

Buddhism-The Heart of a People

For most of the nation’s history, Bhutan was closed off not only to travelers from beyond its borders, but to outside cultural influences as well. It wasn’t until 1999 that the government lifted its ban on television, though it still made clear that programming must be consistent with the most abiding Bhutanese values, the roots of which are largely Buddhist. Having been secluded from so much of the outer world, the people of Bhutan are nourished by their inner spiritual lives, most of them practicing Buddhism.

Across Bhutan, you can see ample evidence of nearly 1,500 years of that faith on display. One of the oldest temples in the country is the Temple of Kyichhu, which has beckoned worshippers since the 7th century. With its gleaming gold roof and elegantly carved wooden pillars, it’s a jewel-box of a temple, a suitable home for the heavily-ornamented Jowo Sakyamuni statue, one of the most valuable artifacts in all the land.

Material objects are secondary to matters of the soul at Chari Monastery, established by Bhutan’s founding father in 1620. Perched on an emerald hillside, the monastery is an epicenter of prayer for Buddhist monks, some of whom spend up to three years here in meditation. At Tachogang Lhakhang, the rewards of such mindful practice are made concrete: The 15th-century monastery and its iron bridge are the realization of a vision that came to a Tibetan yogi who had paused at the riverside site for meditation.

At Chimi Lhakhang, the focus is less on the Zen of its monks and more on the love life of the local worshippers who come to this temple for its fertility-enhancing properties. Chimi Lhakhang was founded by a monk known as the “the divine madman.” He filled the temple with phallic symbols and used sexual innuendo to deliver some of the tenets of Buddhism. Though his approach was highly unorthodox, he is considered a national hero.

Dzongs-Protecting a Kingdom

Bhutan’s fortress-like dzongs are every bit as impressive as its temples. These massive complexes were positioned for defense against invaders, but much more was hidden behind the high fortified walls. Guard stations shared space with dwellings, civic offices, courtyards, and temples. Like the fortified medieval villages of Europe, Bhutan’s dzongs were miniature cities within citadels.

One of the largest is Tashichho Dzong, its sprawling splendor visible from Big Buddha Hill. In one form or another, a dzong has been present in this spot since 1216 and despite being damaged by four fires and an earthquake, the central tower has endured. Since 1968, Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of government.

Punakha Dzong used to hold that title, but what it lost in terms of political power, it makes up for in beauty, with its gold, red,and black colors, and gleaming statues filling a Coronation Hall, where the Kings of Bhutan are still crowned to this day.

Ringpung Dzong, with its 14 shrines and chapels, is considered an architectural masterpiece in Bhutan, and visitors may recognize some of its features from the Bernardo Bertolucci film Little Buddha. Though Drukgyal Dzong has no cinematic pedigree, the pale stone fort built to commemorate a victory over Mongol invaders is nonetheless evocative, with an eerie silence surrounding the ruins of this once triumphant structure.

Nature-The Greatest Treasure

Fortresses may fall in time, but Bhutan does more than just about other nation on earth to make sure its natural treasures are never lost. Nearly a third of the land is preserved for national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation areas, and nature reserves. About 60% of the land is forest that may never be touched, and where building is allowed, sustainable development is a state requirement.

The result is a nation that remains a paradise for nature lovers: crystalline lakes…verdant valleys…flower-studded plains…and, of course, the watchful gaze of the snowcapped Himalayas. With so many different ecosystems flourishing here, it’s no surprise that the flora and fauna is equally diverse. The 6,000 species of plants, from the iconic blue poppy to hundreds of orchid varieties, are joined by a veritable safari’s worth of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, monkeys, and Himalayan “blue” sheep. Overhead, nearly 700 avian species wing from treetop to treetop, soaring like the chanting of monks on mountain air.

Tiger’s Nest-The Symbol of a Nation

Nature, culture, and faith all come together at the monastic retreat of Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest. Ancient legend says that the 8th-century Guru Rinpoche, considered the second Buddha, flew through the skies of the Paro Valley on the back of a magical tigress looking for a place to meditate. He landed on the small outcropping of a cliff 2,700 feet above the valley floor. Despite its seemingly impossible location, the site became the home to a temple in his honor in 1692.

For more than 250 years, Tiger’s Nest has endured the cycle of seasons and powerful winds with little change, but two fires in the second half of the 20th century destroyed its main building. At the dawn of this century, the government invested millions of dollars in restoring it, spending five years to painstakingly recreate its beauty.

When it was reopened in 2005 in the presence of the King, it was a great source of national pride. The care given to the cultural treasure was a perfect embodiment of the Bhutanese belief that the dragon kingdom will endure as long as it preserves and protects its heritage.

Experience the wonders of Bhutan for yourself, small-group style, during our Himalayan Kingdoms: Nepal & Bhutan trip.

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Raise a Glass to the Wines of France & Spain

on January 8, 2016

“Wine cheers the sad, revives the old, inspires the young, makes weariness forget his toil, wrote Lord Byron, who was not only famed as a poet, but a traveler, carouser, and bon vivant. He came to this opinion glass by glass, having sipped his way across Europe, visiting the vineyards of France and the bodegas of Spain alike.

French vintners have been perfecting the art for some 2,000 years, creating the largest wine economy in the world. Spain may have a younger viticulture, but it boasts the highest percentage of land dedicated solely to vineyards of any nation on earth. And both countries are passionate about the wines they make.

Rioja

Over the millennia, rulers as diverse as Visigoths, Moorish invaders, and Napoleonic troops have claimed the fertile landscape of La Rioja for themselves. Today it is an autonomous province under Spain’s banner, a kingdom within a kingdom.

A sweeping mountainous plateau marked by seven plunging valleys and ribboned by the ebro and Oja Rivers, La Rioja is a land where geography and climate have conspired to favor winemaking. The mountains, covered in forests of oak, beech, pine, and juniper, offer vineyards protection from the fierce winds common to northern Spain, and help to moderate the climate.

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

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

Bordeaux

However, Bordeaux – the elegant “Little Paris” on the banks of the Gironde River – feels no threat from other wine regions. With a wine industry dating back to the 8th century, Bordeaux blossomed fully in the wake of the marriage of eleanor of Aquitaine to the future King Henry II. In the 18th century, as it became the world’s wine capital, the city added 5,000 buildings of such beauty that Victor Hugo compared it to a metropolis-sized version of Versailles. In fact, “Little Paris” was the model for its (now) bigger sister: Napoleon used the building boom for inspiration in revitalizing the City of Lights.

As Bordeaux became a major port city, merchants were able to ferry the wine to the Netherlands and Great Britain, creating a global demand. Still the epicenter of the wine industry to this day, Bordeaux’s 13,000 grape growers and 10,000 chateaux together produce nearly a billion bottles of wine every year.

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

St. Emilion

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

Emilion was originally from Breton, where he was credited with a number of miracles. His acclaim drew attacks from the Benedictine community and he fled south, hiding in the underground cavern where he would live the rest of his life. Pilgrims began to seek him out as confessor and as the catacombs became a destination, an entire religious community arose.

Within a century, the town of St. Emilion was making wines commercially, expanding private vineyards that were planted a good 700 years before. When the Santiago de Compostela through France became a major pilgrimage route in the 11th century, a robust wine industry tempted visitors to stop here. Though both the Hundred Years’ War and The War of the Religions both stalled the region, the wine trade never ceased completely; in fact, wine sales fueled St. Emilion’s rebirth in the 18th century.

Today, it is known for its reds, which most often blend Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with a few wineries adding Cabernet Sauvignon to the mix. Reaching maturity-and your table-faster than the Bordeaux vintages, St. Emilion wines stand up well to game birds, salmon, and nutty cheeses like tomme de savoie or reblochon.

Though you may now enjoy the best wines of both lands in the comfort of your own home, those who have followed in Byron’s footsteps to Europe know the difference it makes to savor these regional creations right where they’re made. Lift a fine Bordeaux to your lips while the sun sets over the countryside, or inhale the heady bouquet of Rioja in a Spanish bodega. Drink them while on tour with Gate 1 Travel!

 

Gate 1 ConnectionsUSA & Canada

Where the Heart Is: Gate 1 Launches 7 New U.S. Itineraries

on January 7, 2016

Novelist George A. Moore once wrote, “A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” That’s a sentiment many of our travelers share after they realize that the same expertise which makes Gate 1 the leader in value-packed international tours also  makes us the best choice for exploring the wonders right here in the United States.

Now in our fourth year of offering USA escorted tours, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in requests to book domestic travel. So we’ve created 7 more ways to see the world while staying close to home. Now more than ever, the only thing you have to decide is which marvelous corner of this land to explore first.

Join us on one of these exclusive trips and learn what thousands of Gate 1 travelers already know. Reserving even your domestic travel with us saves you countless hours of planning—arranging airfare and car rental, researching sites to visit and making sure you have driving directions, hoping you’ve picked a decent restaurant for your meals. Plus, our tour managers provide more endless insight than you ever would ever gain on your own. What’s more, our buying power with travel providers ensures you the lowest possible price. In fact, if you were to try to duplicate any of our trips on your own, you would pay far more.

2016: Brand New Tours & Grand Old Parks!

2016 is the perfect time for discoveries at home as we celebrate the National Parks Service centennial anniversary. The National Parks Service has been protecting our greatest natural resources since 1916, ensuring that the country’s pristine environments remain untouched, while still allowing visitors the chance to experience the wildest, most memorable locales on the continent. As Marty Seslow, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Gate 1 Travel explains, “From hiking in Yellowstone to viewing the mesmerizing the Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite, many of our U.S. packages feature can’t-miss activities that the whole family can enjoy together in the great outdoors.”

To celebrate, we’ve added 7 new escorted tours with multiple dates available this coming year. Several of these are national park-focused and all of them, like most Gate 1 USA tours, feature at least one treasure managed by the National Parks Service. From coast to coast, each offers an in-depth look at the best of what man and Mother Nature alike have created in our country.

Here’s a peek at our newest Gate 1 Travel USA tours in 2016. And to learn more and reserve your space, just click on the trip name to visit our newly updated website!

Go West!

8 Day Pacific Northwest with Columbia River Gorge

This tour begins with 2 nights in Portland, the most cosmopolitan city in Oregon. From the bustle of its Courthouse Square shops and eateries to the perfumed air of the Rose Test Garden, you’ll discover its urbane pleasures before diving into the state’s natural bounty. Follow the twisting Columbia Rivers Gorge as it cuts through the Cascade Mountains, and pause for a delectable lunch and wine tastings in the lush vineyards of the Willamette Valley. After a night in coastal Newport, take to the untamed sands in a thrilling Dune Buggy ride in the Oregon Dunes Recreation Park. Two nights in the artistic oasis of Ashland offers a perfect home base for exploring wonders like crystal-clear Crater Lake, one of the nation’s true gems. Bookend an overnight stay in Eureka with two visits to jaw-dropping Redwood forests, including the Avenue of the Giants, home to nature’s living skyscrapers. Then see towers of the man-made variety as you cross San Francisco’s shining Golden Gate Bridge to conclude your journey in the “City by the Bay.”

14 Day Ultimate National Parks

This four-state journey features an epic array of America’s most iconic destinations. Begin in Scottsdale, the city whose “Old West meets the New West” flavor inspired Frank Lloyd Wright. Then stop at Montezuma Castle, an enigmatic pre-historic Native American dwelling place, before seeing why so many artists are drawn to the epic Red Rocks of Sedona. Nothing does the 280-mile Grand Canyon justice more than standing on its very rim, and you’ll do just that, soaking in the breathtaking splendor before you. Vast Lake Powell is sure to make an impression as well. You will also experience a quartet of national parks, each with its own flavor: Bryce Canyon, with its fanciful “hoodoo” spires; Zion National Park, where eagles and falcons soar between towering peaks and above desert oases; Grand Teton, bursting with jagged crests and glaciers; and, of course, majestic Yellowstone, the very first National Park. Your discoveries along the way will include three human achievements as well: the Salt Lake City Tabernacle, Mount Rushmore, and the Crazy Horse Memorial—a wonder as yet unfinished.

7 Day New Mexico: Expressions of Life & Art

The essence of old New Mexico awaits you as your tour begins with 2 nights in Albuquerque. You’ll visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for a rich introduction to the history of the Pueblo peoples, whose culture will be on display throughout your travels. Then travel to the Bandelier Monument, where early Puebloans carved homes into the face of sheer rock walls. You’ll visit the “Lourdes of the USA,” the Santuario de Chimayo, a pilgrimage site in a town also known for its handwoven textiles. You’ll visit a family-owned weaving shop here to witness their artistry before continuing on to Taos. At the Taos Pueblo, you’ll encounter more than a millennium’s worth of Pueblo history, in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then cross the Rio Grande, drinking in truly spectacular vistas, on your way to Ghost Ranch, where Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted. Wrapping up your tour in Santa Fe, a town with over 100 galleries, you’ll see more than 1,000 of the painter’s works in a museum bearing her name. And you’ll visit the oldest public building still in use, the adobe Palace of the Governors; its doors have been open for business since 1610.

Looking South

8 Day Texas: The Lone Star State

Texas holds a special place in the American imagination, a place where cowboys rode beneath open skies and oil barons found black gold deep in the earth. Start your tour in Dallas with a taste of history at the JFK Memorial and Sixth Floor Museum overlooking Dealey Plaza, the scene of one of our great national tragedies. Catch a glimpse of dynasties both political and cinematic when you visit the George W. Bush Library and enjoy dinner at Southfork Ranch, home of the Ewing clan of TV fame. After a visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards where you’ll witness the commotion of a longhorn cattle drive, spend 2 nights in Austin, the Texan capital. Here, you visit the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, and see where the President and his beloved Lady Bird lived. Next, your tour leads you to San Antonio, where you’ll stroll the glittering River Walk, and soak up enchanting Spanish architecture. Continuing on, you’ll pause at the Alamo, known worldwide as a symbol of bravery, before you wrap up your journey in Houston. Conclude your discoveries with a note of inspiration when you visit NASA, ever-reaching for the stars.

8 Day Musical Journey Through the South

Country, rhythm & blues, and rock n’ roll—the roots of America’s music run deep in the south. Begin your tour in Nashville, where you’ll follow in Elvis Presley’s footsteps at historic RCA Studio B, one of the oldest remaining recording studios in the U.S. Then stroll along

Nashville’s Walk of Fame on Music Mile. Country takes center stage for a night when you settle in for a show at the Grand Ole Opry. (Be sure to keep an eye out for the next big star!) Next, experience the many musical styles of Memphis, visiting both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the American Soul Museum, here in the city where soul music was born. Next, immerse yourself in the lifestyles of legends. Stop by Graceland, Elvis’s over-the-top 14-acre estate, and travel to Indianola, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, to tour the BB King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Then steep yourself in 19th-century Cajun culture, from Louisiana’s Frogmore Plantation to New Orleans’ jazzy French Quarter, where a chef will teach you the secrets of classic local cuisine.

Heading East

9 Day Michigan’s Lakes & Mackinac Island with Chicago

Discover the rich cultural diversity and sweeping natural beauty of Michigan, starting with two nights near Detroit, where you’ll learn about the ingenious achievements of American inventors at the Henry Ford Museum. Then travel further back in time to the storybook “Little Bavarian” village of Frankenmuth, founded by German immigrants in the 1800s; its quaint covered bridge and old world carriages will charm you. After a night in Bay City, board a ferry for an enchanting trip to lovely Mackinac Island, a wooded retreat from the bustle of the world. No cars here—so you’ll explore this Victorian world on foot and by horse-drawn carriage. Continuing to Traverse City, prepare yourself for a cacophony of delights at the Music House Museum, full of antique nickelodeons, music boxes, and pipe organs – many of them in fine working order! Your tour draws to a close as you reach new heights—literally—in Chicago, taking in the views from 1,000 feet above the city at 360 Chicago (formerly the Hancock Observatory).

9 Day Classic New England Fall Foliage

See where it all began when you trace the footsteps of America’s early revolutionaries in Boston. Explore from the Old North Church, made famous by Longfellow’s poetic account of Paul Revere, to the lush Boston Common and Public Gardens. Then head for the Big Apple, where a panoramic bus tour will prepare you for discoveries on your own in the city that never sleeps. You’ll also visit the majestic Statue of Liberty and historic Ellis Island’s Immigration Museum. Then pause to reflect at the sobering 9/11 Memorial. Travel south to Philadelphia, where you’ll see Ben Franklin’s favorite city and take in the renowned holdings of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Conclude your tour in the nation’s capital, home to America’s finest monuments including the FDR, Vietnam and Lincoln Memorials. And stroll the epic park that defines the heart of the city and the nation: the National Mall.

Explore the Americas with Gate 1 Travel at Unmatched Value!

There are so many other ways to explore the U.S. with Gate 1 Travel, from sea to shining sea. Just follow this link for details and to view our latest videos, and you’re on your way to enjoying Gate 1’s convenience and ease … the unmatched value of our buying power … magnificent and awe-inspiring destinations … and a comprehensive trip made all the more fascinating by our expert tour managers.

For the best way to explore the treasures close to home, a Gate 1 Escorted Tour is your ticket to a trip unlike any other. Join us!

EuropeGate 1 ConnectionsRegions

Spain: Splendid Architecture, Sweeping History, Breathtaking Beauty

on January 7, 2016

Spain long held a strategic role as a link between North Africa and Europe. For centuries, anyone who controlled the Iberian peninsula held great commercial and political power; variously throughout history, Moors, Arabs, Christians and countless others knew this and called Spain their own. Still today, Spanish hills and plains embrace richly adorned citadels and Moorish influences can be seen coast to coast.

But still … you have to wonder if they were all just in it for the gorgeous real estate. After all, Spain boasts a very singular beauty: central plateaus rise to the snow-capped splendor of the Pyrenees in the north and the Sierra Nevadas toward the south. Vineyards and olive groves blanket the famed “plains of Spain.” Mediterranean beaches invite long strolls and refreshing dips. One can only envy Don Quixote’s wanderings across such a rhapsodic land.

The masterpieces of those former kingdoms still stand – fortresses, cathedrals, and citadels of staggering scale. And today Spain overflows with thrilling culture, colorful history, and a diverse natural beauty that takes your breath away. So we invite you to raise a glass of sangria, cava, or rioja … to a spellbinding land lauded by Hemingway and immortalized by Cervantes … a land where a flamenco-fueled fiesta is sure to follow close on the heels of an afternoon siesta.

The Beating Heart of Spain

You might call Madrid “el corazón de España” – the heart of Spain – the central point and capital from which Spanish life and culture flow. Its colossal Royal Palace, on the vast Plaza Oriente, was built on the site of a former Alcazar, or castle, in the mid-1700s by Philip V and Carlos III. Paired with the adjacent Almudena Cathedral, it is a spectacular site. The Plaza de España – with its skyscrapers and towering memorial to Cervantes – is no less impressive. Art lovers flock to El Prado, the huge repository of Spanish art featuring the works of Goya, Velazquez, Picasso, El Greco, and countless others.

History is palpable in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Segovia, north of Madrid. The Romanesque city has gone untouched for six centuries, but its most amazing site predates even that. The remarkably preserved Roman aqueduct stretches 2,700 feet long and – at its highest – 90 feet tall; it is a remarkable feat of ancient engineering, built without a dash of mortar. The city’s Jewish Quarter, or aljama as it was historically known, stands as testament to the city’s diverse past. The enormous Alcazar watches over it all from the city’s edge.

Toledo is considered by lovers of Spanish history and art a national monument, a rich canvas of all the elements that have shaped today’s Spain. Both Moorish and Christian architecture survive here, having had little influence on one another, a rarity in Spain. Steep, cobbled streets offer endless (though strenuous!) strolls. Its St. Tome Church evokes the romance of the high-style Gothic era, and the city’s many museums have earned it the moniker, “The Museum City.”

Farther west, historic Salamanca rises on the plains like a medieval crown. This breathtaking city is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded in 1134, and was long a major intellectual center of Europe. Still today, it exudes a lively student vibe and café scene. But the city’s most impressive sight is its massive cathedral that dominates the skyline. You could consider it two cathedrals in one: the Old Cathedral was built in the 12th century and the “New” four centuries later. Together, they are an imposing echo of the power of Christianity in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

To the North, Sample World-Class Art and Wine

The Mediterranean climate of the province of Rioja – on par with southern France and Italy’s Tuscany – creates a prime wine-growing environment. Vineyards and bodegas, or tasting rooms, dot a landscape of rolling valleys and towering mountain ranges. We find it the perfect northern idyll for its wine-tasting opportunities.

Perhaps the north’s most famous city is Bilbao, linked to the Bay of Biscay by the Nervion River. Frank Gehry’s 1997 Guggenheim Museum might have put this city on the international map – a wondrous work of glass, titanium, and limestone – but Bilbao’s Old Quarter, or Casco Viejo, is a fantastic preservation of the medieval city’s original seven parallel streets.

Live the Spain of Your Dreams in Andalusia

For many, Andalusia – the sun-kissed southern province on the Mediterranean – is the real Spain: flamenco dancers, matadors, bougainvillea spilling over wrought-iron balconies in white villages, and the Alhambra. The truth is, Andalusia is only a slice of this scintillating country – but a glorious, historic, and festive one.

Perhaps no other city conveys Spain’s diverse past as powerfully as Córdoba, once the most populous city in the world and the intellectual center of medieval Europe. Its Jewish Quarter and synagogue are marvelously authentic pockets of history that were once strolled by the great Jewish philosopher Maimonides. The marriage of Muslim and Christian is poignant in the massive mosque-cathedral of La Mezquita – also known as the Mosque of the Caliphs. Its forest of 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite is an unforgettable sight. Predating all of this is the still-standing first-century Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir River.

Seville, home of the flamenco, is arguably one of Spain’s great cities. Its cathedral is the largest Gothic building on earth. Christopher Columbus, one of the country’s great heroes, is entombed here. This, too, was once a mosque; when Spaniards razed it, they couldn’t bring themselves to tear down its lovely minaret. So they topped it with a five-story bell tower that shifts in the breeze and called it La Giralda, roughly translated as “something that turns.” Nearby, the Santa Cruz Quarter – the Jewish Quarter in medieval times – is a labyrinthine network of intimate warrens. A more recent symbol of the city, the Plaza de España, is a graceful, tile-adorned work of perfection, built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.

Any visitor to Granada will understand why Boabdil, its last Moorish king, wept when he lost his city to Ferdinand and Isabella. Indeed, its magnificent setting and palatial fortress brings a tear to the eye of many a visitor. The palace overlooks today’s modern city, but within its walls kings and caliphs savored a world of their own: cavernous rooms, ornate courtyards, and extensive gardens overlooking snow-capped peaks.

Catch Spain’s Mediterranean Breezes

The resort town of Torremolinos provides a taste of Spanish beach life. Mediterranean sands and the city’s delightful beachside promenade are right across the street from your hotel, and the town’s shops in the upper town invite an afternoon of browsing. It all makes for a relaxed stay, but truth be told, relaxing may be the last thing on your mind when you’re tempted with a day trip Morocco, right across the Strait of Gibraltar. If you opt for our tour including a three-night stay on the Costa del Sol, there’ll be time to embark on a ferry and explore the intoxicating streets of Tangier, touring its colorful medina and perusing the treasures and trinkets of the Grand Bazaar.

Farther east lies the city where the famous Spanish dish of paella was invented by fishermen. Fed by Mediterranean moisture and the waters of the Turia River, Valencia is Spain’s Garden City. Its most historic buildings – aside from its ornate City Hall – huddle around a 14th-century cathedral. But perhaps its most incredibly preserved structure is the Torres Serranos, or City Gates, that have greeted travelers for thousands of years. A decidedly more modern addition is the Arts and Science City, a massive and futuristic complex of entertainment and museums.

Barcelona stands as Spain’s jewel on the Mediterranean – though residents of this Catalonia capital have long advocated for secession. No matter your opinion on the matter, the city is a vibrant metropolis of long boulevards, hopping cafes, ocean breezes, and surreal echoes of its native son Antoni Gaudí. For a true taste of Catalan culture, there’s no place like Las Ramblas, the pedestrian zone lined with cafes, tapas bars, and shops. Even more of a draw, however, is La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s perennially unfinished cathedral. This soaring masterpiece – and the charming structures within his vast Parc Guell – look torn from the pages of a storybook. Outside of town, Montjuic Hill overlooks the city. The hill saw intense competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics in the Olympic Stadium, still in use today.

Take in All of Iberia – Add Portugal!

You’ve long heard of Portugal as the launching pad for the Age of Discoveries. You can discover this beautiful nation rich in tradition for yourself when you choose a Gate 1 itinerary that helps you explore beyond Spain’s borders.

From Portugals’ shores, courageous mariners set sail to claim new lands, map the world, and develop global trade. Much of Lisbon’s wealth was built on these endeavors, as its palaces, monasteries, and monuments show. And in the city’s Alfama district, strains of Fado music spill into narrow lanes. Farther north, on the Douro River, the city of Porto has witnessed a long history of wine making – beginning with the ports produced in the nearby Douro River Valley, the world’s first demarcated wine zone.

There are so many reasons to visit Spain with Gate 1 Travel. Rich history, magnificent landscapes, stunning architecture and opulent palaces might top your list. Gate 1 Travel gives you another reason – a value that you simply won’t find anywhere else. Join us!

Follow this link to our exciting Spain Tours. Or call to reserve, 1-800-682-3333!

Gate 1 ConnectionsLatin AmericaRegions

Ecuador! Where Natural, Culture, and the Future All Come Together

on January 7, 2016

There is an Ecuadorian saying that translates to “Look for a good tree, and you’ll have good shade,”the point being that the best things in life don’t come to you-you must seek them out. Travelers who seek out Ecuador discover an abundance of good things: warm and welcoming people, ancient cultures still thriving, some of earth’s most dramatic landscapes, and unparalleled wildlife.

The locals call the equator, which bisects their nation, “the middle of the world.”When you witness for yourself how many delights intersect in this one small country, you’re sure to understand why.

Revel in Ecuador’s Natural Splendor

Perhaps the most biodiverse country in the world per square mile-harboring over 50 ecosystems-Ecuador is home to not only to the Galapagos isles that so enchanted Darwin, but to primeval Amazon rainforests. So varied are the landscapes here, you can stride across epic lunar-like volcanic slopes, immerse yourself in bubbling thermal pools, and stroll white coral beaches among sleeping sea lions all in one journey.

Even the most seasoned travelers sometimes forget how much the Amazon rainforest dominates eastern Ecuador. More than 300 types of mammals and 350 reptile species share this lush ecosystem. When you arrive at our lodge in typical Amazon fashion – by canoe – you’ll be accompanied by the music of the jungle: chirps and screeches and whistles from some of the 1,600 bird species. This is nature’s playground, so we believe you ought to play: our lodge provides exciting nature tours on walking trails, over suspended bridges, among the treetops in a zip-line basket, and along Napo River waters in a traditional balsa log raft.

Of course, Ecuador’s beauty doesn’t end in the rainforest, as you surely will notice. Even our drives showcase the country’s natural splendor. BÃnos, the Gateway to the Amazon, is a landscape in motion, home to 60 small waterfalls and bubbling natural springs, making it a beloved destination for Ecuadorians. But the waterfalls there are just a lovely warm-up to the headliner: the Devil’s Cauldron Falls outside of Bãnos. This massive torrent plunges noisily through a rocky gorge within the cloud forest, a spectacle you can hear even before you see it.

The cascade is only the beginning of Tungurahua’s offerings. The nearby Quechua village of Ahuano offers a serene riverside respite in contrast to the falls. But lovers of a good thrill-and a stunning view-also seek out the chance to enjoy a ride on the “Devil’s Nose”rail car that zig-zags along a thrilling switchback rail system that descends 1,600 feet. It follows a route once known as Condor’s Aerie, but dubbed the Devil’s Nose after 2,000 workers died during construction of this jaw-dropping engineering feat.

The epic handiwork of Mother Nature can be found in Cotopaxi National Park. The world’s highest active volcano soars skyward in the park, flanked by two more in the garland of eight that adorn southern Ecuador, earning this region the nickname “Avenue of the Volcanos.”These once-explosive landscapes now lay silent, home to wild horses, llama, and deer, all watched from above by sharp-eyed Andean condors.

Get Enchanted by the Galapagos Isles

 

The Ecuadorian government itself watches over the Galapagos Islands, one of its greatest treasures, providing firm rules for its conservation. Visited by the explorer Pizarro, studied by a young Charles Darwin, and fictionalized by Herman Melville, the largely predator-free archipelago has captured imaginations for years. You’ll see myriad creatures here that are found nowhere else on the planet. The islands you’ll visit vary with the itinerary you select – and with local Galapagos National Park regulations – but you’re guaranteed a thrilling exploration full of hiking, snorkeling, and learning firsthand about this singular setting.

Gate 1 Travel gives you two ways to witness these enchanted isles for yourself before or after visiting mainland Ecuador.

Embark a Thrilling Cruise with Up-Close Access.

Our most popular Galapagos itineraries feature a magnificent cruise expedition aboard the MV Santa Cruz II – a deluxe small ship. Its small size allows it to easily maneuver into small coves, giving your unfettered access to the most remote islands. Generously appointed rooms provide the utmost comfort, and onboard naturalist guides offer fascinating insight into the most diverse wildlife and marine life you’ll ever encounter.

Explore the Galapagos from Your “Base”on Santa Cruz. If cruising doesn’t fit your style, then choose an itinerary that features Santa Cruz as your base. Our headquarters for three or four nights will be the first-class, eco-friendly resort, the Finch Bay Hotel- the only hotel in the island’s capital of Puerto Ayora situated on a beach – from which you can join our expeditions to nearby islands. Travelers who prefer this option like to set their own pace … perhaps opting out of island excursions in favor of beach time or exploring Santa Cruz itself, from the bustle of Darwin Street to the wildlife of Tortuga Bay, where marine iguanas dive and Galapagos crabs scuttle about.

Here are a few of the island we visit on our itineraries:

Santa Cruz is the heart of conservation efforts, home to both the Charles Darwin Research Station, which breeds and rears the endangered Galapagos giant tortoise, and the Rancho Primicias preserve. From resplendent vermilion flycatchers to sleek white-tipped reef sharks, myriad species thrive here in a landscape created by volcanos. The island’s seismic history is evident in a network of lava tunnels and “los Gemelos,”a pair of massive holes formed by the collapse of a magma chamber.

North Seymour, which surfaced from underwater millions of years ago by geologic lift, beckons bird lovers to witness its blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls, and the largest frigate bird population in the Galapagos. More than 500 land iguanas make their homes at the feet of its dramatic cliffs, while fur sea lions congregate not far away, tending to their pups.

On Bartolome, a steep stairway past lava formations and through bristly “tiquilia plants”leads to a 350-foot peak with breathtaking panoramas of lava-clad Sullivan Bay and the Daphne islets. Bartolome’s best ambassadors are its tiny Galapagos penguins, the only penguins with a natural habitat north of the equator, and whose population is gravely endangered.

Favored by pirates and whalers alike, Isabela is the largest of the Galapagos chain. The seahorse-shaped isle and its surrounding islets vary in personality from the lunar-like landscape of nearby Las Tintoreras to the colorful red-and-black mangroves of Elisabeth Bay, where lava herons take wing above the cavorting sea lions, sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays.

San Cristobal is the easternmost island and may have been the first one Darwin laid eyes on. Today, it’s still grabbing the attention of visitors with a sea lion rookery, a colony of magnificent frigate birds, and Cerro Brujo (or Wizard’s Hill), a collapsed caldera which formed a white sand beach that is now home to red- and blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and a colony of sea lions.

Santiago is home to a rich diversity of wildlife: marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, land and sea turtles, and dolphins. Hikers may stroll across black lava landscapes among rust-colored tuff cones, while bird lovers can keep their eyes peeled for flamingoes, Darwin finches, and Galapagos hawks. At Espumilla Beach, sea turtles nest seasonally just a stone’s throw from a white flamingo lagoon.

On Fernandina, the youngest and most pristine of the Galapagos Islands, flightless cormorants hop from rock to rock as Galapagos penguins, sea lions, and fur seals sun themselves. The most active of the volcanic islands, this is the best place to spot the yellow blooms of lava cactus.

Discover Rich Cultures and Enduring Traditions

While Galapagos visitors eagerly seek out the natural splendor of Ecuador, the nation’s greatest resources are its people, going about their daily lives in ways that often reflect generations of tradition. Indigenous people in colorful clothes and fedoras walk to market on tranquil back roads, much as countless generations before them. Farmers from cocoa plantations deliver their crops in modest pickups. Orchid farmers drive their delicate exports to Guayaquil. Even native weavers keep their connection to the earth alive. You can witness all of these traditions with Gate 1 Travel as we introduce you to people who are proud to conserve their culture.

For centuries, the showcase of this culture has been Otavalo – the rural town in the heart of Imbabura province – which hosts what is perhaps the largest traditional market in South America. Since pre-Inca times, weavers and carvers have met here to sell their handiwork. Even now, on its busiest days, the market swallows almost one-third of the city, with Otavalenos in traditional dress tending colorful stalls bearing jewelry, leather, pottery, and clothing.

In mountainous Papallacta, visitors discover a tradition locals have enjoyed for eons: the pleasure of soaking in hot springs. The thermal springs beckon weary travelers day and night, with pools to linger in, surrounded by views of Andean grandeur.

Experience Ecuador’s Cosmopolitan Charms in its Cities

The rhythm of life couldn’t be more different in Quito, the country’s capital and hub of political activity. The second highest capital in the world (9,350 feet), it is also one of the best-preserved, with it its historic center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can literally walk through Ecuador’s rich history here, encapsulated in a stone mural outside the Congress Building, and revealed in cobbled streets lined with pastel houses, grand colonial-era buildings, the Presidential and Archbishop’s palaces, and the cathedrals around Independence Plaza.

Warmed by Pacific breezes, Guayaquil has cast off its past as little sister to Quito, making a splash in recent years with a massive riverside development, Malecon 2000, brimming with shops, restaurants, and monuments. More populous than Quito, the city likes to say it has more style, too, from architectural gems like the glass-and-metal Crystal Palace to a new abundance of galleries and cutting edge exhibition spaces.

Being trendy is the furthest thing from the minds of those who call Cuenca home. The stunning colonial architecture and wrought-iron balconies bedecked with flowers create a more timeless, storybook feel. It’s so enchanting that more than 6,000 American retirees have embraced the simple life here amidst the clean air of the Andes. As you stroll its charming streets, it’ll be easy for you to see why they stay.

Explore in Comfort at a Terrific Value

From the wilds of the Amazon to the heights of the Andean countryside, Ecuador is stunningly diverse, despite being smaller than the U.S. state of Nevada. No matter which itinerary calls to you, our carefully chosen hotels provide all the amenities and services you expect from Gate 1 Travel to ensure you’ll explore in comfort. What’s more, thanks to our full roster of tours and features, you can be sure you’re traveling at the best value available. Join us!

Follow this link to our exciting Ecuador Tours. Or call to reserve, 1-800-682-3333!

Asia & PacificGate 1 ConnectionsRegions

A Closer Look at Distant Empire: China Revealed

on January 7, 2016

We hear about the enormity of China all the time, with its 3.7 million square miles, 1.3 billion people, and 56 ethnic groups speaking 292 dialects. China’s sweeping size and complexity can make it seem mysterious, even daunting, to outsiders. But in a time when its doors are more open than ever to travelers, it would be a shame to miss out on what is arguably the world’s most epic land. Gate 1 strips away the mystery, showing you its more intimate side as we immerse you in the landscapes, neighborhoods, and treasures of which the Chinese people are most proud. From monuments to marketplaces, Gate 1 introduces you to China’s diverse offerings up close.

The staggering Three Gorges of the Yangtze River … lush jade-green bamboo forests … sprawling Imperial Cities with inviting lanes that are 2,000 years old. These are just a few of the wonders in a nation that boasts 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most of any country in Asia. A single Gate 1 journey can unveil the myriad ways in which China lives up to its nickname, “The Beautiful Country.”

Past, President, and Future: Three Cities

To gain an understanding of how China’s past, present, and future are interwoven, a good place to begin – or three good places – would be its dominant cities: Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, each of which has its own character and story to tell.

Beijing is monumental, literally. The city is home to 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (just one shy of the number found in all of Egypt), among them some of the world’s greatest treasures. The Forbidden City is forbidden to none these days: after 500 years of turning guests away from the world’s largest palace complex, China now invites all to see the wonders of the stunning 178-acre complex encircled by two miles of fortified wall. Over time, 24 emperors lived in these 90 palaces, composed of 980 buildings and almost 9,000 rooms.

The little sibling to that royal complex is the Summer Palace, built for the hottest months when the Forbidden City complex felt too stifling. A small pond and reservoir were joined, widened, and dredged, yielding a sparkling 540-acre lake big enough for royal navy vessels to run drills upon. The soil from the lake was used to make the adjacent Longevity Hill, a 200-foot slope crowned with palaces, pavilions, temples and gardens. To this day, it remains, as intended, one of Beijing’s loveliest locales, a brilliant collaboration of man, nature and time.

Whereas Beijing calls to mind the glories of the past, Shanghai is decidedly a snapshot of the future. While the city is certainly known for its gems that date back to previous eras – such as the verdant Yuyuan Garden from the Ming Dynasty and the elegant colonial architecture of the Bund – it is Shanghai’s jaw-dropping new skyline that may leave you gasping with awe.

Viewed across the Huangpu River, the Pudong neighborhood boasts a dizzying array of striking, colorful towers. Shanghai Tower, the biggest of the lot, is the second tallest skyscraper on earth. But height is only one way that this metropolis dazzles: the Orient Pearl looks like a stacking toy of ever-smaller glass beads, while the sinuous Financial Center is a modernist masterwork; even the low-slung Ocean Aquarium impresses passers-by with its flamboyant shark-fin wings

Hong Kong knows a thing or two about showing off its skyline, too: more buildings scrape the sky here than in any other city on earth, with more than 270 rising 500 feet or more. Within those glittering towers are some of the world’s most highly acclaimed restaurants, 64 of which have Michelin stars, and bespoke tailors fitting the fashionistas of Asia and beyond. But it is not all city here. Hong Kong means Fragrant Harbor, a reminder that nature – not metropolitan life – still holds the upper hand. More than 70% of Hong Kong is comprised of islands, mountains, parks, and caves. No matter where you are in the city proper, you’re just a tram car away from a daylong hike in a green parkland with ocean views.

Perhaps that blend of natural splendor and cultural richness is what made it so hard for Britain to return control of Hong Kong to China in 1997. And the subject of who will determine the city’s future – Beijing or Hong Kong itself – remains a heated one.

Beyond the Bright Lights: Singular Sensations

Xian was the final stop on the Silk Road and China’s capital for 13 dynasties, including the Ming era, which gave the city its still-standing fortified walls. But the single most powerful draw for visitors is its immobilized army of 8,000 Terra Cotta soldiers and horses. Crafted by hand, this vast military consort attended the final resting place of the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Arrayed in neat rows that remained underground from the 3rd century, and recently excavated in 1974, these enigmatic soldiers – each one made distinct by his expression, hairstyle, armor, or footwear – have captured the global imagination, eclipsing the fame of the ruler they were meant to honor.

The stars of Chengdu are less numerous but perhaps even more beloved. The 80 pandas at the Giant Panda Research Center have become envoys for China, a source of pride as well as concern as the worldwide population of wild pandas has fallen to under 2,000. While visitors also absorb the fascinating architecture of Qin Dynasty-era Jinli Street and marvel at the 213-foot stone Buddha in nearby Leshan, it is these endangered ambassadors of the mountains which have become the face not only of Chengdu but of China.

The nation’s life blood is the Yangtze River, the world’s third-longest river. Navigating the east-flowing ribbon of water on a river cruise is the only way to truly experience the legendary, dramatic scenery. As you sail through the three mesmerizing gorges of Xiling, Wu and Qutang, watched over by the fabled Twelve Peaks and fantastic rock formations towering above, you’ll wind past tiny villages, soaring cliffs, verdant groves, and terraced hillsides. It is hard not to fall under the timeless spell of the slow-moving current and the ethereal, embracing landscapes that guide it.

Resting easy in China

No matter which facet of China you’re discovering, you’ll be comfortable and well cared for with the best local accommodations. Gate 1 has chosen four-star hotels in Beijing’s historic West City, Shanghai’s glittering Xujiahui district, and outside the storied city walls of Xian. And our Yangtze River cruise unfolds aboard a five-star cruise ship purpose-built for the river, boasting roomy cabins and impeccable service. That all means you can focus on making discoveries.

Don’t miss out on the vast cornucopia of China’s delights. With Gate 1, the highlights and hidden gems alike await you as you explore the “Beautiful Country” for yourself.

Follow this link to our exciting China Tours. Or call to reserve, 1-800-682-3333!

Travel Tips

Yellowstone Facts

on January 7, 2016

Yellowstone National Park

Did you know that Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 as the first national park in the United States?  Here are some more amazing fun facts about this breathtaking natural wonderland.

  • Yellowstone is home to more than 10,000 hot springs and two-thirds of all of the geysers in the world, highlighted by its awe-inspiring rock formations and the famed geyser, “Old Faithful”.
  • The Tower Roosevelt area is known for its sparkling streams teeming with trout and rolling hills covered with sagebrush, aspen trees and evergreens.
  • Tower Fall, with its 132-foot drop, framed by eroded volcanic pinnacles, has inspired many artists over the years.
  • The dramatic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with its turbulent river, is 20 miles of twisting, sheer rock cliffs carved 1200 feet deep.
  • At Specimen Ridge you can view the largest concentration of petrified trees in the world providing a window into the past when plants and climate were much different than today.
  • Mammoth Hot Springs is a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine, created thousands of years ago.
  • See the Mud Volcano, with its rhythmic belching of steam and flashing tongue of water. The caldron exploded onto the landscape in 1948, blowing trees out by their roots and covering the surrounding forest with mud.
  • The thrilling eruptions of the legendary “Old Faithful” shoot up into the air approximately every 90 minutes as high as 184 feet.
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