12 Day Highlights of Turkey & Greece
From
$2449
Land Only
$3209*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
| 12 Day Highlights of Turkey & Greece | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grand Hotel Gulsoy | Istanbul | |
| Occidental Taksim Hotel | Istanbul | |
| Rys Hotel | Edirne | |
| Egnatia City Hotel & Spa | Kavala | |
| Lucy Hotel | Kavala | |
| Capsis Hotel | Thessaloniki | |
| Divani Meteora Hotel | Kalambaka | |
| Divani Palace Larissa | Larisa | |
| Divani Caravel | Athens | |
Not Included:
Gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights New York-Istanbul, Athens-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 10 nights First Class accommodations
- 3 nights Istanbul
- 1 night Edirne
- 1 night Kavala
- 2 nights Thessaloniki
- 1 night Kalambaka or Larisa
- 2 nights Athens
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- Visit Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans, including the Harem section
- Discover Istanbul's sights including St. Sophia, the Hippodrome, Turkish & Islamic Art Museum and Grand Bazaar
- Embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia
- Explore Edirne, an important gateway between Europe and the East
- Tour the archaeological site of Philippi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Take a walking food tour, where you discover Thessaloniki's distinct local flavors
- View the Royal Tomb of King Philip and the famous "Vergina Treasures"
- Visit Meteora with its mystical Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched in mid-air
- Explore the Acropolis, an ancient architectural masterpiece and visit the Acropolis Museum
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
This moderately active program covers a good amount of ground each day. Walking is done over cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. Expect most of the sightseeing to require three to four hours of walking as well as a considerable time standing. The pace is moderate. Many historical cities have specific driving regulations, with set drop off and pick up points, that result in extra walking to and from the sights. The cruise is an independent program at a leisurely pace. This is a Classic program. For more information, click here.
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This first class hotel is located in Istanbul's Beyoglu district, just a five minute walk from Taksim Square.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is situated at the foot of the rocks of Meteora at the small village of Kalambaka. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and has stunning views of the mountains.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the heart of Larisa, across from the ancient theater.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Turkey Visas - An e-visa must be obtained in advance at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/. Visas are not required for sea cruise passengers who purchase shore excursions to Kusadasi and Istanbul. When entering Turkey via a land border crossing, a pre-obtained e-Visa is also required. Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey at 2525 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone: (202) 612-6700, or the Turkish consulates general in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York. Information may also be found at turkey.org. |
| 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 |
| Greece - Spring: 60°F-80°F; Summer: 85°F-95°F; Autumn: 60°F-80°F; Winter: 40°F-50°F Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather coat. Some religious sites may require modest dress code to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Long pants are required for men, a long skirt covering the knees is required for women, and shoulders are required to be covered. On cruises, daytime dress code is casual (shorts and t-shirts for example), however swimsuits are not allowed in public areas or restaurants, except for the lunch buffet on deck. The majority of evenings on board are country club casual. There will be one formal evening on the 4 day, 5 day, and 7 day cruise, which will be indicated on the daily program. A suit and tie are suggested for gentlemen, and a cocktail dress or pantsuit suggested for women. Greece Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/mediterranean/default.aspx#greece-weather |
| Turkey - Spring: 50°F-65°F; Summer: 70°F-90°F; Autumn: 55°F-75°F; Winter: 40°F-55°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts. Turkey Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/mediterranean/default.aspx#turkey-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. |
| GREECE: Books Colossus of Maroussi by Henry Miller The Island by Victoria Hislop The Odyssey by Homer The Summer of my Greek Taverna by Tom Stone Eleni by Nicholas Gage It's All Greek to Me by John Mole Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres GREECE: Films Mamma Mia! The Movie (2008) Boy on a Dolphin (1957) Shirley Valentine (1989) Zorba the Greek (1964) Moonspinners (1964) |
| 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. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. 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. |
| Greece - If you have purchased international airfare and/or transfers from Gate 1, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. You will be met by our local representative after you pass through customs. Look for someone holding a Gate 1 Travel sign. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, please call the Gate 1 emergency phone number on your voucher. |
| 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. |
| Public Transportation for the Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Metro service between the Athens Airport and the center of Athens, Syntagma Station, is available on the Blue Line and is scheduled every 30 minutes. The cost is 10 Euros per person and journey time is approximately 50 minutes. The Metro runs between 6 AM and 10 PM. There is also a bus service from Syntagma Square to the airport (and vice versa) for 6 Euros. They are scheduled every 10 to 15 minutes, and journey time is approximately 60 to 70 minutes. Buses run 24/7, though from 11 PM till 6 AM, they are running every 30 to 50 minutes. The Suburban Rail Line train runs every 30 minutes between the airport and Larissa Train Station. The cost is 10 Euros per person, and journey time is approximately 50 minutes. A taxi from the airport to the Athens city center costs approximately 35 Euros per taxi during the day. Between midnight and 6 AM, this cost is approximately 50 Euros. Metro service between the Piraeus Port and the center of Athens is available on Metro Line #1 from Omonia Station. The cost is 1.40 Euros per person, and journey time is approximately 30 minutes. A taxi from the center of Athens to Piraeus Port costs approximately 15 Euros, and journey time is approximately 30 minutes. |
| 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: Greece & Greek Island Cruises |
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 $3 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Greece - Service charges are generally included in restaurant bills, however it is customary to leave a 10% tip. Also, it is customary to leave coins totaling around one Euro for the busboy. |
| Turkey - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| 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 |
| Turkey - Payment can be made by cash US$ or Turkish Lira, or by credit card if the amount to be charged is US $200 or greater. |
| 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 |
| Turkey - The Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey. It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations in local currency or in US $1 bills to make tipping and minor expenses easier. |
| Greece - The Euro is the currency of Greece. |
| Greece - Credit cards are not widely accepted in restaurants, small shops, museums and archeological sites. |
| 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. |
| Greece - Greece offers an array of boutique shopping. Along with traditional handicrafts, honey, and olive oil, Greece is famous for its production of high-end, designer footwear and other fashion accessories. Shops generally open at 9:00, closing in the mid afternoon, and sometimes reopening for a few hours in the evening, from about 5:30 to 8:30. Most major department stores and boutiques are closed on Sunday. |
| 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. |
| Greece - Pick-pocketing is a centuries-old crime. However in Athens, the incident has rapidly increased over the past few years. These crimes are rarely aggressive, however, this warning should not be taken lightly. Pick-pocketing typically takes place in crowded shopping areas, tourist attractions, and while riding public transportation, particularly while traveling on the subway/metro. Take note:
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| 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 |
Greece
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Turkey
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| Languages |
| Greece - Greek is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Turkey - Turkish is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Greece - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Turkey - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Greece - The Greeks are known for their relatively relaxed approach to life with an emphasis on hospitality, similar to other Mediterranean European countries. The Greek Orthodox Church retains a fairly strong cultural influence. In Greece, politics is considered an acceptable topic of discussion in almost any social situation. As a result, people may attempt to draw you into political discussions, which can include the subject of American politics. Keep in mind that regardless of their political views, most Greeks like Americans themselves very much. Smoking is mostly prohibited in public places except in designated areas. Violations can incur fines. Restaurants have smoking and non-smoking sections, while traditional coffee houses and nightclubs usually allow unrestricted smoking. Casual dress is generally acceptable, though some religious sites require long pants for men and a long skirt covering the knees for women, and for shoulders to be covered. |
| Turkey - The common form of greeting is shaking hands, while close friends will sometimes hold hands and kiss cheeks. In Turkey, hospitality is highly valued and people are often quite friendly. Even salespeople may offer tea to customers. If you are comfortable with accepting, you may drink it without any obligation to make a purchase. Casual dress is acceptable, but beachwear should only be worn at the beach or poolside. Smoking is generally permitted except in cinemas, theaters, and on public transportation. |
| 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 - Greece |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Feb 27: Ash Monday Mar 25: Independence Day Apr 14: Orthodox Good Friday Apr 16: Orthodox Easter Apr 17: Orthodox Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day Jun 5: Day of the Holy Spirit Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Oct 28: Ochi Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Synaxis of the Mother of God Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 18: Orthodox Ash Monday Mar 25: Independence Day May 1: Labor Day May 3: Orthodox Good Friday May 5: Orthodox Easter Sunday May 6: Orthodox Easter Monday Jun 23: Orthodox Whit Sunday Jun 24: Orthodox Whit Monday Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Oct 28: Ochi Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Synaxis of the Mother of God All offices, stores and some sites or museums are closed on these days. The Plaka area is open year round, except for the morning of New Year. |
| Holidays - Turkey |
Holidays 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Apr 22-24: Ramadan Feast Apr 23: National Sovereignty and Children's Day May 1: Labor and Solidarity Day May 19: Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day Jun 29-Jul 2: Feast of the Sacrifice Jul 15: Democracy and National Unity Day Aug 30: Victory Day Oct 29: Republic Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Apr 9: Ramadan Feast Eve Apr 10-12: Ramadan Feast Apr 11: Ramadan Feast Holiday Apr 12: Ramadan Feast Holiday Apr 23: National Sovereignty and Children's Day May 1: Labor and Solidarity Day May 19: Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day Jun 16-19: Feast of the Sacrifice Jul 15: Democracy and National Unity Day Aug 30: Victory Day Oct 29: Republic Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve * Please note that Islamic holidays are based a lunar calendar, and exact dates depend on local sightings of the moon. Because of this, actual dates may vary from the dates given above. During Ramadan, historic and cultural sites may close early and operate with minimal staff. The order of sightseeing may be changed to accommodate the holiday observance. Traffic congestion is common during Ramadan. Some hotels and restaurants may not serve alcoholic beverages. Entertainment may be limited to be respectful of the holiday observance. Modest dress is suggested during Ramadan (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Consider keeping drinks and snacks in your hotel room that you may consume in private. |
We had an amazing hiking trip to Greece! Thanks to our tour guides, Dimitri and Angelos for keeping us safe when hiking on difficult terrains. Our driver, Gregory, went the extra mile taking us downtown one evening even though he was supposedly off duty. We enjoyed meeting everyone in our small group and developed friendships with many. The hotels are excellent. The food was superb. We couldn't have a better tour! This isn't our first tour with Gate1 and it won't be our last. Gate 1 has continually surprised us on every trip we have taken so far. Looking forward to our next in November and April next year. Thank you again for another memorable experience.
Lam-Anh G.
It was absolutely amazing! We loved our guide "Vivi" - she was very very knowledgeable. I can't believe anyone can remember that many dates. Everything was very well planned and carried through and we had a really good group of people. We were very pleased with Gate 1 and hope to be on another trip soon.
Brenda T.
Our Tour Manager, Constantinos, was simply outstanding! However many stars constitute excellence, I would award him double that number. His knowledge of every aspect of Greek life, history, mythology, archeology, agriculture, politics, cuisine, fashion, finance, language -- is dazzling -- and his ability to share his passion for Greece made our trip unforgettable. Everywhere we went (and I do mean everywhere) he was recognized and greeted warmly by other guides and former students. He was able to get our tour group admitted into popular attractions early and adroitly so that we avoided crowds as much as possible, and I am so grateful for that. Tourism is the #1 industry in Greece, but it seems to be wildly mis-managed, with large numbers of cruise ships in every port, throngs of people filling the narrow waterfront streets, and nobody in charge able or willing to regulate it. I am so happy that I was able to see Greece before the entire country sinks into the Aegean from the combined weight of TOO MANY tourists at one time.
Laurel A.
The trip was great and exhausting. Our guide, Serdar, was fantastic. He kept everyone on time, was completely organized and he was a wealth of ancient history information. He has a great personality and great sense of humor. He is a real asset for Gate 1. We literally travelled 11-12 hours per day and saw more ruins and points of interest than we ever expected. All of the 23 people in our group for the trip were great, always on time and friendly. There are many highlights from our trip but the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia topped them all. Turkey is much more advanced than we expected, has a wonderful highway system and the Turkish people were very friendly. I must say that the Istanbul airport with 5 runways has the most spectacular airport facilities that we have ever seen. We took in so much information during the trip, we are now encouraged to read up and learn more of the ancient history of the region. This was our 4th Gate 1 trip and we think it and our guide, Serdar, we the very best we have experienced. We are now planning our next Gate 1 adventure.
John H.
Our trip was better than great! Maria was our trip leader and tour guide. The amount of knowledge that woman has is amazing and so interesting. She, having been an archeologist, added so much extra to everything we saw. She was passionate not only about archeology, but also the history and mythology associated with every ruin, monastery, and town/island we visited. I feel ready for a game of Jeopardy! We were near the first group at each destination which made our visit so nice as we didn't have to deal with the crowds. We came into bad weather and she was able to change gears and book us all flights the same day to Mykonos due to the ferry system being unable to operate. We had a couple of other hiccups that she handled with expertise and grace. She was kind, thoughtful, patient and funny. It was obvious she loves what she is doing. She is an educator and this opened our eyes to see more of Greece. I know it must have been exhausting for her to spend so much energy making sure we were all happy but if it makes her feel better, we all appreciated it. Thank you so much Maria! Thank you Gate 1.
Laurie L.
Fantastic! The trip was excellent! Thank you Gate 1 travel! All our needs and expectations went far beyond and we're so happy and grateful for the entire trip offered by Gate 1. It was our first time with Gate 1 and I was so impressed as well as my husband how Gate 1 fulfilled our dream vacation with no mishap at all. From our tour coordinator Nam, driver Zergie, hotel accommodations, itinerary, etc everything went perfect! I can't imagine how fascinated we are how Gate 1 handled all of these. I am so proud that our fellow travelers get along well with each other and we became one big family, thank you much to Nam our tour director who orchestrated this well organized itinerary. I'm so proud to say now that Gate 1 is my priority choice to all my trip bucket lists, it's worth the money invested in traveling.
Maria C.
I can't say enough praise for Militsa! She is an amazing lady, so upbeat and knowledgeable. She not only takes care of all of us, she makes sure we enjoy our time visiting Greece. She knows all the best trivia, great photo spots and is just a delight. Really wanted to be sure she gets the best feedback. If I ever go to Greece again, I would want to have her as my guide. I have also told everyone I know that they should request her too!
Rita K.
We recently finished our Greece tour and wanted to praise Militsa! I *was* an Insight person. This was my first, but certainly not last, Gate1 experience. My decision to continue all future tours with Gate1 was largely because of our tour director, Militsa. Our experience with Militsa during our tour of Greece was nothing short of exceptional and played a significant role in our decision to switch tour companies for all future travel. Militsa's knowledge of Greece's history, culture, and landmarks is truly impressive. She brought the rich history of Greece to life with her engaging storytelling and in-depth explanations. Her passion for Greek history and culture was evident in every aspect of the tour, and it made the experience all the more enjoyable and educational. What set Militsa apart was her outstanding interpersonal skills. She had an incredible ability to connect with each member of our tour group, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Her genuine kindness, patience, and willingness to accommodate individual preferences ensured that everyone felt valued and comfortable throughout the journey. Militsa's organizational skills were also noteworthy. She managed the itinerary seamlessly, ensuring that we made the most of our time in Greece while allowing for flexibility when needed. Her attention to detail and commitment to the safety and well-being of our group was evident at all times.
John B.
The trip was great. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and personable. The itinerary was followed and the places we visited were amazing. The hotels and included meals were excellent. The people on the tour were nice and everyone got along. No complaints!
Sandra J.
It was absolutely amazing! We had a wonderful time. Our guide was just perfect, the places we went were amazing. It was definitely a trip that I would recommend to others!
Jannell D.
Amazing! We loved it and we'll have the memories forever! We also bought some jewelry that we're enjoying very much! Our tour guide (Demetra) was wonderful! She's smart, well-educated, kind, worldly, and articulate - basically, everything that you want in a tour guide! She really went above and beyond for us! We're really grateful to her for taking such good care of us! Also, she took us to a place that served artichokes for lunch one day (I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the place!), and they were some of the best artichokes that we have ever had - we're still talking about that meal (it was great to get to pick what you wanted to eat from so many options and their fresh squeezed orange juice was delightful too) and we hope she keeps taking people there! Also, the catamaran trip was my absolute favorite part! It was unbelievably lovely! I would do it over and over again! Highly, highly, and highly recommend! The guys on the boat made the experience a total slice of Heaven! Worth every penny that we paid for the trip! I recommend Gate 1 to everyone (all the time)! We'll be traveling with you again soon! Thank you and much appreciated for everything - again, especially to Demetra!
Carissa K.
This was our third trip with Gate 1. I have to say by far the best one yet! Your tour Guide Demetra was absolutely amazing!. She is like a walking encyclopedia when it comes to Greek history, Architecture and she has the endurance of a 20yr old soldier! The heat was brutal, but that is something no one could predict or control, she always made sure everyone had plenty of cold water to drink and that we got to take plenty of breaks. The Hotels and Resorts were all very nice, the ferry shuttles, bus drivers and resort folks were all very kind and helpful. Oh and the meals were amazing as well. Just wanted to compliment your company for such an amazing, bucket list accomplishment for my wife and I. This would not have been possible without Demetra's vast knowledge and experience.
Steven B.
Thank you for your email! Our trip was great. This was Our first trip with Gate1 or any other company in the travel industry. After, so many concerns Gate1 delivered an extraordinary experience from the time of booking, the waiting time, after arriving in Turkey, and Throughout the entire trip! Our family just told us to relax, just to show and to leave everything to Gate1. Honestly! Didn't expected to be so professional, wonderfully organized, and worry free. The entire staff from your customer service in U.S. to our tour Manager Faruk, our coach driver Kurter, Faruk's assistant Volcan, hotels staff, and the rest demostraded a great deal of professionalism, kindness, and the eagerness to make this trip and unforgettable experience! Faruk is a True pro, so knowledgeable and devoted to his group. Can't wait to do it again and again. The optional tours were well executed and every detail looked at. Hotels, meals, all arrangements were super! Thank you once again!
Edwin G.
Anna was our wonderful tour guide. She is a great historian regarding Greek history, art, and architecture. She even told us about Greek mythology and Greek culture. We felt safe under her care and because of her we have a new love and appreciation for Greece. We definitely would love to come back. We will be telling all of our friends about the fabulous time we had with her and with Gate1. Our driver Nikos was also very professional and went above and beyond to make sure we were safe and got to see all of Greece
Karol L.
The trip was great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our tour manager Evi was the best, so knowledgeable and took great care of the group. We had great weather and the group of people we were with was great. We along got along and have exchanged email addresses and facebook. I had forgotten about all the history that Greece has. Plus, the islands are so beautiful. My niece, Samantha, did not want to leave. In fact, she cried when we left. We have a lot of great memories. I would highly recommend this tour, plus Evi with her knowledge and getting up thru everything really made it. I will definitely be booking another tour in the future with you. Thinking about italy.
Gail B.
Yet again, Gate 1 did a great job. Our tour guides were exceptional and management was great. Prior to retirement, managing conventions was an important part of my job. I understand it is the small things that can make or break someone's satisfaction despite hundreds of hours dedicated to pre-planning an event they are experiencing. Anyone can do the big jobs such as scheduling a bus. Gate 1 is good at the smaller more personal aspects. No better example than the cooking class and dancing lessons. You have the right touch.
Dennis B.
My trip was absolutely wonderful, Ryan ..nothing at all could have improved it. Gate 1 took care of every detail, every ticket, every schedule to make an easy tour for our group .. Maria was fantastic by sharing her vast knowledge of Greek life, history, ancient history ... phenomenal amount of information. I'm traveling again with Gate 1,I think to Italy, others in our group recommended the Romance Italian tour which they said was their best tour ever. I am so happy I found you.
Marjorie P.
Thanks to Gate 1 for planning an itinerary that took us to such varied locations across Greece: from ancient historic ruins to modern day wineries to canals to major cities to mountaintops to islands. We leave with a wealth of knowledge gained from our most excellent local guides. The planned stops at the restaurants where we ate lunches and dinners gave us delicious and varied meals, true tastes of Greece. We always felt safe in the very capable hands of our bus drivers. We especially appreciated Paris who was with us several days and drove us up dizzying heights to the monasteries of Meteora and George who safely navigated hairpin turns up and down one mountain road after another as he proudly shared with us nuggets of information about his native Santorini. Thoughtful moments like breaking for Greek coffee and tasty bougasta in Heraklion in the midst of our busy touring schedule were much appreciated. The little extras like the stop for frappe in Nafpaktos and having four delightful university students join us for conversation, dinner, and dancing while in Crete made our trip all the more memorable. The cooking demonstration followed by music and dancing will be remembered as a most lovely afternoon in Greece. It was no small feat for Katerina, our tour manager, to lead this group of big personalities and great expectations, but that is exactly what she did with grace and patience. Our pleasure and enjoyment were paramount to Katerina but not at the expense of our comfort and safety. While seeing to all of this had to be challenging, Katerina made our traveling and touring seem easy, handling every detail with the utmost professionalism. Katerina tied together all that we had learned and seen by sharing insights into her own family life and life experiences. Out of her love for and pride in her home country, Katerina sparked in us our own love for the indescribably beautiful country of Greece.
Yeong K.
We had a fantastic trip in Turkey! We enjoyed every moment of our trip over there. Faruk is such a great tour guide and he is so knowledgeable, kind and considerate that we wanted to travel with Gate 1 in the future trips. The tour guide, driver, hotels, meals and hotel services made our time in Turkey a lifetime experience and memorable ! This was our first time with Gate 1 Travel and we have referred to our friends. Thank you for proving excellent travel experience for us!
Jie H.
I want to give an Excellent rating to Our Greece Tour Manager Guide Maria. I want to thank Gate 1 for having her in your team Maria has a wealth of knowledge in history, very well spoken. She is so far the best tour manager guide. Her organizational skills is great. Made sure we are safe all the time. She is a great in problem solving, very resourceful & very accommodating & very professional & most of all provided us with such great experience & made it fun filled w/ comfort & ease & safety. She is punctual & always providing us with information for each day. Maria made our tour such an amazing experience. I highly recommend Gate 1 Travel to anyone who wish to experience the excellent travel arrangements & I have many friends & family now traveling thru Gate 1.
Cynthia A.
I wanted to let it be known that our tour guide Sayat was exceptional. He was kind, competent, and knew so much of Turkish / Ottoman / Greek / Roman history. He could describe lots of interesting historical background information for every site we visited. I've been on a few group tours (with Gate1 and other companies), but I believe Sayat was the best tour guide I have ever had. The bus driver Homer was excellent as well. Homer was polite, friendly, and a very safe driver. Sayat and Homer made our Turkey trip far more interesting and fun that it would have been without them.
Sonya Z.
I would like to commend, Jenny, our tour director for this trip. She is very knowledgeable about Greek History and Mythology that made our trip a lot more interesting and exciting. She has given us given us 110% effort everyday we were there and always ready to answer our questions and guide us or help us in our inquiries. In addition, our bus driver Giorgios (George) was very professional and mad excellent driving skills. All of us in the bus appreciated his professionalism and keepin us very safe during our trips. This was our second Gate1 experience and will definitely do it again once we get a chance. To the management of Gate1, both of our trips show that the key to a good tour is the tandem work of the Tour Director and the Bus Driver. We applaud you for hiring educated professionals to handle a bunch of different peoples of different ages with different personalities. Kudos to all of you. Until our next trip!
Ricardo B.
13 Day Affordable Turkey (2/10/23): It was an amazing, eye-opening trip which exceeded all our expectations. Thanks to our OUTSTANDING tour manager & guide Dalim and driver Ramazan did such excellent jobs as a team to make our trip pleasant and memorable! Dalim was very professional, helpful and extremely knowledgeable, he was passionate for introducing his country to us who know little about Turkey, We have learned so much Turkish 's rich history, culture, geography, language, religions and people's life; also the folklore custom, nature, food, local products, about everything. In addition, his outstanding problem-solving abilities and time management & organizational skills impressed everyone on the trip. He handled the big group perfectly, with well-planned and made all the arrangements ahead to keep everything harmonious and on schedule despite the 38 personalities he had to deal with. Our driver Ramazan was the best professional driver we ever had. He was punctual, efficient and prepared all the time. In entire trip, he amazingly managed to take us to every destination safely and on schedule, without any delay. He was extremely kind, always put our needs in first place, and often drove extra for our safety and convenience. His driving skill was flawless no matter driving through the bad weather, dense fog, ice rain or at the incident of birds crashing into our bus. We experienced 3 random inspections by police during the trip, he passed all smoothly in no time. He was working very hard to keep the bus clean and orderly, even between the 2 tours on the same day; He was kind, willing to help us with the luggage, assisted guests walking on ice or crossed busy street; He made the long bus rides safe and pleasant. We definitely will recommend Gate1 to our family and friends, and looking forward to our next trip.
Huiming W.
My Greece was amazing! Eugenia (Jenny) was absolutely awesome. She definitely knows her history and made the trip so interesting. She was professional, kind and very detailed and organized. People, food and culture were so fantastic. I enjoyed every moment of my trip. The driver, Costas, was wonderful and a great driver. Made me feel safe and the bus was comfortable. Gate1 ROCKS!!!
Olga V.
I just wanted you to know how amazing both Metin (our guide) and Recep (our driver) made this Gate 1 trip. They were the perfect pair, and they both did EVERYTHING they could to ensure our whole group had a wonderful, safe time. Metin is so knowledgeable and kind, and he went above and beyond for this group - he really made us feel like family. And Recep was a perfect driver, always calm, always keeping the safety of his passengers in mind, and keeping the bus SPARKLING clean. I will travel again with Gate 1, partially due to the fact that you hire such exemplary staff for these tours. Please keep it up - I love traveling with Gate 1!
Robin C.
I must say this was the best trip I have ever experienced. When I travel, I usually have not had a tour guide. All of that will change after my Greece experience. "MaMa" Maria greeted us warmly from day one. She kept the group informed and on schedule. She is very knowledgeable and passionate about Greece. She had our itinerary for the next day posted the night before. MaMa Maria was intentional about getting the group to know each other by having rotating seat assignments. Since coming back to America, I have reconnected with several of the people on the tour. MaMa Maria exposed us to many aspects of life in historical and present day Greece. I have recommended Gate 1 to several of my friends. I hope all the tour managers are like MaMa Maria. We are planning another trip in the Spring 2023 with Gate 1. I hope our tour manager will be as knowledgeable, passionate and energetic as MaMa Maria.
Marjorie S.
The tour was just fantastic! Militsa, our tour manager was so organized, knowledgeable about the country, so positive and had a such wonderful sense of humor! Fanouris (our driver) was expert - especially in navigating the coach through narrow winding streets of small villages. I was amazed at how smooth and deftly he managed it! Greece is such a beautiful country! - Can't stop thinking about it! It genuinely was perfect from start to finish. Didn't want to come back! Thank you for such a nice time!
Brian L.
We just completed our trip to Greece in late Nov which is our first Gate1 trip, it was truly an unforgettable travel experience mainly due to the terrific tour manager we had. Militsa is just simply wonderful, her knowledge of the Greek culture and mythology made the trip so special and unique. Her passion to make sure we all had a good time in enjoying the marvelous sceneries along the way and the visits of the many archeological ruins while educating us about the rich history and stories of the mythology made the journey so valuable... A big thank you to our driver Fanouris who was tireless in navigating the coach through the narrow streets in Athens and small towns and made us feel safe all along. We had a very good group to travel with and would love to go back again to relive the memories.
Anthony C.
I can not find words to express how wonderful our trip to Greece was. From the moment we touched down to the moment our wheels went up leaving it was a most wonderful experience. Nineta (Nina) was above stellar. I was constantly amazed at the width and breadth of her knowledge of Greek history. No question went unanswered by her and she spoke to us in terms that we could understand and learn from. She has an instinct to know what how to boil down so much history into nuggets we could connect and with excitement. She was upfront, kind and patient. Always kind. Always patient. Always. I have told many people about her and this tour hoping they can met her should they decide to go. I cant say enough to impart what a gem she is. Our driver Fanourisi was a magician with the behemoth couch. I always felt safe while driving with him. I speak for my husband as well. This trip was a life bucket list check because of Nina and Fanourisi. We will always be indebted to them.
Karen A.
My daughter and I could not have asked for a better tour experience! Matina went above and beyond our entire tour. Matina was incredibly engaging informative and professional. It was endearing how much she loves her country. Being first time travelers she ensured we were safe and experienced everything our tour had to offer. We even forgot our passports in the safe at the previous hotel and she arranged to have them delivered for lunch! Her wealth of knowledge and unique story telling ability were truly a highlight! Our experience was flawless thanks to her dedication to her profession. Our experience with her alone will be why we choose Gate 1 again for any of our travel destinations. We honestly can't stop singing her praises to everyone! We will be eternally grateful for the experience she gave us. She is a true gem! I know that her job can't be easy but she made it look that way and truly enjoys her job! With since praise!
Hollie P.
The 14 day Greece with Mykonos & Santorini was fantastic. This was my ninth trip with Gate 1. I have had exceptional guides on my other trips but Anna was in a category of her own. She was a walking book of knowledge. Her love of her country and the safety of her tour group came through in everything she did. You are truly blessed to have her as a part of the Gate 1 team.
Elizabeth G.
The trip was amazing. Exceeded all my levels of expectations for the price. We upgraded to first class as I am a tall guy and made a big comfortable experience for me personally. The Mercedes Benz Coach was super comfy with great leg room and a bathroom. Turkey had a lot of driving as we covered so much of Turkey. The driver Ecker was a gentleman and a great driver. Our guide Serder was a gentleman too with an ample knowledge of the history and significance of landscape. He was very cleared and soft spoken and enthusiastic in his delivery. He made us feel like family and he attended every need by all tourist keeping balance and punctuality of our schedule. The hotels were very good, modern, cleaned and their staff always friendly. Food was great too. For us the Air balloon ride was a bucket list and it blew our minds. The safety and professional output by the staff and Captain it charmed our nerves and as we flew over the landscape plus the sun rising, wow, tears in our eyes. The photos and memories we created were shared in social media and our friend and family will be calling you and gate 1 travel soon. Looking forward to our next adventure.
Carlos C.
The tour of Greece was absolutely amazing! Viewing the iconic archaeological ruins and hanging monasteries were definitely highlights for me. But of course experiencing the food, customs, and people of another country are always fascinating. This was my 6th Gate 1 trip, and I have to say that our tour manager, Vivian, was exceptional in every way. She has excellent speaking skills, gives clear instructions, and is a captivating storyteller. She made the ancient history of Greece come alive for us throughout our tour of Athens, Olympia, Meteora, and the islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Most importantly, Vivian went above and beyond to ensure that everyone on our tour was safe and had the best possible experience. A tour manager like Vivian is irreplaceable. I hope that you are able to maintain her services for many years to come. My husband, friends, and I feel so fortunate to have been randomly assigned to her group. How lucky! Thank you, Gate 1, for another fabulous trip!
Kristine F.
It was remarkable and wonderful. We can not say enough good things about our guides. Anna is an extraordinary tour guide. Her organizational skills, knowledge of history, culture, religion and life in Greece were extensive and the ways in which she conveyed those things to us enriched our experience immensely. Her English is flawless, and yet, she would gently teach us Greek - and the history of what we spoke about. So great is our admiration for her that we would seriously book any other tour she is guiding! Similarly, Panos and Dimitris, on the cruise portion of the trip, were also terrific: great mastery of English, ability to solve any problems that came up. Wonderful senses of humor, and again, terrific organizational skills. We loved the extras Gate 1 provided - the trips to the cooking class/lunch - which was a surprise - and the visit to the Turkish rug factory with snacks - also a fun diversion, as were the coffee breaks that were programmed into our schedule. I also want to express appreciation for the arrangement of covid testing for our group prior to the cruise - this maximized the time that we had together and yet accomplished the testing necessary for us to continue the trip. This was our first Gate 1 trip; we are confident that it will not be our last.
Deborah S.
It's excellent. Demetra was the best tour guide in my trips. She is so knowledgeable about everything in Greece and she was warm and very capable to manage the trip for over 40 people for two weeks, which is not easy, but she made everything smooth.
Bing C.
My trip to Turkey was wonderful! Our tour guide, Gulin was nothing short of amazing. She was so kind and went out of her way to ensure everyone on the tour had a fabulous time. She has such a gift of kindness and it definitely showed. I knew very little about Turkey before my trip, but now I feel like an expert. I have been a traveler for 40 years and finding someone like Gulin made my trip great! I wish every tour guide was as knowledgeable, fun, helpful and kind as she is. Please be sure to give her my best!!
Donna L.
The guide, Shenol is very well knowledgeable, educated, organized, flexible, punctual and a friendly person. Through out the Turkey Odyssey tour, he explained all historical, religious and cultural matters. He has a very good sense of humor and I really enjoyed his guidance. He is an asset to Gate-1 and I commend his dedication working for Gate-1 as a guide. Best wishes to Shenol. Great job!
Bhupendra P.
I wanted to take time to say that Matina is an absolute superstar! She made the entire experience of visiting beautiful Greece even better. She has an enormous amount of knowledge of Greek history and antiquities, immeasurable patience and compassion and she is one of the kindest people I have ever met. She handled every question, ask, request, complaint in stride and she was our cheerleader when our energy was flagging. Her pride in her country is contagious! Matina is TRULY THE BEST representative of Greece and of Gate 1's philosophy and customer service you could possibly have. We had so much confidence we would be cared for with her, we joked that if Gate 1 ever organizes a trip to Hell and back, as long as Matina was our guide, we'd sign up in heartbeat! Also, I would like to commend our driver Akis, for all he did ensuring that we and our luggage arrived safely along the way. We were sad to see him go when we left for the islands. His work ethic is outstanding! He is the consummate professional. Please do everything in your power to keep these 2 amazing people happy and employed by Gate 1!! The excursions and transport for this trip were outstanding. My only regret was there was not enough "down" time to relax/shop/explore on our own. Otherwise, thanks for an amazing trip and ensuring we saw/experienced so many of the highlights of Greece.
Diane F.
Our tour guide Faruk went above and beyond to make this a fantastic trip for us. My family is vegetarian, and so at every meal time he would ensure we had sufficient vegetarian options available to us. If not, he'd help us find and get to a local vegetarian friendly place, which was greatly appreciated as it was hard to navigate in a new country. Additionally, we had many questions and inquiries about things such as rugs, marble, and other house goods and Faruk was extremely knowledgeable and able to help us at every step. He is also extremely patient and friendly, and this was tested multiple times. He took it all with a smiling face and did not let it stop him from treating everyone with kindness. He was extremely efficient and punctual as well, allowing us to see everything we would like to but still getting to the hotels at an appropriate time for relaxing. Overall, Faruk is the best tour manager we have ever had the pleasure of having, and hope we can travel again with him someday.
Tanuja P.
Great trip to Greece! Eva is a exceptional tour manager. She is well organized and kept us on schedule, and extremely knowledgeable. All went smoothly, no issues. Looking forward to our next gate 1 trip in October.
Darrel W.
I would like to thank our tour guide for her excellent care and service during our tour. Managing 35 people with a variety of needs, demands and some very different personalities and physical abilities is a difficult task. However, Viviane handled each person with skill and professionalism as well as a sense of humor. For some of our group the Greek trip was physically demanding, they were accommodated kindly and given alternative suggestions when the tour was too strenuous for them. I can't thank Viviane enough for her guidance along the way as well as her knowledge of Greek history and the sites we visited.
Barbara E.
I would like to express our gratitude for our tour guide Yiotta. She is a a true gem. She is kind, thoughtful and extremely organized. She truly cares about everyone having the best experience possible. She is patient and is in tune to everyone's needs. My husband and I travel often (2-3times a year) and this was our first time using the services of Gate1. If all tour guides are the caliber of Yiotta, we will definitely be using and recommending Gate1 to others. We consider Yiotta to be one of the best tour guides we have ever encountered. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Carol W.
I would like to express our gratitude for our tour guide Yiotta. She is a a true gem. She is kind, thoughtful and extremely organized. She truly cares about everyone having the best experience possible. She is patient and is in tune to everyone's needs. My husband and I travel often (2-3times a year) and this was our first time using the services of Gate1. If all tour guides are the caliber of Yiotta, we will definitely be using and recommending Gate1 to others. We consider Yiotta to be one of the best tour guides we have ever encountered. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Carol W.
My Turkish Treasures trip was absolutely incredible. My tour guide, Hakan was beyond amazing. Our driver was fantastic too. They both worked so hard for all of us the entire trip. I knew going into this trip that I was going to like Turkey..... but I left having fallen in love with Turkey. Our guide arranged for us to have a private concert at our farewell dinner with some local musicians. IT WAS AMAZING!! It was the most perfect way to say goodbye to all of the new friends I made along the way with some singing and dancing and LOTS of laughs. Hakan taught us so much about Turkish history and was always sure to point out things of interest to individuals as he got to know each of us and our own unique interests. I would gladly recommend this trip to anyone who is contemplating it. I have been on several Gate 1 trips and this is right at the top!! Thank you!!!
Jennifer S.
It was a great trip! My wife and I as well as our friends joining the same group enjoyed every minute of it. We are particularly impressed by the tour manager/guide Angeliki, who has so much detailed knowledge about the history, culture, and various interesting things of every place we visited. She worked tirelessly to make the tour so exciting and enjoyable. We are looking forward to have another tour with Gate1 in the near future.
Gary L.
We have just returned from our second Gate 1 experience, this time the 2022 Classical Greece tour. We thought nothing could match our previous outing (Egypt), but thanks in large part to our incomparable guide Jenny we have just had one of the best vacations imaginable. Jenny was highly educated in all the right disciplines yet entirely relatable. Her command of English, her outstanding people skills, and her mastery of logistics and scheduling- with great flexibility whenever called for - combined to make her a memorable, effective, delightful leader of our group. Parting from her after two weeks was bittersweet: we wanted more Jenny, and because of her, more Greece. And definitely more Gate 1!
Mona G.
The trip to Turkey was absolutely fantastic!! Could not have asked for anything better! So many fascinating history sites and information! I didn't know what to expect. But the trip was amazing! Our tour guide Taner was one of the best I have ever had in all of my other trips. He was excellent! Loved the whole experience!
Robin S.
I just wanted to share how magnificent and memorable trip we had after stuck at home for three year feared from COVID. I was eagerly and anxiously planned for this trip. Eagerly, because I was stuck at home for so long and missing the fun of traveling. Anxiously, because I was not sure I am making a right choice as COVID is now diminishing but its not completely gone. I made my decision to go for it by trusting how Gate one takes care of their customers. Gate one was informing us of all the COVID precautions and safety measures to keep us safe as well as giving the fun of our life back to us. We had a wonderful tour guide who treated and took care of us just like his own family member. Keeping the mask available, hand sanitizer and everything that can keep us safe during our travel. I would like to share the names of these this wonderful guide Oguz and driver Hamid who drove us around in his coach bus safely and maintained his bus by providing clean bus, and comfortable ride. I really appreciate traveling with Gate one and will keep going with your company. I shared this experience with my friends and family and they are also looking forward to travel with Gate one soon. As life is too short and There are too many things to explore. Once again, thank you Gate one for choosing the best staff, hotels and taking care of your customers the way you do.
Anita D.
We just returned from our 13 day essential Turkey vacation , it was amazing! I cannot truly say enough good things about our experience. The history,the silk road, Ephesus, the virgin mary home, the wonderful hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, the beautiful resort hotels and of course our first Turkish bath Hamam! Was so awesome!, but lastly I must really take a minute to share with you that the best part was our incredible tour guide Dilek. She created the most wonderful environment for our group, making everyone feel like a family with our fellow travelers, telling us each morning that she loved us and loved sharing her country with us. She ensured every person was made to feel important and catered to every single need of everyone in our group. Every request or problem was met with kindness and a smile assuring us that everything would be taken care of. She was knowledgeable in all things Turkey, funny, kind, sincere and genuine in her care of us. She never rushed us and kept a wonderful pace. By the completion of our trip we really were a family and had become very close. Dilek is a guide who goes above and beyond to ensure gate1 travelers are truly valued! I must also mention Ronaldo Lassiter in emergency customer service. Prior to our departure there was great concern regarding the Required HES covid tracking system Turkey had in place for most of the pandemic. All websites stated you still needed this to enter the country and it was difficult to acquire and noone was able to assist, except Ronaldo! He assured me he would get to the solution prior to our departure and he did. He was persistent in getting the necessary info and assuring us we would have all we needed to go! With team members like Dilek and Ronaldo, you have earned our loyalty to Gate1.
Kenneth C.