12 Day Albania, Montenegro, Croatia & Slovenia
From
$1839
Land Only
$2659*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)
| Tuesday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rogner Hotel | Tirana | |
| Bianca Resort & Spa | Kolasin | |
| Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel | Dubrovnik | |
| Royal Neptun Hotel | Dubrovnik | |
| Hotel Atrium | Split | |
| Lyra Hotel Plitvice | Plitvice Lakes | |
| Rikli Balance Hotel | Bled | |
| Park Hotel | Bled | |
| Hotel Savica Garni | Bled | |
| Thursday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rogner Hotel | Tirana | |
| Bianca Resort & Spa | Kolasin | |
| Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel | Dubrovnik | |
| Royal Neptun Hotel | Dubrovnik | |
| Hotel Atrium | Split | |
| Lyra Hotel Plitvice | Plitvice Lakes | |
| Park Hotel | Bled | |
| Hotel Savica Garni | Bled | |
| Saturday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rogner Hotel | Tirana | |
| Bianca Resort & Spa | Kolasin | |
| Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel | Dubrovnik | |
| Royal Neptun Hotel | Dubrovnik | |
| Hotel Atrium | Split | |
| Lyra Hotel Plitvice | Plitvice Lakes | |
| Rikli Balance Hotel | Bled | |
| Park Hotel | Bled | |
| Hotel Savica Garni | Bled | |
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
| 2023 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $600 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
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$2499 | $3629* | ||||
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$2299 | $3439* | ||||
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$2399 | $3769* | ||||
| $2199 | $3359* | |||||
| $2399 | $3549* | |||||
| $2399 | $3519* | |||||
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$2499 | $3529* | ||||
| $2249 | $3309* | |||||
| $2199 | $3169* | |||||
| $2149 | $2969* | |||||
| $2199 | $3209* | |||||
| $2199 | $3049* | |||||
| $2199 | $3269* | |||||
| $2099 | $3089* | |||||
| $2199 | $3039* | |||||
| $2099 | $2929* | |||||
| $2099 | $2979* | |||||
| $2099 | $2979* | |||||
| $1899 | $2769* | |||||
| $1839 | $2659* | |||||
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 4 PM.
Airport transfers will not be included if flight schedule does not meet the schedule below:
Passengers departing from Venice on Day 12 should select flights that depart no earlier than 6:45 AM. Bled is approximately a 3.5 hour drive to the Venice airport.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights New York-Tirana, Venice-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 10 nights accommodations
- 2 nights Tirana
- 2 nights Kolasin
- 2 nights Dubrovnik
- 1 night Split
- 1 night Plitvice Lakes
- 2 nights Bled
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 15 meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides in major cities
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- View the National History Museum, adorned with a gigantic mosaic mural known as "The Albanians" in Tirana
- Visit Moraca Monastery, the largest medieval Orthodox monument in Montenegro in Kolasin
- Tour Durmitor National Park, formed by glaciers and traversed by rivers and underground streams
- Visit King Nikola Museum in Cetinje, a former home of the last Montenegrin ruler Nikola I Petrovic Njegoš
- View the spectacular Bay of Kotor fjord
- Tour Dubrovnik, Croatia's magical city on the Adriatic Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Marvel at the impressive Diocletian's Palace, a precious example of Roman architecture in Split
- Explore magnificent Plitvice Lakes National Park, a network of 16 terraced basins
- View the Cathedral of Zagreb, with its soaring twin spires
- Tour Ljubljana's Old Town with its unique mixture of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture
- Enjoy the beautiful Alpine resort of Bled, exquisitely set amidst the Julian Alps
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
This moderately active trip covers a lot of ground most days. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day, where you could encounter some uneven surfaces, cobbled streets, stairs, and steep slopes. Some hiking may be required to access some sites. Certain days include long drives that are necessary to cover the territory. This is a Classic program. For more information, click here.
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This first class hotel is just a stone's thrown away from the world famous Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the center of Bled with a beautiful view of Lake Bled, the island, the castle and the Julian Alps.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the center of Bled, on the shore of Lake Bled, near the famous Bled promenade.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is just a stone's thrown away from the world famous Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the center of Bled, on the shore of Lake Bled, near the famous Bled promenade.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is just a stone's thrown away from the world famous Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the center of Bled with a beautiful view of Lake Bled, the island, the castle and the Julian Alps.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the center of Bled, on the shore of Lake Bled, near the famous Bled promenade.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Your visit of Kruje will take you back in time and give you a wonderful cultural experience. Kruje is best known as the hometown of Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero, and is where the Ottomans were successfully resisted for nearly 35 years until 1478. Visit of the Ethnographic museum, a walk though the old bazaar and a dinner in a local restaurant will complete the experience.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 5 hours
| Day #3 | 01 Oct 2021 - 31 Mar 2025 | $81.00 |
This evening, take a short drive from Dubrovnik through the Croatian countryside to a lovely homestead for dinner, where you will be welcomed with tasty starters, such as local cheeses and Dalmatian prosciutto. Take in the lush surroundings while savoring a traditional meal consisting of time-honored dishes, carefully prepared with fresh, local ingredients, paired with wine and brandy.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2.5 hours
| Day #7 | 23 Oct 2021 - 31 Dec 2023 | $55.00 |
Travel this evening to the beautiful village of Stobrec, just outside of Split. Here, savor a delicious three course meal at the family-run Epetium restaurant, while listening to live Dalmatian music. The restaurant has been serving Dalmatian culinary delights of this region for over 50 years.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours
| Day #8 | 16 Apr 2023 - 31 Mar 2025 | $56.00 |
This evening visit the medieval town of Radovljica, and take a short walk through its old section. Later, visit the Lect Museum (Gingerbread Museum) and learn about the Slovenian craft of Lectarstvo, the making of "Lect" from gingerbread. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Slovenian dinner with live entertainment.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #10 | 01 Jan 2022 - 31 Mar 2024 | $75.00 |
Your visit of Kruje will take you back in time and give you a wonderful cultural experience. Kruje is best known as the hometown of Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero, and is where the Ottomans were successfully resisted for nearly 35 years until 1478. Visit of the Ethnographic museum, a walk though the old bazaar and a dinner in a local restaurant will complete the experience.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 5 hours
| Day #3 | 01 Oct 2021 - 31 Mar 2025 | $81.00 |
This evening, take a short drive from Dubrovnik through the Croatian countryside to a lovely homestead for dinner, where you will be welcomed with tasty starters, such as local cheeses and Dalmatian prosciutto. Take in the lush surroundings while savoring a traditional meal consisting of time-honored dishes, carefully prepared with fresh, local ingredients, paired with wine and brandy.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2.5 hours
| Day #7 | 23 Oct 2021 - 31 Dec 2023 | $55.00 |
Travel this evening to the beautiful village of Stobrec, just outside of Split. Here, savor a delicious three course meal at the family-run Epetium restaurant, while listening to live Dalmatian music. The restaurant has been serving Dalmatian culinary delights of this region for over 50 years.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours
| Day #8 | 16 Apr 2023 - 31 Mar 2025 | $56.00 |
This evening visit the medieval town of Radovljica, and take a short walk through its old section. Later, visit the Lect Museum (Gingerbread Museum) and learn about the Slovenian craft of Lectarstvo, the making of "Lect" from gingerbread. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Slovenian dinner with live entertainment.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #10 | 01 Jan 2022 - 31 Mar 2024 | $75.00 |
Your visit of Kruje will take you back in time and give you a wonderful cultural experience. Kruje is best known as the hometown of Skanderbeg, Albania's national hero, and is where the Ottomans were successfully resisted for nearly 35 years until 1478. Visit of the Ethnographic museum, a walk though the old bazaar and a dinner in a local restaurant will complete the experience.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 5 hours
| Day #3 | 01 Oct 2021 - 31 Mar 2025 | $81.00 |
This evening, take a short drive from Dubrovnik through the Croatian countryside to a lovely homestead for dinner, where you will be welcomed with tasty starters, such as local cheeses and Dalmatian prosciutto. Take in the lush surroundings while savoring a traditional meal consisting of time-honored dishes, carefully prepared with fresh, local ingredients, paired with wine and brandy.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2.5 hours
| Day #7 | 23 Oct 2021 - 31 Dec 2023 | $55.00 |
Travel this evening to the beautiful village of Stobrec, just outside of Split. Here, savor a delicious three course meal at the family-run Epetium restaurant, while listening to live Dalmatian music. The restaurant has been serving Dalmatian culinary delights of this region for over 50 years.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours
| Day #8 | 16 Apr 2023 - 31 Mar 2025 | $56.00 |
This evening visit the medieval town of Radovljica, and take a short walk through its old section. Later, visit the Lect Museum (Gingerbread Museum) and learn about the Slovenian craft of Lectarstvo, the making of "Lect" from gingerbread. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Slovenian dinner with live entertainment.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #10 | 01 Jan 2022 - 31 Mar 2024 | $75.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Albania - Spring and Autumn: 40–65°F; Summer: 65–85°F; Winter: 30–45°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Albania Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx |
| Slovenia - Spring and Autumn: 40–65°F; Summer: 55–75°F; Winter: 20–35°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Slovenia Average Temperatures:https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#slovenia-weather |
| Croatia - Spring and Autumn: 40–65°F; Summer: 65–85°F; Winter: 30–45°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Croatia Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#croatia-weather |
| Montenegro - Spring and Autumn: 50–65°F; Summer: 65–85°F; Winter: 40–50°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| Venice Transfers - Most transfers in Venice are provided by water taxi (occasionally transfers may be provided by car). Only those hotels with a canal mooring can be reached directly. For all others, the water taxi will drop off and pick up at the nearest mooring. It will then be necessary to walk to your hotel. In some cases the hotel may be several blocks away. Some mooring areas cannot be reached during high or low tide, heavy rain, or storms. In this event, the nearest available mooring will be used. Since few of the mooring areas have porters to assist with transporting luggage, it is strongly recommended that you travel with one piece of wheeled luggage that you are comfortable handling on your own. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Albania - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| Slovenia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| Croatia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| Montenegro - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Albania - The Albanian Leke is the currency of Albania. |
| Slovenia - The Euro is the currency of Slovenia. |
| Croatia - The Euro is the currency of Croatia. |
| Montenegro - The Euro is the currency of Montenegro. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Albania - Shopping in Albania can offer some surprising deals. Goods can easily be found that are up to European standards of craftsmanship but at much lower prices. Shoes, silver and copper pieces, woodcarvings, needlework, Albanian cognac, and musical instruments are among the most sought after wares. |
| Slovenia - Local specialties include bobbin lace, crystal, glassware, and wine. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. A value-added tax is now added to the purchase price of most goods. |
| Croatia - For the best prices, seek out local markets offering a wide assortment of traditional handicrafts such as embroidery, ceramics, and woodcarvings. In stores, lavender sachets, fine Adriatic red coral, and crystal ware are popular items. Shops are generally open all day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with shorter hours on Saturdays. |
| Montenegro - Both boutiques and open markets abound in Montenegro. For local flavor, look for wine, jewelry, and paintings by regional artists. Fine clothing and accessories by Italian designers are also widely available. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Albania
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Slovenia
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Croatia
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Montenegro
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| Languages |
| Albania - Albanian is the local language. Italian and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Slovenia - Slovene is the local language. Croatian, Serbian, German, English, and Italian are also spoken by some. |
| Croatia - Croatian is the local language. Italian and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Montenegro - Montenegrin and Serbian are the local languages. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Albania - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Slovenia - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Croatia - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Montenegro - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Albania - Albania is a predominantly Muslim country, though Christians and Muslims coexist quite peacefully. Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting. Casual dress is appropriate, but beachwear should be confined to the beach and poolside. Normal courtesies should be observed, and if you are offered coffee or sweets, it is polite to accept the offer. |
| Slovenia - Dress should be casual, but conservative, except at formal dinners and upscale hotels or restaurants. At restaurants, bread will often be brought and charged even if not requested. This is customary and should not be disputed. Slovenes are known for their friendliness and hospitality to foreigners and even new acquaintances may offer a drink. |
| Croatia - Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting and saying goodbye. Casual dress is appropriate and normal courtesies should be observed. Smoking is prohibited on public transportation and in theaters and public offices. |
| Montenegro - Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Montenegro - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and raw fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Albania - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and raw fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Albania |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1-2: New Year's Day, observed Mar 14: Summer Day Mar 22: Nevruz Day Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday Apr 17: Day of Easter Sunday (Orthodox) Apr 22: End of Ramadan* May 1: May Day Jul 29: Feast of the Sacrifice Sep 5: Mother Teresa Beautification Day Nov 28: Independence Day Nov 29: Liberation Day Dec 8: National Youth Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day, observed Mar 14: Summer Day Mar 22: Nevruz Day Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 10: End of Ramadan* May 1: May Day May 5: Day of Easter Sunday (Orthodox) Jun 17: Feast of the Sacrifice Sep 5: Mother Teresa Beatification Day Nov 28: Independence Day Nov 29: Liberation Day Dec 9: National Youth Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Please note that Islamic holidays are based a lunar calendar, and exact dates depend on local sightings of the moon. Because of this, actual dates may vary from the dates given above. |
| Holidays - Slovenia |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1-2: New Year's Day, observed Feb 8: Prešeren Day Apr 9: Easter Sunday Apr 10: Easter Monday Apr 27: Day of Uprising Against Occupation May 1-2: Labor Day/May Day, observed May 28: Whit Sunday Aug 15: Assumption of Mary Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Independence and Unity Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year Holiday Feb 8: Prešeren Day Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 27: Day of Uprising Against Occupation May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 2: Labor Day Holiday May 19: Whit Sunday Aug 15: Assumption of Mary Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Independence and Unity Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Croatia |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 30: Statehood Day Jun 8: Corpus Christi Jun 22: Day of Anti-Fascist Struggle Aug 5: Victory Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Oct 8: Independence Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 18: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 30: Statehood Day May 30: Corpus Christi Jun 22: Day of Anti-Fascist Struggle Aug 5: Victory Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 18: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day |
| Holidays - Montenegro |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day Holiday Jan 3: New Year's Day observed Jan 7: Orthodox Christmas Day Jan 8: Orthodox Christmas Holiday Apr 14: Orthodox Good Friday Apr 16: Orthodox Easter Sunday Apr 17: Orthodox Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 2: Labor Day Second Day May 21: Independence Day May 22: Independence Day Holiday May 23: Independence Day observed Jul 13: Sovereignty Day Of Montenegro Jul 14: Sovereignty Day Of Montenegro Second Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day Holiday Jan 7: Orthodox Christmas Day Jan 8: Orthodox Christmas Holiday May 1: Labor Day May 2: Labor Day Holiday May 3: Orthodox Good Friday May 5: Orthodox Easter Sunday May 6: Orthodox Easter Monday May 21: Independence Day May 22: Independence Day Holiday Jul 13: Sovereignty Day Of Montenegro Jul 14: Sovereignty Day Of Montenegro Holiday Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Albania - Spring and Autumn: 40–65°F; Summer: 65–85°F; Winter: 30–45°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Albania Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx |
| Slovenia - Spring and Autumn: 40–65°F; Summer: 55–75°F; Winter: 20–35°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Slovenia Average Temperatures:https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#slovenia-weather |
| Croatia - Spring and Autumn: 40–65°F; Summer: 65–85°F; Winter: 30–45°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Croatia Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#croatia-weather |
| Montenegro - Spring and Autumn: 50–65°F; Summer: 65–85°F; Winter: 40–50°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| Venice Transfers - Most transfers in Venice are provided by water taxi (occasionally transfers may be provided by car). Only those hotels with a canal mooring can be reached directly. For all others, the water taxi will drop off and pick up at the nearest mooring. It will then be necessary to walk to your hotel. In some cases the hotel may be several blocks away. Some mooring areas cannot be reached during high or low tide, heavy rain, or storms. In this event, the nearest available mooring will be used. Since few of the mooring areas have porters to assist with transporting luggage, it is strongly recommended that you travel with one piece of wheeled luggage that you are comfortable handling on your own. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Albania - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| Slovenia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| Croatia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| Montenegro - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Albania - The Albanian Leke is the currency of Albania. |
| Slovenia - The Euro is the currency of Slovenia. |
| Croatia - The Euro is the currency of Croatia. |
| Montenegro - The Euro is the currency of Montenegro. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Albania - Shopping in Albania can offer some surprising deals. Goods can easily be found that are up to European standards of craftsmanship but at much lower prices. Shoes, silver and copper pieces, woodcarvings, needlework, Albanian cognac, and musical instruments are among the most sought after wares. |
| Slovenia - Local specialties include bobbin lace, crystal, glassware, and wine. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. A value-added tax is now added to the purchase price of most goods. |
| Croatia - For the best prices, seek out local markets offering a wide assortment of traditional handicrafts such as embroidery, ceramics, and woodcarvings. In stores, lavender sachets, fine Adriatic red coral, and crystal ware are popular items. Shops are generally open all day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with shorter hours on Saturdays. |
| Montenegro - Both boutiques and open markets abound in Montenegro. For local flavor, look for wine, jewelry, and paintings by regional artists. Fine clothing and accessories by Italian designers are also widely available. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Albania
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Slovenia
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Croatia
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Montenegro
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| Languages |
| Albania - Albanian is the local language. Italian and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Slovenia - Slovene is the local language. Croatian, Serbian, German, English, and Italian are also spoken by some. |
| Croatia - Croatian is the local language. Italian and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Montenegro - Montenegrin and Serbian are the local languages. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Albania - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Slovenia - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Croatia - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Montenegro - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Albania - Albania is a predominantly Muslim country, though Christians and Muslims coexist quite peacefully. Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting. Casual dress is appropriate, but beachwear should be confined to the beach and poolside. Normal courtesies should be observed, and if you are offered coffee or sweets, it is polite to accept the offer. |
| Slovenia - Dress should be casual, but conservative, except at formal dinners and upscale hotels or restaurants. At restaurants, bread will often be brought and charged even if not requested. This is customary and should not be disputed. Slovenes are known for their friendliness and hospitality to foreigners and even new acquaintances may offer a drink. |
| Croatia - Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting and saying goodbye. Casual dress is appropriate and normal courtesies should be observed. Smoking is prohibited on public transportation and in theaters and public offices. |
| Montenegro - Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Montenegro - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and raw fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Albania - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and raw fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Albania |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1-2: New Year's Day, observed Mar 14: Summer Day Mar 22: Nevruz Day Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday Apr 17: Day of Easter Sunday (Orthodox) Apr 22: End of Ramadan* May 1: May Day Jul 29: Feast of the Sacrifice Sep 5: Mother Teresa Beautification Day Nov 28: Independence Day Nov 29: Liberation Day Dec 8: National Youth Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day, observed Mar 14: Summer Day Mar 22: Nevruz Day Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 10: End of Ramadan* May 1: May Day May 5: Day of Easter Sunday (Orthodox) Jun 17: Feast of the Sacrifice Sep 5: Mother Teresa Beatification Day Nov 28: Independence Day Nov 29: Liberation Day Dec 9: National Youth Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Please note that Islamic holidays are based a lunar calendar, and exact dates depend on local sightings of the moon. Because of this, actual dates may vary from the dates given above. |
| Holidays - Slovenia |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1-2: New Year's Day, observed Feb 8: Prešeren Day Apr 9: Easter Sunday Apr 10: Easter Monday Apr 27: Day of Uprising Against Occupation May 1-2: Labor Day/May Day, observed May 28: Whit Sunday Aug 15: Assumption of Mary Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Independence and Unity Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year Holiday Feb 8: Prešeren Day Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 27: Day of Uprising Against Occupation May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 2: Labor Day Holiday May 19: Whit Sunday Aug 15: Assumption of Mary Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Independence and Unity Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Croatia |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 30: Statehood Day Jun 8: Corpus Christi Jun 22: Day of Anti-Fascist Struggle Aug 5: Victory Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Oct 8: Independence Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 18: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 30: Statehood Day May 30: Corpus Christi Jun 22: Day of Anti-Fascist Struggle Aug 5: Victory Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 18: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day |
| Holidays - Montenegro |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day Holiday Jan 3: New Year's Day observed Jan 7: Orthodox Christmas Day Jan 8: Orthodox Christmas Holiday Apr 14: Orthodox Good Friday Apr 16: Orthodox Easter Sunday Apr 17: Orthodox Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 2: Labor Day Second Day May 21: Independence Day May 22: Independence Day Holiday May 23: Independence Day observed Jul 13: Sovereignty Day Of Montenegro Jul 14: Sovereignty Day Of Montenegro Second Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day Holiday Jan 7: Orthodox Christmas Day Jan 8: Orthodox Christmas Holiday May 1: Labor Day May 2: Labor Day Holiday May 3: Orthodox Good Friday May 5: Orthodox Easter Sunday May 6: Orthodox Easter Monday May 21: Independence Day May 22: Independence Day Holiday Jul 13: Sovereignty Day Of Montenegro Jul 14: Sovereignty Day Of Montenegro Holiday Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/res with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Albania - Spring and Autumn: 40–65°F; Summer: 65–85°F; Winter: 30–45°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Albania Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx |
| Slovenia - Spring and Autumn: 40–65°F; Summer: 55–75°F; Winter: 20–35°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Slovenia Average Temperatures:https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#slovenia-weather |
| Croatia - Spring and Autumn: 40–65°F; Summer: 65–85°F; Winter: 30–45°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Croatia Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#croatia-weather |
| Montenegro - Spring and Autumn: 50–65°F; Summer: 65–85°F; Winter: 40–50°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or “drone” technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| Venice Transfers - Most transfers in Venice are provided by water taxi (occasionally transfers may be provided by car). Only those hotels with a canal mooring can be reached directly. For all others, the water taxi will drop off and pick up at the nearest mooring. It will then be necessary to walk to your hotel. In some cases the hotel may be several blocks away. Some mooring areas cannot be reached during high or low tide, heavy rain, or storms. In this event, the nearest available mooring will be used. Since few of the mooring areas have porters to assist with transporting luggage, it is strongly recommended that you travel with one piece of wheeled luggage that you are comfortable handling on your own. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Albania - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| Slovenia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| Croatia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| Montenegro - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Albania - The Albanian Leke is the currency of Albania. |
| Slovenia - The Euro is the currency of Slovenia. |
| Croatia - The Euro is the currency of Croatia. |
| Montenegro - The Euro is the currency of Montenegro. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Albania - Shopping in Albania can offer some surprising deals. Goods can easily be found that are up to European standards of craftsmanship but at much lower prices. Shoes, silver and copper pieces, woodcarvings, needlework, Albanian cognac, and musical instruments are among the most sought after wares. |
| Slovenia - Local specialties include bobbin lace, crystal, glassware, and wine. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. A value-added tax is now added to the purchase price of most goods. |
| Croatia - For the best prices, seek out local markets offering a wide assortment of traditional handicrafts such as embroidery, ceramics, and woodcarvings. In stores, lavender sachets, fine Adriatic red coral, and crystal ware are popular items. Shops are generally open all day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with shorter hours on Saturdays. |
| Montenegro - Both boutiques and open markets abound in Montenegro. For local flavor, look for wine, jewelry, and paintings by regional artists. Fine clothing and accessories by Italian designers are also widely available. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
|
Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Albania
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Slovenia
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Croatia
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Montenegro
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| Languages |
| Albania - Albanian is the local language. Italian and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Slovenia - Slovene is the local language. Croatian, Serbian, German, English, and Italian are also spoken by some. |
| Croatia - Croatian is the local language. Italian and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Montenegro - Montenegrin and Serbian are the local languages. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Albania - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Slovenia - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Croatia - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Montenegro - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Albania - Albania is a predominantly Muslim country, though Christians and Muslims coexist quite peacefully. Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting. Casual dress is appropriate, but beachwear should be confined to the beach and poolside. Normal courtesies should be observed, and if you are offered coffee or sweets, it is polite to accept the offer. |
| Slovenia - Dress should be casual, but conservative, except at formal dinners and upscale hotels or restaurants. At restaurants, bread will often be brought and charged even if not requested. This is customary and should not be disputed. Slovenes are known for their friendliness and hospitality to foreigners and even new acquaintances may offer a drink. |
| Croatia - Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting and saying goodbye. Casual dress is appropriate and normal courtesies should be observed. Smoking is prohibited on public transportation and in theaters and public offices. |
| Montenegro - Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| Montenegro - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and raw fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Albania - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and raw fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Albania |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1-2: New Year's Day, observed Mar 14: Summer Day Mar 22: Nevruz Day Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday Apr 17: Day of Easter Sunday (Orthodox) Apr 22: End of Ramadan* May 1: May Day Jul 29: Feast of the Sacrifice Sep 5: Mother Teresa Beautification Day Nov 28: Independence Day Nov 29: Liberation Day Dec 8: National Youth Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day, observed Mar 14: Summer Day Mar 22: Nevruz Day Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 10: End of Ramadan* May 1: May Day May 5: Day of Easter Sunday (Orthodox) Jun 17: Feast of the Sacrifice Sep 5: Mother Teresa Beatification Day Nov 28: Independence Day Nov 29: Liberation Day Dec 9: National Youth Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Please note that Islamic holidays are based a lunar calendar, and exact dates depend on local sightings of the moon. Because of this, actual dates may vary from the dates given above. |
| Holidays - Slovenia |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1-2: New Year's Day, observed Feb 8: Prešeren Day Apr 9: Easter Sunday Apr 10: Easter Monday Apr 27: Day of Uprising Against Occupation May 1-2: Labor Day/May Day, observed May 28: Whit Sunday Aug 15: Assumption of Mary Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Independence and Unity Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year Holiday Feb 8: Prešeren Day Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday Apr 27: Day of Uprising Against Occupation May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 2: Labor Day Holiday May 19: Whit Sunday Aug 15: Assumption of Mary Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Independence and Unity Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Croatia |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 30: Statehood Day Jun 8: Corpus Christi Jun 22: Day of Anti-Fascist Struggle Aug 5: Victory Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Oct 8: Independence Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 18: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 30: Statehood Day May 30: Corpus Christi Jun 22: Day of Anti-Fascist Struggle Aug 5: Victory Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 18: Remembrance Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day |
| Holidays - Montenegro |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day Holiday Jan 3: New Year's Day observed Jan 7: Orthodox Christmas Day Jan 8: Orthodox Christmas Holiday Apr 14: Orthodox Good Friday Apr 16: Orthodox Easter Sunday Apr 17: Orthodox Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 2: Labor Day Second Day May 21: Independence Day May 22: Independence Day Holiday May 23: Independence Day observed Jul 13: Sovereignty Day Of Montenegro Jul 14: Sovereignty Day Of Montenegro Second Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year's Day Holiday Jan 7: Orthodox Christmas Day Jan 8: Orthodox Christmas Holiday May 1: Labor Day May 2: Labor Day Holiday May 3: Orthodox Good Friday May 5: Orthodox Easter Sunday May 6: Orthodox Easter Monday May 21: Independence Day May 22: Independence Day Holiday Jul 13: Sovereignty Day Of Montenegro Jul 14: Sovereignty Day Of Montenegro Holiday Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
Our recent trip to Albania, Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia was fantastic !! We, including our clients, enjoyed our tours very much. Pero, our tour Manager was very organized and calm the whole trip. Our driver was very careful and took us to the different countries with no issues and always on time. Our hotels and meals were great. It was one of the best trips we ever had. Thank you Gate 1 for showing us the world for Less!! Looking forward to our next trip.
Heidy C.
I just finished the survey for the recent 12 Day Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia trip we completed and just wanted to let you know what gem of an employee you have in Mario. There needed to be a category above excellent for me to check off in the survey when evaluating him. We knew we would see may beautiful sites and scenes during our vacation. Little did we know the true treasure of the trip would be having Mario as our Tour Manager. He was wonderfully organized, a joy to be around, and the care he took for us and the other travelers on the trip was obviously done very sincerely, and his kind heart showed at all times. I know many of the things he did were requirements of the job, so to speak. I also know there were numerous times he went above and beyond what the responsibilities of his position required. Thank you so much for assigning Mario to our vacation!
Lisa K.
Just want to mention our tour manager Mario. He is the most caring man I met who was a stranger to all of us. So knowledgeable, so nice and kind and who worked around the clock to make our large (40 people) group comfortable and happy. We really appreciated his efforts and will never forget him. Looking forward to new trips with Gate 1 Travel, hopefully with Mario.
Shelamis R.
It was amazing! Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia were absolutely beautiful! We enjoyed Royal Neptun Hotel very much! Food delicious, views were great! We hated to leave this place! It was a great start to our trip! I love to write and I hope to write a story about this trip!
Nancy R.
Thank you for your email. Our trip was splendid! This was our first trans Atlantic trip, so naturally, we had apprehensions about details and logistics. Gate1 allayed our concerns at every turn, especially when I took ill on the last day and our return trip was delayed. We greatly appreciate the assistance we received with rescheduling our flights. Our tour manager, Jelena, went well beyond our expectations. Not only was Jelena knowledgeable about the places we visited (history, culture, food, humor, etc.), but she also offered sound advice regarding eating, shopping, and safety. The little extras she provided created a delightful element of fun. Our group was large (39!) but Jelena knew everyone by name, and pointed out details she knew were pertinent to specific individuals. Jelena sets a high bar for the tour managers of our future trips!
Mary S.
The 12 Day Albania, Montenegro, Croatia & Slovenia tour was great. We had a lot of fun with the numerous historical as well UNESCO protected sites. They're all eye openers for us that are now forever etched in our memories. We've also met interesting people with various background & challenges in life. We've learned that most of us in our life's stage have common goals...to go and see as many places as we can and to learn and enjoy the history, people, and culture of each one. With Nicola at the helm as our Tour Manager, his willingness to share his background knowledge in addition to his own personal experience while growing up in those places, made it all vivid & encompassing as we recreate them in our minds. His attention to details and making the group's safety as his primary concern made us all assured that we are in good hands. Again, kudos to Nicola for a job well done.
Walter S.
We had a wonderful trip to the Balkans! The group members were well traveled and well-behaved. On time and interesting travelers. The hotels were very good and all of the activities were well planned and perfectly implemented. Albania is an interesting country but may not have a mass appeal to tourists. As a tour operator myself, I was interested in assessing what the country has to offer in terms of tourism. Montenegro was mountainous and beautiful. We stayed at an amazing ski resort with a fantastic pool and spa. Croatia has long been a winner and we have done trips there. I liked being there in the off season when crowds were nowhere to be seen. Slovenia was enchanting. Bled is a gem and a great end point to the trip. In conclusion, the trip manager, Bine, was one of the best tour leaders I have ever known. Bine was patient, professional and incredibly knowledgeable. He seemed tireless and responded with great patience and care when group members fell ill. His knowledge of each of the Balkan countries was second to none. I will arrange a future group trip to this region mainly because of Bine. I look forward to working with him and Gate One to plan future trips. Thank you for planning such a wonderful itinerary.
Mary R.
It was AWESOME! Duan, our tour manager was great: he's very knowledgeable & took good care of us. Regarding our destinations.... WOW!!! Croatia & Slovenia are AMAZING destinations!!! Both countries were very scenic: with breathtaking views & picturesque scenery & the most beautiful sunsets ??!! Of course, the overnight in Venice before the flight home was the "icing on the cake"! It was great to take another gondola ride esp. that it was the first gondola experience for my friend/travel buddy! Overall, this trip was another memorable experience! Thank you, GATE 1 for making this happen, esp. for making it affordable for us!! ?? Kudos to you.....Gate 1 Travel!
Grace C.
I want to offer some comments about my recent trip to Albania, Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia Tour, especially our guide, Pero. The tour was exceptional as I have indicated on the online evaluation. The trip itself was well planned and executed in a comfortable and pleasant manner. But the most impressive part of the entire experience for me was the manner in which Pero conducted himself AND the experience. He was kind and considerate to all of us, even though at the start he wasn't feeling his best. He went out of his way to make us feel secure and cared for. He is extremely knowledgeable and has a wonderful command of the English language. He shared not only his general knowledge but also his personal experiences throughout the regions we toured. He was very attentive to anyone who approached him, and I came to appreciate his gentle yet capable way of assisting people. I have been on several Gate 1 Tours around the world and have always found your guides to be competent , helpful and friendly. But I think Pero demonstrated EXCEPTIONAL knowledge and care for all of us. Please be sure to affirm him and his efforts and know if I were ever able to participate in another of his tours I would jump at the chance. He is a definite asset to your business and it was a pleasure for me to be part of his tour.
Robert L.
I just want to say that my trip to Croatia/Slovenia was SO far beyond my expectations - it was just amazing. Now back in the United States I am just glowing with the memories of all the things I saw and did on the tour. I cannot believe that such travel is possible for an affordable price and though I have been curious about and tempted by other travel companies, I am now a loyal and firm customer of Gate 1 and feel no need to stray elsewhere. The choice of attractions and locales was brilliant, the wonderful, clean, comfortable and at times DAZZLING accommodations were a treat and the feeling of having every need attended to and each of our personal safety prioritized made for an incredible and transporting experience - everything one would wish for a vacation. Bine was an incredible tour guide - SO kind, lovely, knowledgeable and good humored and under his guidance it all ran like a well oiled machine! It was a wonder to see him deftly maneuver to accommodate the very individual dietary needs of our group, for instance. I want to seek opportunities to travel with him again - he is now my favorite tour guide! I must stop gushing or I'll go on all day - suffice it to say, the trip was INCREDIBLE!!!!!
Jill A.
I have now been on multiple Gate1 trips and have more future trips already booked. That said, I am more than impressed and pleased with every aspect of the experience from initial planning and booking with my great Gate1 agent to all the amazing people and places Gate1 chooses to make it the best value in travel. I have certainly become an enthusiastic "ambassador" for Gate1 sharing my great experience with friends and family. The reason I am reaching out today is that I wanted to make you aware of the awesome service that was given by our Tour Leader, Nikola. While I must admit to being impressed by all the other Tour Leaders I have had the pleasure of meeting on past Gate1 trips, and thought they did a great job, Nikola was a cut above on every level. I can't begin to explain how he went above and beyond in every aspect to make our journey one of the most memorable ever. You need to clone Nikola, and have him teach others on how to run a tour. While being knowledgeable and efficient, he brought a genuine warmth and obvious love of people and wanting to make them happy that is hard to replicate. Either you have that gene or you don't...he has it. Please make sure Nikola gets special kudos for a job extremely well done!!!!
Daniel T.
Our first experience with Gate 1 was amazing and far exceeded our expectations. From Stacy who helped book our Croatia trip, to Elaina who arranged for our water taxi to the Venice airport. The places we visited were magical but our tour manager, Duan, is what made our trip so special. He was passionate, engaging, energetic, warm, caring, entertaining, knowledgeable and hilarious. On the plane home we were already looking at trips to take next year - it's less expensive for us to travel from Virginia to Europe for a week than it would be to go to California! We've told everyone we know how impressed we are with your company and look forward to taking advantage of your terrific deals for many years to come.
Melissa G.
Our trip was excellent! We loved the places we visited and enjoyed every minute of it, our tour manager Kristijan was excellent and made all he could to facilitate our stay. Our driver Ygor was also very proper and an excellent driver. There is so much to see there it really was an eye opener for us in many ways! Food selection was very good too. It was worth the money we paid! Thanks for making all the arrangements for us. Looking forward to our next trip on Oct 28 with Gate 1 again next month to Bali & Singapore, that one does not have a tour manager but for sure Gate 1 has made arrangements with a reliable tour operator . We have had such a wonderful time in our Croatia tour and expect this coming tour to be as good or exceed our expectations . Thanks for your assistance in coordinating our tour
Guadalupe B.
Our Croatia tour with Gate One was highly satisfactory both in terms of site selection, itinerary and tour staff. Danjam proved to be a very knowledgeable guide and manager, with a broad and detailed grasp of history and context related to the site visits. His organization and direction were excellent in every sense, and he managed to communicate and relate well with a diverse group of tourers. Damjan exhibited the ideal balance of friendliness and necessary assertiveness that everyone recognized and appreciated. He worked and coordinated well with the local tour guides. We all enjoyed and appreciated the competence and performance the the coach driver, and he never failed to extend good humor and kindness to all. My wife Cherry and I have been on many Gate One tours over some 30 years and, although the tour guides have been uniformly very good, I would have to rate Damjan in the very upper tier of guide/managers that we have experienced to this date, a five star performer.
John B.
My Balkan tour was amazing. The entire trip was an eye-owner to me as I leaned the history, culture and traditions of the different nations and religions which comprise the former Yugoslavia. The itinerary was just right. The price was fitting to the company's motto " more for less price". The hotels overall were satisfactory for their price. However, Valamar President in Dubrovnik exceeded everyone's expectations. Our tour manager Tena made the trip very exciting with her unsurpassed knowledge of history, geopolitical perspectives, regional wine and food and even current pop culture. I mentioned to her that she has made me now a regular Gate 1 customer, having just booked for another tour in April. Milan, our driver made our bus tour smooth. I kept wondering how he could get the big bus through those tight alleys and corners. Thanks Gate 1 for an unforgettable journey . I would highly recommend this tour to my friends.
Raul R.
I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for an excellent vacation experience. Our guide, Nikola, was by far the best guide we have ever had with your company. That being said, all of our guides have met our expectations and were very good, but Nikola went above and beyond the call of duty addressing the many issues that our group encountered. For us specifically, I know without question that my wife and I would not have gotten our luggage from the airport without his assistance. Secondly, he took the time to get a small cake and bottle of wine for my wife on her birthday, which was very much appreciated. In addition to us, I know he took care of the entire group and everyone was not only impressed with his professionalism and level of commitment but the fact that he always had a smile on his face and never complained. Thanks again for a great trip and memories that will last a lifetime.
Jason H.
Just a quick note to leave some additional feedback for our Tour Manager Nida. It would be a disservice to not acknowledge the exceptional expertise and value-add that she provided on this trip. She was fun, energetic, enthusiastic, knowledgeable among many other attributes. To possess the charisma and personality to bring such camaraderie and cohesiveness to our group was absolutely impressive. Having her as our guide was one of the highlights of the trip itself. Nida is an absolute asset to Gate1.
Isaac C.
Trip was outstanding. Marina had so much great information, as did all of the local guides on this trip. They really made the trip worthwhile. They were all very well versed in their local history and knowledge of the area and subjects related, and all spoke English very well and were easy to understand. Marina made the long bus rides enjoyable, entertaining, and very interesting with her great personality and deep knowledge of the history and area. The local guide in Ljubljana, I can't remember his name, but he was also entertaining and extremely knowledgeable about the area and history. The guides mentioned and tour managers like Marina make these trips worth the cost and a memorable experience.
Michael B.
Our trip was absolutely terrific. It was a well planned trip that was executed flawlessly by our tour director Gabrijela and our driver Matija. We loved every minute of it in Croatia, Slovenia & Montenegro learning about the history and seeing the fabulous sights. When we got back to Venice our other tour director, Antonio , was also very welcoming. The care he took to make sure that our party got to the correct gate at the airport was especially appreciated. We are already planning our next Gate 1 trip with one of the friends that we made on our most recent trip. Thank you for the wonderful service you provide in showing us the world and reminding us that we are all connected on this planet.
Alan M.
Out trip was amazing! Greatly due to Duane and Dado. Dado made me feel so relaxed with his driving, always attentive in regards to safety and making each of us comfortable. Duane, where do I start...he made our trip. His upbeat enthusiasm kept everyone in the group enthralled. We would LOVE to have him guiding every tour that we will be talking with Gate 1 in the future. Whoever we get in the future will have some BIG shoes to fill. He is the one that has us sold on Gate 1. Thank y'all so much for taking the time to make sure your guides and drivers are the best!
Cynthia B.
We took the 13 Day Affordable Croatia & Slovenia with Venice and we had a great time. Our tour manager in Croatia & Slovenia, Primoz , was outstanding and fun! Our tour manager in Venice, Arianna , was excellent. She showed her city with pride and love. We walked the tiny streets with her and she pointed out interesting things in detail. She saw to it that we checked in the airport on our trip back. And most of all, she accompanied us to get our VAT refunds. Great job Arianna!! Gate 1 delivered our best expectations again!!
Emmanuel C.
I will be very happy to share with you and other travelers our experience on our Gate One Tour to Croatia, Slovenia and Venice. We have been traveling extensively for over 30 years and have had some great experiences both on our own and with Gate One. BUT THIS TOUR WAS THE BEST and here is why; Ana, your Tour Manager is well organized, has a delightful personality that everyone on the Tour loved, played a significant role with bringing all 20 of us together into what felt like a family and helped keep everyone organized and on schedule and Ana knew the area that we travelled and encouraged and enjoyed questions as well as input. Gate One is very lucky to have Ana on your team and we were very fortunate to be part of her Tour Group.
Warren G.
The trip was excellent. We enjoyed every place we visited. Our guide, Edo, was the best we have ever had. He made sure we saw the most important sites, took care of all our needs, explained things quite well and answered everyone's questions completely. He really worked hard to make sure we understood the local history and traditions and made us fell like a family. The travel arrangements and hotels were fine, and our driver, Deno, was exceptional. Everyone we spoke with prior to the trip was courteous and quite helpful. We really appreciate Gate 1's ability to design and organize a great trip. Thank you.
Paul P
The trip was amazing. everything was good about it. Our tour managers was fantastic, hotels were great, food delicious. Our driver outstanding, and all the local guides very good and knowledgeable. A wonderful trip.
Judith K.
Our trip was EXCELLENT! We can not say enough about our guide Marina. She is very professional, extremely knowledgeable about Croatia and Slovenia, very passionate that we understand the history and culture of her country. She was very proud to teach us as much as she could about her homeland. Marina kept us on schedule daily, it was obvious she had an excellent report with our bus driver and every hotel and special optional tour operator. We had a great time and Marina made it extra special for all of us. Thank you very much. We will be back!
Deborah O.
I had such a great experience taking my first tour with Gate 1 Travel. Your company was recommended by a friend. The reason we chose your company was not only the high recommendation but the price, which we thought was very reasonable and within our budget. I went with 3 others, a friend and my sister and brother-in-law. Everything was great as you can see by my evaluation, but I wanted to comment on Josip, our Tour Manager. He made our trip extra special. Everyone on our tour felt the same way. He was knowledgeable, kind, caring , funny, thoughtful and very approachable. My sister and I our twins and we had a birthday on the trip. He made it extra special. One we will never forget. Thank you Gate 1 for such a wonderful vacation. I have told family members and friends to choose Gate 1 for their next vacation.
Victoria K.
It was my first trip with Gate 1 Travel, and it certainly will not be my last. It was incredible! Our tour guide, Majda, was amazing. She is knowledgeable, personable, organized, caring, and friendly, and made the trip so much fun. Even though our group was diverse, because of her, we became a family, and enjoyed getting to know each other. Our driver, Peter, was excellent. We always drive extremely safely, and the coach was in excellent condition. The hotels, food, and the incredible places we visited were amazing. Thank you for this excellent experience. I will be looking for my next tour with Gate 1.
Tatiana V.
Ana was wonderful! I cannot say enough good things about her. I did answer excellent on all questions, but I believe she went way beyond expectations! She was better than excellent! She made this trip my favorite that I have taken with Gate1!!!! She was very friendly, knowledgeable, had wonderful stories, great suggestions, and answered all questions anyone in the group had. I am considering going back with another group of friends, but only if I can get Ana again! Dino, the driver, was also the best driver I have had with any gate1 tours. Thank you for providing a truly memorable vacation!
Paula R.
I was very impressed with my first travel experience with Gate 1 travel. Everything was just great. I can highly recommend Gate 1 to my friends and family. Premoz was a terrific guide and our bus driver was unbelievable the way he handled that giant bus. Both were so friendly and made our trip a very pleasurable experience. So very impressed with all the countries we visited so beautiful. Thank you for a wonderful trip.
Cheryl R.
I want to convey my appreciation to Gate 1 for a trip well done. This was a 10 day Croatia and Slovenia escorted tour on April 15. Tour Manager Duan was energetic, friendly and knowledgeable, Driver Vlado was fantastic with his driving skills and always professional. Every one of the local guides were also great: Valentina in Zagreb, Simone in Ljubljana, Katrina in Plitvic Lake, Damir in Split, Petra in Dubrovnik. Gate 1 truly lives up to its motto as "More of the world for Less" affordable without sacrificing quality. The entire trip went smoothly, even during a nearby 5.7 earthquake which affected Dubrovnik where we felt the shake at our hotel around midnight, Duan was in the hotel lobby to ensure our safety or concerns shall we need it. I will continue to spread the word of Gate 1 to anyone I know wanting to travel. I look forward to my next trip in September. Go Gate 1!!
Elaine M.
I just wanted to specially commend our tour guide Kristjian and bus driver Kresho for their EXCELLENT performance. Kristjian was consistently warm, approachable and incredibly knowledgeable about everything about the countries and features we encountered on this trip. Kresho was a thoroughly professional driver -- reassuringly safe (especially on those steep, narrow mountain roads), patient under trying traffic circumstances, and he knows exactly how to harness his bus's capabilities (turning radius, etc.) Our city guides were also excellent. Good job, Gate 1!
Victoria L.
This was our second Gate 1 tour and it certainly will not be our last. It was absolutely incredible! Our tour guide, Nikola, was amazing. He was knowledgeable, personable, organized, caring, and friendly, and made the trip so much fun. Even though our group was diverse, because of him, we felt like family, and enjoyed getting to know one another. Our driver, Dino, was excellent. We always felt extremely safe and the coach was always in tiptop shape. The hotels, food, and the incredible places we visited were unsurpassed. Thank you for this excellent experience. We will be looking for our next tour with Gate 1.
Gordon B.
I wanted to send a note to say how thrilled we were with our first ever Gate 1 tour. At the end of Day 1, my husband was already talking about going on another! We absolutely loved the itinerary, how coordinated and organized everything was, how taken care of we were, how I never felt stressed about figuring anything out during the trip, and especially our guide Blaz. He was easy to understand and get along with, funny, smart, and did a great job at taking care of us. I don't have another tour guide to compare him to, but another couple on the trip who have done 3 other Gate 1 trips said he was their favorite guide by far. Blaz was really wonderful and made our fantastic trip all the better. We're excited to book our next Gate 1 trip soon! Thank you for the nice memories.
Lea T.
My wife and I recently completed a tour of Croatia. I'm writing to express our gratitude and appreciation for our tour manager, Josip. Josip is absolutely the best person for this job. He is personable, engaging, knowledgeable, and well organized. This was one of the best vacations we have ever been on, and we credit that to Josip. He made the trip. We have three more Gate 1 trips scheduled for 2022. Our only hope is our next tour managers will be half as good as Josip.
Matthew H.
I have recently returned from a Gate 1 trip to Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, and Slovenia. My sister talked me into taking the trip with Gate 1. She had used Gate 1 for four previous trips and was very happy with the performance. I had never taken a trip with a company. I had always traveled on a shoestring and luck. Now at the age of 76 I was ready to have someone else handle the trip. I was completely blown away by the trip with Gate 1 Travel. The hotels were beautiful, the breakfasts in the hotels were fantastic, the tour guides were outstanding, especially our guide Nicolina who is the brightest (speaking 3 languages and a college education), most knowledgeable. outgoing person I have ever met. My father was from Croatia coming to the US in 1989. My sister and I have talked about going to Croation for 50 years. We finally did it and out association with Gate 1 Travel made it the best and most joyous trip I have ever experienced. I am currently looking into a Gate 1 Travel trip to Greece this fall.
Anthony C.
Well, what can I say? My trip was one of the best tours ever with gate1. There were so many circumstances that made it awesome but my top three was #1 Our tour guide Tina ..phenomenal. #2..the people I met on the tour which I've already made reservations for another Gate1 tour in February and #3..Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro was absolutely gorgeous. The weather was perfect. Our driver Vlato was an exceptional driver daily. Gate1 made my 50th birthday very special for me and I would never forget it. I've referred a lot of my friends to Gate1 just because you feel included in every situation and they have your best interest at heart. I've learned a lot about all places visited during the tour and the hotels and the food I have no complaints at all. Our group of people 20 was the perfect size. There was no drama, no talk of politics which can make a trip very unsuccessful and we all got along and respected each others time and value that the tour after the stress of the pandemic was very important for everyone. I'm excited already for my upcoming trip in February to Spain and I know that there will be two more trips in 2022 with gate1. So, I just want to say, keep doing what you guys do. Will continue to spread the word of Gate1 with all my hospital family and friends.
Melisa F.
We are still trying to catch up with the time and the many things that need attending to during our travels. Susan and I had a wonderful time exploring the sights and tasting the cuisines of the places that we visited. All of our trips give us an insight into the people and places where we find ourselves. This trip was no different. Each country and city has its own character in which to enjoy and experience. Croatia had beautiful vistas along the coasts. And of course, Venice is unique. There is nothing like Venice. Susan and I probably crossed about 100 of the bridges in Venice catching up on the sights we had seen in a previous trip. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in learning about other cultures and tasting their foods. It was very enjoyable. Our tour director Rok was excellent.
Rich G.Upper Chichester, PA
Fantastic! Our guide, Maya has an encyclopedic knowledge of the entire region. She was attentive to everyone and made sure we were prompt so as we didn’t waste a minute of our vacation. Our driver, Darko was equally as efficient. I hope we have the opportunity to travel with Gate 1 again soon.
Carole L. Goshen, NY
This was yet another fun and exciting vacation from Gate 1 Travel in what were some of the most scenic, must-see destinations in Europe. I had an absolute blast walking the ancient walls of Dubrovnik, trekking the paths of Plitvice Lakes, and riding the electric train through the Postojna Caves. This tour was made even more special by our outstanding tour guide Tina, who had a wealth of knowledge about the region and kept us entertained with her singing, stories, and humor. She always had a warm, friendly smile despite having to deal with the often demanding personalities of 42 travelers. She gave each one of us individual attention and made us feel like family. It is always a privilege to travel with your fine Gate 1 organization and I look forward to my upcoming visits to Morocco and Costa Rica. I will enthusiastically recommend Gate 1 Travel to anyone who may ask.
Michael R. Cleveland, OH
The trip was wonderful, fabulous, fantastic and so very memorable! Our guide was Kristijan and he has such a perfect personality for touring that he made the trip very fun and enjoyable. I will recommend Gate 1 Travel to others and so much appreciate the job the company does to make a long trip go smoothly. From the start, the helpfulness, proper paperwork, timeliness in matters, and pick up at the airport went very smoothly without any mistakes. That in itself is remarkable! That indicates a dedication to your customers, and I very much appreciate it. Thank you so much for such a good time!
Pam W. Mystic, CT
We had a wonderful trip. We enjoyed the sights we saw in Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Venice. This is our fourth trip with Gate 1 and continue to be impressed with the services provided. Our tour guide Barbara was very organized and everything went smoothly. We look forward to traveling again with you in the future.
William S. Glendale, AZ
Our trip was awesome. Our tour guide Joseph was amazing. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful with suggestions during the entire trip. The organization of everything was flawless. Our driver was also very good and always felt very safe. The Croatian and Slovenia countryside were beautiful and Venice was the perfect ending to our trip. The guides in each city were excellent and gave in-depth knowledge our the local history. We would highly recommend this trip and we are thankful we had the opportunity to visit each country with Gate 1.
Jeff and Eileen F. Georgetown, TX
Our trip to all four countries was most enjoyable and we had a marvelous time. Our most favorite cities visited were Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Ljubljana and Bled. Our Tour Director, Gabrijela was a real professional, she was most informative and attentive to our needs. The bus driver was superb. Thank you Gate 1.
Thomas H. Roanoke, VA
We had a wonderful time on our Balkans trip. The places visited were interesting and we learnt a lot about these countries. The tour leader Kristian was great and very knowledgeable and entertaining. Overall a great experience.
Rhonda H. Victoria, Australia
It was a very nice experience for me to join Gate 1 for the first time. I enjoyed not only the scenery view during the entire trip but also the cultural introduction about countries from Sandra, our tour guide. Transportation operators were also very experienced and courteous. Looking forward to join Gate 1 again in the future.
James N. Orinda, CA
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The Gate 1 tour was organized very well, and moved along awesome. Our guide Bine was fabulous, and gave us so much information about Croatia, and kept us all organized. We will book another Gate 1 tour in the future.
Norma P. Manitoba, Canada
Amazing! Totally loved it. Friendly people, comfortable hotels, great sightseeing with knowledgeable tour director. Thank you for a great experience!
Patrick K. Irvine, CA
My trip was fantastic! The trip exceeded every expectation I had. Croatia/Slovenia were amazing and our tour guide Sandy was fabulous. I can't say enough about Gate 1 Travel and the attention to detail that was provided. I will definitely be booking more trips with them in the future.
Linda S. Troy, NY