Tag: Gate 1 Travel

#G1PhotoFriday

The City of Two Continents; Istanbul, Turkey

on August 2, 2019

Enchanting Istanbul, Turkey stakes a claim that not many other cities in the world can, it straddles the continents of Europe and Asia. The city even has a special metro line, called the Marmaray, that crosses from Asia to Europe! The city lies on the Bosporus strait, the body of water that separates the continents, and covers the entire area of the Golden Horn, a natural harbor. The history of Istanbul is vast and can be considered one of the most important cities in all of history. Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine eras have all left their mark on the city in the forms of mosques, buildings and even an obelisk. If history and incredible surroundings appeal to you, Istanbul is a must visit.

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

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

The Grand Canal at Sunset in Venice, Italy

on July 26, 2019

The Grand Canal in Venice is the main artery of the city and follows a natural channel that creates a reverse S shape. The canal is about 2 miles long and has an average depth of 17 feet. It connects at various points with different smaller canals throughout Venice and creates the water traffic channels that make it possible to get from place to place. Since there are no cars; gondolas, water taxis, public transit water buses and more use these canals every day to transport visitors and locals.

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

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Best Districts to Visit in Tokyo, Japan

on July 20, 2019

Tokyo never leaves much to be desired, you can find just about anything you can imagine in this city. From fascinating places to eat, to trendy shopping, to world-famous markets, Tokyo, Japan will never bore. Join us on our list detailing some of the most fascinating and must-visit neighborhoods in this innovative city.

Tsukiji
You may recognize the name of Tsukiji as the namesake to the fish market located there. This world-famous market contains aisle upon aisle of some of the freshest seafood in the entire world. It is a unique place to visit to view the seafood for sale but also a perfect place to have a snack! Not only does Tsukiji include the inner market, where the licensed wholesale market and auctions take place, but also the outer market that contains grocery stores, restaurants and shops. If you like sushi and want some of the freshest you can get, this is the place to indulge.

Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the neighborhood home to the busiest train station in the entire world, Shinjuku Station. Many of the people from out of town coming to Tokyo arrive at this bustling train station first. This area contains a plethora of entertainment from restaurants to clubs and hotels. Park yourself at a bar in the Golden Gai, a network of 6 narrow alleys with over 200 bars, clubs and eateries squeezed into the small area. Hang out shoulder to shoulder with Japanese locals while enjoying local beverages, food or entertainment.

Shibuya
Welcome to the home of the busiest intersection in the entire world, Shibuya Crossing, in the district with the same name. This crossing is an excellent place to take pictures and get a feel for the insanity that is Shibuya Crossing. Shibuya is the center of culture and trends of Tokyo and contains the Shibuya 109 building with incredible shopping. This department store/building/mall is so popular and culturally important, it even had its own Emoji at one time.

Akihabara
Akihabara is the technology area of Tokyo and has become a haven for otaku, a young person obsessed with computers, and anime culture. Akihabara is a perfect place to look through the electronic stores and gaze upon the most up-to-date technologies available on the market. This district is the perfect place to witness the underground culture of Japan come to the surface and find some compelling high-tech gadgets.

Harajuku
If you like shopping, Harajuku is a must for you. Harajuku is notorious for its colorful and playful fashion stores and trendy cafes. Head down to Takeshita Street and be thrown into a world of kawaii (cute) and pop culture. Shops, cafes and desert stands are all plentiful on Takeshita Street. If trendy clothes are not your thing, head to one of the beautiful nature spots in the area and sit down to people watch. This might be one of the best places for people-watching in the entire world because people in Harajuku are known to dress in wild outfits.

Ginza
Ginza is the fabulous and expensive part of the city where you can find the luxury designer and flagship stores including Sanrio World, Uniqlo, Apple, Yves Saint Laurent and more. The main street here is called Chuo-dori and is closed to traffic on weekend afternoons, so it is a perfect place to take a stroll and window shop while having free time.

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Geisha, Maiko and Geiko, What is the Difference?

on July 17, 2019

Geisha, maiko and geiko may seem like complex ideas from Japanese culture but we are going to break down what each of them mean and give you the knowledge to impress your friends and other travelers on your 12 Day Japan, Then & Now tour.

These entertainers have been performing for guests for centuries by dancing, playing instruments, games, pouring drinks and being professional conversationalists. This practice is still being done today and hopefully you will see one of these gorgeous women while visiting Gion in Kyoto or in Tokyo. White-face makeup, red lips and colorful kimonos are your first sign that you have encountered a geisha, maiko or geiko but we will get into the smaller variations so you can tell exactly who you have just met. There are also visitors that can pay to dress up like geisha so it is important to know the difference.

Geisha Vs. Geiko:

Both the geisha and the geiko are taught music, singing, dancing, speaking and pouring drinks. They are both trained to be charismatic and charming to their guests. Both are trained for 5 years before they become geisha (“gei” meaning arts and “sha” meaning person) or geiko and therefore, true “people of the arts.”

The only main difference between the two is where they come from. In Kyoto, the women are called geiko while in Tokyo, they are geisha. Although the names differ from place to place, do not be concerned if you forget because the term geisha is widely accepted and will be understood whether you are in Tokyo or Kyoto.

Maiko Vs. Geisha/Geiko:

A maiko is known as an apprentice geisha and is a younger woman who is currently in training in the arts of entertainment and charm. She is training to become well-versed in classical music, dancing and conversation and does not yet earn as much as a geisha. They spend their time training to dance, play the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument and learn to speak local Kyoto/Tokyo dialects. Their training typically takes around 5 years. The maiko’s training continues until finally graduating to be a geisha in a ceremony known as “turning of the collar.”

Her hair differs from that of a geisha in that a geisha’s hair is typically a wig that is pre-styled whereas the maiko uses her natural hair for her elaborate styles. It can take the maiko hours to get her hair just right. Both wear flower accessories in the hair with a geisha having much simpler decor. They both wear kimonos that feature a train called the obi. Maikos obi are wide and hang almost to the length of the ankles while geisha have a much shorter and thinner one. The maiko has brightly colored garments and the geisha has a plainer kimono typically with red, gold and white colors. As for footwear, the maiko normally wears high wooden sandals while the geisha wears shorter ones.

The makeup of the maiko includes a strip of bare skin left unpainted by the hairline, pink blush around the cheeks, red and black around the eyes and eyebrows defined with red or pink under the black. The lips of the maiko will only be partially covered red, with only the bottom one being painted during the first year of training. The geisha’s face is totally white with no bare strip because the wig that they wear will cover it. Geisha will only have black on their eyes and a little red under the black of their eyebrows. Their lips will be painted almost entirely in red.

Now that you know the differences between the three, it is time to visit Japan and test your knowledge!

Gate 1 ConnectionsLatin America

Ecuador; Where Diversity, Wildlife & Nature Converge

on July 15, 2019

Nature lovers and animal enthusiasts unite! If following in Charles Darwin’s footsteps and seeing incredible wildlife you’ve only read about is your dream, make it come true on an Ecuador and the Galapagos tour with Gate 1 Travel. From the capital city of Quito, to the incredible Galapagos Islands and onto the lively port city of Guayaquil, you will explore this impressive country and enjoy many unforgettable adventures along the way.

Let Gate 1 take you seamlessly from the main land of this South American country, and then on to the highlight of the trip; the Galapagos Isles where you will enjoy beautiful flora and fauna that is unlike anywhere else on earth. Choose to also explore the Amazonian areas of Ecuador where you will experience the culture and traditions of the people and the special setting in which they live. Canoe rides, ziplining, cruising and nature hikes will all become your modes of transportation on your Ecuador excursion with Gate 1 Travel.

Guayaquil

Vibrant and exciting Guayaquil is an excellent place to start. Guayaquil has often been passed off as the little sister of Quito but it’s made a splash in recent years with a massive riverside development called Malecon 2000. Guayaquil is also more populous than Quito and some say it has more style but you can be the judge of this. This city is your gateway to the Galapagos islands and the second largest city in size in the country. This port city is full of incredible architecture and you will view and visit some of them including the main square with its stirring Heroes of the Independence memorial that symbolizes the triumph of the Republic against Spain. Continue on to the Seminario Park (Parque de las Iguanas) and enjoy this favorite place for bird watching and home to arboreal Iguanas. Next, enjoy sites such as the Neo-Gothic Cathedral, La Rotonda Monument and Torre Morisca (Moorish Clock Tower).  Visit the charming riverside Malecon Garden and Santa Ana Hill where the city was founded in the 16th century. You will be in the exact place where the city was born and learn more about its history. Lastly, enjoy a visit to the Parque Historico, where you will view historic houses with their pastel hues and learn about the culture of the area.

Quito

Not only is Quito the capital of Ecuador, it is also the second highest altitude capital in the world after La Paz, Bolivia. This city is high in the foothills of the Andes and was constructed on the base of an ancient Incan city. Quito has a long and storied history and you will discover it starting at the Independence Plaza; the central square and historic center of the city. Continue your tour and view the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Make your way to the historic colonial quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a smaller city within a city. Museums, plazas, churches and more dominate this old and historic area. Lastly, visit the Metropolitan Cultural Center with its exhibits that highlight and celebrate Ecuadorian culture and history.

Galapagos

The Galapagos is truly one of the most incredible and unique places on the entire earth. It contains animals that live only on the island and you can only see them here. These animals have also been here a long time so they’ve had time to adapt to their habitat in the most unusual and fascinating ways. These longtime residents include the blue-footed booby, Galapagos giant tortoise, Galapagos penguins and so many more. In fact, this archipelago is the only place in the world that you can see penguins and flamingos in the same place! Join us on these legendary islands and experience the place where biodiversity has flourished for many years. If going to the Galapagos is on your bucket list, there is no better time than now to heed the call.

Visit Isabela island, the largest island in the Galapagos and considered the “gem” of the archipelago. This island offers an expansive beach, beautiful natural surroundings and striking pink flamingos which gracefully appear in the lagoons and marshes at dusk. Board a dingy to Tintoreras Islet, a small bay with calm turquoise waters and sandy beaches. Inhabitants here include sea lions, sea turtles, penguins and iguanas. Make sure to have your camera ready for when you encounter some of these amazing creatures. When the tide is low here, you may even be able to see the island’s famous whitetip reef sharks! Keep your eyes peeled. Continue on to the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes of the islands. Enjoy a trek here across alien terrain and fascinating geological landmarks.

A true highlight comes up next at the Charles’ Darwin Research Station’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center on Santa Cruz Island. Here you will learn more about the programs to save the iconic Galapagos tortoises and see some of the animals eating, sleeping and wallowing in the mud. These turtles can live up to and over 100 years! They are the some of the longest living vertebrates on earth.

The Galapagos includes a plethora of diverse islands with different reasons that bring travelers there. Gate 1 Travel offers different tours to many of the different islands including the following so you can embrace the Galapagos your own way. North Seymour, a resurfaced island that appeared from underwater millions of years ago by geological lift, is home to excellent bird watching and 500 land iguanas. Bartolome features the cutest of ambassadors, the Galapagos Penguins. Santiago is home to a rich diversity of wildlife including marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, land and sea turtles and dolphins. On Fernandina, the youngest and most active of the volcanic islands, penguins, sea lions and fur seals enjoy the sun and wade in the tide.

Perhaps join our Galapagos Express itinerary, an affordable package that includes all excursions, an excellent way to see the islands! Begin your journey at Baltra Airport where you will then ferry to Santa Cruz. Visit Bartolome Island with an astonishing array of wildlife such as penguins, sea lions, turtles and many different kinds of fish. Also enjoy snorkeling and swimming and the option to hike over the steep summit of this island. Next, head by boat to North Seymour Island and keep an eye out for blue-footed booby, pelican, frigate bird, sea lion and iguana. Relax on an isolated stretch of beach and enjoy a swim or snorkel along the coast. Last, visit the impressive Charles Darwin Research Station and the Fausto Llerena Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre before you leave this incredible archipelago cemented in time.

Amazon

The Ecuadorian Amazon is home to more varieties of plants and animals than any other place on the earth. Start off your adventure right by journeying to your hotel down river in a motorized canoe and then transferring to a dugout canoe for the remainder. You will then arrive at your lodge just in time for either some bird watching or hanging out at the pool. Rest up and then embark on a “Canopy Walk” where you will view extraordinary panoramas from the observation platforms at a height of 120 feet above the forest floor. Learn about medicinal plants that have been used by the local people here for hundreds of years. Visit the Nueva Providencia Interpretation Center where you will speak with women from the Kichwa community and learn about their lifestyle and have a meal with them. Afterwards, take a canoe ride into the flooded floor of the rainforest and find yourself surrounded by birds, monkeys and more.

Andes

The Andes Mountains is one of the longest mountain ranges in the entire world and spans much of the western side of South America. Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina are all encompassed by these giants. High in this landscape, you will visit Papallacta home of a hot springs for which the area is famous. Here you can choose to enjoy the optional to the spa and enjoy steaming thermal baths surrounded by the beauty of nature. Perhaps, also opt for a soothing massage in this jungle paradise. Surround yourself in this incredible setting and take time to wind down and remember all of your fond memories from your Ecuadorian adventure.

Ecuador is one of the most diverse countries on earth. If you are looking to see fascinating cities, infinite ecosystems and a plethora of animals, there is no better place. From the wilds of the Amazon to the heights of the Andean countryside, Ecuador is stunningly diverse, despite being smaller than the 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!

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

The Astronomical Clock in Prague, Czech Republic

on July 12, 2019

This relic of the medieval period was first built in the 15th century, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock and the oldest clock still operating in the entire world. This intricate clock not only tells time but also astronomical information including relative positions of the sun, moon, constellations and sometimes even major planets! People gather in front of the Old Town Hall Tower, where the clock sits, each hour to watch it chime, an experience that lasts about 45 seconds.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @coachkallen using the hashtag #gate1travel. This picture was taken in Prague, Czech Republic. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Czech Republic and Central Europe trips here! 

#G1PhotoFridayAsia & Pacific

The Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari-Taisha in Kyoto, Japan

on June 28, 2019

The incredible Fushimi Inari-Taisha is located in the southern part of Kyoto, Japan and is an important Shinto Shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The shrine sits at the bottom of Inari Mountain and contains 1,000 vermilon torii gates, as shown in the picture. While visiting the shrine, be on the look-out for fox statues, as they are said to be the messenger of the god Inari.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @isabelakubota using the hashtag #gate1travel. This colorful picture was taken in Kyoto, Japan at the Fushimi Inari Taisha. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Japan trips here! 

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

Tulip Time in Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands

on June 21, 2019

Welcome to one of the most beautiful and largest garden in the entire world, the Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands. Millions of flowers are planted yearly in this massive 79-acre garden. A variety of sub-gardens are offered here depending on style including the Historical Garden, Nature Garden, Japanese Garden and more. Make sure to have your cameras ready and charged up because you will find colorful and impressive sights at every turn.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @strayingmountain using the hashtag #gate1travel. This colorful picture was taken in Lisse, Netherlands on a Tulip Time River Cruise. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Tulip Time River Cruise trips here! 

MediterraneanSmall Group Discoveries

Dubai and Oman: Cultural Gems with Immense Wealth

on June 19, 2019

Today we are bringing you to two of the most popular cities in the world for tourism: Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and a country, bigger than the United Arab Emirates but largely unknown to tourists: Oman. Sit back and enjoy as we take you on a tour through some of the most sought after travel locations of the present. Experience tradition, culture and immense riches while you enjoy your escorted tour through the Middle East with Discovery Tours.

In Dubai, you will tour and navigate the city that is world-famous for futuristic architecture and opulent buildings, hotels and skyscrapers. Dubai brilliantly shows off its mix of old and new to travelers. Visitors will see traditional houses and minarets against a backdrop of shiny glass high rises, talk about a collision of past and present! You will observe sites that you have only heard about including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Island and Dubai Creek. Abu Dhabi is a short ride down the coast of the Persian Gulf and offers a look into the capital of the United Arab Emirates. In Abu Dhabi you will visit the Falcon Hospital, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace and Louvre Abu Dhabi all while Gate 1 takes you effortlessly from location to location.

Oman welcomes you with open arms into a culturally rich country brimming with incredible experiences. Visit places including Jabreen Castle, Wahiba Sands Desert Camp and Ancient Muscat, the capital of Oman.

What UAE and Oman lack in similarities they make up for in sites to see and scenes to marvel at. Futuristic landscapes, intricate mosques and ever-changing sand dunes in the desert all await you in the Middle East with Gate 1 Travel. Just pack up your suitcase and come along with us. We will take care of all the details.

Dubai, the 5-Star City:
If you love opulence, luxury and hyper-modernity, look no further than Dubai, United Arab Emirates. One of the most futuristic cities in the world, you have truly never seen another city like Dubai. Incredible glass facades, sky-high hotels and immaculate beaches with blue waters all await you here. This city was once a tiny fishing village and Bedouin port until oil production shot this city into the stratospheres of wealth. If you would have come to visit Dubai just 100 years ago, you would have found yourself in a very different place.

Entering the old city is easy as journeying from one end of the Dubai Creek to the other. The old city includes the Dubai Museum located in the Al Fahidi Fort, a realistic replica of a desert fort, and the souks, where you will explore the narrow lanes and tiny shops for excellent finds. The souks are the perfect place to look for souvenirs as well as a fun place to explore during free time. The new city includes the Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world, Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world with 160 habitable stories, the Dubai Fountain, with its delightful dancing waters with lights and music and a stop at the Burj Al Arab, the sail-shaped hotel that is a famous landmark of Dubai and boasts an astounding “7-star” rating. Take in the epitome of luxury and decadence that is Dubai and enjoy all of the entertainment it has to offer because there is no shortage of excitement in this bustling city.

Abu Dhabi, the City of Old and New:
Located about an hours drive along the coast from Dubai, is the slightly more conservative and traditional city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. Dubai may be the more popular of the cities for tourists but Abu Dhabi is more politically significant and traditional. Dubai may be one of the most famous cities in the world but Abu Dhabi has plenty of things to see and is also ultra-modern. Abu Dhabi has a similar history to Dubai in that it became rich and developed within the last several decades because of oil discovery and is now unrecognizable from its former self.

Take a journey to the Falcon Hospital where you will visit with these intelligent birds and learn about the nurture and rescue efforts for the species. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the country and one of the largest places of worship in the entire world, housing up to 40,000 people! The mosque is stark white and looks beautiful during the day in the glow of the sun or when it is all lit up at night so charge up your camera no matter what time you stop by. Take in the art world at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum of the Arab world and enjoy a photo-stop at the Emirates Palace hotel, a very expensive, 5-star hotel that glows perfectly in the night.

Make your way to the ethereal “Garden City” of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, located near the Omani border. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes several oasis areas, including Al Ain Oasis and Al Jimi Oasis, and archaeological forts, including Al Jahill Fort and Al Qattara Fort. The several water sources in the area mean there is much biodiversity to be found. There are also plenty of green public spaces for visitors and locals to appreciate.

Oman, Culturally Rich Oasis:
It may not be the first country on your bucket list or even one you know much about but Oman is a true “can’t miss” oasis. Referring to Oman as an oasis has two different meanings. The landscape of Oman contains a majority of desert with incredible cities popping up along the way, making these areas much like mini-oases in the middle of the dry, arid terrain. It also refers to the political oasis that Oman has become. Some of Oman’s neighbors have negative reputations in the US due to acts of violence and terrorism but the country has remained largely unaffected. Oman welcomes tourists to its country happily and with friendly faces and beautiful settings. Gate 1 Travel will navigate you around this land and take you to the must see cities and spots in this alluring country.

Jabreen:
This Omani landmark is located in the northeast part of the country and is located on your route. The Jabreen Castle was built in the 1600s as an homage to the grand European palaces of the time. The castle was constructed by the same man who expelled the Portuguese from the area in 1650, Imam Bel’arab bin Sultan Al Yarubi. Colorful paintings, impressive ceilings and intricate carvings all decorate this dreamy building. Continue on to Balha, most famous for its ancient fort with towers of unbaked bricks. This UNSECO Heritage Site is located at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar highlands and is adjacent to the Friday Mosque with decoratively sculpted prayer niche.

Wahiba Sands Desert Camp:
The wilderness of the Middle East welcomes you into its ever-changing landscape in the deserts of Oman. You will stay overnight here and in the midst of the desert sands. Your hotel is comfortable and has every accommodation you could need while you sit back and relax. Perhaps decide on watching the sunset under the stars and view the rise and fall of the red and white seas of sand that can rise and fall to over 650 feet. A perfect way to end the day.

Muscat:
The capital of Oman and one of the oldest cities in the Middle East is located about a 2 hours drive from the Wahiba Sands. This historic capital sits on the Gulf of Oman and is surrounded by the neighboring desert and mountains. Muscat will capture your heart from the beginning with its incredible views, beautiful waters and pristine sites. This city is also extremely safe and clean so you can enjoy an evening stroll without worry. With both Arab and Islam influences, Muscat has a unique culture that is reflected in the friendly and helpful nature of its residents. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the most ornate and decorated mosques in the world. Journey to the Muttrah Quarter, a section of the city that evokes a medieval charm. Here you will find winding streets and ancient buildings while sandalwood scents fill the air around the souks.

Explore one of the most popular areas in travel today with Gate 1. We will take care of all the details and you will enjoy an unforgettable trip to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman. Explore Dubai & Oman and live the experiences that you have could have only imagined on this memorable tour through the Arabian Peninsula.

Please Note: Sightseeing varies per itinerary.

EuropeGate 1 Connections

Italy: Beyond Venice, Florence and Rome

on June 15, 2019

If you think you’ve seen all of the great country of Italy, we have some new and exciting recommendations for you! Italia is no doubt one of the most popular countries in Europe and one of the first places many travelers visit. Your first trip to Italy typically contains a stop at the most famous cities including Venice with San Marco Square, Florence and its Duomo and Rome with its Colosseum. If you have not seen these cities we highly recommend them but if you are looking for something different, then join us on our escorted tours through the rest of this breathtaking country. Get to know the Italy beyond the canals of Venice and the culture beyond the delicious cuisine. Gate 1 will take you around the less-visited regions and show you what you could be missing out on if only visiting Venice, Florence and Rome.

Journey through the Umbria Region and see historic Assisi, home of St. Francis. Choose Southern Italy with Puglia and Campania and explore towns by the sea, delicious wines and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Perhaps you’ll pick the Adriatic Coast to see towns along the coast with unmatched beauty. Or perhaps the tour that includes Piedmont, Liguria & Veneto with Cinque Terre. You will visit a few of the serene 5 towns of Cinque Terre and experience some of the best food cities in the world.

Get a real feel for Italian culture and indulge in more of this expansive European country. Brush up on your Italiano, get hungry for gelato and prepare to cross some places off your bucket list while Gate 1 Travel does the rest.

Umbria:

The Umbria region is best known for the medieval town of Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Assisi is located high on top of a hill and contains everything from sacred shrines to Roman ruins. This picturesque town will have you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time to centuries past. If you have heard of St. Francis of Assisi, one of the patron saints of Italy, then you have come to his birthplace. St. Francis was the founder of the Franciscan religious order in the town in 1208. St. Clare, the founder of the Poor Sisters was born here as well as St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. Visit the main attraction of the city, the Basilica di San Francesco, constructed in the 13th century and a true highlight of your trip. This immense Catholic church is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites for Christians in the entire country. Be sure to take note of the impressive frescoes by the artists Cimabue and Giotto and sacred relics of the church while here. Walk through the Upper Basilica, Lower Basilica and Courtyard of the Friary.

Southern Italy, Puglia & Campania

Southern Italy contains enchanting, magical cities by the sea including those in the Puglia and Campania regions. These areas spread across the heel of Italy’s boot shape and continue to cities on the coast of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.

Bari is a port city on the Adriatic and has been a haven for traveling sailors and fisherman for thousands of years. Be sure to visit the local open-air market and check out the super-fresh catches of the day. Walk through the old city and view the Romanesque Basilica of San Nicola and the 12th century Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino. In Lecce, nicknamed the “Florence of the South,” see sights including the Piazza del Duomo, a 2nd century amphitheater and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Walk the 300 year-old cobblestone streets and have yourself a nice meal in a local trattoria or a gelato to cool down.

Visit the quaint town of Alberobello, a UNESCO Heritage Site and home of the Apulian traditional, dry stone huts known as Trulli. Continue on to Matera with roots connecting to the Paleolithic age and view the Sassi, ancient stone dwellings carved into the rock. The Sassi are believed to be the first human settlements in all of Italy.

Next is the region of Campania where you will explore Pompeii and Naples. Pompeii is a truly unique experience you will only have in one place in the entire world. Nowhere else can you walk the streets of a town that is forever frozen in time. This is due to the explosion of Mount Vesuvius almost 2,000 years ago that covered the city in ash. This ancient Roman city was buried in up to 20 feet of ash and had to be completely excavated to show what was left of the city below. The Temple of Apollo, House of the Vetti and the Forum are all fascinating ruins you will see on your tour of the ancient city.

Continue to the southwest to the city of Naples where you will take in views of the Mediterranean Sea at the Bay of Naples. Explore Naples from the Sorrento peninsula all the way to the Volcanic area of the Campi Flegrei, all of which are dominated by majestic Mount Vesuvius in the background.

Adriatic Coast:

The Adriatic Coast of Italy not only contains some of the places we already mentioned including Bari, Lecce and Matera but also Ravenna, San Marino and Urbino. Explore the towns that run along the coast of the pristine waters of the Adriatic Sea and find unrivaled elegance.

Ravenna was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 402 until its collapse in 476. This is largely due to that fact that Ravenna had a perfect location. It was centralized and very close to the water. It is well-known for its incredible Roman and Byzantine architecture and mosaics that can be seen throughout the entire city; so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled! In fact, these countless well-preserved buildings and mosaics make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site of “Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna.” In this Adriatic city, explore the Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo.

Take the optional tour to the Republic of San Marino, said to be the oldest republic in the entire world, founded in 301 AD. San Marino is completely landlocked by Italy and is one of the world’s smallest countries. In this hilly nation you will be welcomed by the access gate that leads you to the narrow, winding streets. Walk around the city and take in the sites of the Public Palace, Cava dei Balestrieri and much more. You will feel like you stepped into a real fairy-tale between the tall castle towers, historic center and the uniformed guards in blue and orange just waiting for your arrival at the city’s gate.

Urbino is a city with a long-reaching history in both art and history. This village underwent a transformation during the 15th century and went from simple village to Renaissance hot spot thanks to the work of important artists, including the famous painter Raphael. If you have heard of him, this is his hometown and his house is still here and contains an active museum. Admire the excellence and enjoy this ideal environment for artists and dreamers.

Food & Wines of Piedmont, Liguria & Veneto with Cinque Terre:

This program encompasses a huge area of Italy that will you through the northern region of the country. From romantic Lake Maggiore to picture-perfect Cinque Terre to the food capital of Italy in Bologna, this trip is a true dream for foodies, romantics and nature lovers alike.

Start your journey in the Lake region of Italy at Lake Maggiore, a popular honeymoon destination because of its scenic beauty. Visit the islands of Isola Bella, with its splendid gardens and white peacocks and Isola dei Pescatori, or fishermen’s island, named for the main occupation here.

Arrive in Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region. Turin is also referred to as the capital of the Alps. This unsung city is filled to the brim with interesting claims to fame including being the home to Italy’s Royal Family, House of Savoy. It is also a true foodie capital with risotto and chocolate as local must tries as well as the birthplace of the aperitif. This incredible town will surprise you at every turn with countless experiences and new things to try.

Travel through the Piedmont region and take a tour through the wine vineyards of the area. Barolo produces the most famous and expensive wine made from Nebbiolo grapes. Sample Spumante in Canelli in one of the “Cathedral cellars” of the region. Choose which wine is your favorite and be sure to pick up a bottle to take home before returning to your hotel in Turin in the evening.

Luxurious and famous Portofino along the Italian Riviera, is a favorite among the rich. In this deluxe fishing village, you will find high-end boutiques and restaurants, huge yachts and a centrally located harbor. Find a cafe on the harbor looking out at the water and enjoy a beverage or snack in this picturesque scene.

If you have seen pictures of the colorful houses clinging onto cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea, you already know what Cinque Terre looks like. This enchanting region is made up of 5 centuries-old seaside villages; Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. You will travel through a few of these villages by boat or bus and see what these UNESCO World Heritage Sites have to offer. Be sure to allow time for lots of photos because you will want to remember this.

Travel through the region of Emilia-Romagna, the land known for balsamic vinegar en route to Parma. Here you will taste various local delicacies highlighted by the town’s namesake product, parmesan cheese.

One of the last stops on this tour is Bologna, a true food lover’s paradise. This city is the capital and largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region. Here, you will visit the traditional food shops and indulge in Bologna’s history at the city’s oldest food market, “Quadrilatero.” Enjoy more than wonderful food with sites including Piazza Maggiore, Accursio Palace, the Neptune Fountain and St. Petronio Basilica. This medieval city is sure to capture your heart.

Finally, travel to the region of Veneto, the land of prosecco, Italy’s sparkling wine. Enjoy a tasting before heading home.

Ciao and thank you for joining us in Italy. Now that you are an expert on all things Italian, it is time to book your trip. Let Gate 1 Travel take care of all the details of your journey while you travel effortlessly from incredible landscape to incredible landscape. Just show up at the airport and we will do the rest. Click here for our tours to Italy and get ready to experience the trip of a lifetime!

**Please note: Sightseeing varies per itinerary

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