Tag: Europe

The Many Beautiful Faces of France
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The Many Beautiful Faces of France

on September 20, 2018

It is little wonder that France is one of the world’s most visited countries. This beloved nation exudes endless romance, epic histories, and rich cultures that have endured centuries. No matter how many times we visit, we never tire of its elegant chateaux, divine wines and cheeses, proud sense of history, breathtaking natural beauty, and sheer elegance. You’re sure to agree that—from the Mediterranean shores of the Riviera to the sweeping farmlands of Normandy kissed by Atlantic breezes—there is no place on earth like it. Gate 1 Travel lets you explore it all your way. No matter how you join us—on a classic escorted tour, an independent vacation, a relaxing river cruise, or even a rail vacation that combines Paris and another thrilling European capital—your France awaits you with Gate1.

Paris: France’s Cultural Centerpiece

It is said that all of France begins in Paris, the romantic city of splendid architecture, priceless art, towering monuments, and the graceful River Seine. The sweep of history is ever on display. The masterful Cathedral of Notre Dame harkens to the city’s medieval age, while the Arc de Triomphe celebrates the aspirations of Napoleon. And the city’s grande dame, the Eiffel Tower, stands regally above it all; the heart races at the mere glance of it.

With myriad delights, Paris beckons you to delve into its many neighborhoods at your own pace, following your own interests. That’s why many of our itineraries provide you ample time to explore on your own. Browse the history-soaked fine arts of the Musée d’Orsay—or go strictly modern at the Centre Pompidou. Write in your journal along the Left Bank or browse the boutiques of the Champs-Élysées. Plus, optional tours reveal the highlights of the Louvre, the splendor of Louis XIV’s Versailles Palace, and the City of Light by night, in all its floodlit finery.

Loire and Normandy: Of Castles & Conquests

Southwest of Paris, a wonderland of more than 300 castles and carefully manicured gardens adorns the countryside of the Loire Valley. Kings and nobles built these fortresses as far back as the tenth century. Many of them—like Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise—reflect the high ideals of the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment. And speaking of high ideals, the Loire capital of Chartres is home to the greatest Gothic cathedral in all of France, a sight not to be missed. And discover the lovely cities of Tours, renowned for its Loire wines and elegant architecture.

Battles underpin the history of Normandy province, whether in Bayeaux, with its 230-foot Tapestry commemorating the great Norman Conquest of 1066, to the code-named beaches—Omaha and Utah among them—where Allied troops set in motion the beginning of the end of World War II. Mont St. Michel, too, though revered today for its abbey and monastery, was strategically built on a tidal island, leaving the fortress unconquered for the entire Hundred Years War.

Saone & Rhone Valleys: Witness to History, Inspiration to Artists and Chefs

Inspiration is everywhere in France, as a visit to the Saone and Rhone Valleys reveals. Impressionist painters Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin found their muses in central France and the celebrated Riviera. The dreamy provinces of Burgundy, Lyonnais, and Provence with their meandering rivers, vineyard hills, and lavender fields, all gave rise to many of their masterpieces.

Some of the region’s greatest masterpieces are culinary. Dijon, in the heart of Burgundy, is one of the centers of divine French cuisine. Dijon mustard was invented here, and internationally known chefs concoct ambrosia-like dishes in their restaurants. Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site city, is the other shining star of gastronomy, connected by the Saone and Rhone rivers to the wine-growing regions of Beaujolais to the north and Cotes du Rhone to the south.

The Rhone Valley’s love affair with wine became the fiscal lifeblood of the Popes of Avignon when they relocated the Holy See here and built the gargantuan Palais des Papes. They commandeered the wine-making tradition begun by the Romans here and commercialized it to bolster the local economy. Of course, wine isn’t the only legacy of the Romans in this historic corner of France: The vast Pont du Gard, a massive aqueduct built to transport water, still stands as a testament to their boundless ingenuity.

Southern France: Medieval Gems & Splendid Wine Capitals

The beauty of Mediterranean France seems boundless, too. Elegant Nice invites long strolls on its Promenade des Anglais. In medieval Carcassonne, cobbled streets lead you through a city frozen in time. And a timeless spell lingers over the market town of Lourdes, near the foothills of the Pyrenees. Here, in 1858, a miller’s daughter saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary in a grotto, transforming the village into a pilgrimage setting. Even now, a nightly torch-lit procession to the grotto inspires all who witness it.

In the Bordeaux region, raising a glass is the sacred nightly ritual. The splendid city (which some say rivals Paris in its beauty) is best known for its full-bodied red wines, while nearby St. Emilion tempts with a Merlot-heavy blend of its own. Meanwhile, the city of Cognac has refined the art of making the prized brandy that bears its name.

Expand Your Discoveries Beyond France

As you see, Gate 1 offers a bounty of choices when it comes to exploring the beauty of France, all with prices easy on your travel budget. Stretch the value of your airfare even more by visiting some of its European neighbors. After all, you’ve already flown to Europe, right? Enrich your French discoveries by experiencing the crown jewel of The Netherlands, navigating the winding canals of Amsterdam in a glass-top boat. Revel in the timeless cultural tapestry of Belgium, from the Grand Place of Brussels to the medieval lanes of Bruges. Tiny Luxembourg and richly historic Germany are also nearby. What’s more, you can transform your visit to France into a European adventure when you connect by Europe’s meticulous rail system to cities like London, Amsterdam and Barcelona; take the train farther afield to discover Venetian, Renaissance and ancient treasures of Italy in Venice, Florence and Rome.

Experience France in a Discovery Tours Small Group

If you’d like to discover France on a more intimate scale, gaining greater access to local cultures in the company of a small group, consider getting to the heart of Northern France on our Discovery Tours itinerary. Our sister company limits group sizes to just 22 travelers, opening doors to places and experiences larger groups must forego. You’ll sip the wines of the Loire Valley, witness the rocky majesty of Mont St. Michel, and reflect on the triumphs and tragedy of war in St. Malo and Normandy during unique events and activities tailored to your group size. Bookend your Northern France exploration with stays in glittering Paris and Louis XIV’s dazzling Versailles.

You might also head south, exploring France and Spain on a single journey. Experience the vineyard-laden countryside and preserved medieval cities of southern France, and uncover the iconic cities and famously stunning countryside of Spain’s Basque region. Sample local wines in Spanish Rioja and French Bordeaux. Soak up artistic masterpieces from the Guggenheim in Bilbao to the Prado in Madrid. Marvel at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s stunning cathedral more than a century in the making. With delights as diverse as the breathtaking beaches of San Sebastian and the unforgettable walled city of Carcassonne, it’s a journey like no other.

No matter how you explore France with the Gate 1 family, you’re assured exemplary accommodations in central locations, a rich array of included features, and unmatched value. As the French would say, c’est magnifique.

Explore France your way! 

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Albania’s Legend of Skanderburg

on September 19, 2018

In Albania, hearts swell with national pride at the mere mention of his name. Born George Castriot into a noble family, the man who would famously go down in history as Skanderbeg led an anti-Ottoman rebellion that planted the seeds of cultural identity for Albania and Macedonia. Fending off the Sultan’s huge armies was, of course, a heroic feat by itself. But locals particularly hold Skanderberg on a pedestal because he once fought within the Ottoman army that he so skillfully defeated.

By Skanderbeg’s time (1405-1468), the Ottomans had already gained a foothold in the Balkans and ruled region with little regard for personal freedoms. At a young age, Skanderbeg was sent away to serve Sultan Murad II and, gaining the confidence of His Highness, found himself in the prestigious position of sanjakbey in the small region of Debar. (In Ottoman days, a “bey” was a chieftain and a “sanjak” was a district.) But it was with great reluctance that he oversaw Debar on behalf of the Ottoman Empire. Soon, the Crusades swept in from the west and claimed victories over the armies of the Sultan, inspiring many officials to revolt. In 1443, during the Battle of Niš, Skanderbeg abandoned his Ottoman army and fled with 300 other Albanians serving the Sultan.

The fledgling army arrived in Krujë and, presenting a forged letter from the Sultan, proclaimed himself governor and lord of the city. After gaining control of vast reaches of land, he raised a flag that—with its black double-headed eagle on a red field—was a precursor of today’s Albanian flag.

As his rebellion continued, early efforts met great success. His followers grew in number and captured large swaths of land. Skanderbeg’s uprising stands out in European history because there was no “foreign” invader to fend off; simply put, the Sultan was already well established in this multi-ethnic region. Albanians, Slavs, Greeks and Turks were either loyal to Skanderbeg or to the Sultan. In this way, the uprising resembled a civil war more than a cross-border war.

Skanderbeg’s rebellion, in effect, lasted until 1479. He worked to unite Albanian princes and their charges and established a central authority, thus becoming the “Lord of Albania.” Throughout this period, the Ottomans continually tried to establish his country as a gateway to Italy and the rest of Europe. As Skanderbeg’s modest army resisted the formidable forces of the Sultan, he earned praise from all over Europe. The Kingdoms of Naples, Venice and Ragusa even offered financial and military aid to express their admiration.

The Ottomans proved too strong in the end. They ruled over much of the Mediterranean from the 14th to the 20th centuries. But the legacy of Skanderbeg—the first leader to unite Albania under one Albanian leader—endures in the nation’s rich national identity.

You can learn more about this legendary historical figure during our new Majestic Balkans itinerary!

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Romania’s Remarkable Storybook Castle

on September 17, 2018

In the 1870s, when King Carol I of Romania traveled outside Sinaia and saw the rolling and rugged hills of the magnificent Carpathian Mountains, he knew this was the place to build his castle. His Majesty certainly had a good eye for settings; his remarkable home is nestled quietly on a gentle slope, yet it also strikes a commanding pose, seeming to lord over the sweeping cradle in which it is swaddled.

With its Neo-Renaissance and Gothic Revival beauty, Romania’s Peleş Castle is often compared to Germany’s famous Schloss Neuschwanstein, the fairytale wonder that inspired Cinderella’s Castle in Walt Disney World. The first thing you notice are its fanciful towers, one conical, another a sloping hexagon and another triangular. Wood frames outline windows, balconies, and sculpted flourishes. Timber changes color from one wing to the next and it’s all topped with a curvilinear roof. Amid this stunning asymmetry, the eye really isn’t really sure where to look. Yet somehow, it is grand and playful and perfect.

The diverse styles of Peleş Castle were surely influenced by its builders. Queen Elisabeth of the Romanians wrote of the many nationalities who contributed their craftsmanship: “… you could see hundreds of national costumes and [hear] fourteen languages in which they spoke, sang, cursed and quarreled ….” The castle was inaugurated in 1883, though construction continued through 1914.

Within its 34,000 square feet, more than 170 rooms and 30 bathrooms are graced with sculpted wood and stained-glass windows, many adorned with a theme from a different historical period. Lavish furnishings bring luster to the residence and some of the finest art and historical collections in Eastern and Central Europe are here: statuary, paintings, arms and armor, tapestries, and more. This is inarguably one of the world’s finest national monuments.

Today, Peleş Castle hosts a museum, but is also used for some functions organized by the Royal Family. Rooms open for viewing include the Imperial Suite, created in Austrian Baroque style for Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I and featuring a pristinely preserved 500-year-old Cordoban tooled leather wall cover. In the Grand Armory, 1,600 of the museum’s 4,000 pieces of weaponry are on display, including some used in Romania’s War of Independence. The Theater is adorned in lavish Louis XIV style and boasts a mural signed by Gustav Klimt. In the Florentine Room, Italian Renaissance is the theme, accented with Michelangelo touches. The Moorish Salon exudes the decorative feel of North Africa and Spain and even has a marble fountain. And in the Turkish Parlor, izmir rugs, copperware, and silk-brocade wall coverings evoke a vibrant bazaar.

Peleş Castle is a true treasure from Romania’s past. We hope you will see it for yourself during our new Majestic Balkans itinerary!

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

This is Macedonia; Astounding Nature, Enriching Culture and Incredible History

on September 8, 2018

With its secluded location north of Greece, east of Albania, and west of Bulgaria, Macedonia boasts a rich and enduring culture that has been shaped and, yes, sometimes tested, by its geography and its history. Today, it is one of Europe’s best kept secrets, where deep-rooted traditions blend with some of the Balkans’ most dramatic mountains and sweeping valleys that give rise to rivers that flow to the Aegean, the Adriatic, and the Black Seas. Macedonia is, by all accounts, a breathtaking spectacle of natural and cultural beauty. All this in a nation that’s not much larger than the U.S. state of Vermont.

Intimate in scale yet vast in its beauty, Macedonia is best explored in a Discovery Tours small group. As we hope you will soon find out for yourself on our new Majestic Balkans trip.

Skopje: A Stunning Capital Where East Meets West

The nation’s capital of Skopje wears its pride with the aplomb of any European cultural center. Ottoman Turks ruled here for 500 years and vestiges of their culture are everywhere, lending the city an “east-meets-west” atmosphere. Its historic centerpiece, the Kale—kale means “fortress” in Turkish—overlooks the city. In its heyday, oneskopje3 renowned writer visiting in 1660 remarked that “one cannot see so much refinement and art” as he saw here.

Much of that era’s flavor also seeps through the stone lanes of the Turkish Bazaar, known locally as Čaršija. Home to some 30 mosques and a number of historic caravansaries, its stalls are brimming with colorful carpets, handmade crafts, carved dolls, and all the traditional makings of Macedonia. With its vast collection of historic architecture, it is perhaps Skopje’s most significant area of cultural heritage. Nearby, one of the 20th century’s greatest humanitarian figures, Mother Teresa, was born in 1910, when the city was part of Albania.

Stobi: The Pompeii of Macedonia

Macedonia has been occupied and ruled by many empires throughout its history. Another city you will visit paints a fascinating picture of the region’s early past. The ancient site of Stobi was home to the Paeonians, believed to have been allies to the Trojans. When the Persians invaded in the 5th century BC, they exiled the Paeonians to Asia, which eventually opened a door for Philip II of Macedon to conquer the area around 355 BC.

Some 200 years later, the Romans moved in to establish their new province of Macedonia Salutaris. They made Stobi its revered capital. Today, its incredibly preserved remains—a grand amphitheater, a palace, basilicas, baths, residences, and more line ancient stone streets. Like Pompeii, Volubilis, or any other surviving treasure, it provides fascinating insight into life in the Empire.

Remarkably, this ancient land provides an ideal environment for a rich viniculture. The most common wine you will see, and perhaps drink, is Vranec, a lush red. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes are also grown here. And for a unique wine tasting experience, be sure to sample Stanušina Crna, a high-quality wine not known outside the country. You will have the chance to sip and swirl at a local winery after your visit to Stobi.

Ohrid: A Lakeside Jewel of Culture and History

Lake Ohrid straddles the Macedonia-Albania border. With its red-roofed houses and hilltop fortress overlooking pristine waters, the lake’s namesake town and its surroundings may remind you of Italy’s Lake Como. Ohrid and Lake Ohrid hold a rare distinction of holding UNESCO World Heritage status as both Cultural and Natural Sites. And it’s easy to understand why.

When the 17th-century Ottoman traveler Mehmed Zilli traveled through scenic Ohrid, he observed that there were 365 chapels here, one for every day of the year. Whether ohrid2legend or fact (today there are far fewer), the reputation stuck and Ohrid is still known as the “Macedonian Jerusalem.” The Church of St. Sophia is one of the most important in the nation, boasting splendid medieval architecture and beautifully preserved frescoes dating as far back as the 11th century. One of the most dramatic remaining ecclesiastic centers is the Monastery of St. Naum, perched on a rocky upwelling beside the lake. But the most dramatic site of Ohrid is the Fortress of Tsar Samoil; its ramparts look out over the lake as if still searching for invaders approaching by boat. Ancient Greece, too, left its mark in Ohrid, in the form of an open-air theater tucked between two hills.

Discovery Tours is pleased to bring our small groups to the cultural and scenic heart of Macedonia, long a crossroads of culture, commerce, and—today—discovery. We hope you will join us on our new Majestic Balkans itinerary!

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The Historic Center of Toledo, Spain

on September 7, 2018

Ancient Toledo, Spain is packed with history within its old city walls. It is home to Arab, Jewish and Christian monuments and the former home of Mannerist painter El Greco! The “city of three cultures” has an array of beautiful sites to visit including Toledo Cathedral, Bisagra Gate, Sol Gate, Alcazar of Toledo, Museo del Greco, Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and many more! If relaxing is more your style; walk the centuries-old streets, grab some Spanish cuisine at a local restaurant or stroll along the San Martin Bridge, first constructed in the 1200s.

toledospain1

 

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @bsilgar using the hashtag #gate1travel. This medieval scene was taken in Toledo, Spain.  Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Spain trips here!

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

The Rise of Bucharest, Romania’s Gem

on September 4, 2018

You might be forgiven if you confuse Bucharest, Romania and Budapest, Hungary. But probably not by the locals. It’s not that they’re not used to it. It’s more that their pride runs deep and they’re looking forward to their beloved Romanian capital of culture and finance finding its place in the Eastern European sun. Well, we think the time is now. Here are just a few things about this fascinating city that make it stand out.

  • The 15th-century Old Princely Court (Curtea Veche) served as the residence of Romania’s rulers, including Vlad the Impaler, the notorious Wallachian prince whose treacherous ways were the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
  • Today’s Bucharest offers a rich and varied arts scene, from art-house cinemas and folklore performances to ballet and the philharmonic.
  • Get a true taste of Bucharest’s culinary culture when you sample sarmale (cabbage rolls) or papanasi (curd cheese on donuts), perhaps followed by the beloved local digestif tuica, a fruit brandy.
  • Architecture in this stately capital runs the gamut: Neoclassical facades rub elbows with stone-faced structures from the city’s communist past and Romanian Orthodox churches sidle up alongside Parisian-like parks. But the true darlings of Bucharest are its many belle époque mansions.
  • Between the two world wars, the elegance and sophistication of Bucharest earned it the nickname “the Paris of the East.”
  • In the center of the city, the artificial Lake Cismigiu is surrounded by its namesake gardens, inspiration to poets and writers since their opening in 1847. In the northern part of the city, the Botanical Gardens—once the pleasure park of the royal family—boast 10,000 species of plants.
  • The Palace of the Parliament, the megalomaniacal product of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu’s mind, is the second largest administrative building in the world, after The Pentagon. It 480 chandeliers, 1,409 ceiling lights and its mirrors were made from 3,500 tons of crystal. More than 2 million square feet of wool, velvet and brocade went into the carpeting and curtains, some of them woven inside the building because they would have been too large to fit through entrance ways. More than 35 million cubic feet of marble and about the same amount of local wood were also used.
  • Other palaces are more measured and refined. The Palace of the Patriarchate evokes the façade of the Roman Athenaeum with its six Ionic columns. The Palace of Justice on the Dambovita River hosts the Court of Appeal. And in the Royal Palace, you can browse the National Museum of Art of Romania, a splendid collection of medieval and modern work.
  • The shops and cafes of Lipscani Street date from the medieval age to the early 19th century. Back then, every trade was concentrated here, from goldsmiths to saddlemakers. Today, it is decidedly more modern, but every bit as bustling with commerce.

Bucharest deserves a closer look. And there’s no better way to experience it than in a Discovery Tours small group.

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

Cruisin’ on the Danube River

on August 10, 2018

A river cruise is a truly unique experience much different from touring by bus or car. You will stop at ports to see different cities each day and also get to watch the scenery and small towns pass by while on board. You also have a beautiful ship to go back to while you are whisked away to your next destination while you sleep or rest! This picture was taken of our very own Gate 1 Travel ship, the Monarch Baroness, on the Danube River (this picture was taken in Passau, Germany). An intimate cruise on an extraordinary river like the Danube might just become your new favorite way of traveling.

monarchbaroness
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @bettybroker using the hashtag #gate1travel. This view along the Danube River was taken in Passau, Germany.  Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s River Cruise trips here!

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The Window to Lisbon, Portugal

on July 13, 2018

The São Jorge Castle sits in the historic center of the beautiful Lisbon, Portugal. This Moorish castle overlooks the entire city from a hilltop and gives you the extraordinary view seen in the picture. This capital city has a history dating back centuries and includes many excellent places to visit including Belem Tower, a medieval defense tower, Jerónimos Monastery, a World Heritage Gothic Monastery and, of course, São Jorge Castle, where this week’s photo was taken from of the city below!

windowlisbon
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @joanies_journeys using the hashtag #gate1travel. This picture perfect view was taken in Lisbon, Portugal from the São Jorge Castle. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Portugal trips here!

EuropeTravel Tips

The Perks of Work: Employee Travel Testimonial – 9 Day Danube River Cruise

on June 26, 2018
View from Cabin - Passau Panarama

View from Cabin of Passau, Germany

The Danube River runs through Europe and is dotted with excellent towns, each with their own personality and culture. The best way to see all of these towns and make visits to each, is with a River Cruise. This way you can rest, sleep and relax while the boat takes you from one location to another and you see many towns and villages in Europe that are truly from fairy tales. We caught up with Jordyn, an employee of Gate 1 Travel, who took the 9 Day Danube River Cruise, and we got the inside scoop. Jordyn will give you her favorite towns, best meals and why she loved doing a European River Cruise especially.

Why did you choose this trip and what had you heard about these places that made you decide on it?
Honestly, I chose the Danube River Cruise since it was offered with an option to bring your partner. He had gone through some health struggles in the winter and I thought traveling would be a great way to celebrate his recovery. I was very interested in seeing

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Bavarian Cream Pie and Espresso

Budapest, but had never really thought about visiting Germany or Austria before. Budapest, and Hungary in general, has a really interesting language, since it’s Asiatic and not based in any Romance language. I also had heard great things about the city’s baths and monuments, that it was very pretty, so I was excited to travel through the countryside and take in the views. My college roommate also lives in Vienna at the moment, so the possibility of seeing her and her boyfriend was also a great reason to go.

Danube River Cruises are becoming popular international travel destinations, how was that reflected in your trip?
I completely understand why everyone’s really excited about River Cruises. After doing

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Small Alley with Bakery in Bratislava

one of these, it’s going to be hard to do another bus tour. You get in, unpack once, and by the second day, you know where everything is! By the third day, you know the waitstaff’s names and are friendly with the bartender. It’s truly a treat and really makes traveling feel so much less exhausting. Looking out of our windows at a new scene every morning was one of our favorite things about cruising. You wake up in a new city every day! The views from the ship were inexplicably beautiful, whether we were sailing through locks, past urban cities, or through the country-side, there was so much to see. It was really, really lovely and convenient, and the food was always good.

What were some of the highlights of your trip?
The views from the boat every morning, which was always different and always beautiful! I think a highlight for me was Passau, a super cute little town right on the border of Germany & Austria. Our guide was a student studying at the university and she so clearly loved her town. We wandered into a little bakery and purchased a pastry in order to break some larger bills, and that pastry was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten in my life. It was a croissant, glazed, with a surprise of apricot jam inside.

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Wine in Bratislava

I also really enjoyed the tour of Bratislava immensely, I had come in with the least knowledge of that particular city, so learning the history of Slovakia & seeing the beauty of the city was a real treat. It’s much less crowded than some of the larger cities we visted & the weather was beautiful.

Another favorite stop on the trip was Salzburg, where my partner & I walked up to the castle high on the hill to take in the view of the town from above while some others were on a tour of some gardens. There were many very friendly dogs in Salzburg when we visited, which was a treat for me, a dog lover. One even dropped a stick at my feet and played fetch with me for a bit (with it’s owners nearby and watching on, of course). It was really a magical moment and such a beautiful place.

What was your favorite meal or what food did you have that you really enjoyed or felt was very authentic?

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Pretzel For a Snack

My favorite meal on the cruise was a ricotta stuffed gnocchi dinner in a carrot sauce. It was so good that my boyfriend, a meat eater, was jealous. I am a vegetarian, & I was honestly expecting to eat a lot of salad and soup on this trip, as I had been told that veggie options could be limited in Germany, Austria, & Hungary, but to my surprise, the veg options on the ship were wonderful! The ship’s chef came out every night to talk to passengers & ask how they enjoyed their meal, so it felt as if each meal got better and better as we traveled. There were authentic options available for each destination, as well, I know that there was schnitzel in Salzburg, & there was a specific Bavarian themed lunch, as well. There was a very nice selection of options for everyone on board.

How was the shopping and did you visit anywhere specifically great for shopping?
I’m not really a shopper. There were shops in Salzburg and in Regensburg, so you could do some shopping while walking around. We were able to purchase a rain coat in a Salzburg H&M, which was very helpful through the rest of our touring, though!

What travel tips would you give to someone preparing to go on this trip?
Make sure you have comfortable shoes & an empty stomach. I would also note that I had cell service, including GPS and internet access through my cell carrier during this trip and I would truly recommend having GPS service while on this trip. You’re given maps

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View from Cabin of Weimar Valley

of every location you visit, most of them even have highlighted areas to show you where you’ll be meeting up with the group after free time, but during our free time, having the ability to search for places off of the beaten track (we were able to find an adorable pastry shop in Bratislava off of a main road & eat some absolutely life changing Bavarian Cream Pie, for example) is a huge plus. Other than that specific advice, I would just say make sure you pack comfortable clothes and shoes for your touring.

How did you prepare for this trip?
As a bit of a neurotic person, I made specific lists for everything that I wanted to pack. I

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View from Cabin of Passau

also made note of the forecast for each location on the day that we were scheduled to be there and used that to inform my clothing choices. I tried to pack as many layer-able things as I could, since it was May and could still be a bit chilly in areas. I also made sure my bank knew where I was going, and for how long, so that I could get money out of various ATMs in the locations we traveled. I made copies of our passports to bring along as well.

Would you go back?
In a heartbeat. I would really like to do a longer trip to Bratislava, if you can’t tell how much I loved it from my answers.

How was your Cruise Director and what were they like? In what ways did they affect your trip?
Our Cruise Director was great, she gave us all of the information that we needed the day before any touring in our nightly port talk. She also advocated for us, as passengers, when the ship we were sailing on ran into engine trouble in Bratislava. She made sure that we did not have to leave extremely early to get into Budapest and ensured that we were able to get lunch and do all of our touring.

What did you feel was the overall theme of your trip?
For my partner and I, this trip meant a lot. As I mentioned, he had been going through some health struggles and the idea of being able to come out of those tough times Maker:S,Date:2017-8-11,Ver:6,Lens:Kan03,Act:Lar02,E-Ytogether, stronger than ever and excited about seeing the world together has truly meant so much. I’m very thankful for the opportunity, not just to learn more about the products that Gate 1 sells, but to really experience the change in perspective travel gives you, and the appreciation it instills in you when you get back home.

How did being on an escorted tour affect your trip?
It was a very fast paced trip. I think that were we to have gone on a trip like this un-escourted, we would have gone at a much slower pace. This would mean that we would have seen less, surely. I also don’t think we would have learned as much about Maria Theresa and the Hapsburgs, who I am sort of in love with now! The history really comes alive when you have the right guide! It all comes together and you can almost see your beautiful surroundings in each time-period as you tour.

Would you recommend this trip to family/friends?
I already have! My parents want to go on one next year!

 

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

The Széchenyi Medicinal Baths of Budapest, Hungary

on June 15, 2018

The Széchenyi Baths are located in Budapest, Hungary and make up one of the largest bath complexes in all of Europe. This complex has a total of 21 pools and includes thermal/medicinal pools, saunas, massage therapies, facial treatments, lockers, aqua-fitness and much more! The baths are open to all and have excellent hours, so do not miss this truly unique and refreshing experience when visiting Budapest.

Szechenyi

 

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @ Paul Maruszak using the hashtag #gate1travel. This exciting view was taken in Budapest, Hungary at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Budapest trips here!

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