Tag: Gate 1 Travel

Ayers Rock New Zealand
Asia & PacificGate 1 Connections

New Zealand and Australia: Rich Culture Amid Show-Stopping Beauty

on October 18, 2018

If your idea of the most rewarding journey is equal parts enriching culture and magnificent natural beauty, then the Lands Down Under are for you. Utterly fascinating, wholly engaging, and jaw-droppingly gorgeous, New Zealand and Australia will find you marveling at the pristine fjords of Milford Sound one day and browsing trendy Queenstown shops the next … drinking in the rich culture of Melbourne in the evening, then boarding a flight to the starkly beautiful desert of Ayers Rock the next morning. In these spectacular countries, the immensity and drama of the unspoiled wilderness is only matched by the rewards of their cultural offerings. And Gate 1 Travel brings it all within reach.

Auckland, Where Modern and Maori Meet

Stunning Auckland can best be summed up by its literal low and high points. Beautifully set at sea level on an isthmus, it boasts not one harbor, but two: Waitemata to the north and Manukau to the south. Nearby, lift your eyes to Maungawhau (Mt. Eden), one of the region’s dormant volcanoes, at 648 feet. Maungawhau is sacred to the indigenous Maori, who once called its slopes home and still act as its guardians. Then follow the horizon to the Sky Tower; at over 1,000 feet, it’s the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere and a symbol of the city’s economic vibrancy. To delve into the city’s rich heritage, visit the Auckland Museum, where the traditions of the Maori come alive. Between the city’s natural and manmade wonders, Auckland’s modern-meets-Maori flavor is on full display.

With its fantastic harbor setting, it should come as no surprise that one household out of every three has a registered boat. The local passion for yachting earned the city its nickname, the “City of Sails.” Gaze out over either harbor at any hour, and you’ll see vessels of all sizes, from massive trade ships to sleek yachts to the Maori waka, the simple, traditional watercrafts that have skimmed these waters for centuries. 
The Gold Rush & the Wine Boom: Dunedin & Queenstown

For those who want their outdoor experience enhanced by unforgettable vistas, the rugged Otago region on the South Island has it all: rushing rivers cutting through lush forests and crystal-clear lakes reflecting soaring mountains. These are the backdrops against which the 1860s’ gold rush played out. A visiting prospector who had already made a name for himself in California wrote home that he found a riverbed in which he “saw gold shining like the stars of Orion on a dark frosty night.” 

That set off a three-year stampede to the region and led to the rise of towns like Dunedin, which went from colonial outpost to the country’s largest city in two years flat. Visiting Dunedin today, the glories of the 19th century are on display everywhere in the Victorian and Edwardian architecture, especially the elaborately decorated railway station, a curious-looking hybrid that’s part gingerbread house and part royal palace.  

The economic rewards of that era also created lovely Queenstown; the most successful gold diggers built homes on the shores of mirror-like Lake Wakatipu. By the end of the rush, the town’s fortunes faltered, the population dwindled and the modest town struggled to find a new industry. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the gorgeous setting itself began to draw New Zealanders back, cementing Queenstown as the recreational hub of the nation with year-round options from skiing to jet-boating. 

What’s really made the economy sing again has been a boom of a different industry: wine-making. The very first vines here were planted during the gold rush, but then neglected. A few enterprising vintners revived them a century later. In the past 25 years, winemaking has soared, with the number of wineries rising from fewer than a dozen to 112 at last count. Unlike the gold of yore, the grapes are in no danger of running out —and that’s something lucky travelers can raise a glass to.

More South Island Spectacles

Wine lovers aren’t the only ones attracted to the South Island. The harbor of Oamaru, the pretty seaside town lush with beautiful Victorian architecture, is home to a colony of blue penguins. More than 130 make their home here, nesting in burrows dug out by other animals or in manmade structures. Some of them have been breeding here for over 16 years, which is double the average life span of those living in the wild.

Blanketing the island’s Canterbury Plains, you’ll find a little bit of England. In fact, Christchurch – New Zealand’s second largest city – is often regarded as the most British of the country’s cities. It also enjoys its status as the Kiwis’ favorite “Garden City.” Its many colorful and beautifully manicured gardens and parks are a joy to stroll.

The South Island’s most astonishing showcase of natural beauty is Milford Sound, part of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This paradise of deep-cut fjords, towering peaks skirted by lush rainforest, and torrential waterfalls cascading down cliffs takes the breath away. You will have the opportunity to experience this unspoiled wilderness up close during a remarkably scenic cruise.

Melbourne & Sydney Go Head to Head 

A decade before that first prospector ever landed in Queenstown, the Australian state of Victoria across the Tasman Sea was having its own gold rush. Discovery of the glittering stone yielded epic wealth and transformed sleepy Melbourne into the richest city in the world and the second largest after London. The Royal Exhibition Building, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, opened here, as did the stock exchange, a bevy of concert halls and grand hotels, and Australia’s first high-rise. 

While the region suffered from the end of the gold rush, it never relinquished its role as arts capital of Australia. Sharing their city with 500 live music venues, international film and theatre festivals, and 100 galleries hosting Australia’s largest annual art show, Melburnians think they’re the clear frontrunner when it comes to culture. That’s just one reason it’s Australia’s fastest growing city.

Sydneysiders, as the residents of Sydney call themselves, hear Melbourne’s claims of cultural supremacy and counter with three words: Sydney Opera House. There is simply no more visually iconic concert hall on earth than this harbor-side UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its become an enduring symbol of the city’s cosmopolitan nature since it opened in the 1970s. 

Locals also point out that they have something else Melbourne doesn’t: more sunshine (twice as many sunny days a year) which means more time to soak up rays at Bondi Beach or enjoy boat rides across Sydney Harbour. The favorable climate is ideal for a stroll through the historic Rocks area. Its first residents were convicts, but today it is a vibrant (and very law-abiding!) neighborhood of markets, restaurants, and coffee shops. Whether braving a “BridgeClimb” across Harbour Bridge, affectionately called The Coathanger for its arched shape, or strolling the flower-lined pathways of the Royal Botanic Gardens, travelers have made this the most visited city in Australia.

Treasures of the Ocean and the Desert 

North of Sydney, surrounded by tropical rainforest and facing outward to the sea and the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a paradise no matter how you look at it (including from space, where the reef is visible). No visit here is complete without cruising by catamaran among a few of the 600 islands that comprise the Inner and Outer Reefs. Every isle casts its own spell but we think you’ll love Green Island, a 6000-year-old coral cay featuring 126 native plant species, vivid tropical birds, and dazzling coral gardens which are home to an endless array of marine life. Back on land, you’ll find a leisurely pace and laid-back charm. Sink your toes into white sand beaches, poke in and out of little shops, or take a dip in the Esplanade and you’ll see why so many Aussies think of Cairns when they hear the world holiday.

It’s hard to believe that Ayer’s Rock is in the same country as Cairns, never mind on the same planet. Rising amid the arid “Red Centre” of Australia, the sandstone monolith is known to Aboriginal people as Uluru, and holds a sacred place in their culture. Rising 1,100 feet and running a mile in length, it’s a monster of nature almost too big to take in at one pass; that’s why we’ll make sure you see it twice, once at sunset, and again at morning. You’ll get the Aboriginal perspective when you follow the Mutitjulu Walk around the rocky base, witness Aboriginal rock paintings, and discover handmade goods at the Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. 

Join Gate 1 Travel to discover the enormous breadth and richness of New Zealand and Australia, from their indigenous roots to their glittering cities, all while knowing you’ll savor the greatest comfort, the most insightful sightseeing, and the best value.

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

The Seductions of Iberia

on October 16, 2018

“Seductive” may well be the best way to describe the rich and vibrant cultures of Spain and Portugal. Sultry music, mouthwatering foods, ruby-red and bubbling wines, and architectural wonders that stir the soul provide a provocative glimpse of the passions of the Iberian people. Join us, and give in to the seduction when you sample these cultural touchstones:

Wines

In terms of acreage, Spain boasts the most vineyards of any nation in the world. It’s only because of its relatively low yield that it falls to third place in actual production. Rioja in northern Spain is best known for its red wines; Rias Baixas in the northwest is beloved for its white, including the fizzy cava. In Spain’s relaxed culture, wine is commonly enjoyed with lunch and dinner.

In Portugal, fortified port wine is the prize. These typically sweet vintages, grown in the Douro River Valley, are a potent blend of wine and brandy—the latter was added to bottles in the earliest days of wine production to prevent spoilage during long journeys to England and other nations.

UNESCO Treasures

Spaniards and Portuguese cherish their long and rich history. Nowhere is that history better represented than in their combined 59 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—44 in Spain and 15 in Portugal. These cultural treasures, protected by their United Nations status, stand as architectural masterpieces that define their era. In Spain, Discovery Tours travelers visit the hilltop city of Ubeda, Granada’s Moorish fortress of the Alhambra, the Seville Cathedral, and three of Gaudi’s masterworks in Barcelona: Casa Mila, Casa Battlo, and portions of La Sagrada Familia Cathedral. In Portugal, we’ll visit Lisbon’s Jeronimos Monastery and the quaint city of Sintra.

Music

Many associate the Spanish flamenco strictly with the fiery dance. But flamenco also encompasses the music—the song, the specific style of guitar playing, and the hand clapping. The performance art originated in Andalucia, more specifically Seville, among the Romani population in the 18th century. Several of today’s artists are descended from these gypsies and keep their tradition very much alive in dance halls and on the streets of Spain.

In Portugal, a very different style of music fills the clubs, though it is equally sultry and dripping with passion. The style of fado is mournful and full of resignation and longing. In fact, the term is believed to have originated from the Portuguese suadade, or “longing.” Earliest fado—from the 1820s or before—centered on the sea or on the lives of the poor, but today’s songs could be about most any form of loss.

Food

Tapas is perhaps the most familiar form of Spanish cuisine. In Spanish cities, tapas bars seem to dot every corner. These small plates pack big flavor and varied textures, creating a noshing delight made all the more sumptuous by any number of wines. Dishes might be as simple as spicy meatballs, as hearty as croquettes, or as exotic as a fried quail egg over bread with a hot strip of red pepper. Paella is also hugely popular in Spain. Typically prepared in a large pot, the traditional dish has strong Moorish and farm origins and consists of rice, green vegetables, saffron, and rabbit, chicken, or duck. Popular versions are also prepared with prawns and mussels instead of meat.

In Portugal, one of the most prevalent dishes is bacalhau, a dried and salted cod. This plentiful fish has been on European menus for 500 years. Centuries ago, the dish was created out of necessity in order to preserve the fish. Over generations, it has become a staple of the local diet. Many Portuguese even have an affectionate nickname for it—fiel amigo, or faithful friend. Today, it is prepared in hundreds of ways. From seaside to countryside, the Portuguese also love their caldo verde, best prepared fresh off the farm. This simple soup includes potatoes, collard greens or kale, and olive oil and is usually served with slices of chorizo sausage.

Olive Oils

Olive groves blanket the countryside of the entire Iberian Peninsula. But the largest in all of Europe surrounds Ubeda, featured on our Spanish & Portuguese Heritage itinerary. It is impossible to overstate the significance of the olive tree to Iberia and to the Mediterranean culture as a whole. Its oil carries great symbolism for the three major world religions, with the ability to heal, cure, and cleanse. Today’s culinary uses may overshadow its religious meaning, but its history gives us lots to contemplate.

#G1PhotoFridayAsia & Pacific

The Authentic Beauty of Hoi An, Vietnam

on October 12, 2018

Hoi An, Vietnam is located in the central coast of the country and is located in the Quang Nam Province. The town is known for it’s exceptionally well-preserved, UNESCO World Heritage, old town that contains canals, bridges, ancient buildings and more. The Japanese covered bridge, pictured, is one of the many beautiful sites to see while visiting Hoi An, Vietnam. Be sure to take a stroll at night along the water in Hoi An and see the beautiful lights reflecting on the water.

hoian

 

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @haydzarantz using the hashtag #gate1travel. This dreamy scene was taken at the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An, Vietnam.  Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Vietnam trips here!

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

Toro! A Brief History of Bullfighting

on October 11, 2018

To Spaniards, it may well be the greatest show on earth: The matador strides into the ring, dressed in the traditional traje de luces, or suit of light. His sequined buttons and cuffs glint in the Andalucian sun and his black montera hat hovers over his ears like a bull’s horns. Then there’s the cape, la capote, silken and extravagant and blood-red. He stops center ring and raises his arm to the cheering crowd. Then a gate swings open, a bull appears, and one of the oldest contests between man and beast begins.

Prehistoric cave paintings depict men facing the bull with lances. Many ancient writings—including the Epic of Gilgamesh—help scholars date bullfighting to the days before Christ. And Romans famously put their gladiators up against fierce creatures for spectacle. Of course, history and fiction alike would have us believe that in Caesar’s day the Coliseum crowds rooted for the beast. Today, they cheer for quite the opposite.

Come the 1600s, bullfights were incorporated into religious festivals and royal weddings. The setting for these contests was the city plaza—much like jousts were performed for king and queen on open fairgrounds—and the “matadors” (who were most often noblemen exhibiting their skills to the monarchy) kept the upper hand by attacking the bull from atop a horse. Once the warrior got off the horse, perhaps in an attempt to exhibit the utmost bravery to the king, bullfighting’s popularity soared. Even commoners wanted some of the thrill of going up against el toro. To contain the chaos, the bullring was born.

Bullfighting is still popular in Spain. And clifftop Ronda is its historic focal point. Here, the oldest bullring in Spain—built in 1784—hosts an annual festival. Ronda is also one of Spain’s most popular cities thanks in large part to Ernest Hemingway, who captured the bullfighting tradition so brilliantly in one of his finest works, The Sun Also Rises. He wrote that it was “a great tragedy—and the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen and takes more guts and skill and guts again than anything possibly could.” Hemingway’s loving portrayal of Spain and the bullfight etched the country into the public’s imagination.

Recently, bullfighting has come under fire from animal rights groups, igniting the debate about whether the tradition is an art or a sport. Supporters say it is of vital importance to the Spanish identity, a fully realized art form that shares the Spanish stage with the country’s most famous painters like Picasso, its fiery dances like the flamenco, and its music like the rich romantic strings of the Spanish guitar. Critics, however, call it a blood sport. They see it as an act of cowardice disguised as pageantry that results in the great suffering of bulls and, in some cases, the horses that share the ring.

No matter your view, bullfighting holds a rich place in Spain’s history and culture. And you will learn much more about it during our Spanish & Portuguese Heritage program.

EuropeSmall Group Discoveries

The Courage of Sailors, the Growth of Empires

on October 6, 2018

Historically speaking, the Iberian Peninsula has been the rudder to Europe’s leviathan. In fact, the tiny country of Portugal ruled the first global empire in history, with colonies stretching as far east as today’s China and as far west as Brazil. The Spanish Empire grew to gain an even broader reach—from today’s California in the west to Indonesia in the east—and has left a cultural and linguistic legacy unrivaled by any other country. How did these two nations expand their reach to the farthest reaches of the earth? One word: Spice.

Discovering the Spice Route by Sea

It might be hard to believe in the 21st century that spices could hold such economic power in the world. But in the Middle Ages they were among the most expensive products on the market. More than food enhancers, spices were used as medicines, in religious rituals, as cosmetics and perfumes, and as preservatives. And some of the most desirable ones were imported from Asia and Africa.

But a major historic event in 1453 cut Europeans off from the trade route between Eastern Europe and Asia: The Ottomans defeated the Eastern Roman Empire, effectively bringing an end to a 1,500-year era of rule by Rome. With the rise of the inhospitable Ottomans, land routes became impassable.

As a result, money was to be made in locating sea routes to Asia. Portugal’s explorers headed down Africa’s west coast and by the year 1488, Bartolomeu Dias sailed around the southern tip of the continent. Dias named the point “Cabo das Tormentos,” or Cape of Storms for its rough seas; it wasn’t until later that the cape was renamed the Cape of Good Hope to convey the optimism it inspired in finding a sea route to India.

Ten years later, Vasco da Gama found that very route. He landed at Calicut on the Indian subcontinent in 1498, expanding Portugal’s spice trade to include pepper and cinnamon and other products that were completely new to Europeans. It was a victorious landing for Da Gama…and for world history. His arrival on Indian shores marked the era’s most significant European establishment of trade in Asia and foretold a wave of global multiculturalism. The Middle East and East Asia followed. Soon, Portuguese outposts traced a route from Lisbon all the way to the China coast.

Conflict with Spain

But the 1400s also saw great growth in neighboring Spain, and the scramble to seize spice and trade transformed into a scramble to seize land. As they each sent out their early expeditions, Spain and Portugal inevitably came to blows. Their fighting ended with the Treaty of Alcacovas in 1479. This agreement essentially limited Portugal’s reach to points accessed via a southern route along the African coast, and restricted Spain’s conquest to points west toward what everyone believed would be Asia.

Spain’s Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella had another conflict to resolve before devoting themselves to discovering new trade routes—the Reconquista, taking back Spain from the Moors. The ten-year Granada War expelled the Moors from Andalucia and from the coveted fortress in Granada known as the Alhambra. With the Reconquista complete, the monarchs’ attention turned toward a Genoese sailor named Cristoforo Colombo.

The Italian had his sights set on finding Cipangu (today’s Japan) via a westward sailing route. He had already sought support from King John II of Portugal, but that monarch showed no interest. Eager to secure a piece of Asia via a route that still respected the terms of the Alcacovas Treaty, Ferdinand and Isabella appointed Columbus viceroy and governor of Cipangu and financed his journey of 1492. Of course, Columbus reached today’s Caribbean islands instead of the Far East, and Spain ended up gaining more wealth and territory than it ever could have imagined.

One World, Two Powers

The race was on for new land and ever greater power. With it, another treaty became necessary to avoid conflict. The 1494 Treaty of Tordesillas divided the entire globe—parts of it that had yet to be discovered or inhabited by Europeans, anyway—between Spain and Portugal. Six years later, some historians believe that the Portuguese king secretly sent Pedro Alvares Cabral westward, in defiance of the treaty. Cabral landed in Brazil and raised his country’s flag on its beaches. At the time, the story circulated that Cabral had been blown off course and stumbled on those shores by accident.

Of course, the treaty had limited practical application. The vast majority of the land under consideration was unknown to Europeans, which only spurred more exploration. Over the next century, the Portuguese sailed east to claim the “spice islands” of Maluku, sources of nutmeg and cloves. Macau also fell under the nation’s rule. For 80 years, Persian Bahrain was also colonized. The Spanish, meanwhile, sailed west to the Americas. Vasco Nunez de Balboa, upon reaching today’s Colombia, headed north in search of the “other sea” he had heard about. At the Isthmus of Panama, he became the first European to lay eyes on the Pacific Ocean from the New World.

Connecting the Global Puzzle Pieces

If this all sounds to you like the explorers of the day devoted their lives to piecing together a huge global puzzle, you would be pretty close to correct. And it was Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese adventurer who had already sailed to India and heard about the “other sea” off the coast of the New World, who wanted to connect the final pieces. King Manuel I of Portugal refused to fund him, so Magellan accepted support from the newly crowned Charles I of Spain. Sailors, navigators cartographers, cosmographers, and merchants from several nations accompanied him on a voyage of true international interest: They intended to reach the spice islands of Maluku by sailing west.

The voyage was a success, though Magellan died in a battle with Philippine islanders. But his fleet reached their destination in 1521, and one of their ships even returned to Spain.

The courageous men who sailed from the shores of Portugal and Spain began the process of mapping the globe for Western eyes and ushering the world from the medieval age to the modern one. And it all started, in part, because of the European love of spices.

Click here to make your own discoveries on our Spanish & Portuguese Heritage program!

#G1PhotoFridayLatin America

The Giant Tortoise of the Galapagos Islands

on October 5, 2018

The Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos Islands are native to the islands and are known for their extremely long lives, many over 100 years, and being brought back from the brink of extinction. These beautiful animals have inhabited the islands for hundreds of years and were studied by the famous Charles Darwin on his expedition to the Galapagos. The animals are seeing their numbers grow stronger with a population around 19,000 but are still considered a vulnerable species. Come see these fascinating creatures for yourself on your visit to the Galapagos Islands!

 

tortoise

 

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @hrobborr using the hashtag #gate1travel. This sleep scene was taken on Isla Isabela in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.  Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Galapagos trips here!

Latin AmericaTravel Tips

The Perks of Work: Employee Travel Testimonial – 11 Day Kaleidoscope of Guatemala & Honduras

on September 24, 2018

Guatemala & Honduras are two countries becoming hugely popular with tourists thanks to their beautiful culture and inspiring history. We caught up with Derick, an employee of Gate 1 Travel, who took the 11 Day Kaleidoscope of Guatemala. and we got the inside scoop on this Latin American tour. Derick will tell you about the Mayans, his favorite foods and the overall theme of his trip.

Why did you choose this trip and what had you heard about these places that made you decide on it?
I have never been to Central America and was amazed by the way the Mayans created technologies used in the modern day.guatemalahonduras1

Guatemala and Honduras are becoming one of the most popular international travel destinations, how was that reflected in your trip?
I wanted to do something warm with great floral and fauna, after doing some research I picked Guatemala as one of my choices.

What were of the highlights of your trip?
Lake Atitlan and the old town of Antigua was amazing. The texture and culture of those cities were very vibrant with life. I never saw volcanoes before but to be in the area of a live volcano was amazing. guatemalahonduras

What was your favorite meal or what food did you have that you really enjoyed or felt was very authentic?
The best meal I had during this trip had to be when we traveled on the Rio Dulce and went to Livingston. We ate at a seafood restaurant that specialized in a seafood soup that tasted like heaven on earth. You could tell that this soup was homemade. The freshness of the vegetables and seafood stood out in this dish.

How was the shopping and did you visit anywhere specifically great for shopping?
The market in Chichicastenango is great for shopping. Antigua offered some great items as well especially Jade and other jewelry.

What travel tips would you give to someone preparing to go on this trip?
I would suggest bringing great walking shoes and a good poncho. You are doing tours in the rain forest where it rains hard for a few minutes. Bug repellent and sunblock is highly suggested as well.

guatemalahonduras4How did you prepare for this trip?
I watched a lot of YouTube videos and did research on the archaeological sites. This assisted me with what I might be seeing.

Would you go back?
Yes, the food and culture were amazing.

How was your tour manager and what were they like? In what ways did they affect your trip?
Our group having Antonio as the tour manager was one of the special highlights of the trip. He was very personable and knowledgeable about his country. He knew so much information guatemalahonduras2about the history of the country and the Mayans. Antonio knew the exclusive locations to enjoy a nice meal or to get great photo opportunities.

What did you feel was the overall theme of your trip?
The theme of this tour motivated me to actually travel on this escorted tour because seeing the whole country in 11 days was something I never imagined.

How did being on an escorted tour affect your trip?
I made friends on this tour that I am going to remember for a long time, everyone was engaged and interacted with each other. We ate most of our meals together and felt like a family by the end of the tour.

Would you recommend this trip to family/friends?
This tour wasn’t on my bucket list, however I would highly suggest this country and tour to anyone.

guatemalahonduras3

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

The Parthenon at Sunrise in Athens, Greece

on September 21, 2018

Athens is a true hub of ancient civilization mixed with a modern, lively city. Here, you will find the Parthenon, pictured, the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and many more ancient Grecian sites. Other points of interest in the city include the Acropolis Museum, the Plaka area and the central plaza of Syntagma Square. Don’t let the ancient sites fool you, Athens has an excellent subway system and has easy access to the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.

athens

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @ tsanta2011 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This Mediterranean view was taken in Athens, Greece.  Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Greece trips here!

The Many Beautiful Faces of France
EuropeGate 1 Connections

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!

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