Tag: Italy

Italy Highspeed Rail
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Exploring Italy by Train: From Rome to Milan and Beyond

on November 19, 2025

Why Train Travel Is the Best Way to See Italy

Traveling through Italy by train is not only convenient but also allows for scenic and stress-free ways to explore the country. Other than flying in and out of the country, a plane will not be needed during this vacation. With well-connected rail networks and high-speed trains, travelers can quickly go from city to city to get the most out of their stay. These rail networks connect you to major cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan, making it easy for you to experience the heart of the country with maximum comfort.

Rome

Start your trip in Rome. After arriving in the city, travelers will enjoy a full day exploring the iconic city. Don’t miss the afternoon optional tour to Ancient Rome. Gain special access to the Colosseum, the giant amphitheater used for gladiatorial games and public spectacles. The next day, travelers will have the opportunity to participate in another optional tour, this time to Pompeii. Depart Rome this morning and drive along the Sun Route to Pompeii, passing by the Gulf of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. Eventually, you’ll arrive in Sorrento, known for its striking beauty with its seaside setting and cliffs plunging into the sea. Then arrive to Pompeii, the city frozen in time under a thick carpet of volcanic ash almost 2,000 years ago. Once you’re done seeing this ancient city, come back to Rome. For those interested in visiting Rome, you’re in luck! Gate 1 offers three different travel packages by rail, all that include visits to the city. These three packages are 8 Day Rome & Milan by Rail, 8 Day Rome & Naples by Rail, and 9 Day Rome, Florence & Venice by Rail.

Rome Santangelo

Milan

To visit Milan, travelers will have to book the 8 Day Rome & Milan by Rail package. You’ll start in Rome, then you’ll transfer on your own to the train station and board the high-speed train to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy. On the ride to Milan, travelers will see the Italian landscape change from the rolling hills of Tuscany and the flat plains of Emilia-Romagna to more industrial and urban areas. It will mainly consist of rolling hills, small towns, and the countryside.

On your first full day of exploring Milan, either spend the day at your leisure, or join the optional Full Day Lake Como Tour. Depart from the city by coach and drive north to the lakeside town of Como, home to the exquisite Lake Como, one of Italy’s most romantic destinations. Once you arrive, you’ll depart onto a scenic cruise of the lake, viewing many of the lakeside villas with their splendid gardens. This will finish and you’ll return to Como, then head back to Milan.

Milan Duomo

The next day, try the optional City Sightseeing Milan Hop On/Hop Off Tour. This Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour provides a great way to travel around Milan and see all the important sights. The best part of this tour is that it allows travelers to set their own pace for the day. You can get on and off any of the stops as often as you wish. This provides the experience to shop, see the city’s famous landmarks, and the freedom to create your very own itinerary. Some of the landmarks that can be seen on the tour are the Gothic Duomo, La Scala Opera House, and the Castello Sforzesco.

Naples

If you aren’t interested in seeing Milan, check out Naples instead on Gate 1’s 8 Day Rome & Naples by Rail package. The trip will start in Rome, then you will transfer on your own to the train station and board the high-speed train to Naples. The city is a perfect blend of old-warm charm and modern grit. On this train ride you’ll primarily see rolling hills, agricultural and industrial landscapes, and mountains in the distance, with Mount Vesuvius becoming more visible as your approach Naples. This will be a quick journey through the Lazio and Campania regions, as the train will cover the 140-mile distance in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Naples Mount Vesuvius

Once in Naples, travelers can pick between exploring the city or choosing the optional Full Day Amalfi Coast Tour. You will not be disappointed in picking the optional tour, as you will embark on one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Along the road, famous for its narrow curves and hairpin bends, you’ll see enchanting villages, cliffs terraced with lemon groves, whitewashed villas, and the sparkling turquoise sea. Stop in the town of Amalfi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its quaint streets and visit St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Continue to Ravello, known for its cliffside gardens and breathtaking panoramic views. After the optional tour, travelers will return to Naples to relax. On your last day in the city, Gate 1 encourages visitors to discover Naples on their own. We recommend visiting the Naples National Archaeological Museum, exploring the San Gennaro Catacombs, or head to the Santa Lucia district with its plethora of narrow cobbled lanes, craft shops, restaurants, and charming cafes.

Venice & Florence

The 9 Day Rome, Florence, & Venice by Rail package is unique compared to the other Italy by Rail packages that Gate 1 offers. Instead of starting in Rome, you now have the option to start there or arrive in Venice. If you choose to arrive in the glorious Venice first, you’ll transfer independently to your hotel. Then spend the rest of the day at leisure in the city built on over a hundred small islands that are connected by 400 bridges. On your first full day, either continue exploring the city by yourself or try an optional walking tour instead. If you choose the walking tour, you’ll start with an orientation of St. Mark’s Square, considered the historical heart of the city, where you will learn about the square’s main monuments including the Golden Basilica of San Marco, Ducal Palace, the Bell, and Clock Towers, and the Procuratie buildings. Continue to the corner of Marco Polo’s House and Malibran Theater. Then, return to St. Mark’s Square through the Mercerie, a series of interconnecting streets that connect to Ponte di Rialto.

Venice Italy

The next day, head to the station to board your high-speed train to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. On this train ride expect to see landscapes including the Apennine mountains, agricultural fields, and charming villages. You’ll also pass through cities like Padua and potentially Bologna, offering a glimpse of both the northern plains and the rolling hills of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions. Once you arrive, transfer independently to your hotel with time at leisure.

Florence Italy

Like Venice, you’ll only have one full day in Florence. Explore the city on your own, Gate 1 recommends viewing the magnificent Duomo, with its Brunelleschi-designed dome, the renowned “Gates of Paradise” of the Baptistery by Ghiberti, and Giotto’s Bell Tower. You will be enchanted as you walk through the open-air museum of Signoria Square, with its Palazzo Vecchio, first residence of the Medici family that now houses the seat of the city government. Take a stroll to Ponte Vecchio, which cross the Arno River, also known as the “Old Bridge” or choose the optional tour of the Academia Gallery, where Michelangelo’s David is housed.

Once your time is up in Florence, travel via high-speed rail to Rome. On your ride over, you will see a glimpse of the Tuscan and Lazio countryside, including rolling hills, cypress trees, and fortified farms. There are more tunnels on this ride, so these views are often intermittent.

A Smooth and Scenic Journey Through Italy

Exploring Italy by train offers a unique traveling experience of freedom, flexibility, and unforgettable views. Whether you’re passing by the countryside or traveling through another city, the rail system allows you to see as much as possible while traveling with little stress. If you’re interested in any other Gate 1 Italy Tours, click here to check them out. If you’d like to travel to other countries in Europe, then click here to see all of Gate 1’s European itineraries.

EuropeGate 1 Connections

A Journey Through Italy: From Enchanting Canals to Timeless Art

on September 6, 2023


Italy, a country that resonates with history, art, and a rich cultural heritage, offers travelers an enchanting experience like no other. Join us on a captivating journey through some of the most iconic destinations that this remarkable land has to offer. Check out our wide range of options, including an 8 Day Affordable Italy tour and our more extensive 16 Day Tuscany & Amalafi with Lake Region, Venice & Rome experience, to find the package that’s right for you!  Check out some of our favorite destinations below.

Venice

A city unlike any other, Venice seems to float on water, creating an atmosphere that is both magical and romantic. As you step onto the narrow alleys and charming squares, a walking tour will take you through the rich tapestry of history and architecture, from the Roman era to the Byzantine Empire and beyond. The stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture is a testament to the city’s illustrious past. And what better way to explore the canals than a traditional gondola ride? Drifting through the labyrinthine waterways, you’ll uncover hidden corners and soak in the beauty that defines Venice.

Tuscany

In contrast to the watery world of Venice, the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany offer beauty and charm all their own. Rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves paint a serene picture. A visit to a local winery will invite you to indulge in the rich flavors of Tuscan wines, as you savor the fruits of the region amidst breathtaking scenery. It’s an immersion in the countryside that leaves a lasting impression.

Pisa

Perhaps one of the most instantly recognizable places in the world is Pisa, with its iconic Leaning Tower. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to both human ambition and engineering marvels. As you marvel at its unique tilt, reflect on the intricate balance between history and modernity that this city encapsulates. While its Leaning Tower is certainly the most well-known structure in town, Pisa offers a plethora of monuments and architectural wonders.

Florence

Florence is a city synonymous with the Renaissance. The artistry and intellect that flourished here have left an indelible mark on the world. As you stroll through the cobbled streets, you’ll encounter masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. The awe-inspiring Florence Cathedral, with its iconic dome, reminds visitors of the city’s enduring legacy as a cradle of art, culture, and intellect.

Assisi

The medieval town of Assisi, designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significant art and architecture, is a place that offers serene beauty. Nestled on a hilltop, this town is a testament to the perseverance of time. As you walk through its narrow lanes, ancient churches, and peaceful squares, you’ll be transported back to a simpler yet equally profound era. Don’t miss the 13th century Basilica di San Francesco, a highlight of medieval Europe.

Rome

History, food, and art lovers will all find something to adore in Rome, the Eternal City, where layers of culture unfold at every corner. From the grandeur of the Colosseum to the awe-inspiring ruins of ancient Rome, you’ll be transported back to the time of gladiators and emperors. A visit to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel will leave travelers in awe of Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoes.

A tour through Italy, no matter where it takes you, will offer memories and stories that you can cherish for a lifetime. From city to countryside, it offers a stunning mosaic of history, art, and culture. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, a treasure trove that beckons travelers to explore and immerse themselves in its splendor. Explore Gate 1 Travel’s Italy & Sicily packages and book your unforgettable journey today!

Southern Italy
EuropeTravel Tips

Virtual Travel Day 2: Southern Italy

on June 10, 2020

Our second installment of our virtual travel days checking in with one of our videographers, Larry on some of his favorite videos!

Virtual Travel Day 2: Southern Italy

There’s good reason Italy is loved around the world.  The history, the natural beauty, the people, THE FOOD!  

Many years ago I went to school in Florence, Italy studying International Business.  I liked the sound of ‘International Business’ and thought it would mean I would be traveling around the world and ending each workday with my toes in the sand and a drink in my hand.  But I quickly realized that business was not my thing – so I switched to film school instead- unsure how that would work out for me.  I’ve since returned to Italy many times as a paid camera guy and I have to admit, it feels like I made the right decision.  

I love all of Italy but Southern Italy has a special place in my heart because everything there just feels more…Italian :).    Many have been to the Amalfi coast, which is INCREDIBLE but I especially liked our time in the less traveled heel of the boot.   Metara is one of the longest inhabited cities in the world and is made of a complex of cave-dwellings.  I explored the narrow corridors of Matera for hours waiting for the light rain to clear just long enough to safely get my drone in the air for some shots.  As I walked past the cafes and inhaled the scents of fresh bread and gelato and heard the local kids laugh as they played and the elderly men sitting together on a bench that I imagined they must sit on every day about that time of day- I was overwhelmed by gratitude to be there.   It’s funny how some of our most precious travel memories are the little unexpected moments like these.  

-Larry

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Small but Mighty; Vatican City

on February 14, 2020

The smallest country in the world, Vatican City, is surrounded entirely by the city of Rome. This city-state is home to the Catholic Church as well as the Pope and his clergy. The fascinating Vatican has around 800 citizens, all religious people or Swiss Guards, and qualifies for independent country status. In the walls of the city view incredible sculptures, frescoes and the Sistine Chapel, famous for the Michelangelo painting on the ceiling.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user rcphotosnyc using the hashtag #gate1travel. This majestic view was captured in Vatican City. 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! 

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Admiring the Past at the Colosseum, Rome

on August 23, 2019

The Colosseum, or Flavian Amphitheatre, was built in Rome under the Flavian Emperors, the ruler Vespasian and his sons. Construction on the Colosseum begun in 70-72 AD under during the rule of Vespasian and continued into 82 AD when his son Domitian completed the uppermost story. Now, the Colosseum serves as Rome’s most popular attraction and receives around 7 million visitors to the site annually!

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @rimamalik0408 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This picture was taken at the Colosseum in Rome, 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! 

Did you know: The Colosseum had a retractable awning, or velarium, that shielded spectators from the sun?

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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! 

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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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The Stunning Island of Capri, Italy

on January 25, 2019

Capri, Italy is an island located in the Gulf of Naples on the southern coast of Italy. It is known for its luxurious resorts, plentiful shops, cove-studded coastline and the Blue Grotto Cave. Do not forget to take in the rugged landscape, picture-perfect natural beauty and clear-blue/green waters that you have to see to believe. Take lots of photos in Capri because it is one of the most postcard-worthy landscapes you will ever see!

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @thetravelingbrunettes
 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This water-front photo was taken in Capri, 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!

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Cruising through the Canals of Venice

on June 22, 2018

Venice, Italy is probably one of the most popular destinations to visit in the entire world, due to its many canals, historical buildings, art and architecture. This city, built on more than 100 small islands, is hard to resist with famous sites such as Rialto Bridge, the famous bridge pictured here, Piazza San Marco, the main square, Saint Mark’s Basilica, cathedral decorated with Byzantine mosaics, and the Doge’s Palace, a palace and museum with Gothic architecture. There’s no better time to visit Venice than now, and let Gate 1 Travel take you on an Italian adventure you won’t forget.

venice
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @ Connie Schreppel. This dreamy view was taken in Venice, Italy at the Rialto Bridge in the Grand Canal. 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!

Travel Tips

Our Top 12 Most Popular Tours of 2018

on May 14, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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