Tag: Gate 1 Travel

#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!

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!

#G1PhotoFridayUncategorizedUSA & Canada

Getting Back to Nature in Banff, Alberta

on September 14, 2018

Banff, Alberta is located in Western Central Canada nestled among the Rocky Mountains and located about an hour and a half outside of Calgary. This beautiful resort town is picturesque thanks to its various gardens, wildlife, incredible setting among the mountains and, of course, Banff National Park! When in Banff, be sure to take a stroll down Banff Avenue, the main street, that features boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and luxurious hotels. Other attractions include Lake Louise, Bow Falls, Whyte Museum, Cave and Basin National Historic Site and much more!

banff

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

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!

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

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.

#G1PhotoFridayLatin America

Sunset Tides in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

on August 24, 2018

Manuel Antonio National Park is located in the Puntarenas Province on the Pacific coast in Costa Rica. This national park encompasses a huge array of wildlife including; three-toed sloths, Capuchin monkeys, hundreds of different bird species and even marine animals! Tropical plants, coral reefs, beautiful beaches, parks and hiking trails can also be found here, so there is plenty to see and explore.

manualantonio
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @kellyjeanphotog using the hashtag #gate1travel. This sunset view was taken in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.  Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Costa Rica trips here!

#G1PhotoFridayLatin America

Magical Tikal, Guatemala

on August 17, 2018

The Mayan people left a huge mark on parts of Central America through their culture, food and society. Tikal, Guatemala is one of the greatest Mayan ruin sites in all of Central America and is now a great source of pride and a national symbol to the people of Guatemala. Tikal is thought to have flourished around 200 – 850 A.D. and was abandoned thereafter. This enchanting complex houses such sites as Tikal Temple I, or the Temple of the Grand Jaguar, Tikal Temple IV and Mundo Perdido Pyramid.CZfZ56YWwAQnOfc

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

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