Tag: Croatia

Travel Tips

Our Top 12 Most Popular Tours of 2018

on May 14, 2018

Gate 1 Travel is letting you in on a little secret. Today we are sharing the top 12 best performing tours thus far in 2018 because you deserve to know! These tours vary greatly in destination but they all excel in showing you must-see sites, beautiful cities, unique cultures and natural beauty all in one escorted tour! We are giving you a countdown of our top 12 tours in hopes of giving you some inspiration when it comes to planning your next unforgettable adventure. Journey with us from Ireland to Vietnam to the United States with a whole world in between and enjoy our list.

12. 9 Day Enchanting Ireland
Enchanting Ireland is right. Ireland is a beautiful country known for a warm culture, lush greenery and excellent sites to see. While on this tour of Ireland you will see some Blarney_Castleof the can’t miss spots including the city of Dublin, where you will enjoy a city tour, visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, and have free time to explore. Also enjoy the Killarney area where you will drive through the world-famous Ring of Kerry and see sites on your way. On this tour you will also see Blarney Castle, Waterford, Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher and Galway. If you have been wanting to visit Ireland, there is no better time than the present to go green.

11. 8 Day Essential Vietnam
Vietnam is a country that is so incredibly different from anywhere else that it’s popularity is no surprise. Your tour of Vietnam will most likely begin with a visit to Ho Ch Minh City, formerly Saigon, where you will have the chance to take an optional excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels, enjoy a optional half day tour of the city or explore the city on your own at your leisure. You will also visit the incredible Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see caves, grottos, islands, stalactites, stalagmites and waterfalls, to name a few! You will also have a full day in Hanoi to either explore the city leisurely or take some optional tours that include the Museum of Ethnology and a Cyclo Ride/Water Puppet Show. This genuine country will win you over and you will enjoy every minute of it.

10. 8 Day Classic National Parks, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone & Grand Teton
What better way to see what the world has to offer than by visiting parts of your own country? Although our country doesn’t have a history as old as some others, we do have amazing sites, national parks, natural phenomenon and plenty of great cities with their own special elegance. On this tour you will see 3 national parks, stay in 6 different locations and have the experience of a lifetime, all in 8 days! Visit Rapid City, the gateway to South Dakota’s Black Hills and iconic Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Experience the beauty of Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States and home to “Old Faithful”, hot springs, thermal features, rock cliffs and more! You will also get to visit Grand Teton National Park, with its dense forests and rich wildlife and then continue to Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s time to see what the United States has to offer and explore some of our greatest treasures.

9. 15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam
This excellent tour gets you seeing two of the greatest countries of Southeast Asia and experiencing some of the greatest sites they have to offer. In just over two weeks you will Vietnam HalongBay_1109_dt_16304888experience 7 different cities and add two different countries to your list! While on tour, visit Siem Reap, home to some of the most famous sites in the world; Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Travel to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy leisure time or take some optional tours to get to know this fascinating city. While on your Cambodia & Vietnam tour you will also see the city of Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, the ancient town of Hoi An, Hue; home to a wealth of palaces, temples, museums and libraries, Halong Bay and Hanoi. This tour covers so much of these two amazing countries that it is a truly unmissable experience.

8. 13 Day Turkish Treasures
Welcome to the true crossroads of Europe and Asia; Turkey. This country has history that dates back to B.C. and has ancient sites to see that are some of the oldest on earth! On your journey to Turkey you will tour the city of Istanbul and see the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the Spice Market. Traverse the ancient city of Cappadocia with its surreal rock formations, rock-cut temples and plenty of hot air balloons in the sky, with an optional have your own hot air balloon ride! This extensive tour also includes visits to the classical city of Troy, the port city of Izmir, the resort town of Antalya and Ankara the modern capital of Turkey. Learn about the country and sites you have read about in books like The Illiad and venture to this country today.

7. 13 Day Kaleidoscope of Central Europe
Central Europe has so much to offer in such a small area of the world. On this tour you will visit 5 major cities with a few stops along the way, and potentially add 5 new countries to your list. You will travel to the medieval city of Krakow, Poland, a city that was greatly affected by WWII and see the Jewish Quarter and Ghetto of the city as well as taking a solemn visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Experience the former center of the Hapsburg Empire; Vienna, Austria, where you will view Schonbrunn Palace, Empress Maria Theresia Monument, Votive Church, City Hall, Parliament and more. This tour will also bring you to more unforgettable places such as Warsaw, Czestochowa, Budapest, Bratislava and Prague. If you enjoy history, culture, music and experiencing unforgettable places, this tour is perfect for you.

6. 11 Day Affordable Croatia & Slovenia
Croatia is a travel location that is increasingly popular for good reason! This seaside country has excellent cities by the water and a neighboring country of Slovenia that you will not want to miss. This tour includes stops in 7 towns and cities with optional tours to see even more. This extraordinary tour takes you to Dubrovnik, the walled and cobbled-street city that you have probably seen on Game of Thrones, as King’s Landing, and in many pictures. Also explore the lake-side city of Bled, set among the Julian Alps and one of Slovenia’s most popular resort towns. Opatija, Zadar, Split, Krka National Park, Vodice, Zagreb and Ljubjana, Slovania are all included on this fully-packed tour. Come see why so many people are visiting this country and discover many of your own reasons!

5. 11 Day Enchanting Italy
Italy is always a great idea and this tour covers places you have always wanted to visit. If Venetian canals, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Michelangelo’s David, and Pompeii are things you have dreamed about, this tour covers it all and so much more. Visit and stay in the city of Florence, where David, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Signoria Square await you. Take a tour of ancient Rome, home of the Colosseum, excellent food and a tiny country called Vatican City. This tour will also take you to Venice, Tuscany, Pisa, Assisi, Pompeii, Sorrento, Bay of Naples and more! If a friendly culture, excellent food and beautiful sites are on your travel list, you will surely cross them off with this tour of Italy.

4. 8 Day Essential Greece
This country, in the heart of the Mediterranean, is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world; the Acropolis, Olympia and Delphi. This tour has an unbeatable DelphiAthenaprice and gets you all around Greece in just over a week! You will likely arrive in Athens, the capital of Greece and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Acropolis. Take a tour of the archaeological site of Olympia and see where the games were first held in 776 B.C. Visit the excavated site of Delphi, enjoy the coastal road to the mighty Corinth Canal and take an optional day tour to Hydra, Poros and Aegina Islands. Discover this ancient country that is the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western Civilization on this unforgettable tour.

3. 12 Day Danube River Cruise with Prague
A river cruise through Europe is an excellent way to see many destinations while returning to the comfort of a ship between each. Being on a cruise means that while you are busy sleeping or enjoying the ship, you are being whisked away to a new and exciting destination. On your river cruise you will sail along the Danube river and visit Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany, you will also see the Czech Republic on this specific tour. Visit the essential Danube village town of Melk, Austria where you will walk along medieval cobblestone streets leading to 16th century houses and wine taverns. You will also visit the city of Prague on this tour, where you will see the world-famous Astronomical Clock. The Town Hall, Jewish Quarter and many more sites. Other stops on this tour include Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen and Regensberg. It’s time to experience Europe in one of the most unique and special ways; on a European river cruise with Gate 1 Travel!

2. 10 Day Affordable Peru
Seeing Machu Picchu is on the bucket list of many travel enthusiasts. If you are one of these enthusiasts this tour was made for you. Visit the city of Lima, the capital of Peru and its excellent landmarks including the Palace of the Archbishop, the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima. You will, of course, experience the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, Cuzco, which contains some ruins of its own and will be your gateway to touring the incredible Machu Picchu. This tour also visits Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Uros Islands, Puno and more! This exceptional tour brings you to some of the most photographed and visited places in the world and is affordable as well. Get out your hiking gear because Peru awaits.

1. 13 Day Kaleidoscope of Morocco
If you have not been to Morocco yet, it is a must-visit! This up and coming country has been hugely popular this year thanks to its unique culture, vast array of things to do and excellent pricing! This tour offers many essential locations in Morocco including Fez, an OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAancient city with breathtaking views that you can decide to discover on your own or join the optional city tour. You will also visit Marrakesh where you will visit the Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Minaret, the Medina and the Bahia Palace. On this Moroccan tour you will also visit Rabat, Erfoud, Rissani, Ouarzazate and Casablanca. There’s no better time than now to start seeing the world and all its beauty and culture. What better way to explore, than to enjoy our most popular tour of the year to beautiful Morocco?

Europe

Top Ten Adriatic Sea Sites

on October 18, 2017

Croatia is quickly becoming one of the most desirable countries to visit due to its ancient architecture, glistening blue waters, mild climate and friendly culture. Taking a cruise means that you are able to see more of the country while still having the comfort of an intimate cruise ship at your disposal. The ship will take you effortlessly from port to port either overnight or between stops, while you sit back and enjoy the amenities on-board. If we haven’t convinced you of an Adriatic Sea Cruise yet allow us to highlight the top ten areas you will discover while exploring the coast of Croatia.

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10. Hvar
In Hvar you will discover one of the most spectacular islands in the world. It is the home of the very first public theater in Europe, Hvar Theater. You can also chose to discover white, sandy beaches in a Mediterranean climate surrounded by blue waters at Dubovica Beach or Zavala Beach. Stop in a “Hvar konoba” or small inn, for a real taste of Croatian culture and fare with some wine and olives too!

9. Mljet National Park
Next is the greenest place in all of Croatia, Mljet National Park. The park covers Island Mljet’s western wooded area and encompasses two deep bays connected by a narrow channel. Here you must take notice of the two salt water lakes Veliko and Malo Jezero (Large and Small Lake) that border the park. Be sure to explore the Benedictine Monastery, that was erected in the 12th century and is now a cafe/restaurant.

8. Korcula
You’ve arrived in Korcula after traveling seamlessly from port to port on your ship . Here you will explore the sixth largest of Croatia’s islands that is 20 miles long and between 4 and 5 miles wide on average. The main towns of the island include Korcula Town, or “Little Dubrovnik” thanks to its medieval squares and architecture, Vela Luka and Lumbarda. While in Korcula, things to visit include the Land Gate, which is the entrance to the Old Town to the South, St. Mark’s Cathedral, Abbey Treasury and Marco Polo’s House!

7. Dubrovnik
Welcome to your new favorite city in the Mediterranean; Dubrovnik, Croatia. This medieval city sits at the bottom of the country, in the region of Dalmatia and borders the Adriatic Sea. Sites that are a must see in Dubrovnik include the Walls of Dubrovnik, Rector’s Palace, the Franciscan Monastery’s Pharmacy and the Old City, that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure you have a drink and a bite to eat in a local restaurant and take in the enchanting sights around you in this town known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”.

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6. Bol – Golden Horn
You’ve enjoyed some tanning and relaxing on your ship, but now it’s time for a swim in Bol, Croatia, home to the Zlatni Rat, or Golden Cape. This unique beach protrudes out 500 meters, or 1/3 of a mile, into the Adriatic Sea. The beach is golden because it is covered in pebbles and long because the wind and water current shape it. Find yourself surrounded by locals and visitors alike to behold the beauty of one of the best loved beaches in the country.

5. Split, Croatia
The capital of Dalmatia is a beautiful and ancient city called Split that is the country’s second largest city, after Zagreb. While in Split, make it a point to see the Diocletian’s Palace, cobblestone streets, medieval churches, the Veli Varos neighborhood and seaside promenade, where you can relax at a cafe. If laying on the beach is more your style, visit Bacvice neighborhood where there are several excellent beaches. This neighborhood also has a huge nightlife scene that you will not want to miss!

4. Trogir
Step off your luxurious boat because it has brought you effortlessly to Trogir, Croatia, on the island of Ciovo. It is an easily accessible town that has a pedestrianized historic town center that is akin to an outdoor museum. Here you will view intricate facades, ornate churches and palaces, gates from the Renaissance and streets from medieval times. While exploring the town of Trogir do not forget to see the Cathedral of St Lovro, Lucic Palace and Radovan’s Portal.

3. Krka National Park
The Krka National Park is a 68 mile area that is located in central Dalmatia. It includes the Krka River and its preserved or insignificantly altered ecosystems. This lush green park includes seven magnificent waterfalls, parts of the Dinara mountain range, Fortress Ruins and Visovac Island that includes the Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy and the Church of Our Lady of Visovac. Talk a leisurely walk in this rich area full of natural beauty that cannot be compared.

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2. Kornati
Welcome to an archipelago including 147 uninhabited islands and islets, the Kornati Islands. This natural park only encompasses a land area of 44 square miles and is marked by steep cliffs, making the coastline extremely unique. Here you will find remains of early churches, medieval fortifications and settlements from the Neolithic period. Explore this magnificently dramatic area that has absolutely no hotels and no ferries, so you are very lucky to see it!

1. Zadar
Our trip is coming to an end but we’ve saved one of the best for last with the culturally rich city of Zadar. The city is surrounded by Venetian gates and historical ramparts that will take you back to olden times in the best way. Many of the cobblestone streets were designed specifically for pedestrians so you can take a walk through history. While in Zadar, must sees include the St. Donatus Church, Saint Anastasia’s Cathedral, Fosa, The City Walls and Gates of Zadar and Rector’s Palace. Settle into a cafe or pastry shop as your trip comes to an end. While here, it’s a perfect time to start planning your next trip to the unforgettable country of Croatia.

We’re giving you a bonus city because this is a city you do not want to miss, especially while cruising and exploring the incomparable Adriatic Sea. Sibenik is a seaside town that is located about 50 miles north of Split. It is the third largest city in Dalmatia behind Dubrovnik and Split but it has just as much personality as its bigger siblings. This lively and exciting city has a deep bay that protects it, making it one of the most naturally protected harbors on the Adriatic Sea. Things that you cannot miss in Sibenik include the Cathedral Sveti Jakov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. Barbara and St. Fran church, and many town squares and palaces. Architecture from the Renaissance and cathedrals made from stone make this town the epitome of a seaside Adriatic town you do not want to skip over.

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