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Vietnam: the Diverse and Welcoming Gem of Southeast Asia

on August 7, 2015

There’s no denying the friendly feeling you get when you visit Vietnam. A profound sense of humanity and harmony infuses every aspect of this nation. It is also a mysterious and beautiful country – with 2,140 miles of coastline, bays crowded with a maze of limestone towers, French-flavored cities, soaring mountains and a river and delta system that hosts a rich array of wildlife and supports an ancient rural way of life. Gate 1 travelers witness it all in the most enriching manner possible.

Ho Chi Minh City: French Colonial Splendor and Colorful Markets

Named for Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh City has deep roots in Southeast Asian culture and history. Yet this stunning city – the former Saigon – strikes a very French pose with its wide boulevards and glorious architecture, holdovers from the hundred-year French occupation that ended in 1955. The twin-spired, neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Basilica was built with materials imported from France. The Saigon Opera House carries echoes of the Petit Palais in Paris. Even the Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel after he erected his famous tower, stands as a stately remnant of the French.

Captivating though these are, the city’s most colorful and mesmerizing experiences are found in its markets, where you’ll soak in the true Vietnam. Dong Khoi Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, captures the pulse of the city with its colorful shops and aromatic food stalls. And at the bustling and intoxicating indoor emporium of Ben Thanh Market, an architectural beauty in its own right, all things Vietnamese can be found, from handicrafts to ao dai, the traditional silk tunic worn by women. But perhaps the most unique markets in the Ho Chi Minh area are the ones that float. Boat excursions from nearby Bach Dang Pier lead into a fascinating maze of canals, where ancient houses and canal-side stalls are orbited by traditional longboats laden with all manner of goods and produce plucked from local farms.

The Mekong Delta: Ancient Waterworld

Ho Chi Minh City is the gateway to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s vast and astonishingly beautiful network of waterways that spill into the South China Sea from the fabled Mekong River. River cruises are the most awe-inspiring way to connect with this forgotten world of stilt houses, narrow sampan boats, and locals sporting non la, the traditional straw hat.

In and around Cai Be Harbor, more than 500 vendors gather in boats and at dockside stalls to sell fruits, vegetables and handmade wares. It’s an intoxicating atmosphere, all unfolding in the shadow of the massive French Gothic Cathedral. More French influence lines the Mekong’s shores further upstream toward Sa Dec and the border city of Chau Doc. Here, old colonial mansions and merchant homes hug the river’s banks, boasting of a once-powerful empire.

Hoi An: A Journey Back to Ancient Asia

There is no place in the world like Hoi An, a remarkably preserved Southeast Asia trading port. The buildings and streets of its Old Quarter remain much as they were more than 500 years ago. As far back as the 8th century, when the Champa people called this place home, a thriving spice trade infused unprecedented wealth into the region. Much later, a vibrant trade with Japan, China, India and Holland lured settlers here from those countries. The city’s famous, bright-red Japanese Covered Bridge still straddles the canal that once led to the Japanese settlement.

With such a rich past, it’s easy to understand why Hoi An is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. The spirit of its origins live on in the fascinating Old Quarter as artisans fashion paper lanterns and residents carry goods in wicker baskets hanging from sticks slung over shoulders. The Phuoc Kien Pagoda is one of the city’s more flamboyant structures. Built in 1692, today it serves as an Assembly Hall for locals.

Hue: A Once Great Capital

Though Hue was the capital of Vietnam for only 143 years, from 1802 to 1945, its cultural influence on the region has been immeasurable. This may be because the Nguyen Dynasty that ruled from here constructed such a vast and imposing complex of palaces and fortresses. Their Imperial City, badly damaged during the Tet Offensive of 1968, has undergone remarkable restoration. Its most notable structures are the 1.5-mile wall that surrounds it, the Imperial Enclosure, Thai Hoa Palace (or the Hall of Supreme Harmony), Hall of the Mandarins and the Forbidden Purple City, named after its Chinese counterpart. One especially priceless feature of the city are the Nine Dynastic Urns that stand in a row before the The Mieu Temple, specially cast in 1836 to celebrate the sovereignty of the dynasty.

Halong Bay: A String of Limestone Pearls

Halong Bay is arguably one of the world’s most scenic places. More than 3,000 islands rise from its shimmering waters, many of them several hundred feet in elevation. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is shrouded in myth and legend. According to one tale, the many islands were formed in Vietnam’s earliest days when it was vulnerable to invaders. The gods sent dragons to this coastline to protect the new country and they spat out jade and other jewels into the water. These precious stones linked together to protect the land from enemies approaching by sea. In another story, these towering islands suddenly appeared from the depths of the water in front of oncoming ships, leaving the enemy to crash into their rocky shores.

Sailing among this breathtaking archipelago is every traveler’s dream. The karst cliffs dwarf our ship, a traditional junk. Floating fishing villages cling to the shores of some islands and inviting sandy beaches line the shores of others. Within many of the hulking rocks, vast and echoing caves have a history all their own – each one a wonder of hanging stalactites, soaring stalagmites and small waterfalls.

Hanoi: The 1,000-Year-Old Capital

Hanoi recently celebrated its 1,000th birthday. For much of its history, it has been the political and cultural capital of the country, save for the brief period from 1802 to 1945 when Hue held that title during the Nguyen Dynasty. During the nation’s more turbulent times, it was the capital of French Indochina (1902-1954) and of North Vietnam (1954-1976).

Like in Ho Chi Minh City, the city’s French colonial influence is prevalent in the glorious architecture. But more than 50 ethnic groups have also shaped Hanoi and the surrounding region; many of their stories and cultural relics are on exhibit at the Museum of Ethnology. But perhaps nowhere is the nation’s heritage more dramatically represented than in the world-renowned water puppetry that originated here. These fascinating shows are performed over a pool of water, depicting ancient folktales and long-cherished lore set to traditional music and Cheo, a form of opera.

So Many Ways to Explore Vietnam with Gate 1 Travel

By land or by water, Gate 1 Travel offers so many ways to experience Vietnam. Our Classic Vietnam program shows you the best of all the major cities, including Halong Bay. You can also combine explorations of this remarkable country with time in its neighboring countries throughout Southeast Asia: Cambodia,Thailand, and Laos. And to witness life along the Mekong River, embark one of our thrilling river cruises. These enriching journeys feature glimpses of village and city life along this legendary waterway, with hotel stays in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon); the Cambodian city of Siem Reap, gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor Wat; and Thailand’s temple-strewn capital of Bangkok.

No matter how you choose to explore Vietnam with Gate 1 Travel, you’ll enjoy comfortable accommodations every step of the way, the expert and welcoming services of our Tour Managers, and generous features that bring the local culture to life – all at the Gate 1 value you know and love.

We hope to see you in Vietnam!

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Renaissance History. Soaring Beauty. It Could Only Be Italy.

on August 7, 2015

Endless romance. Unrivaled food and wine. A rich history of art, religion and civilizations that spans the ages. And breathtaking panoramas from mountain lakes and rolling hills to sweeping and rocky coasts.

This is Italy, one of the world’s most captivating and mesmerizing destinations. There is so much to see and experience here! And when you trust your Italian journey to Gate 1 Travel, we’ll help you make the most of your time. Our Escorted Tours offer the most efficient way to see the highlights of Italy. Our motor coaches whisk you from city to city, so you don’t need to worry about how you’ll get around. Our Tour Managers know the most thrilling and fascinating sites to show you, and are eager to enlighten you about their country’s most beloved treasures. And as you arrive at some of Italy’s most visited museums and landmarks, you’ll bypass the long lines, thanks to our pre-purchased entry.

Welcome to Gate 1’s Italy!

Italy’s Historic Centers: Rome, Venice & Florence

PantheonJust as all roads lead to Rome, any discussion of Italy must point to its historic streets. It is, without question, one of the world’s most enriching and fascinating cities. Here, ancient monuments heralding the days of the Roman Empire mingle easily with couture shops and buzzing Vespas. For 2,000 years, the center of Rome has been the mighty Coliseum. Once able to host 80,000 spectators, this was where Romans gathered to witness gladiatorial combat and contests between men and beasts.

Today, Romans and visitors alike are more likely to gather in the city’s charming piazzas. These open plazas embody public art at its finest, adorned with finely sculpted fountains carved by some of history’s greatest artists, from Bernini to della Porta. Piazza Navona is one of the most magnificent. Nearby, on the Piazza della Rotunda, the Pantheon soars to the skies, built by ancient Romans to honor the gods. Its revolutionary dome – still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome – is a masterwork of Roman engineering that has never been duplicated.

The city of Rome embraces another city that boasts an equally astonishing history and soaring architectural and artistic marvels: Vatican City. Surely, St. Peter’s Basilica and its sprawling square is one of the most moving pilgrimage sites in all of Christendom. The Vatican Museum boasts its own sacred calling card: Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment, painstakingly painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In total, the artist painted more than 5,000 square feet of frescoes here. Today, they remain a wonder of rich color and sumptuous detail.

The Roman Empire held great sway throughout Europe for many centuries. Another kingdom – much smaller but certainly no less influential – had its center on the northern Adriatic Sea. The Venetian Empire ruled much of the Adriatic region for over 1,000 years from its seat of power on an island just off Italy. Today, with its car-free medieval warrens, endless network of romantic canals, and Old World ambiance, Venice offers more than a spectacular journey back in time; it is a stunning repository of the empire’s prosperity. The glittering domes of St. Mark’s Basilica watch over its namesake square, which Napoleon once called “the drawing room of Europe” for its grace and beauty. The nearby Doge’s Palace was the empire’s center. Here, opulent chambers recall the lifestyles of the rich and regal. And the Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the prison, affords the final view that convicted criminals enjoyed (and “sighed” over) before they were locked away.

The city of Venice is just one of 117 islands that dot the Venetian Lagoon. On the island of Murano, an age-old tradition of glass-blowing lives on. These talented artisans are descendants of the finest glass blowers in history. Their workshops were all moved here centuries ago to prevent the risk of fire on the main island. Its streets and shops are a delight to explore.

Like Rome and Venice, Florence was also an incredibly powerful city. Certainly, the Medici family enjoyed its share of wealth and land – and some would say strong-arming – from the halls of their Palazzo Vecchio in the city center. But Florence is more known as the birthplace of an innovative and creative movement that swept Europe by storm, and ultimately changed the course of the world: the Renaissance. The city, dotted with grand buildings, sculptures, gardens, and the astonishing Duomo of the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, is an open-air museum of the period that defined it. Michelangelo’s David is here – the original in the Accademia of Fine Arts and a replica in the Piazza della Signoria. And the medieval-era Ponte Vecchio, lined with jewelry and leather shops, spans the Arno River.

Of course, the Renaissance was not confined to Florence. The creative brilliance of the age spread all over Italy and Europe. One of the most breathtaking places to observe the period’s architecture at its most spiritual is in Pisa in the Piazza dei Miracoli. Here, a great trinity of white-marble buildings – the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery and the famous Leaning Tower – comprises one of Italy’s great accomplishments. The entire site is considered sacred by the Catholic Church.

Hilltop Wonders Amidst Natural Beauty

Florence and Pisa are the beating hearts of Tuscany, one of Italy’s most breathtaking regions of rolling hills and sprawling vineyards. And they provide just a hint of the country’s Renaissance and natural splendor.

Take the town of Montecatini, for instance. You can literally soak in the beauty here, thanks to its extensive spa facilities fed by thermal springs. Travelers have long come here to “take the waters,” and you may do the same during your free time. Lucca, too, is a gem of medieval architecture. Its spectacularly preserved 17th-century wall is still fully intact and today is home to a public park that’s ideal for strolling and taking in amazing views of olive and fig groves. Within the city, the original Roman street layout reveals layer upon layer of history.

Of Italy’s hilltop wonders, one of its most striking is Assisi. Rising from the countryside of Umbria, the city gloriously straddles a hilltop; from afar, it looks more like a fortress than a major center of the Franciscan Order. The order’s founder, Saint Francis of Assisi, is known as the patron saint of animals, nature and the environment. From its hillside basilica, you can imagine that he would have appreciated the heavenly view.

Equally uplifting vistas can be found at Lago di Como, or Lake Como, in the north of Italy. Long a destination for jet-setters and home to many celebrities, this vast and glistening lake is surrounded by cypress trees, earth-toned villas, lush gardens and spectacular mountain views. It is pure pleasure simply to be here and stroll the scenic lakeside promenade. The quaint village of Bellagio is just a short cruise away, called “The Pearl of Lake Como.” The historic city of Verona – with its remarkably preserved “Arena” amphitheater from Old Rome and its charming balcony on which Shakespeare’s Juliet is said to have swooned over her famous suitor – is also nearby.

Few regions exude as much as beauty as Italy’s western coastal regions. Cinque Terre – a necklace of five villages clinging to the cliffs of the Italian Riviera – is one of the world’s most enchanting destinations. Untouched by the commercial world, the villages can only be accessed by foot or animal trail or by a 19th-century railway. Farther south, Sorrento – famed for its limoncello lemon liqueur and its sweeping views of the Gulf of Naples – is the gateway to the stunning Amalfi Coast. This region is home to one of the world’s most scenic drives, tracing dramatic and rocky shores to quaint seaside villages and colorful houses that seem to spill into the sea, from Positano to Ravello.

Sicilian Splendor

Sicily is very much a part of Italy, yet this autonomous island retains its own rustic and lively character. Some have called it the “unspoiled Italy.” You’re sure to call it magnificent.

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

Greeks were among the many people who settled in Sicily, and they left behind a spectacular sampling of their culture in Agrigento. Here, in the Valley of the Temples, are the best preserved temples outside mainland Greece, including the Temple of Juno and incredibly intact Temple of Concordia. Remarkably preserved Roman villas are nearby, providing unique insight into the lives of the empire after it conquered the island.

Taormina, a charming city of gracious squares and structures spanning the medieval and baroque ages, enjoys one of the best views of all the cities in Sicily. Perched on a rocky plateau, it overlooks the Bay of Naxos and the Ionian Sea to the east and the rising cone of Mt. Etna to the west. Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, is a thrill to explore; we follow one of its roads up black volcanic slopes to a safe zone at the Silvestri Craters. In Taormina itself, there are more remains of ancient Greece, this time in the spectacular Greek Theater. The preservation of its stadium and its walls is equaled only by the coastal vista from its hillside setting.

Catania also sits in the shadow of Mt. Etna. Home of the island’s first university, it stood on par with Florence for its cultural and artistic contributions during the Renaissance. Much of the town was destroyed during a 1693 earthquake, and so today it boasts a more baroque flavor, with wide-open piazzas and colorful markets.

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

Earlier, we talked about how Gate 1 provides the most efficient way to see Italy. But visiting Italy with Gate 1 Travel isn’t only about making the best use of your time. It’s also about stretching your travel dollar.

Our fully escorted tours are packed with features and events that showcase Italy’s culture and introduce you to its people during wine tastings, cooking classes, and farm visits. You could never arrange experiences like these on your own. Plus, we have longstanding contacts with all our hotels, which gives us unmatched buying power. You’ll be surprised not only by the central location of your accommodations throughout Italy, but also by their quality and comfort. Simply put, there is no other way to experience Italy to its absolute fullest.

To see the best of Italy at the best value, call Gate 1 Travel!

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Croatia: Where Culture Runs Deep and Coastal Beauty Reigns

on August 7, 2015

Red-roofed medieval cities huddle on Adriatic shores. A thousand emerald islands unfurl along a sparkling coast like a shining necklace. A forested mountainside is awash in a mesmerizing network of lakes and waterfalls. Croatia is overlooked by many travelers to Europe, and that’s a shame, because we think it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It’s also a gateway to even more Adriatic splendor that, when combined into one sweeping trip, introduce you to a vastly diverse range of culture and beauty.

Historic Cultural Capitals Glitter on a Magical Coast

Long the capital of the Ragusa Republic, which rivaled the Venetian Empire in power and influence, the glittering city of Dubrovnik (above) has been called the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” It’s easy to see how this historic city gained the nickname. Jutting into the Adriatic on a limestone promontory and protected by a fully intact medieval wall, it is a city like no other. Brimming with Gothic and Renaissance treasures – including the splendid Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace and Franciscan Monastery – this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a delight to explore. One sure way to get a sense of its breadth is to climb the stairs to the ramparts that surround it; Dubrovnik’s 800-year old wall completely encircles the city and affords magnificent views over medieval rooftops and the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Once you witness this magnificent setting, you’ll come to understand why one of the Roman Empire’s most powerful leaders wanted to live out his days here. Emperor Diocletian chose Split as his retirement destination in 305 AD, and had a grand palace built here to accommodate his post-imperial court. Today, the ancient Roman palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – serves as Split’s marketplace and its city center. To be sure, the passing of the ages has taken its toll on some of its structures, but many residents of Split make their homes and run their businesses within its walls. It’s remarkable to think that 2,000 people still call the palace grounds home.

Croatia’s capital of Zagreb has long been a crossroads of culture and commerce, and remains so today. It is the nation’s most important hub, the point where Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean are linked to Western and Northern Europe. Amidst its modern-day bustle, however, the past reigns supreme. The city’s historic Upper Town is dominated by the twin-spired Zagreb Cathedral on Kaptol Square, the most monumental ecclesiastic building southeast of the Alps. On Krvavi Most, St. Mark’s Church, with two coats of arms emblazoned on its roof, and the Jesuit St. Catherine’s Church, built when followers of that religion were invited here by the Croatian Parliament in the 17th century, are also impressive.

In the north, charming Opatija lavishly reclines along Adriatic shores near the tip of the Gulf of Kvarner. A stroll along its seaside promenade, the Lungo Mare, lets you soak in the small city’s ambiance and lovely setting. Like the Istrian Peninsula to which it leads, Opatija has held many allegiances over the centuries – Austro-Hungarian, Italian, Yugoslavian and Croatian – making for a fascinating cultural blend. A side trip along the peninsula hugs the Adriatic coast, revealing Pula’s remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater, where performances are still held today, and Rovinj with its stunning Venetian bell towers and delightful cobbled streets. The historic Old Town of Zadar, too, has its robust share of history, dotted with an old Roman forum, medieval churches, Habsburg elegance and a picture-perfect seafront.

Rustic Charms Amidst Spellbinding Beauty

The cultural and historic riches of these cities take center stage amidst Croatia’s gorgeous coast and inland mountains. But in some corners of this spectacular country, it’s the natural beauty that gets all the attention, and rightly so. There are eight national parks in Croatian, and eleven locally designated nature parks.

Inland, the Plitvice Lakes are among the world’s most magnificent natural wonders. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these 16 lakes terrace their way down a hillside high in the Dinaric Mountains, each one connected to the last via cascading waterfalls, caves, springs and chutes. The highest falls tumble some 230 feet. All told, the string of lakes is almost five miles long, and over their lush course the waters fall a total of 430 feet. Raised wooden footpaths lead you through this spectacular wonderland.

Just off Croatia, more than 1,200 islands line the Dalmatian Coast like an emerald necklace.Korcula is one of the most stunning. There is a lot to savor here, including Renaissance palaces and the resplendent St. Mark’s Cathedral. Stonemasons, shipbuilders, and sea merchants all helped put this island on the map and injected money and glory into its buildings and institutions. Aside from its rich culture of architecture and maritime endeavors, Korcula and its surrounding islands also boast a proud musical heritage. Its Klape singers, who indulge in a style of a cappella singing, carry tunes that date back to the 1800s. You have to wonder – once you lay your eyes on this magnificent Adriatic setting – why Marco Polo would have wanted to leave his home island to embark upon a quarter-century of globe-trotting. But leave it he did.

Hvar is another enchanting island outpost. The island once served as a crossroads for trade between the Adriatic and Mediterranean. Its Old Town and cozy marina are a delight to explore. Hvar has consistently been voted among the world’s Top 10 most beautiful islands in the world by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, thanks to its pristine beaches, dramatic karst landscape, vast vineyards, rocky shores and lavender fields.

Explore More of the Adriatic – from Slovenia to Albania – with Gate 1 Travel!

The beauty of traveling to the Adriatic with Gate 1 is the variety of itineraries you can choose from – all at the unmatched value you’d expect. With alpine Slovenia to the north and the rich traditional cultures of Albania to the south, this is one of the most diverse corners of Europe.

Beyond the Tuscan-like landscapes of the Istrian Peninsula, Croatia’s terrain rises into Slovenia. Here, the intimately sized capital of Ljubljana offers endless architectural splendor from its Austro-Hungarian era and an open-air market selling huckleberry syrup and flavored honeys. Its famed Triple Bridge, three side-by-side spans, arches across the Ljubljanica River, connecting the medieval city to its more modern half.

Nearby, the dramatic heights of the magnificent, snow-capped Julian Alps pierce the skies. Here lies what is perhaps Slovenia’s most splendid vista: Lake Bled. This alpine lake with a glass-like, azure surface enchants. A tiny island rests at its center, crowned by the lovely Assumption of Mary church with its wonderful collection of frescoes and its belfry tower. On the lake’s shores, the 11th-century Bled Castle overlooks the waters from a dramatic rocky perch, as moody and stunning as any fairytale abode.

To the south, historic Albania and Montenegro beg to be explored. The crowds are thin and the history is rich in these fascinating countries.

Albania’s capital, Tirana, is a treasure trove of culture and monuments. Its Et’hem Bey Mosque is a symbol of the people’s courage; closed during communist rule, it reopened in 1991 without endorsement from the government. Ten thousand worshippers attended services that day … with no interference. With its fresco-like depictions of trees, waterfalls and nature, it is a rarity in Islamic art. The Palace of Culture, a gathering place for the community, and the National History Museum, which traces Albania’s past, are also proud emblems.

A different vibe pulses in the Adriatic country of Montenegro. Here, legend says that the Moraca Monastery was built in 1252 using a mysterious yellow stone from some faraway place. But there’s no mystery to the beauty that unfolds in Durmitor National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the deep gorges, babbling rivers, dense pine forests and pristine lakes are among the most breathtaking sites you’ll see. Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, boasts gracious green spaces and modern, post-war buildings, and Cetinje is a gem of culture and heritage with beautiful architecture dating to the 1700s. And no visit to Montenegro is complete without witnessing the spectacle of medieval Kotor, tucked between mountains and its glorious bay. The UNESCO World Heritage Site at the end of southern Europe’s only fjord is surrounded by remarkably walls that date back to the Venetian Republic.

Throughout your Gate 1 trip to the Adriatic, local guides introduce you to the countries they love so much. And we work hard to ensure that you’ll end each discovery-rich day in accommodations whose comfort far surpasses our price tag.

We invite you to put Croatia and the Adriatic on your “must-see” list! Call or click to reserve your space today!

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