9 Day France with Loire Valley & Normandy
From
$1899
Land Only
$2769*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)
| Sunday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pullman Paris Montparnasse | Paris | |
| Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance Hotel | Caen | |
| Hilton Garden Inn Tours Centre | Tours | |
| Oceania L'Univers Tours | Tours | |
| Friday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pullman Paris Montparnasse | Paris | |
| Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance Hotel | Caen | |
| Hilton Garden Inn Tours Centre | Tours | |
| Oceania L'Univers Tours | Tours | |
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
Book By Dec 14, 2023 & Save!
| 2024 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $850 | ||||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | ||
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$2099 | $2599 | $3109* | $3609* | ||||
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$2099 | $2599 | $2999* | $3499* | ||||
| $2099 | $2499 | $2889* | $3289* | |||||
| $2099 | $2599 | $3039* | $3539* | |||||
| $2099 | $2499 | $2919* | $3319* | |||||
| $2099 | $2599 | $3029* | $3529* | |||||
| $2099 | $2599 | $3129* | $3629* | |||||
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| $2049 | $2549 | $3079* | $3579* | |||||
| $1999 | $2499 | $3029* | $3529* | |||||
| $1999 | $2499 | $3099* | $3599* | |||||
| $2199 | $2699 | $3169* | $3669* | |||||
| $2399 | $2899 | $3289* | $3789* | |||||
| $1899 | $2299 | $2769* | $3169* | |||||
| $2399 | $2899 | $3419* | $3919* | |||||
| $2299 | $2699 | $3089* | $3489* | |||||
| $2199 | $2699 | $3089* | $3589* | |||||
| $2199 | $2699 | $3089* | $3589* | |||||
| $2299 | $2699 | $3079* | $3479* | |||||
| $2199 | $2699 | $2989* | $3489* | |||||
| $2299 | $2699 | $3159* | $3559* | |||||
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$2299 | $2799 | $3159* | $3659* | ||||
| $2199 | $2699 | $3139* | $3639* | |||||
| $2099 | $2599 | $2969* | $3469* | |||||
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms at the Pullman Montparnasse will be accommodated in a single room & twin room.
For Jul 12 departure, no twin rooms will available at the Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance Hotel.
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
- Round trip flights New York-Paris, Paris-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 7 nights accommodations*
- 3 nights Paris
- 2 nights Tours
- 2 nights Caen
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 10 meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners with wine
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides in Paris and Amboise
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- View the Cathedral in Chartres, the finest architectural example of High Gothic style
- Visit the fairy-tale Chateau de Chenonceau, stretching across the river Cher
- Stop in Amboise and tour the Royal Chateau of Amboise
- Cross the causeway to the magnificent Mont St. Michel, built on an isolated island
- View the immense Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of England
- Commemorate the D-Day invasion with a visit to the Normandy American Cemetery
- Tour Claude Monet’s home in Giverny
- Drive along Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe and continuing to the iconic Eiffel Tower
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
*Some departures operate in reverse order, going to Normandy after Paris instead of Tours
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. The longest day spent on the bus is between Tours and Normandy with about four and a half hours on the bus in total. Most of the sightseeing requires between one to three hours of walking. 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 ideally located in the city center of Tours, next to the Loire River.
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
Relive the glorious period of Louis XIV, XV and XVI as you pace one of the largest and most influential formal gardens in the world. Today's tour takes you to Versailles Palace to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture. Visit the Palace and extravagant State Apartments, including a guided visit to the Reception Halls, the Royal Bedroom, and the Hall of Mirrors. You will also have time to walk the palace grounds and formal gardens, designed by Andre le Notre, at your leisure. Enjoy VIP access and skip the lines on this unforgettable tour.
Approximate tour duration is 4.5 hours.
Advance purchase is highly recommended for this tour. Tickets sell out and may not be available for purchase locally.
| Day #3 | 01 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2025 | $105.00 |
Relive the glorious period of Louis XIV, XV and XVI as you pace one of the largest and most influential formal gardens in the world. Today's tour takes you to Versailles Palace to witness the grandeur of French classical architecture. Visit the Palace and extravagant State Apartments, including a guided visit to the Reception Halls, the Royal Bedroom, and the Hall of Mirrors. You will also have time to walk the palace grounds and formal gardens, designed by Andre le Notre, at your leisure. Enjoy VIP access and skip the lines on this unforgettable tour.
Approximate tour duration is 4.5 hours.
Advance purchase is highly recommended for this tour. Tickets sell out and may not be available for purchase locally.
| Day #3 | 01 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2025 | $105.00 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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 |
France
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| Languages |
| 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. |
| France - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| 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 - 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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 |
France
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| Languages |
| 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. |
| France - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| 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 - 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 |
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.
We recently returned from a Seine Cruise. Having completed the evaluation form I wanted to mention how excellent I thought the entire staff of the Monarch Countess was. And beyond that - Bartel, the tour director and Nad, the activities director, were absolutely outstanding. We also had a remarkable guide on our tour of Auvers-sur-Oise, Audrey, who was perhaps the best tour guide we've ever experienced. Thank you so much!
Deborah S.
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.
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.
Thank you for your email. Our trip was outstanding. Thank you for all your help with arrangements. Every single Gate One representative and contractor was exceptional! I am a 30 year travel industry retiree (travel agency owner, airline airport operations supervisor), I know a good solid product when I see it. Gate One is exceptional!! We have a Danube River Cruise booked for next year and I am looking into booking a River Cruise as a retirement gift for my brother. They are very lightly traveled and I know Gate One would be a good fit and they would be well taken care of.
Margie L.
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.
I enjoyed it very much. Bartel is an excellent tour manager, calm and reassuring and always willing to help. And Jorge made the time on the ship a whole lot of fun! Thanks very much.
Jeannine M.
Our vacation trip on the Monarch Countess was fantastic. We enjoyed everything about the trip. All our accommodations were excellent and the staff on the ship were all excellent. We loved all of the sightseeing excursions as well. The most noteworthy person was our Cruise Director, Bartel. He was outstanding in all respects. He was a complete professional who was prepared for any situation any tour member could encounter and made each of us feel we were the most important person on the trip. He was "everything, everywhere, all at once". I think he was the first one up in the morning, available to all of us at any time, and I am sure the last to get to sleep, if he had the chance. He has the perfect personality and temperament for an outstanding Cruise Director. His group presentations were excellent, interactions with passengers and crew always right, and always projecting positively in all situations. We hope that we have Bartel or someone just like him on any future vacations that we go on.
Charles S.
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.
Wow, great trip! Closer to hiking tour than walking tour, but still very enjoyable! Our two local guides were fantastic!
Ann F.
I would like to start by saying that GATE1 Travel has excellent options that are carefully put together to give us, the customers, an excellent travel experience, and the customer service is excellent as well, please keep up the good job! Everything was as expected, with no problems with the dates, times, flights, and hotel. No words are enough to express how good was this trip because you don't want to experience any problems when traveling, right, THANK YOU! This whole package was really good starting with the selection of the airline, DELTA, which is one of the best. The hotel was good with the quality expected for a 3-star hotel, the most important part for me was price-value. Even though it was not in the middle of the action, it has a Metro station right in front of the hotel, this was very important since we moved through Paris mostly using the Paris Metro. Hotel breakfast was really good, with a special note about the Croissants, oh my goodness! What a delicious thing, they also offer a variety of other options to accommodate any diet, they offer eggs, bacon, ham, cheese, bread, cereal, fruit salad, yogurt, and even a good espresso machine. The room was good, not luxurious, but in good condition, the bed was comfortable enough to allow a good night's sleep, bathroom was good too. The hotel staff was friendly and willing to help every time we asked for advice or help with directions or any request we made. We are super happy with the whole experience, we had a great time visiting Paris, and everything was remarkably good, places, food, and people. We are planning to keep traveling, of course, using the services of GATE1 Travel, as much as we can and afford.
Carlos G.
Our trip was OUTSTANDING, due in no small part to Tour Manager Simeon. He was absolutely perfect in every aspect of the trip. His background information on what we were to see, insights into French history, culture, and cuisine were all 5-star. Plus, his willingness to help travelers in every detail and thorough answers to every question was superb! Yes, the tour itself...sites, cities, chateaux, Normandy, food, all excellent. But, what makes my wife and I wanting more of Gate 1, is...Simeon.
Robert G.
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.
My mother and I had a fantastic time on the 12 Day Treasures of Provence tour. The itinerary was an exciting cultural mix that was very well paced. The food and wine were delicious. Our tour guide Siméon went above and beyond to make the trip comfortable, informative, and fun. I would not hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone. I've been on many Gate 1 trips and all of the guides have been terrific, but I can truly say Siméon is one of the best!
Andrea R.
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.
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.
We had a wonderful time during our trip in south of France with Ian our tour director!!! He welcome us in Paris and made us feel like he was escorting his personal friends through Provence. He was so knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor so our small group of seven people felt like being a family. We were entertained! We had a lot of fun! I would highly recommend him! Also the whether, the hotels and the itinerary were absolutely perfect. Thanks Gate 1!!!
Margareta I.
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.
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.
Wonderful experience. Thank you so much!
Sun T.
My first time traveling with gate keepers, it was seamless. This will be my travel company of choice from now on!!!
Christine D.
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.
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
My sister and I recently traveled on the Christmas Markets trip to Switzerland and France. This was our first Gate 1 trip and we weren't sure what to expect, the trip was amazing! Our tour manager, Nadine, was there to greet us at the hotel the moment we arrived - and saw us off on the last day as we departed for the airport. Nadine was professional in every way and an expert in each of the towns/Markets we visited. Our 8 day trip was executed with precision so we were able to see and learn so much more than we would have on our own. I will highly recommend Gate 1 to my friends.
Julie P.
First of all I want to say how much I was impressed with Gate 1 service and how efficient Gate 1 was. Our trip was not even an accompanied trip and despite the fact it was an "independent" trip, we received excellent service. The information we received before our trip was precise, complete, well organized, clear. Airline, hotels, train transfers from airport to hotel in Paris and hotel to airport in Nice, had been well planned and smooth. I also want to command Gate 1 for the two excursions tours we took in Nice. The company you chose was excellent. Our driver/guide was absolutely great. I have used several travel companies before. Gate 1 was the best and I want to continue using it from now on. You have gained my loyalty with your efficiency and service.
Maggy 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.
Fabulous. The only downside is the flight to and from our vacation and you had nothing to do with that. We had a small group. Only 14 of us. Everyone was just as invested as we were in our vacation. Everyone got along and our tour manager was the best. Robby was so good. Can't think of any negative. I liked his humor. I like that we had individual tour guides for some of the venues we went to. They seemed to be experts in their field. I got so much more out of the Louvre and Versailles with our tour guide. We feel like we really got our money's worth for this trip. It was a trip we had wanted to do for a long time. It was well worth it. France exceeded our expectations.
Janet M.
Our trip to Paris and Provence was amazing. You go to Paris to fall in love, and we did. Craig was amazing, he opened our eyes and hearts to the love and joy that is France. His knowledge of the art and history was so informative. I could recommend this trip to anyone and hope they get Craig.
Patricia S.
It was the most amazing experience we've ever had although this was my 3rd trip to Europe but this time, with my husband. Thank you Gate 1 Travel for the wonderful accommodation. Adoram was our Tour Director from Paris to London and he did a wonderful job. Kudos to him! I even left my sunglasses in the tour bus , the driver's name is Ashian, while on tour to Stonehenge. My husband told Adoram and the next day I got it back. We found out Ashian came back just to dropped it off to Adoram in the hotel. Thank you so much to Ashian! We were 3 couples that went together on this trip as well.
Loida S.
We had a wonderful tour with Robby our tour director. The weather couldn't have been better and the itinerary was top notch. We especially were entertained and educated by Nicolas on our Versailles tour. Robby was a lot of fun and ran a tight ship. He would give us a lot of information before we got to our next stop and was very clear in his directions. I would highly recommend him. He really knew his stuff.
Glenda W.
I was very impressed with the 9 day tour of France, the Loire Valley and Normandy. This was my first visit to France and I found the beauty and history captivating. Craig, the tour guide, was phenomenal! He was extremely knowledgeable about the destinations we visited and made everyone's safety a priority. Just walking inside the cathedrals and chateaus that were centuries old and seeing the workmanship and learning the histories was amazing. My only regret was not being able to spend more time at Point du Hoc, Utah and Omaha beaches. I felt things there were rushed. It was such an important part of American history but at least I had the opportunity to actually see and experience it along with the Normandy American Cemetery. I did have the chance to see the Eiffel Tower and travel up to the summit. The views of Paris at night were out of this world. I also saw the Rekindling Ceremony at the Arc d Triumph and actually got video of the ceremony and the band playing France's National Anthem! I can't honestly say what my favorite place was .The cathedrals, chateaus, gardens, the Abbey, the Palace, Normandy...it's a tough call. I highly recommend this tour. It was well worth it I also have to give credit to our bus driver, Conny. She made sure the passengers stayed hydrated and kept the coach immaculate. Excellent driver skills too! Also to Nicholas, the Paris and Palace of Versailles tour guide who was very knowledgeable and to Scandinavian Airlines.I was very happy with them!
Joan J.
We had a wonderful time! The trip was spectacular, and we really enjoyed having Craig for our guide. He was very knowledgeable, warm, kind and funny. We hope to go on another Gate 1 trip again soon!
Carol B.
Our trip was great, starting with you. You were outstanding answering all of my questions and assisting me whenever I needed help. Gate 1 really gives good value and takes care of all of our needs. The river cruise was wonderful and our hotel in Paris was two blocks away from the Eiffel Tower. Our tour guide, Kurt, took care of everything and the activities director, Nad, made sure we had fun. Normandy was impressive. Thanks again for your help!
Linda S.
I would just like to add a little comment about our tour manager Craig. He is really one of a kind. He is not only knowledgeable, but also very passionate about what he talked about when he introduced and explained about those places we visited. He organized his narratives in a truly touching way, although he had the least dramatic tone compared to the local guides. He is extremely professional as a tour manager, and yet his narration of the history and facts about the spots we visited went beyond just being professional. His narration shines with his intriguing perspective, demonstrating that he really cares about French people and has intellectual concern about the society. He gave his narratives a soul. We are truly lucky to have him as our tour manager. He took care of us, and he also inspired us. He is our hero.
Huazhi W.
Craig is by far the BEST tour guide I have ever had. I do not say that lightly, as I have been on more than 30 guided trips, from Tauck and Kensington, to lesser quality ones. Craig was seamlessly and impeccably organized, most friendly, and knew his history of the area. He taught us in a very understandable manner. He was always happy and availed himself 24 hours a day. His subtle humor was entertaining and he simply made everyone on the tour happy to be there. And, he was EXTREMELY PATIENT with all of us, yet managed time better than a Swiss clock maker. I would go far out of my way to take another tour with Craig. He made our vacation unforgettable.
Thomas M.
I just wanted to write and say how absolutely IMPRESSED we were with our tour manager, Elsa. She is excellent at leading groups, she sets the tone really well. We never had anyone late for anything during our 13 day Kaleidoscope tour of France. We never had anyone complain in the group setting. Elsa was always two steps ahead while keeping her attention on the current activity. Just super. Her knowledge of France is great (as expected) but she isn't over the top with this date and that date and this king and that king; rather, she weaves in a nice story that is memorable.
John M.
Our 8 day Paris/London tour was wonderful! Our tour manager Adoram was exceptional! Very knowledgeable and went out of his way to make our trip memorable. This was our first trip with Gate1 and it won't be our last. Gate 1 has fantastic service.
Odalis G.
Our trip was outstanding! Our tour director Laura was smart, knowledgeable and took an amazing interest in us (passengers). Once again we're extremely pleased by choosing Gate 1 again!
Marisa M.
Just came back from this Spain and southern France trip. It was tremendous and I just wanted to compliment you on our guide. This is our fourth trip with Gate 1 and was probably the best. Our guide, Victor, was the best guide we've ever had with you or on any of the other trips we've taken with other agencies over the years. He was extremely knowledgeable and went out of his way to make this trip one to remember. Our bus driver, Julian, was also a pleasure to be with. With such a small group, it felt like we were traveling with family. Congratulations on the talent you employ.
Ronald S.