Tag: vacation

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

The Window to Lisbon, Portugal

on July 13, 2018

The São Jorge Castle sits in the historic center of the beautiful Lisbon, Portugal. This Moorish castle overlooks the entire city from a hilltop and gives you the extraordinary view seen in the picture. This capital city has a history dating back centuries and includes many excellent places to visit including Belem Tower, a medieval defense tower, Jerónimos Monastery, a World Heritage Gothic Monastery and, of course, São Jorge Castle, where this week’s photo was taken from of the city below!

windowlisbon
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @joanies_journeys using the hashtag #gate1travel. This picture perfect view was taken in Lisbon, Portugal from the São Jorge Castle. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Portugal trips here!

#G1PhotoFridayMediterranean

The City Built of Rock – Petra, Jordan

on June 29, 2018

The city of Petra is known for being built and carved into the surrounding rock. This ancient city, located in the southwestern desert of the country, is surrounded by mountains with plenty of passages and gorges. The Siq is pictured and it is the main entrance to beautiful Petra. This passage gets as narrow as 10 feet at some points and is a must visit to take a walk through.

Petra
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @betbjbettyjean using the hashtag #gate1travel. This narrowing view demonstrates the main entrance passage on the road to Petra, Jordan. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Jordan trips here!

MediterraneanTravel Tips

Top 7 Sites On Your Egypt Tour

on June 25, 2018

Egypt is a highly sought after travel destination with good reason; it contains some of the most famous landmarks in the entire world including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Nile River. With sights that are older than many countries, Egypt has enough history and beauty to leave any visitor happy and fulfilled. Get ready to fall in love with this ancient country and learn more about the great pharaohs, landmarks, past civilizations and so much more, that this authentic country has to offer. Pack your bags because we are sending you to the heart of the Nile and the land of the pharaohs; Welcome to Egypt!

7. Nile River Cruise

Two of our current Egypt itineraries include a Nile Cruise that will send you on the second longest river in the world! Your cruise takes you on the Queen of Hansa river nile-feluccasboat and will take you to excellent spots along the Nile including the cities of Luxor, Karnak, Edfu, Aswan and more. Optional tours while on board include a tour of the ancient sites of Luxor including Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon and a Sunset Felucca Ride. Your cruise will be truly unforgettable with exploration of these fascinating sites while at port and sailing effortlessly down the Nile while you relax and enjoy your cruise.

6. Luxor

Welcome to the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, current day Luxor. This ancient city was once the capital when pharaoh’s ruled the area in the 16th-11th century BC. You will be brought to Luxor via your river cruise ship and you are free to either explore at your own pace or join the optional tours to Valley of the Kings, burial site of pharaohs from around 1539-1075 BC, Valley of the Queens, the burial site of the queens and royal children from 1292-1075 BC, Temple of Hatshepsut, entrance to the Valley of the Kings temple-of-karnakand burial spot of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon, two large stone statues of Amenhotep III. An included tour brings you to see the East bank of Luxor, which includes the magnificent Temples of Karnak, including the Great Temple of Amon, an ancient temple dedicated to the king of the gods, avenue of the Sphinxes, a row of Sphinx statues connecting Luxor Temple and the Temple of Amon, Hypostyle Hall, 134 massive sandstone columns and Luxor Temple, the site of an ancient temple dating back to 1400 BC. You are sure to see all that Luxor has to offer when you book your Egypt tour with Gate 1 Travel.

5. Temple of Edfu/Temple of Horus

Visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best preserved ancient monuments in the entire country, and there are a lot, located in Edfu, Egypt. This temple was dedicated to the Egyptian god Horus, who is the falcon-headed god, who you can see depicted around the temple. The site was built more recently than others on our list, around 237 BC, and took 180 years to build. The temple itself was buried by sand, rubble and part of the Edfu village and was excavated in the mid-19th century. This site is truly marvelous and highlights the prosperity the country enjoyed at the time period it was built.

4. Kom Ombo

Next up, visit the town of Kom Ombo, that itself is simply an agricultural town located in the Southeast of the country. The town is most famous for the Temple of Kom Ombo, an unusual looking double-sided temple with a temple built for both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. The temples were built this way in order to separate the two gods places of worship, because they were known to not get along. For this reason, the complex has two entrances, two courts and so on. Enjoy these temples, which are some of the most famous ancient buildings and monuments in the entire world and feel what it must have felt like to live in the days of the pharaohs worshiping their gods.

3. Cairo

Welcome to a city that is a true mix of ancient and modern, in the current capital of the country; Cairo. While in Cairo, either explore independently or join the optional half day Egyptian Museum and Bazaar tour that takes you to the Egyptian Museum and the Khan el Khalili Bazaar. The museum contains the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and has more than 120.000 items on display! Some of the most famous items include mummies and King Tutankhamun artifacts. The bazaar is a must-visit for souvenirs and is the perfect spot to find copper, leather, perfume, brass-ware and much more. While in bustling Cairo be sure to try some traditional dishes and street foods such as kabab, falafel, shwarma, fiteer, ful mudamas or koshary. Yum!

2. Abu Simbel

The tour of Abu Simbel is an optional tour on your Egyptian journey, but it is an excellent one and highly recommended! A flight from Aswan takes you to the South of Egypt on the Nile River in Abu Simbel, a village in Nubia, to see these unforgettable temples. The abu-simbel3site is comprised of two temples; the Great Temple and the Small Temple both created during the time of Ramses II. This huge ancient sire had to be completely moved to another location when the Aswan High Dam was planned because it would have completely submerged both temples. The site is now as close to the original as possible, with the temples even facing in the exact same direction. Abu Simbel is the second most visited site in all of Egypt, after a very well-known site that is coming up next.

1. The Pyramids of Giza/ Great Sphinx

Welcome to the most famous site in the country and one of the most well-known landmarks in the world; the Pyramids of Giza. The Great Pyramid is the oldest and biggest of the three pyramids in the complex and was built for the pharaoh Khufu. The other two smaller pyramids are called Pyramid of Khafre and the Phyramid of pyramids4Menkaure. They are part of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and they are the oldest surviving site on the list. After exploring the immense pyramids, continue onto the Sphinx that guards the Giza plateau. This half-lion half-human is constructed out of a single-piece of limestone and sits in a reclining position. Both sites are located in the city of Giza, Egypt on the west bank of the Nile River and you’ll be surprised by how close they are to the city. Enjoy some of the most beautiful and magnificent sites of Egypt here and take it all in because there is nothing else on Earth quite like it!

sphinx1

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

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!

Asia & PacificTravel Tips

The Perks of Work: Employee Travel Testimonial – Vietnam

on June 18, 2018

vietnam_5Vietnam is a true up-and-coming destination that is really making a great name for itself! An authentic culture, relaxing way of life, unforgettable scenery and a fascinating history are a few of the countless reasons to visit this country in Southeast Asia. We caught up with Ryan, a Gate 1 Travel employee who recently traveled on the 12 Day Classic Vietnam tour, and got the inside scoop on his trip. Ryan tells us his highlights of the trip, some must see spots and what to pack if you are planning to go to Vietnam yourself.

Why did you choose this trip and what had you heard about these places that made you decide on it? I chose Vietnam, as I have always wanted to experience the other side of the world, specifically Southeast Asia. My dad served in the Army in the Vietnam War, and thought it would be cool to visit the same destination, obviously for very different reasons though of course.

Vietnam is becoming a very popular international travel destination, how was that vietnam_4reflected in your trip? Vietnam is a beautiful country and culturally diverse. Many of the locations we visited catered to tourists. We witnessed many other touring groups throughout the country side. 

What were some of the highlights of your trip? The biggest highlight for me was Hoi An, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lots of history. It was by far the easiest to get around (the cities were so packed with traffic), and just had a great personality about it. It was also very close to the Eastern Sea (South China Sea), with great beachfront venues and gorgeous scenery! Halong Bay was fantastic as well! The huge limestone rock formations jutting out of the water were a spectacular sight. The cities of Saigon, Hanoi and Hue, although very congested, had so much to offer. There were dining venues along every street, shopping and nightlife as well. Having lunch prepared at a Buddhist Monastery by Buddhist nuns was also a highlight. It was such a serene location and wonderfully cultural experience! Hanoi is considered the most Asian city, it had lots of culture. Also, close to a hotel where guests stay at, is a lake that people can walk around. It’s full of people doing yoga and meditation. It’s very peaceful. I’m also an avid craft beer fan, and vietnam_1both Saigon and Hanoi have a couple of new craft breweries that are not to be missed!

What was your favorite meal or what food did you have that you really enjoyed or felt was authentic? The meal prepared by the Buddhist nuns was definitely the most authentic to me. I’m not a particular fan of many vegetables, but all the meals I had there were quite tasty! Pho is the local dish and not to be missed, as well.

How was the shopping and did you visit anywhere specifically great for shopping? I am not a big shopper, but there were plenty of areas to shop, all over the country. The cities obviously had many small shops and vendors, along with big malls. There were markets that sold arrangements of local crafts, and knock-off designer ware.vietnam_3

What travel tips would you give to someone preparing to go on this trip? Prepare for a very long journey to get there and back. If possible, book Business class for a more comfortable ride. If that’s not possible, bring a couple of good books, movies, and ZZZquil! Also, prepare for the heat. Bring comfortable clothing and walking shoes and a hat for this trip. Sunscreen is your friend…apply liberally and often! 

How did you prepare for this trip? I packed accordingly with the hot weather. Lots of shorts, sandals, loose t-shirts and a hat. 

Would you go back? I would definitely go back! I would surely stay in Hoi An longer, and go to Da Nang, where there are many beach resorts being built. 

How was your tour manager and what were they like? In what ways did they affect your trip? Our tour manager Tom was from Hanoi. He was very knowledgeable (a former teacher), and conducted all the tours himself. He was very informative and kept us entertained on the longer bus rides. He gave great perspectives from the Vietnamese perspective vietnam_2on everything from ancient history to modern. And of course, the Vietnam War.

What did you feel was the overall theme of your trip? Culture, history and culinary exploration.

How did being on an escorted tour affect your trip? It was a great experience, as there were many things, if not all, that I would have missed if I were to try and book this trip on my own. 

Would you recommend this trip to family/friends? Definitely! It was a great insight on life in Southeast Asia. The Vietnamese are very friendly, accommodating, and eager to share their country. 

#G1PhotoFridayEurope

The Széchenyi Medicinal Baths of Budapest, Hungary

on June 15, 2018

The Széchenyi Baths are located in Budapest, Hungary and make up one of the largest bath complexes in all of Europe. This complex has a total of 21 pools and includes thermal/medicinal pools, saunas, massage therapies, facial treatments, lockers, aqua-fitness and much more! The baths are open to all and have excellent hours, so do not miss this truly unique and refreshing experience when visiting Budapest.

Szechenyi

 

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @ Paul Maruszak using the hashtag #gate1travel. This exciting view was taken in Budapest, Hungary at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Budapest trips here!

Indonesia
Asia & PacificSmall Group Discoveries

Indonesia: Where Two Worlds Meet

on May 22, 2017

Natural Wonders of Java and Bali Have a Mystical Side

If there’s one thing that stands supreme amidst all of Indonesia’s sumptuous beauty, it’s the volcano. Indonesia, after all, is its volcanoes. Lush rainforest, vast seas of sand, dense woodland, and the remarkable variety of wildlife … they were all borne from lava and ash. Indonesia’s islands – abundant, luxuriant, verdant, and so very respectful of their own beauty – are lucky and beautiful children.

Tanah Lot Indonesia

On Java and Bali – the two islands you’ll visit during Gate 1’s 15 Day Indonesia: Java & Bali guided tour – towering peaks form a spine near each island’s center. From these heights, green blankets of land flow to the sea, cradling tiny villages, vibrant cities, and oceanside havens along the way. It makes for a magnificent setting, and a rich lesson in how Javanese and Balinese people nurture their relationship with their Indian Ocean islands.

Calming the Spirits

To understand the Indonesians’ connection to their natural world, you need to know only one thing: many Balinese people (and many older tribes on Java) believe that objects in the natural world such as animals, plants, and mountains carry a spiritual essence. All things, therefore, possess their own power which can be used for good or for evil.

Lake Butar Indonesia

Nowhere is this spiritual notion more apparent than in the history of Indonesians’ relationships to the volcanoes. Sacrifices have long thought to appease the mountain gods that spew smoke from their crowns. Stories of human sacrifice are merely the stuff of legend, though devout locals do participate in pre-dawn hikes to craters so that they may sacrifice fruit, vegetables, rice, and livestock into the calderas.

Crops of the Gods

Volcanic soil makes for some of the most prolific farming. Certainly, Java and Bali have a huge bounty to show for their fortunate locale amidst this agricultural gold mine. Their economy in fact relies on this fertility; agriculture is the country’s second largest profit-maker after tourism. Throughout the countryside, farming terraces climb steep slopes and everywhere farmers work their land.

Indonesia Farming

But in many regions, it’s not the farmers who regulate irrigation to their terraces and paddy fields. It’s the priests. Crops here are fed by a water management system known as Subak, which is based on a Hindu philosophy of “Tri Hita Karana” that fosters a good relationship with God, with other people, and with the environment. Put simply, this system creates an intimate tie among farmers, communities, and their temples.

Though it might sound odd for a priest to regulate water distribution in a land with plenty of water, it’s helpful to remember that the infinite elements of nature – trees, fields, crops, even water itself – are spiritual beings. So who is better suited to negotiate the needs of the spirit world with the needs of the people? Subak remains a crucial part of Indonesia; because of it, the resulting cultural landscape on Bali has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Asia’s Amazon

For its natural beauty and rich wildlife, Indonesia is an unsung giant. It hails as the second most bio-diverse country on the planet, after Brazil. Dense forest covers about 60% of its land, much of it thriving with natural flora and fauna thanks to a combination of nutrient-rich earth and tropical climate. Its many islands – 17,508 of them, 11,500 of which are uninhabited by humans – further bolster a rich variety of species. As you might imagine, a healthy mix of Asian plants grow here, too, as Java and Bali were once connected to the mainland. We’re sure to spot some of them throughout our journey. However, more than a third of its 1,531 bird species and its 515 mammal species are endemic to these islands. Only Australia can claim a larger percentage than this.

Ubud Bali Indonesia

With 50,000 miles of coastline in this archipelago nation, natural diversity also takes to the waters. Varied ecosystems – beach, sand dune, mangrove, coral reef, and others – support more than 1,650 species of coral reef fish. This is one of the greatest varieties on the planet, and it earned Indonesia membership in the Coral Triangle, sometimes known as the “Amazon of the Seas.”

Paradise on earth. It’s a phrase often used to describe Java and Bali. But their magnificent beauty goes deeper than this. In Indonesia, the natural world is also the spirit world, and vice versa. And the real beauty lies in the people’s respect for them both, and in what passes between them. Our Discovery Tours small groups bring you close enough to experience it all firsthand.

You can learn more about our Gate 1’s 15 Day Indonesia: Java & Bali guided tour here. To browse Gate 1’s Southeast Asia itinerary, click here.

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