12 Day World War II Memorials
From
$3049
Land Only
$3899*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
| Thursday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| nhow London | London | |
| Holiday Inn Portsmouth, an IHG Hotel | Portsmouth | |
| Portsmouth Marriott Hotel | Portsmouth | |
| Mercure Cabourg Hotel & Spa | Cabourg | |
| Novotel Bayeux | Bayeux | |
| Pullman Paris Montparnasse | Paris | |
| Novotel Kirchberg | Luxembourg | |
| NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon | Brussels | |
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Book By Dec 14, 2023 & Save!
| 2024 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1050 | ||||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | ||
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Book By Dec 14 |
Book After Dec 14 |
Book By Dec 14 |
Book After Dec 14 |
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| $3099 | $3499 | $3899* | $4299* | |||||
| $3199 | $3599 | $4089* | $4489* | |||||
| $3049 | $3449 | $4119* | $4519* | |||||
| $3399 | $3799 | $4159* | $4559* | |||||
| $3299 | $3699 | $4059* | $4459* | |||||
| $3299 | $3699 | $4099* | $4499* | |||||
Not Included:
Gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
London Gatwick Airport transfers available at an additional cost.
Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms at Holiday Inn Portsmouth and Portsmouth Marriott Hotel in Portsmouth will be accommodated in a single room & twin room.
For May 2 departure, the overnight stay will be in Bayeux instead of Cabourg.
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-London, Brussels-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 10 nights accommodations
- 2 nights London
- 1 night Portsmouth
- 2 nights Cabourg
- 2 nights Paris
- 1 night Luxembourg City
- 2 nights Brussels
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- Ferry Portsmouth-Caen
- 14 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 dinners with wine
- Coffee and tea with all meals
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- During the panoramic city tour of London, view many of its iconic landmarks
- Explore Britain's wartime legacy at the Imperial War Museum
- Commemorate the D-Day invasion with a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery
- Drive along Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe and continuing to the iconic Eiffel Tower
- Visit the poignant memorial at Bastogne, scene of the infamous Battle of the Bulge, and visit the Bastogne War Museum
- View the stunning Grand Place in Brussels, one of the most famous squares in Europe
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
♦ London Gatwick Airport transfers available at an additional cost
Is This Trip Right for You?
This program is moderately active. Walking is done over various surfaces including stairs, steps and significant slopes. The pacing is moderate as numerous sites are included. This itinerary includes a mix of city and countryside sightseeing. Most of the sightseeing requires between one to three hours of walking. Some hotels in London, Portsmouth, Caen, Bastogne, and Brussels are built in the traditional local style and have no air conditioning. During heat waves, these hotels can become uncomfortable, even at higher elevations. 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 located in East London, just a ten minute walk from the Angel and Old Street Underground stations.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in Luxembourg, near the Philharmonie Luxembourg concert hall.
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
| 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 |
| Belgium - Belgium's climate is very moderate, and does not reach extremes in any season. However, rain is frequent. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, an all-weather jacket, and an umbrella. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Belgium Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#belgium-weather |
| Britain - Spring and Fall: 40°F–60°F; Summer: 50°F–70°F; Winter: 35°F–45°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, an all-weather jacket, and an umbrella. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). United Kingdom Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#britain-weather |
| France - Spring and Fall: 45–60°F; Summer: 60–80°F; Winter: 30–45°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. France Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#france-weather |
| 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. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| FRANCE: Books 60 Million Frenchmen Can't be Wrong by Jean-Benoit Nadeau and Julie Barlow The Discovery of France by Graham Robb A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle A Good Year by Peter Mayle French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork and Corkscrew by Peter Mayle The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo Chocolat by Joanna Harris Narrow Dog to Carcassonne by Terry Darlington The Sun King by Nancy Mitford FRANCE: Films Midnight in Paris (2011) The Intouchables (2011) La Vie en Rose (2007) A Very Long Engagement (2004) The Chorus (2004) Amélie (2001) Cyrano de Bergerac (1990) An American in Paris (1951) |
| 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. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Belgium - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| United Kingdom - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| France - 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 |
| Belgium - The Euro is the currency of Belgium. |
| Britain - The Pound sterling is the currency of the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. |
| France - The Euro is the currency of France. |
| 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. |
| Belgium - Special purchases include ceramics and hand-beaten copperware from Dinant, gourmet chocolates, crystal , diamonds, jewelry, lace and woodcarvings. |
| Britain - Stores are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Many larger stores are open Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. London offers wonderful department stores and designer boutiques. The shops of Regent Street and Covent Garden are especially worth visiting. The British countryside is known for its quaint shops, handmade glassware, crafts and antiques. |
| France - In Paris, stores are open from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday. Larger stores are open Sunday from noon until 6 pm Many large department stores and designer boutiques are located in Paris. The French countryside is known for its quaint shops, farm markets and vineyards. Good buys include lace, crystal, glass, and fine wines and liqueurs. |
| 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 |
Belgium
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Britain
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France
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| Languages |
| Belgium - Dutch, French and German are the official languages. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Britain - English is the local language. In Wales, Welsh is also spoken. |
| France - French is the local language. 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. |
| Belgium - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Britain - The voltage used is 240 volts. |
| France - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Belgium - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Britain - The monarchy, though now only symbolic, is a powerful unifying force. Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Normal social courtesies should be observed. Smoking is prohibited in some public buildings, buses, and the London Underground. |
| France - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Closer acquaintances and friends may kiss both cheeks. The form of personal address is simply Monsieur or Madame without a surname and people may not immediately offer to be familiar on a first name basis. Casual wear is appropriate, but more stylish dress would not be out of place. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in cinemas and theaters. |
| 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. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Belgium |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 18: Ascension Day May 28: Whit Sunday May 29: Whit Monday Jul 21: Belgian National Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 11: Armistice Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 9: Ascension Day May 19: Whit Sunday May 20: Whit Monday Jul 21: Belgian National Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 11: Armistice Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Britain |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year Holiday Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: May Bank Holiday May 2: May Day May 29: Spring Bank Holiday Aug 7: Summer Bank Holiday Aug 28: Summer Bank Holiday Nov 30: St Andrew's Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 2: New Year Holiday (Scotland) Mar 17-18: St Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland) Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 6: Early May Bank Holiday May 27: Spring / Late May Bank Holiday Aug 5: Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland) Aug 26: Summer Bank Holiday (England, Northern Ireland & Wales) Nov 30: St Andrew's Day Dec 2: St Andrew's Day (observed) Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - France |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 8: WWII Victory Day May 18: Ascension Day May 28: Whit Sunday May 29: Whit Monday Jul 14: Bastille Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 11: Armistice Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 8: WWII Victory Day May 9: Ascension Day May 19: Whit Sunday May 20: Whit Monday Jul 14: Bastille Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 11: Armistice Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Luxembourg |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Apr 10: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 9: Europe Day May 18: Ascension Day May 28: Whit Sunday May 29: Whit Monday Jun 23: National Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 9: Europe Day May 9: Ascension Day May 19: Whit Sunday May 20: Whit Monday Jun 23: National Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
Just wanted to say I thought David was an excellent Tour Manager and he went above & beyond everyday. I've been on 8-10 tours, this being my first with Gate 1 and by comparison, I'd say David was one of the best Tour Managers I've ever encountered. He was willing to take tour members out every night to see a bit more of the local events, and took members to pubs and to hear music. I thought this went beyond because I considered him "off the clock" once we were checked into our rooms, unless there was a scheduled dinner. I thought this was very generous of him to give up his "free time" and keep members entertained instead of decompressing from the long day's events & travel. David is very personable and really made of point of interacting with everyone in the group. He really made a significant contribution to raising the overall level of the tour (& I'm not just saying that because he remembered my birthday on the 6th! LOL).
Catherine J.
I just completed my first experience with Gate1 Travel and it will not be my last for sure...I want to send a special compliment to our tour guide, Elaine and our driver David. It was obvious Elaine loves her job and what she does. She was so very knowledgeable about our trip and was very organized. She made us laugh and did little things to make the trip so very nice. Please pass my compliments along to her. David was an excellent driver and made us feel safe. He was professional and we very much appreciated him!
Patti L.
Trip was fantastic. Helen and John were good leaders. Great camaraderie. Learned a lot and enjoyed the scenery, and food (haggis was part of our first dinner!!!!). I've been talking about this trip with folks I work with and I believe they will looking into planning a Scotland trip soon!
Susan G.
I wanted to be sure and commend Gate 1 for a fabulous trip to Scotland! We had a group of 9 of us in our party alone and it was our first time to the country and we all loved every second of it. Helen, our tour manager, and John, our driver were great. John was kind and would joke with the group and just had a great personality while continuously keeping us safe with his excellent driving. Helen was the most kind person. She was always available to the group for any questions anyone may have had. She engaged with all of us every chance she got and always had the best smile on her face. She made me feel like I had known her for years! She worked very hard changing some of our original plans that were effected due to weather and I much appreciate her doing that. I also really enjoyed all of the hotels that were selected for this trip. All were very comfortable and the locations were great because we like to walk to local establishments in our free time. I have recommended Gate 1 to many others (in fact, 4 in our group of 9 chose Gate 1 because of me) and I will absolutely continue to do so. Thank you for continuing to provide traveling the world at great prices!!
Heidi V.
Last week my wife and I returned from our fourth Gate 1 Trip. All our trips have been wonderful experiences, but our "Kaleidoscope of France" was exceptional. I believe all the credit starts with our guide and tour manager Craig. Craig was exceptional, and he made traveling to France most memorable in many ways. Besides the extraordinary sights we visited, (churches, castles, chateaux) our introduction to them was his insightful storytelling which prepared us for each individual site visit. We smelled the countryside, that was further highlighted by the colors of the landscapes and sky (example Giverny) of both northern and southern France. He helped us experience tasting local foods, with surprises and treats along the way. On our way to Normandy, Craig even arranged a montage of songs from the early 1940s WW II years and explained the inspiration our ancestors received from them during those challenging years by listening to these songs. His inspiration had been his grandfather who spent time with him explaining these songs to him years ago. This elevated the experience of that day and made our visit and our mood much more than we had ever anticipated. Finally, his humor added yet another dimension to our sightseeing, adding to each day and that day's local experience. He was even very courteous in answering all our many questions. We look forward to many more trips with Gate 1.
Victor G.
Our trip was wonderful! Our tour guide, David, was outstanding. He provided us with all the history, folklore and high points of all 3 countries while constantly keeping us entertained with music, trivia and jokes. He went above and beyond. Gerard, our driver, is the most skilled driver I've ever met. Always pleasant, happy and helpful, too. No disappointments, other than the fog at the cliffs of Moher , but that couldn't be helped. Highlights for us were the countryside and castles, our shortbread and tea stop in Scotland, the Titanic museum in Belfast, and the pubs and sheepdog demonstrations in Ireland. I was happy to meet PJ of Sweney's pharmacy fame at Kennedy's pub in Dublin. Gate 1 certainly finds the best people to make our vacations memorable.
Elizabeth F.
Please convey to David Seagraves our thank you for the wedding anniversary song he played for us on 10/28. Went to thank him two times and forgot each time to thank him. David is, by far, the best tour guide that we have ever had in all our travels. Each day David invited us to join him during his free time to see more of the city. We have never experienced that before this trip. He had the group interact with his "Name the State." He played such great music during the drives that included songs related to Scotland and Ireland. If it was a person's birthday or wedding anniversary, he played an appropriate song. I loved his "Write A Limerick" contest. He sat and visited with the group and/or bus driver during the meals. I had a chance to talk with others after the tour. One man said David was by far the best tour guide he and his wife had had. One lady said David "was the best." Another traveler said David was great. A couple we traveled with heard a lady on the street in one of our cities say she had heard of David and wish he had been her tour guide. I loved his play on words. David has a good reputation. He knows his job very well and made our trip fun, interesting, and showed and explained the sights. He is personable, and he represents your company very well. Our bus driver, Gerard, was the best bus driver I have ever had. He was very personable, humorous, and drove safely. Will you email me that you passed my words on to the tour guide.
Nancy W.
Our trip was FANTASTIC!!! There were 33 of us and we all got along so well!! No prickly personalities, no estrangements, no tardiness, just pure fun. Our tour manager David was amazing. He was so much fun and so knowledgeable. His jokes (no matter how bad), his music and the info he shared with us was so enjoyable. He made our group seem like one big happy family. He was always prompt, if not early, his communication with us was excellent. His passion for the United Kingdom was very evident and he was so good at sharing that. He set a very good pace for all of us and we saw so much. Our bus driver, Jared, was excellent as well. His rapport with David was so strong and the two of them made our trip extremely enjoyable. Jared worked so hard managing our luggage and was an amazing driver on the windy, narrow roads of Scotland and Ireland. He always looked out for our safety when crossing busy roads. He was always prompt and very helpful. Our tour guide in Glasgow, John, was so passionate and informative about his city. He is so proud of how Glasgow has grown during his lifetime and that pride clearly came through. His stories about legends added quite a bit of color for us and we really enjoyed his guidance around Glasgow.
Nancy O.
I am a long time G1 customer. 29th. This trip was exceptional! Ann, the tour manager went over and above with information, tips and assistance. I REALLY appreciate our driver! He's absolutely the BEST employee. Cheerful, greets you with a smile while addressing you, assisting with boarding on/off, helps with luggage and makes sure you get your 2 bottles of water daily. A RARE GEM!!
Rose L.
The trip was wonderful! From beginning to end all went well. The Pullman Hotel is situated at a central location for the metro and restaurants and shops nearby. The hotel itself is excellent, immaculate rooms and lots of things to choose from at breakfast. Hotel in Bayeux was at a good location for us to go into town to explore. Tours Hotel had beautiful old world charm and was in the center of anything you wanted. Our guide, Stephanie, was the best! She had a great depth of knowledge for the tour which made each place we visited more meaningful. For a young person to know all she did was impressive! She was very clear as to when to be back and where to meet, etc. She kept the trip running smoothly. The itinerary was good, too. We saw a lot in a short time and the weather was perfect! From beginning to end, flights included, it was the perfect trip!
Janet C.
The trip was great. We have covered lot of places an happy to be able to see UK and Ireland. The driver and the tour manager were excellent and knowledgeable.I would recommend this trip anyone who is interested seeing UK and Ireland. Eric, the tour manager is outstanding in managing the trip and providing in-depth analysis of various places. Joe, the driver, is outstanding in driving. He was able to manage to drive through narrow roads and mountains and hills.I would be happy to take another trip with GATE1, in fact I have reservations to see Portugal and Spain and then Japan next year. Thank you GATE1 for providing my wife and I with great European experience, This was my third trip with GATE1 and two more to go next year and so on.
Prasad K.
Thank you for your email. I had a great time ! The tour guide Edo was very professional. The itinerary was suitable to me and I learned about the French culture. My roommate was very satisfied for her new experience of Gate 1 Travel! Look forward to my next tour by Gate 1.
Stella C.
This was my first trip with Gate1 and I was a solo traveler. This tour exceeded my expectations. One of the things I liked best about this tour is that I was able to be in one location for an extended period of time. This is my preferred way to travel. I hope that Gate1 will offer more tours like this.
Marsha M.
Out trip was wonderful! We went to so many beautiful places and had so many wonderful experiences, thank you. Our Tour Manager, Mathew was a fountain of knowledge and a great guide for each place we visited. He also surprised the group with many little touches and stops along the tour. We will look forward to another Gate 1 trip sometime in the future. Thank you for all of your help in planning the trip.
Deborah R.
I want to make sure Gate 1 Travel knows what a valuable asset they have in our Tour Manager Debbie. Debbie was not only a highly effective manager of the tour in terms of logistics, she is personable, compassionate, and funny. Her voluminous knowledge of Great Britain encompasses geography, history, culture, etymology, geology, popular culture, government, economics, and botany. She kept us entertained and informed throughout every moment of the tour, but also knew when to give us time to rest and just enjoy the scenery. Her commentary was given in a natural and conversational way, never feeling rehearsed or forced. Her enthusiasm for the subjects she was discussing was genuine and fresh, something uncommon with tour guides. In terms of managing the tour, we always knew what was on the schedule, where to be, and when. We feel our time was utilized to its fullest, something that greatly increases the value of the tour for the price paid. Debbie is not only an amazing ambassador for Gate 1, she is a credit to the U.K., representing her home in a way that left us excited to make another trip in the future. Our Gate 1 Tour was an amazing success thanks to Debbie.
Jennifer K.
Thank you for an amazing trip! It's the first time we have travelled internationally since Covid. Scotland was beautiful and so rich with history. David, our guide was perfect. He told us so much about the history of Scotland. He was well organized and kept the tour on time. Chris, our driver was the sweetest person. She kept us safe and you could tell she was a very experienced driver. All the hotels were well located. We particularly loved the ones in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The optional tour of the Kayleigh was definitely a fun time and a highlight of our trip. Thank you for organizing such a great adventure.
Ruth B.
Our trip through France was amazing. We had the best tour guide in the world. Her name is Elsa . She handled everything in a smooth and professional manner. She had a very warm personality and connected well with all of our passengers. She had excellent historical knowledge of the places we visited and put personal stories into them to bring the places to life. We never had to handle our bags on the tour. Gate 1 took care of everything. I highly recommend this tour.
Vicky H.
We loved the trip. Edo, our guide and Mo, our driver, did everything in their power to get us safely from Paris to all our lively destinations and back. Hotels were great, especially the Pullman Montparnasse. Perfectly located to walk everywhere or catch a quick cab out front. All the destinations were awesome, time very well allocated and Edo's timing to get us there and back was impeccable. We enjoyed the free ticket to the Tour de Montparnasse and also all the local guides, especially Nicolas in Paris. He is a gem! Days were broken up with frequen comfort stops. Thank you for that. Our group of 38 played very nicely together and we are happy to report a wonderful trip and thank you so much! I have attached a few pics, feel free to use them as you see fit.
Sabine M.
We had a very good time. Everything went smoothly and on time: flights, able to check in early for the excellent hotel, and tour pkg. we especially liked our tour guide Anne. She made the tour very easy going, explaining in details what we would c, how long and how many miles, culture and discuss the Parisian and country people. Also comparing the providence. She also had a funny and joking personality, giving her truthful views. Our driver Peter was an excellent driver. I don't know how he can drive thru some hairy moments. He would always try to find some places to p/u and d/o us as close as he could. Very helpful, courteous, and keep the bus clean and offer us water. This was our 1st trip since COVID. We looked forward to our gate 1 trip to Israel Jordan and Egypt in February and many more to come.
Teresa T.
Wanted to tell you how delightful our tour agent was. Adoram he went above an beyond as a tour guide. He made our trip very memorable. He was very knowledgeable about the areas we visited, and added special little touches to make our vacation even more special. I can't say enough about him.
Judy Z.
Another outstanding trip - G1 trip number 51 for me! I am English born, but took this, my second UK trip with G1, as there is so much that I haven't seen and Southern England fit the bill admirably with many castles, historic homes and sights with great tradition and history. The tour was beautifully paced, and after many trips where you are constantly on the go, this one allowed for a really nice amount of time in every stop, guided visits and free time for shopping, a leisurely drink or lunch, which is not always the case and is a bonus! Hotels were well located and very nice, included meals were also quite good, I counted five included dinners and the fish and chips dinner in Brighton and the farewell dinner in London were especially delicious. Our tour was led by Mark, who was an exceptional tour manager and person. He had a great manner about him, was knowledgeable, supremely organized, funny, very clear and kept everyone happy. Our driver Glynn was excellent, safe and personable and we were in great hands. I saw and learned so much, experienced many new sights and loved it all - every day brought something interesting and fun. For anyone who is looking for a very well paced tour, with a nice mix of sights and free time, look no further than this one, it ticks all the boxes! Thank you as always!
Lorraine P.
Super. Our guide arranged events flawlessly; our stops were historic; Scots we met were very pleasant and so polite. Went to the Edinburg Castle military tattoo: best show we have ever seen. Overall a + 10.
Robert F.
Trip was amazing. We needed more time to see everything in London, so I guess we have to go back! We are already thinking about where to go next and Gate 1 will be our first option for planning the next trip (but not till 2024 some time).
Erin S.
Our trip was unforgettable! France is a beautiful and amazing country. 14 days went by so quick. First of all, we couldn't ask for a better guide and tour manager. Elsa was not only very knowledgeable of her job, she has the nicest personality and can do anything possible to make every bodies experience a good one and smooth sailing. What I mean is aside from the tour itself, she passes out water to everyone in the am and pm while on the bus, helps out with luggage transfer to the rooms when there is short of staff, helps out in the restaurant with setting of our tables coz the restaurant was very busy with other customers and of course attends to our concerns. We were on the dot with our schedules because of her plus of course we overall were also very respectful of time slotted. It was very evident that Elsa was not only passionate with her job, she loves it and she loves people. Our driver, Vasco was a very skillful driver and he made us confident that we reach every destination on time as well as safe. Thank you Gate1 for a good experience with your company.
Nancy E.
We had a very nice and beautiful Classic France Tour. This was made special by our Tour Director Ms Elsa and our driver Vasco. Ms Parent was the best Tour Director: she was very knowledgeable about the places we went to and much more. She was very caring and compassionate with her group. Always respectful of everyone. Very professional but with also a good sense of humor. We learned so much about France that we did bot know about. It made us want to go back to France and stay there longer. I want her to be our Tour Director again for our next trip. Such a very pleasant person and very knowledgeable about what she does. Couldn't have a better companion in our tour! Our driver Vasco was a very careful driver and knows his route. Very professional. Very knowledgeable about his route to places we went to. I have heard so many good things about Gate 1 Travel from our tour group that we plan on tours again with Gate 1 Travel.
Monina E.
Enjoyed our trip to Scotland. Mike is an excellent tour guide. He was very helpful and informative. His sincerity came through when he arranged excursions not listed. For the purpose of bringing highlights to the tour. He will be fondly remembered. Also the bus driver John, his ability to handle the bus was reassuring while on the narrow roads. John is friendly and welcoming
Gloria P.
Jackie was our tour manager, and we just want to let you know how fantastic she was! She made our first Gate 1 trip, a trip to remember! Jackie was so fun, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout our entire 16-day trip. Our driver through Hannon, Robbie, was just as fun, knowledgeable, and helpful. These two people are great representatives and treasures of Gate 1 Travel.
Mary F.
Our tour manager, David was very passionate about what he was doing and so knowledgeable. I've learned so much from him on the history on so many things. He was the best tour manager so far!
Marianne B.
My wife and I would like to take this time to let you know how great our recent tour to France was, and that we believe it was largely due to our tour manager, Craig. From the first day we arrived, Craig went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and to accommodate us in any way that he could. He made sure that from the beginning everything was explained and clear, and he always made sure our safety was a priority. From his first introduction upon arrival, my wife and I knew that we were in good hands, and Craig never let us down one time throughout our 11-day journey. As this was our third gate 1 tour, we expected a good tour manager, but Craig simply blew our past experiences out of the water. He often provided samples of local foods and drinks to enrich our experience of France, and whenever we would stop at a restaurant he would never step away until he made sure that we were all taken care of first. He always provided maps and suggestions for us during our stops on tour, while also managing to ensure that we got to see everything that we intended to on the trip. He even made sure that my birthday - which was at the start of our tour - was celebrated not once, but twice during our journey! I know that most people may say that this was simply his job and that he was just doing what he gets paid to do. We, however, recognize that Craig went way above and beyond what was expected to make sure that our journey was as safe and enjoyable as possible. We hope that this email can shed some light on the true asset that Gate 1 has in Craig, and we both hope that he gets recognized for all his hard work and dedication to his craft. We simply can't say enough good things about Craig, and we can only hope that any future tours we take have a manager that comes close to being as awesome as Craig.
Jonathan W.
My partner and I just returned from our 10 day tour of Scotland with you and there are not enough positive superlatives to express our appreciation. Everything, everything was wonderful. Debbie, our tour manager, was phenomenal, from her great personality to her knowledge of the history of Scotland, its topography, flora, fauna, etc., etc. And what energy! Marcin, our driver, was also phenomenal. He also has a great personality, and we felt safe with him. And Scotland definitely has some narrow roads that he had to negotiate. Everything was so well planned and executed. The hotels were all clean and comfortable. The food was good. We even tried a little haggis! Not my thing, but we tried it. We definitely saw a lot of Scotland, and what a beautiful country with such friendly people. This was our third tour with Gate1, the others being Croatia/Slovenia and Sicily, which were also wonderful by the way, and we will definitely be back if our ages allow. Thanks again!
William H.
My wife and I just finished our 8 day trip to England and Scotland to celebrate our 25th anniversary. I can't say enough good things about our guide Elaine, our driver Alan and the various guides we utilized throughout the tour. The hotels were excellent and the itinerary was well-developed to allow for individual exploration when you wanted it. We enjoyed the dinners and appreciated the random samples of items on the coach that were unique to the area we were visiting. Alan's driving, especially in the small roads of the English countryside, was perfect and Elaine's stories broke up the time nicely in long journeys towards our destination. We really enjoyed our first experience with Gate 1 and will be back again!
Keith L.
Just returned home from French tour with Gate1 and a great tour guide, Adoram. We wanted to say how much we enjoyed the tour, but most importantly our Tour Guide, Adoram. He was exceptional in weaving the local history with its culture and really knew a lot about the architecture of so many different buildings. He was excellent at communicating with each moment of the trip that we had together. Like on the bus he would utilize time to clearly tell us what the history was, why events took place and how the people responded to historical current events. He was very aware of each of his clients needs and desires most the day long. He really helped us to know which sites we might have the most interest in and why. He was so very organized in most all aspects of his responsibilities. We essentially had no anxious moments. The food was wonderful and the hotels were excellent.
Barry S.
My husband & I had a great time! We saw a lot in a short time as it was an express trip. Seeing the beaches & cemetery in Normandy fulfilled a life long dream for my husband. For me it brought a deep respect for the American troops & what they sacrificed. Trip manager Corina was terrific & so was our bus driver. Thank you again Gate 1! This was our 5th trip & have 3 more booked!!
Joleen F.
I wanted to make sure that you know what a great team Jon & Jim made. They were what made the trip so wonderful. As they had not worked together as a team before, they were wonderful together. Both were friendly, courteous, and engaging. They had a lot of energy to make sure we were always aware of times to meet, where to be, handling of our luggage, getting our room keys, etc. It was enjoyable to have them as our guide and driver, kuddos to your staff for putting them together as a team, as it made the trip even better than it was.
William L.
Hi Daniel...France was great. I have to say after traveling internationally for 48 years, Anne was the best tour manager I have ever had. She is incredible. Organized, fun, happy, and somehow herds 40-60 people well. Caring and interested in people. This trip hit just the places that I wanted to see...Normandy, Mont St. Michel, Loire Valley Chateaus, Chartres Cathedral, Paris, Giverny...it was perfect for me. The places we stayed were wonderful...walkable to interesting sights and dinners. The farewell dinner and another dinner were so perfect. Also...the timing at each stop was adequate, not too long or too short. That is a feat in itself. Excellently done. Weather cooperated...and the group dynamics were excellent. We all enjoyed getting to know each other. I keep finding that on all the Gate 1 trips that I take...interesting people...their lives, purposes and travels. Thank you for creating this company and the tours! Looking forward to many more.
Catherine R.
We recently returned from our 14 Day England, Scotland and Ireland tour completing our 14th trip with Gate 1 Travel! Like the other trips, this one was a good value and provided us a comprehensive visit to the UK. Our tour guide, David did a fine job of keeping our group on schedule and well-informed about what to expect at each step along the way. He was knowledgeable and shared a lot of historical anecdotes with a bit of humor keeping the group interested and engaged. Our coach driver Joe was proficient and flexible- altering planned routes when needed at the direction of local guides. Each of the local guides were knowledgeable and articulate in showing us around their respective cities. Our hotels were conveniently located- especially the Tower Hotel in London on the River Thames at the foot of the Tower Bridge and adjacent to The Tower of London. We found the Glen Keen Sheep Farm peat harvesting and sheep dog demonstrations quite interesting along with tea, scones and Irish music following. We'll long remember our final night at Taylor's Three Rock with a fine dinner and lots of Irish music and dancing. We look forward to our next adventure with Gate 1 Travel.
Stanley B.
My first time traveling with gate keepers, it was seamless. This will be my travel company of choice from now on!!!
Christine D.
We had the best time ever. Our tour guide, Dave and bus driver, Alen were so jolly and accommodating. We had a group of 41 and I can truly say we traveled with the nicest folks. Everyone was so cordial. The hotels were better than expected in most cases and the staff at the hotels were very helpful. Dave and Alen kept us all happy and helped us find good places to eat and see on our free time. I believe we have made some friends for life on this trip. We are looking forward to booking another vacation with Gate 1 soon.
Barbara W.
This was our first Gate1 tour and first group travel experience and Patrick, our Tour Director, and Gerard, our coach driver, made our 16 Day Scotland and Ireland trip a wonderful experience! Patrick was at the hotel to greet us when we arrived in Edinburgh the first morning and made sure our jet lagged selves got our luggage stowed and gave us all the info we needed to get off to a good start. He was always so well organized and clear in his communications to the group. He even was in the lobby at 5:30am on our last day in Dublin, ensuring we got on our airport transfer. What we loved best about Patrick was all the knowledge and history he shared with us, sprinkling in humor and music, to help make what we were seeing even more meaningful. We wish we would have recorded his 'rams in a Mini Cooper' story as it still makes us laugh to think of it. It was relaxing to not worry about confirming hotels, tickets to attractions, transportation, etc., because Patrick was on top of it all. The schedule of stops was planned so well to try avoid crowded times at popular sites. Patrick also had great suggestions -- and maps -- for free time, which we appreciated. We applauded our driver, Gerard, many times on the trip as he maneuvered narrow roads, tight turns, and impossible parking spots and want to give a shout out to him here. He was always smiling - with a twinkle in his eye, got to know everyone, always ready to assist with luggage or on the steps. The bus was always spotless and we always knew we would arrive safely at our next destination. Patrick and Gerard were a great team and a favorite memory is driving back from our farewell dinner in Dublin when Patrick started singing "Molly Malone" and Gerard stepped in to lead us in all the words and the whole group sang along. The entire trip -- Patrick and Gerard, the local city guides, the nice hotels, the sites visited -- was well done and we felt a good value. We will definitely consider Gate1 again!
Bradley P.
I just returned from our 8 day London/Paris trip, and as always, was very delighted !. The Gate 1 tour guides have all been exceptional, and Simeon was absolutely wonderful! Our group dinner the first night in Paris was THE BEST one so far!( THIS WAS MY FOURTH TRIP WITH GATE1) The food, local entertainment, and staff were all THE BEST and was the perfect evening to begin our trip. Our hotel in Paris was nice, but the one in LONDON was FIRST RATE ALL THE WAY!!! i ABSOLUTELY LOVE GATE 1 AND HAVE SUNG THE PRAISES OF YOUR COMPANY TO ALL MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!! I look forward to many more trips with Gate 1.
Gloria P.
I completed my 10 day trip to England and Scotland, and must give a shout-out to our guide Christina. Christina was AMAZING. She was full of spirit, smiling all the time, enormous energy, and one of the best guides I've ever had. Christina was knowledgeable and made her job seem so easy, and I know it was not, and a very busy trip, but she smiled the whole way through. I thank her for making it memorable with interesting facts, along with the local guides who were excellent also. Thank you to Christina and Gate 1 for the memories.
Christine I.
This was my very first Gate 1 travel experience, and I could not be more impressed. Elaine (leader), and Allan (driver), made this trip as unique and enjoyable as the sights. Elaine is a total joy to listen to, she knows her history. Just when a drive is getting a little long, Elaine knows exactly when to interject a little history and humor to pick things up. Allan- I cannot say enough about how professional, personable and actually funny he is. I never once questioned my safety with him behind the wheel. My wife noticed that every morning, the windows inside and out were cleaned, coach interior was cleaned, waters were filled and he was ready to go. The banter between Elaine and Allan made for a really fun and educational trip. I will gladly book with Gate 1 again. You made our vacation special.
Paul P.
This trip to France was the 13th time we have used Gate 1's services. Our Tour Manager Laura was fantastic. She has a welcoming, upbeat personality and a great sense of humor. She is extremely knowledgeable about French history, culture and politics, so we got a lot of great information all during the trip. The hotels we stayed in were all comfortable and in good locations. Bob and I have been to Paris many, many times, so we did not require suggestions and help from Laura while in the City - we actually came several days early to enjoy some museums and a Philharmonie concert before the trip even kicked off. Laura was extremely helpful to the other (24?) members of the group offering suggestions for restaurants and fun things to do and places to go. The visit to the Normandy Beaches was humbling and inspiring - especially the 2nd Ranger memorial at Pointe du Hoc ( my son, like Earl Rudder, Lt. Col who lead the raid is an Aggie) so we were very interested in that stop. Loved visiting and climbing to the top of Mount St. Michel, and seeing the four castles we visited in Tours and the Loire Valley. It felt like walking into the pages of history. Our two bus drivers did a good job. I took 2,000 photos and will have great memories for years to come from this trip. Our Tour Manager Laura was probably the best guide we have ever had. Anyone who has the opportunity to spend time with her, will count themselves blessed and very lucky. Thanks once again for a wonderful Gate 1 Experience. In all these years, we've never truly had a bad one.
Mary
This was our first Gate 1 trip. My husband and I brought our 25 & 26 year old sons on the Classic England and Scotland tour. It was fantastic! Gate 1 didn't miss one highlight in London, Bath, Stratford Upon Avon, Liverpool or Edinburgh. Tea and scones at the sheep farm in the country were really wonderful. ALL of the dinners were delicious. Dave our driver discovered a tire puncture during a safety check and Elaine our tour manager went above and beyond to make the group comfortable and well fed while the tire was replaced. Because of the delay we were to miss sightseeing in Liverpool (which was the only reason our boys came along). Elaine arranged for the tour the next morning. Our boys are professional musicians in the States and Elaine pulled a lot of strings and arranged for them to perform on stage at the Cavern Club in Liverpool!! It was a night for all to remember!! Thank you Elaine! We will be traveling with Gate 1 again!
Denise C.
We had the BEST time visiting England and Scotland!! Our Tour guide was Christina and she was wonderful!! Highly recommend her to anyone!! This was our 3rd time traveling with Gate 1 and we will have many more in the future!! Thank you for always making our vacation trips so wonderful!
Renee M.
Wowsa !! I cannot stress how wonderful this trip was thanks to Jenny our tour guide. She went above and beyond to make this trip an experience I won't forget. My only wish would be that she did other trips. Alas, she does not otherwise I would be on that trip tomorrow!! Gate 1 had a great daily itinerary that covered big and small sites that Jenny gave us a history of before each stop. It really made you understand and get a feeling for the background of the people and the site. Our bus driver Yuris was an excellent driver and helpful to all of us and especially to anyone with mobility issues. Great guy !! A wonderful trip with amazing sites to visit, thank you !
Donna C.