Tag: travel

MediterraneanSmall Group Discoveries

Morocco’s Inspired Cuisine

on October 19, 2019

It is morning in Morocco. As the sun rises over the Sahara and bathes the country in bright desert light, food vendors prepare their shops for another busy day. In remote medieval villages- eggplant, chickpeas, honey, and cuts of lamb are carted in straight from farms. In bustling city medinas, mounds of spices the color of mustard, rose and emerald are artfully shaped into cones. Seaside, the daily catch of shrimp, sea bream, and lobster is hauled to local market stalls. This is Morocco’s fresh bounty, the foundation for one of the world’s most colorful and fascinating cuisines.

You might start your day with fruits and tart yogurt. Papayas, kiwis and grapefruit are favorite fruits of the country. Local breads include khubz or the spongy baghrir, and can be smothered in amlou, a nutty spread made of almonds and Argan oil. Mint tea is also a staple whether it be morning, noon or night. If coffee is more your speed; cappuccino, espresso, or coffee with milk is on the menu at any cafe.

The allure of Moroccan cuisine lies in its earthy simplicity. The food on your plate is intimately connected to geography and culture that you will witness first-hand. Harira is one example. This universal soup starts with a stock of chickpea, tomato, bean, and pasta. But region-by-region and family-by-family, the resulting dish varies. Salads are a celebration of the fresh vegetables grown as far out as the edge of the Sahara. Salade Marocain is most often served in restaurants – a modest relish of diced tomato, cucumber, and green pepper. An entire salad course, called meze, might be more satisfying, consisting of small dishes of zaalouk (an eggplant dip), baby potatoes, sweet carrots, pureed pumpkin warmed with spice, and tomato relish.

As in so many cultures, dinner is the main meal, except perhaps on Friday, the holy day, when the midday meal takes center stage. It is a social occasion full of cook’s pride and family conversation.

Couscous, Morocco’s national dish dating to the 13th century, is always on the table. Lamb, beef, or chicken – skewered and spiced with a family’s ras el hanout, or secret blend of 10-30 spices – is the main course. The tagine is a mouth-watering casserole or stew with ingredients that can vary. It is actually named for the pot in which it is cooked. Tagine recipes reflect the Moroccan taste for dishes that are at once savory and sweet: beef and prunes; chicken with lemon; lamb with dates. Another sweet and savory option is pastille. This pastry is wrapped around a mixture of shredded chicken or squab, egg, and crushed almonds, then sprinkled with cinnamon or sugar.

Contrary to belief, Morocco is not a dry country, but social propriety with alcohol tends to be strictly followed by locals and visitors. It might also surprise you that Morocco is home to a few well-established wineries. Discovery Tours visits its southernmost vineyard, located on the Atlantic coast a short distance from Essaouira. The French winemaker here has owned the vineyard since 1994, and we think you’ll agree he has mastered the art of producing wine in a hot climate. Grenache, Mourvedre, and Syrah are on the “red” menu; Bourboulenc, Clairette, and Muscat are on the “white.”

But make no mistake: it’s the spices and herbs that really intoxicate in Morocco. Cayenne, saffron, chilies, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cumin, paprika and pepper. They all add an exciting extravagance to Moroccan cuisine, brightening and enhancing each dish like the rising and setting sun.

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Elegant History in Cesky Krumlov

on October 18, 2019

Cesky Krumlov ( Český Krumlov) is located in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic and is renowned for its State Castle and Chateau that includes a castle, garden and baroque theater. The castle is also furnished with impressive art, tapestries and weapons. Influences of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture are abundant in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Located about an hour outside of Linz, Austria; Cesky Krumlov makes the perfect day trip!

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @matchangphotography using the hashtag #gate1travel. This over-head view was captured in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Danube River Cruise trips here! 

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Coastal Beauty in Porto, Portugal

on October 11, 2019

Portugal’s second largest city, Porto, is a charming coastal city known for the port wine produced in the Douro Valley. The city is located along the Douro River in the north of the country and has been dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, having one of Europe’s oldest city centers. Some of the must see sites in Porto include the Church of Sao Francisco, Port Wine Cellar, Luis I Brige and the Sao Bento railway.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @danasmitham using the hashtag #gate1travel. This seaside picture was taken in Porto, Lisbon. 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! 

#G1PhotoFridayUSA & Canada

The Majestic Canyonlands, United States

on October 4, 2019

Canyonlands National Park encompasses over 300,000 acres of fascinating terrain in the southeastern state of Utah near Moab. Divided by the Green and Colorado Rivers, this area has long been shaped by water and erosion. The park is divided into four districts with the most notable being the “Island in the Sky”. It is located on a large 1,500 foot mesa that gives you incredible views of this massive park. You do not want to miss the unforgettable sights and scenes at the Canyonlands.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @rsergei2018 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This picture was taken in Canyonlands National Park, United States. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s United States trips here! 

Did you know; Author Edward Abbey described the park as “the most weird, wonderful, magical place on earth. There is nothing else like it anywhere.”

#G1PhotoFridayMediterranean

Remnants of the Past in Volubilis, Morocco

on September 27, 2019

This UNESCO World Heritage Site city contains some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the country of Morocco. Volubilis is located between the modern cities of Fez and Meknes and was founded in the 3rd century BC during a time when the city was part of ancient Mauretania, of which it was the capital. The city then became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with several interesting and beautiful buildings. Located near the holy city of Moulay Idriss, this city is full of history and is a must see for visitors to this incredible country.

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

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Brilliant Bruges, Belgium

on September 20, 2019

Bruges, Belgium is sometimes referred to as the, “Venice of the North” and with over 80 canals and its port location, you can understand why. Bruges is the capital of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish region of Belgium and is the 7th largest city in the country by population. Important sites to see in this city include the Belfry, Markt, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Groeninge Museum and Church of Our Lady of Bruges.

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

Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

9 Facts About the Taj Mahal

on September 14, 2019

Rauza-i munawwara, or the “The Illuminated Tomb” rests tranquilly on the Yamuna River in Agra, India. When you first lay your eyes upon it, it seems the making of a dream– a vision of white marble glittering in the sun like a diamond. It actually takes a few breaths to actually realize you are here, standing before one of the most dazzling works of architecture produced in Mughal India – indeed, in the world. Here are some surprising facts you may not have known about this magnificent marvel.

The most romantic of gestures. Though often called the “Temple of Love,” the Taj Mahal was not built as a temple but as a mausoleum. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had the white marble wonder constructed to entomb his third and favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, whose names means “Chosen One of the Palace.”

Emperor of emperors. Shah Jahan was India’s fifth Mughal Emperor, ruling from 1628 to 1658. One of the greatest Mughal rulers, he ushered India into a prosperous Golden Age. Besides the Taj Mahal, he left behind a grand legacy of Mughal architecture, including the Agra Fort, Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi and many other revered buildings.

Labor of love and cash. The Taj Mahal took more than 20 years to build, from 1632 to around 1653. About 20,000 craftsmen and artisans contributed their skill and hard labor. In today’s dollars, it would have cost $340 million.

Breaking the imperial bank. One of Jahan’s sons, believing the building to be an extravagant use of imperial money, jailed his father in the Agra Fort, from where the deposed leader gazed upon the Taj Mahal for the rest of his days. Upon his death, he was entombed beside his wife in the structure he built for her.

Not a surface left untouched. Jahan’s son was right: The Taj Mahal is an extravagant display of Mughal power and ingenuity, and therein lies its ethereal beauty. Every inch of its interior is adorned with calligraphy quoting beautiful verses from the Q’uran, precious gemstones and other elegant inlay, bas-reliefs, imagery of fruits and flowers, intricate Persian patterns and more.

Mughal masterpiece. The perfection of symmetry, the Taj Mahal is considered by architectural historians to be the finest example of the Mughal style there is, referred to by many as the “jewel of Muslim art in India.”

The Crown’s touch. During the era of the British Empire, the English caretakers of the Taj Mahal altered the gardens to resemble the vast lawns found in London parks at the time. They are still in place today.

The Taj in modern wartime. Scaffolding has been erected around the Taj Mahal at least three times in its history: first in 1942 as protection from a Japanese attack by air and again during the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971.

A splendid spread. The Taj Mahal’s vast complex includes a mosque, beautifully manicured gardens of trees and fountains, other mausoleums (for Jahan’s other wives and for his favorite servant) and various outbuildings of equal grandeur.

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

Medieval Views in Kilkenny, Ireland

on September 13, 2019

The 12th Century Kilkenny Castle is located in the deeply historic and religious city of Kilkenny, Ireland. Located along the River Nore, this castle was originally built in 1195 to guard the river crossing. The castle is now one of the most instantly recognized sites in all of Ireland and remains an important structure of the country.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @iris_8a using the hashtag #gate1travel. This picture was taken in Kilkenny, Ireland at Kilkenny Castle. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Ireland trips here! 

Gate 1 ConnectionsMediterranean

Morocco; Land of Sand and Sea

on September 11, 2019

Souks, kasbahs and ksars, oh my! Morocco is a magnificent country filled with reasons to visit that have long enticed visitors to this fabled country. With Gate 1 in Morocco, visit imperial cities with grand architecture and the High Atlas Mountains that have housed Berber tribes for centuries. Souks, or a market or bazaar, bustle with people looking to shop and walk around. Kasbahs, or the citadels of ancient cities, often protected the leader when the city was under attack. The ksar, or a Berber village or castle, rise from the sands like other worldly lodgings. See all of these unique Moroccan sights and so much more when traveling to Morocco with Gate 1.

Fez, Marrakesh & Rabat; Three Imperial Cities

Of Morocco’s four historic imperial capitals Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat & Meknes, Gate 1 Travel visits three: Fez, Marrakesh and Rabat. Fez, or the “Athens of North Africa” is teaming with sophistication and amazing history. It is also the second largest city in population after Casablanca and was the capital of the country for over 400 years. Visit highlights of this great city including; The University of Al Karaouine, the oldest university in the world; the Al-Attarine Madrasa, an excellent example of Islamic architecture; and the Nejjarine Fountains and Museum, a traditional fountain for caravans. The favorite site for many in Fez is the Fes el Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This marketplace is thought to be one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, on par with Venice, making it ideal for a stroll. Find brass and leather goods, lush carpets, handmade slippers, and so much more at the medina. Just a short drive from Fez, the magnificent ruins of Volubilis reveal the ancient streets where Romans and Berbers once thrived and traded goods. Explore original preserved mosaics, a Roman Road and the city layout. Follow along the Moroccan countryside and pass by the Holy City of Moulay Idriss for a perfect photo op.

Depart for Marrakesh and enjoy the ever-changing Moroccan landscape with valleys and the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. Arrive in Marrakesh and visit the Saadian Tombs that date back to the 16th century. This is where the Saadian royalty can be found in their final resting place. Stop by the Koutoubia Minaret and the Bahaia palace on a city tour of marvelous Marrakesh. Next visit the Djemaa El Fna Square that encompasses the culture and personality of this lively city. As evening sets in, this place becomes a thrilling blend of snake charmers, fire eaters, kebab stalls and much more! It is a great place to explore during free time and experience all things Morocco.

Morocco’s capital city, Rabat, has been cited as one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world. A walk through the Oudaya Kasbah and you will understand why. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by the Almohad Empire in the 12th and 13th centuries and houses a palace, mosque and cobbled lanes. Nearby, the incomplete mosque has the Hassan Tower as its centerpiece. The mosque and its tower were intended to be the largest of their kind in the world when they were begun in 1195. The impressive ruins of the Chellah, Muslim necropolis, stretch even further back in time, to the days of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. It is now overgrown elegantly with fruit trees and wild flowers.

Rissani, Sijilmasa and Ouarzazate; Cities from the Sands

The Sahara often comes to mind when dreaming of travel to Morocco. Gate 1 introduces you to this spellbinding region where the regal Atlas Mountains taper off into sand dunes. On the road from Fez to Erfoud, you will witness some of Morocco’s most dramatic landscapes including the montane cedar woods that lead into the Middle Atlas Mountains and the lush Ziz Valley. Depending on your itinerary, you may even stop at a fossil factory to learn more about this unique activity which is famous in this area. Stop in Rissani, a town that balances mountains and desert and was once a busy caravan stop. Stop at the bustling souk here and also visit an 18th century ksar. Next visit the former Berber city of Sijilmasa with its storied trading town history.

Continue your journey and view some of the world’s most dramatic canyons that cut through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Visit the Todra Palmeraie Gorge that towers to 800 feet and then to the Dades Canyons before continuing on to the road of one thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate.

The medieval desert village of Ouarzazate, or “without noise” in Berber, is so well preserved that it has become the perfect movie location when an ancient town is needed. Ouarzazate is home to a 12th-century Taourirt village that is still inhabited today that you will visit. Nearby is Ait Benhaddou that is comprised of six kasbahs and fifty ksars. It has also had its fair share of film crews scouring its streets for the perfect shot. While here, take note of the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site before you and how it has inspired many film makers. Some of the movies and TV shows shot here include Game of Thrones, the Mummy, Gladiator, Babel and Prince of Persia.

Casablanca, Agadir & Essaouira; Morocco’s Coastal Gems

Speaking of film sets, Casablanca is one of Morocco’s most visited cities because of its setting for the classic movie of the same name. This commercial heart of Morocco lies on the coast of the country and set aside the beautiful Corniche seaside. Visit the incredible example of Moorish Revival architecture that is the Hassan II Mosque. It is Africa’s second largest mosque and the fifth largest in the world. It also boasts the second tallest minaret in the world at just under 700 feet! Built partly on the sea, the mosque can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 in its courtyard.

Further south, the resort town of Agadir is at the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. View the beaches of this former fishing village as well as the hilltop ruins of the old kasbah, a beautiful site.

Essaouira, formerly Mogador, is possibly Morocco’s most picturesque coastal city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a perfect example of a typical North African fortified town, with its preserved walls, medina and bright blue fishing boats. Walk along the city’s ramparts just north of Moulay Hassan Square where artists sell their paintings. Continue on to the Skala de la Ville, the fortification built along the cliffs that once defended the city from sea attacks. It now provides visitors with an excellent view of the port and the picture-perfect bright blue boats. Stroll through the medina where artisans and craftsmen have practiced their trades for hundreds of years.

Quality and value go hand in hand in Gate 1 Travel’s Morocco. Enjoy restaurants that introduce you to a newly refined take on Moroccan cuisine, and some of the country’s finest hotels. What’s more, our Tour Managers are among the most experienced and insightful around, with a boundless national pride that you’ll find contagious. Simply put, there is no other way to experience Morocco to its fullest than with Gate 1 Travel!

To reserve your Morocco trip today, just follow this link!

Please Note: Sightseeing varies per itinerary.

#G1PhotoFridayMediterranean

Taking in Luxor, Egypt from Above

on September 6, 2019

Welcome to the ancient city of Thebes, or modern day Luxor. This city was the capital during the times of the Pharaohs, 16-11 BC, when they were at the very height of their power. The city is full of incredible temples and tombs that you have to see to believe including; The Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and many more! Join us in Egypt and enjoy all that Luxor has to offer.

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

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