14 Day England, Scotland & Ireland

Featured Hotels

(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)

Thursday Departure
Park Plaza Riverbank		London
Hilton York		York
DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre		Edinburgh
Maldron Belfast City		Belfast
Everglades Hotel		Derry
Westport Plaza Hotel		County Mayo
Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane		Dublin

Saturday Departure
Park Plaza Riverbank		London
Hilton York		York
DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre		Edinburgh
The Stormont Hotel		Belfast
Everglades Hotel		Derry
Westport Plaza Hotel		County Mayo
Herbert Park Hotel & Park Residence		Dublin

Click a Date to Book Online

2024 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1200
Hotel	Dates	Embark	Tour Starts	Ship	Land Only	Air & Land
~~Thu, May 02~~ (Sold Out)	$3499	$4269*
~~Thu, May 09~~ (Sold Out)	$3499	$4369*
	$3399	$4189*
	$3399	$4359*
	$3399	$4219*
~~Sat, Jun 01~~ (Sold Out)	$3499	$4579*
	$3499	$4299*
	$3499	$4319*
	$3349	$4159*
	$3399	$4449*
	$3399	$4249*
	$3599	$4449*
	$3499	$4379*
	$3599	$4539*
	$3599	$4459*
	$3499	$4359*
	$3299	$4179*
~~Sat, Aug 31~~ (Sold Out)	$3499	$4439*
	$3699	$4529*
~~Sat, Sep 07~~ (Sold Out)	$3699	$4519*
	$3699	$4509*
	$3699	$4429*
	$3599	$4329*
	$3599	$4329*
	$3299	$4029*
	$3499	$4229*

Next Season Dates

Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.

Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms will be accommodated in a twin and single at Park Plaza Riverbank, Hilton York, Everglades Hotel, and Westport Plaza Hotel.

Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

Entry Requirements:
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?

This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect to spend two to three hours on your feet during tours. The pace is moderate, where you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. Hotels in Scotland often encompass the traditional style of the region. You can expect small rooms with low lighting and limited access to electrical outlets. Rooms may lack amenities, including air-conditioning, microwaves, refrigerators, in-room safe, and luggage racks. Meals in Scotland will often take place at your hotel. The food served is local to the region with limited variety. Many hotels have limited restaurant staff and therefore meals can take longer than expected. Some hotels in Westport, Edinburgh, Derry and London are built in the traditional local style and have no air conditioning. During heat waves, these hotels can become uncomfortable, even at higher elevations. This is a Classic program. For more information, click here.

Accommodation Details

Select Number of Rooms

Room 1

Number of Adults

Number of Children

Preferred Bedding Configuration

Two separate beds

One bed
Requests are not guaranteed and are subject to each hotel's discretion and availability

Additional Nights

Number of pre-nights

Number of post-nights

Flight Details

Include Flight? Yes No

Departure City

Departure and Return Date

Preferred Airline

Class of Service

Nonstop Flights

Number of Adults

Number of Children

Escorted Package Includes

Flights New York-London, Dublin-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
12 nights First Class accommodations
- 2 nights London
- 1 night York
- 2 nights Edinburgh
- 2 nights Belfast
- 1 night Derry
- 2 nights Westport
- 2 nights Dublin
Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
Hotel porterage
All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†♦
Ferry Cairnryan-Belfast
19 meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 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

Discover London’s history and pageantry on a tour of the trendy West End
In Stratford-upon-Avon trace the footsteps of Shakespeare, England’s most famous poet
Travel to the medieval city of York with its rich history, dating back to the Romans
Visit Scotland’s Edinburgh Castle high above the city; view the magnificent crown jewels
Tour Belfast’s Titanic Museum constructed in the dockyard where the ship was built
Visit spectacular Giant’s Causeway, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland
View Derry’s preserved medieval city walls with its four original gates encircling the city
Spend a day in the Irish countryside and visit the unique Glen Keen working sheep farm
Travel to Galway, once a seafaring town, nestled on the shores of Galway Bay
Savor dinner at an Irish Pub in Dublin with traditional Irish dance and music

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

♦ London Gatwick Airport transfers available at an additional cost

Is This Trip Right for You?

Book Now!

Thursday Departure
Saturday Departure

Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart. Click a day above to see what is included.

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for England
Depart for England

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in London
Arrive in London, the cosmopolitan capital of the United Kingdom and transfer to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner
Overnight: London
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - London City Tour
Discover London's history and pageantry on a tour of the trendy West End that begins with a drive through fashionable Kensington. Pass Harrods, on the way to Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey. Continue to the historic Houses of Parliament, and view Big Ben. Balance of the day is at leisure or, join the optional tour of the Tower of London, and St. Paul's Cathedral
Optional: Tower of London & St. Paul's Cathedral (PM)
Overnight: London
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Sunday - Stratford-upon-Avon, Medieval York
From London, head to Stratford-upon-Avon, on the River Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. View the thatched cottage where Anne Hathaway lived before continuing to his home on Henley Street. Pass by Holy Trinity Church, his final resting place before free time in this celebrated town where the Bard's plays are still performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Then, travel to the walled medieval city of York in northeast England. Dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: York
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - York Minster, Edinburgh
View York Minster, a remarkable 13th century Gothic cathedral with medieval stained glass and two functioning bell towers, that dominates this historic city. Drive past the city walls that form a walkway on both sides of the River Ouse on the way to Hadrian's Wall. Crossing into Scotland, drive via Jedburgh Abbey one of the four abbeys built on the border during the Middle Ages. In the afternoon, arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Tuesday - Edinburgh's Heritage, Holyrood and Edinburgh Castle
Today take a tour of Edinburgh. Pass the elegant mansions of the 200-year-old Georgian "New Town" on the way to the Museum of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament at the foot of the Royal Mile. View Holyroodhouse, the King's official residence in Scotland. Later, visit Edinburgh Castle to view Scotland's crown jewels, St. Margaret's Chapel and the Stone of Destiny. After, return to the city center for leisure time. Tonight, don't miss the optional Scottish Dinner with Whisky Pairing
Optional: Scottish Dinner with Whisky Pairing
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Wednesday - Ferry to Belfast
Morning drive to the small village of Cairnryan, to board a luxury high-speed ferry that whisks you to Belfast in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea. Upon arrival, check into the hotel, with time to settle in before dinner tonight
Overnight: Belfast
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Thursday - Explore Belfast, Titanic Museum
Today's exploration of Belfast begins at the Edwardian City Hall, the university district, and the newly-renovated Ulster Museum, a repository of historic treasures. Stop in a neighborhood where buildings are still scarred from "The Troubles" which ended with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Visit the Titanic Belfast Museum constructed in the actual dockyard where the doomed ship was built; its multimedia presentation follows the history of Belfast and the creation of the world's most famous ocean liner. The rest of the day is yours to discover Belfast on your own
Overnight: Belfast
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Friday - Giant's Causeway & Visitor Center, Derry's Medieval Walls
Begin with a drive through the Glens of Antrim to the north coast of Northern Ireland. Here, visit Giant's Causeway, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, where unusual hexagonal columns formed by 60 million years of volcanic activity stretch into the sea. After a visit to the Visitor Center, on to the city of Derry (also called Londonderry). In the afternoon, a walking tour of Derry includes the neo-Gothic Guildhall with its beautiful stained glass windows. View the preserved medieval city walls, that completely encircle the old city. Dinner tonight, is at your hotel
Overnight: Derry
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Picturesque Sligo, Knock Shrine, Westport
Morning drive to Sligo, with its renowned natural beauty, home to the young poet William Butler Yeats. Next, proceed to the village of Knock in County Mayo, where many believe that the Virgin Mary appeared; pause at the sacred Knock Shrine, a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site. The day ends in bustling Westport, in the northern West Coast Upon arrival, have dinner of local favorites
Overnight: Westport
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Sunday - Glen Keen Sheep Farm, Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
Spend a day in the Irish countryside. Visit the unique Glen Keen Farm* and learn more about this center of agritourism designated as a special area of conservation for its natural beauty. After lunch, travel into the heart of Connemara to visit Kylemore Abbey. Stroll through the restored rooms of the abbey and the Victorian walled garden with its colorful floral displays. Perhaps, stop for a cup of fresh herbal tea at the Tea House, before returning to Westport. The evening is at leisure
*Farm activities are weather dependent
Overnight: Westport
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12, Monday - Seaside Galway, Discover Dublin
Today, travel to Galway, once a seafaring town, nestled on the shores of Galway Bay. Walk the winding streets in the downtown area to Eyre Square and the trendy Latin Quarter. At Lynch's Castle, view 14th century stonework that includes ghoulish gargoyles before arriving at Galway Cathedral. In the afternoon, it's off to Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Explore St. Stephen's Green, Phoenix Park and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The evening is at leisure
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Tuesday - Dublin at Leisure, Irish Pub Dinner
Spend a full day of leisure in Dublin, to further explore this city on your own. Perhaps, choose the optional Dublin Gin School for the ultimate Gin Experience. During the tour, the in-house expert will guide you through the history of gin. Gain insight into the importance of choosing the right botanicals before putting them in your miniature copper pot-still to work. While waiting for your final product, savor local seasonal bites, paired with the signature Ha'Penny and Míl Gin cocktails. Once your gin is distilled, you can seal it in a bottle to take home. Tonight, dinner is at one of Ireland's oldest pubs. It will be a rip-roaring evening of traditional Irish music and dance accompanied by a great selection of quality Irish food
Optional: Dublin Gin School
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Wednesday - Depart Ireland
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for England
Depart for England

DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in London
Arrive in London, the cosmopolitan capital of the United Kingdom and transfer to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner
Overnight: London
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Monday - London City Tour
Discover London's history and pageantry on a tour of the trendy West End that begins with a drive through fashionable Kensington. Pass Harrods, on the way to Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey. Continue to the historic Houses of Parliament, and view Big Ben. Balance of the day is at leisure or, join the optional tour of the Tower of London, and St. Paul's Cathedral
Optional: Tower of London & St. Paul's Cathedral (PM)
Overnight: London
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Tuesday - Stratford-upon-Avon, Medieval York
From London, head to Stratford-upon-Avon, on the River Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. View the thatched cottage where Anne Hathaway lived before continuing to his home on Henley Street. Pass by Holy Trinity Church, his final resting place before free time in this celebrated town where the Bard's plays are still performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Then, travel to the walled medieval city of York in northeast England. Dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: York
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Wednesday - York Minster, Edinburgh
View York Minster, a remarkable 13th century Gothic cathedral with medieval stained glass and two functioning bell towers, that dominates this historic city. Drive past the city walls that form a walkway on both sides of the River Ouse on the way to Hadrian's Wall. Crossing into Scotland, drive via Jedburgh Abbey one of the four abbeys built on the border during the Middle Ages. In the afternoon, arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Thursday - Edinburgh's Heritage, Holyrood and Edinburgh Castle
Today take a tour of Edinburgh. Pass the elegant mansions of the 200-year-old Georgian "New Town" on the way to the Museum of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament at the foot of the Royal Mile. View Holyroodhouse, the King's official residence in Scotland. Later, visit Edinburgh Castle to view Scotland's crown jewels, St. Margaret's Chapel and the Stone of Destiny. After, return to the city center for leisure time. Tonight, don't miss the optional Scottish Dinner with Whisky Pairing
Optional: Scottish Dinner with Whisky Pairing
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Friday - Ferry to Belfast
Morning drive to the small village of Cairnryan, to board a luxury high-speed ferry that whisks you to Belfast in Northern Ireland across the Irish Sea. Upon arrival, check into the hotel, with time to settle in before dinner tonight
Overnight: Belfast
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Saturday - Explore Belfast, Titanic Museum
Today's exploration of Belfast begins at the Edwardian City Hall, the university district, and the newly-renovated Ulster Museum, a repository of historic treasures. Stop in a neighborhood where buildings are still scarred from "The Troubles" which ended with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Visit the Titanic Belfast Museum constructed in the actual dockyard where the doomed ship was built; its multimedia presentation follows the history of Belfast and the creation of the world's most famous ocean liner. The rest of the day is yours to discover Belfast on your own
Overnight: Belfast
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Sunday - Giant's Causeway & Visitor Center, Derry's Medieval Walls
Begin with a drive through the Glens of Antrim to the north coast of Northern Ireland. Here, visit Giant's Causeway, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, where unusual hexagonal columns formed by 60 million years of volcanic activity stretch into the sea. After a visit to the Visitor Center, on to the city of Derry (also called Londonderry). In the afternoon, a walking tour of Derry includes the neo-Gothic Guildhall with its beautiful stained glass windows. View the preserved medieval city walls, that completely encircle the old city. Dinner tonight, is at your hotel
Overnight: Derry
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Monday - Picturesque Sligo, Knock Shrine, Westport
Morning drive to Sligo, with its renowned natural beauty, home to the young poet William Butler Yeats. Next, proceed to the village of Knock in County Mayo, where many believe that the Virgin Mary appeared; pause at the sacred Knock Shrine, a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site. The day ends in bustling Westport, in the northern West Coast. Upon arrival, have dinner of local favorites
Overnight: Westport
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Tuesday - Glen Keen Sheep Farm, Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
Spend a day in the Irish countryside. Visit the unique Glen Keen Farm* and learn more about this center of agritourism designated as a special area of conservation for its natural beauty. After lunch, travel into the heart of Connemara to visit Kylemore Abbey. Stroll through the restored rooms of the abbey and the Victorian walled garden with its colorful floral displays. Perhaps, stop for a cup of fresh herbal tea at the Tea House, before returning to Westport. The evening is at leisure
*Farm activities are weather dependent
Overnight: Westport
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12, Wednesday - Seaside Galway, Discover Dublin
Today, travel to Galway, once a seafaring town, nestled on the shores of Galway Bay. Walk the winding streets in the downtown area to Eyre Square and the trendy Latin Quarter. At Lynch's Castle, view 14th century stonework that includes ghoulish gargoyles before arriving at Galway Cathedral. In the afternoon, it's off to Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Explore St. Stephen's Green, Phoenix Park and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The evening is at leisure
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Thursday - Dublin at Leisure, Irish Pub Dinner
Spend a full day of leisure in Dublin, to further explore this city on your own. Perhaps, choose the optional Dublin Gin School for the ultimate Gin Experience. During the tour, the in-house expert will guide you through the history of gin. Gain insight into the importance of choosing the right botanicals before putting them in your miniature copper pot-still to work. While waiting for your final product, savor local seasonal bites, paired with the signature Ha'Penny and Míl Gin cocktails. Once your gin is distilled, you can seal it in a bottle to take home. Tonight, dinner is at one of Ireland's oldest pubs. It will be a rip-roaring evening of traditional Irish music and dance accompanied by a great selection of quality Irish food
Optional: Dublin Gin School
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14, Friday - Depart Ireland
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Book Now!

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.

Thursday Departure
Saturday Departure

Park Plaza Riverbank, London

This first class hotel overlooks the River Thames.

Hotel Details

Hilton York, York

This first class hotel is located in the heart of historic York, next to Clifford's Tower.

Hotel Details

DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre, Edinburgh

This first class hotel is located in the heart of Edinburgh.

Hotel Details

Maldron Belfast City, Belfast

This first class hotel is located in the heart of Belfast.

Hotel Details

Everglades Hotel, Derry

This first class hotel is located just a short drive from the bustling, historic and dynamic City Center.

Hotel Details

Westport Plaza Hotel, County Mayo

This first class hotel is situated in the town of Westport.

Hotel Details

Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, Dublin

This first class hotel is ideally located in the Dublin Docklands.

Hotel Details

Park Plaza Riverbank, London

This first class hotel overlooks the River Thames.

Hotel Details

Hilton York, York

This first class hotel is located in the heart of historic York, next to Clifford's Tower.

Hotel Details

DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre, Edinburgh

This first class hotel is located in the heart of Edinburgh.

Hotel Details

The Stormont Hotel, Belfast

This first class hotel is located in Belfast, adjacent to Stormont Estate.

Hotel Details

Everglades Hotel, Derry

This first class hotel is located just a short drive from the bustling, historic and dynamic City Center.

Hotel Details

Westport Plaza Hotel, County Mayo

This first class hotel is situated in the town of Westport.

Hotel Details

Herbert Park Hotel & Park Residence, Dublin

This first class hotel is located in the Ballsbridge neighborhood of Dublin, overlooking Herbert Park.

Hotel Details

Book your Optional Tours before you travel. See more, save time, save money.

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

Tower of London & St. Paul's Cathedral

Today the focus is on two of the most impressive monuments within London's original "Square Mile". Take a guided visit of St. Paul's Cathedral, where Charles married Diana in 1981. Also, view the exterior architecture of Sir Christopher Wren's Dome, a masterpiece and landmark of London's skyline. Continue to the Tower of London, a former fortress and Royal Palace that has witnessed 1000 years of history most notoriously as a prison. Now the Crown Jewels are kept here and you will have a viewing of these, as well as seeing the iconic Tower Bridge.

Approximate tour duration is 4.5 hours.

Day #3	02 Jan 2024 - 24 Dec 2024	$95.00

Tower of London & St. Paul's Cathedral Thumbnail

Scottish Dinner with Whisky Pairing

Experience a memorable evening showcasing Scotland's delightful larder and Scotch whiskies. Enjoy a fully tutored tasting of four Scotch whiskies and learn about Scotland's national drink, its production and the art of blending. Then, savor a three-course Scottish dinner in an award-winning restaurant.

Pre-booking is strongly recommended, as this tour is not available for purchase locally.

Day #6	01 Jan 2024 - 04 May 2024	$90.00
	06 May 2024 - 09 May 2024	$90.00
	11 May 2024 - 11 May 2024	$90.00
	13 May 2024 - 16 May 2024	$90.00
	18 May 2024 - 18 May 2024	$90.00
	20 May 2024 - 23 May 2024	$90.00
	25 May 2024 - 30 May 2024	$90.00
	01 Jun 2024 - 18 Jun 2024	$90.00
	20 Jun 2024 - 01 Aug 2024	$90.00
	03 Aug 2024 - 04 Aug 2024	$90.00
	10 Aug 2024 - 10 Aug 2024	$90.00
	17 Aug 2024 - 17 Aug 2024	$90.00
	24 Aug 2024 - 29 Aug 2024	$90.00
	31 Aug 2024 - 05 Sep 2024	$90.00
	07 Sep 2024 - 10 Sep 2024	$90.00
	14 Sep 2024 - 19 Sep 2024	$90.00
	21 Sep 2024 - 26 Sep 2024	$90.00
	28 Sep 2024 - 10 Oct 2024	$90.00
	12 Oct 2024 - 17 Oct 2024	$90.00
	19 Oct 2024 - 24 Dec 2024	$90.00

Scottish Dinner with Whisky Pairing Thumbnail

Dublin Gin School

Visit the Gin School at Pearse Lyons Distillery for the ultimate Gin Experience. The school is located on the grounds of Dublin's only family-owned distillery, in the heart of The Liberties neighborhood. During the tour, the in-house expert will guide you through the history of gin. Gain insight into the importance of choosing the right botanicals before putting them in your miniature copper pot-still to work. While waiting for your final product, savor local seasonal bites, paired with the signature Ha'Penny and Míl Gin cocktails. Once your gin is distilled, you can seal it in a bottle to take home.

Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. Due to limited capacity, advanced booking is recommended for this tour, in order to avoid disappointment.

Day #13	01 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024	$75.00

Tower of London & St. Paul's Cathedral

Day #3	02 Jan 2024 - 24 Dec 2024	$95.00

Scottish Dinner with Whisky Pairing

Day #6	13 May 2024 - 16 May 2024	$90.00
	18 May 2024 - 18 May 2024	$90.00
	20 May 2024 - 23 May 2024	$90.00
	25 May 2024 - 30 May 2024	$90.00
	01 Jun 2024 - 18 Jun 2024	$90.00
	20 Jun 2024 - 01 Aug 2024	$90.00
	03 Aug 2024 - 04 Aug 2024	$90.00
	10 Aug 2024 - 10 Aug 2024	$90.00
	17 Aug 2024 - 17 Aug 2024	$90.00
	24 Aug 2024 - 29 Aug 2024	$90.00
	31 Aug 2024 - 05 Sep 2024	$90.00
	07 Sep 2024 - 10 Sep 2024	$90.00

Dublin Gin School

Day #13	01 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024	$75.00

Thursday Departure
Saturday Departure

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.

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/reservations 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.

Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruits, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.
If you have allergies to foods, medications or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician’s note detailing required treatment should you become ill.
Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
Where appropriate, pack sunscreen and insect repellent (for both active and warm destinations).
You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with bandaids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications which should be adequate for the entire trip.

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:

Refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes and/or personal products containing excessive fragrance in respect for other guests who may be allergic
Avoid smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes or cigars in the vicinity of other tour members, including in outdoor areas where smoking may be permitted but may still affect other tour participants
No Smoking of any kind (medical or recreational) is allowed on any transportation that is exclusively provided by Gate 1. This includes e-cigarettes, e-cigars or any other smoking device. Furthermore, some countries heavily regulate the public use and possession of cigarettes (including e-cigarettes and vape pens) which could include their complete ban. Please check the regulation for the destinations you plan on traveling to prior to departure.
Avoid attire with political or religious messages that may offend other travelers
Respect your fellow passengers. Guests come from all walks of life and varied lifestyles. Please refrain from topics of conversation which might cause offense, such as religion and politics
Refrain from conversation or talking on mobile phones while commentary is in progress
Respect the mandatory seat rotation policy on the coach
Make use of the available hand sanitizer on the coach to support a healthy environment
Seek approval before taking photographs of other tour participants
Respect tour departures times to avoid delay and loss of sightseeing opportunities

Climate & Clothing

Britain - Spring and Fall: 40°F-60°F; Summer: 50°F-70°F; Winter: 35°F-45°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, an all-weather jacket, and an umbrella. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).

United Kingdom Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#britain-weather

Ireland - Spring and Fall: 40°F-60°F; Summer: 50°F-70°F; Winter: 35°F-45°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, an all-weather jacket, and an umbrella. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).

Ireland Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/#britain-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.

IRELAND: Books
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy
My Left Foot by Christy Brown
Philomena by Martin Sixsmith
Dubliners by James Joyce
The Woman in the Window by AJ Finn
Letters to My Daughters by Emma Hannigan
The Storm Keeper's Island by Catherine Doyle
Ulysses by James Joyce

IRELAND: Films
The Irishman (2019)
Sing Street (2016)
Brooklyn (2015)
The Wind that Shakes the Barley (2006)
Omagh (2004)
Waking Ned Devine (1998)
Michael Collins (1996)
The Quiet Man (1952)

Preparing for Your Trip

Reconfirming Flights

It is not necessary to call your airline to reconfirm your flights. However, we do recommend that you check your airline’s website 24 hours prior to your flight to ensure that your flights remain on schedule and that flight times are unchanged.

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.

Frequent Flier Programs

Passengers are responsible to contact their airline directly regarding mileage eligibility and accrual. Airline frequent flier programs determine whether to award miles in part or total based on their own rules which are updated frequently. Some discounted or promotional airfares as well as some code-share flights are not eligible for mileage accrual. Some private airfares, such as a “Gate 1 Travel Airfare”, are not eligible for mileage or may qualify for reduced mileage, even if the same airline class of service is eligible for full mileage when sold as an “Instant Purchase” published airfare. Not all published airfares are eligible for mileage. Gate 1 Travel will record frequent flier numbers when provided by the passenger prior to travel documents being issued. However, the addition of frequent flier numbers to airline records does not guarantee mileage eligibility which is at the sole discretion of each airline. Airline schedule changes may result in flights which were originally eligible for mileage accrual no longer being eligible. We highly recommend passengers to provide their frequent flier account information whenever checking in online and/or at the airport check-in desk. After travel has commenced, it is often not possible to apply for frequent mileage credit. Passengers are also responsible to determine whether previously earned mileage may be applied to flights to secure upgrades.

Known Traveler Number (KTN)

If you have a KTN number, you are normally able to join the TSA security line for expedited processing at the airport. Prior to check in, you should go online or call your airline and add your KTN number to your reservation record. In most cases, you will then see the letters "TSA PRE" printed on your boarding pass. If these letters are not printed, you will not be permitted on the TSA line. Please be aware that some airlines do not participate in the program and therefore even if there is a TSA line at the airport, you will not be given TSA PRE status. Sometimes you may not be selected by TSA (even if you entered a KTN number) and even a minor name discrepancy can result in TSA PRE being denied. It is your responsibility to register your KTN number with your airline and Gate 1 cannot be held responsible for denial of expedited security. Note: KTNs are issued by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) after completing a background check through TSA's PreCheck^® program. Global Entry members may also enjoy expedited customs processing.

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.

Carry on Luggage

Missed connections and lost luggage are more common than ever. We strongly suggest you use your carry on bag for those necessities you would miss if your checked bags went astray. Items to consider, but not limited to, are prescription medicines, eyeglasses, a change of clothes, mobile phone and charger, valuables (including jewelry and cash), passport, keys, insurance cards, local contact information. Refer to the TSA website for a complete list of items and their sizes which may be carried on board. We also recommend you bring a change of clothes in your carry on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost.

E-Tickets & Advance Check-In

Review the flight itinerary included in your documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the 6-digit airline "Record Locator" and e-ticket numbers. Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your name and 6-digit Record Locator or Flight Ticket Number at the airline's website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. You may check-in online, even if you plan to check luggage at the airport. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter. Paper tickets will be provided in the rare instance when e-tickets cannot be issued.

Day of Departure

Arrive On Time

Due to increased security measures, you should plan to check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time for international flights and two hours prior for domestic flights. Many airlines do not permit check-in less than one hour prior to the scheduled departure time. It is your responsibility to arrive on time for all scheduled flights. Enhanced security procedures, including passenger screening, canine inspection, and inspection of personal electronic devices, have been implemented for all flights into the United States, and therefore security procedures may take longer than normal.

Check-In

If your flight itinerary displays a flight as “Operated By” another carrier, you should check-in at the desk of the “Operated By” airline. When you arrive at the airport, check the airport monitors for updated check-in desk listings. At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport required when traveling internationally) and your e-ticket itinerary/ticket numbers to the agent. Once you've checked in and received your boarding passes and luggage claim tickets, proceed directly to the security check. Security lines are often backed up and can take time to get through. Once you've completed security check, proceed directly to your gate and check the large electronic flight screens for your flight time and departure gate for schedule and gate changes. Airport desk clerks will assist with unexpected changes. Once you are in the gate area you can relax, shop or buy a snack before your flight.

Connecting Passengers

Passengers connecting from another point within the USA should check their luggage through to their final destination. Although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. When you check your luggage, please verify where your luggage is being sent. When connecting between flights in major airports, you may need to pass through multiple security checkpoints. Therefore, we recommend that you proceed immediately to the gate area for your connecting flight to avoid any unexpected delays which may cause you to be late. Passengers returning to the USA may need to collect their luggage at the first airport of entry and recheck their luggage for their connecting flight.

Flight Services

Avoiding Jet Lag

In order to minimize fatigue and general restlessness caused by jet lag, there are a few steps you may take including switching to your destination time zone when you board the plane, by sleeping and eating according to the new schedule, avoiding heavy eating, caffeine or alcoholic beverages before or during your flight, and by drinking plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying. Try to sleep on overnight flights and then, upon arrival, avoid the temptation to nap until nighttime.

Airline Food

Unless you are a first or business class passenger, you will likely receive a mediocre culinary experience. Reasons for this range from airline budget constraints to the logistics of high altitudes, low humidity and air pressure, small galleys, tiny ovens and precooked food. We suggest simple options, carry a few granola bars, and don't expect this to be your best dining experience.

Premium Economy or Business Class

Service may not be available on all flights or aircraft types, and therefore some flights within an itinerary may not include Premium Economy or Business Class seating. This includes, for example, some US domestic connections and/or short haul flights abroad. When service is not available, you will be accommodated in the best alternative class of service and seating. Please check your operating airline to determine the extra services you may receive.

US Customs & Immigration for Return Flights

In most cases, passengers with return flights that include a connection in the US will need to complete customs and immigration formalities in their first port of entry, requiring them to collect their luggage and check-in for their onward flight. However, there are some exceptions: certain airports in Canada and Ireland (Dublin), allow US Immigration formalities to be completed in the overseas airport at the gate area.

Foreign Domestic Flights

If your tour program includes foreign domestic flights, and those tickets are not included together with the e-ticket itinerary in your travel documents, you will receive those tickets at your destination from our local representative.

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.

Emergency Assistance

The Gate 1 emergency line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call: 800 682-3333 or 215 572-7676. From overseas, call: 001 215 572-7676. Outside office hours, listen to the prompts, then press 3. You will speak immediately with a representative, or you may be asked to leave a detailed message including your name, your booking number, and most importantly the telephone number where you can be reached. Your message will be forwarded immediately to a representative who will contact you at the telephone number provided.

Last Minute Schedule Changes & Flight Delays

On the day of travel, check the flight schedule and advise Gate 1 by phone, 800 682-3333 or 215 572-7676, of any significant changes that might affect your arrival transfer or hotel reservation. Gate 1 cannot be held responsible for affected land services, including arrival and/or departure transfers should flights be changed without our knowledge. Gate 1 will make every effort to inform passengers of schedule changes and cannot be held responsible for changes in routing and/or the number of stops in the itinerary. Nor will Gate 1 provide compensation for changes or cancellations implemented by an airline.

Missed Flights

In the event that you miss your flight which departs as scheduled, for any reason, your airline will consider you a "no-show” and may resell your seat(s) to other customers. This will also result in the cancellation of any later flights in your itinerary. Similarly, if you voluntarily decide not to use any of the flights on your itinerary, the airline will consider you a “no show” and cancel remaining flights on your itinerary. In this case, please contact your airline immediately for assistance in getting you to your destination. Missed flights are typically fully non-refundable and you may be required to purchase new flights from the airline at your own expense. Once your alternative arrangements have been confirmed, please contact Gate 1 with your new flight details.

Missed Connection

If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, it's the airline's responsibility to make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed.

Lost Luggage

If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form must be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. Any cost to retrieve luggage will be your responsibility and you should retain receipts to submit to your insurance provider. You may be required to return to an airport to retrieve your luggage personally.

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, 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.

Scotland - Hotels in Scotland often encompass the traditional style of the region. You can expect marginally lower standards at the hotel properties. Rooms may be smaller in size with very low lighting and limited access to electrical outlets. Rooms may also lack all of the amenities, including air-conditioning, microwaves, refrigerators, in-room safe, and luggage racks.

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

Ireland - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.

United Kingdom - 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

Currency

We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you depart (except India). It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash, please note that exchange at banks is typically more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. However, bank hours are limited to Mondays through Fridays and sometimes only morning hours on those days. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller. In many destinations (except Western Europe), we suggest to bring between $50 to $100 in $1 bills which may be used to pay gratuities.

Ireland - The Euro is the currency of the Republic of Ireland. The Euro should be used to purchase all goods and services. Irish bank opening hours are typically Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm depending on the bank. Most Irish banks do not offer currency exchange services. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to acquire a small amount of Euros prior to arriving. ATM machines found in larger cities are a better option.

Britain - The Pound sterling is the currency of the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Credit Cards

While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.

While most US-issued credit cards have the embedded microprocessor chip, there are still some that have the magnetic-strip technology. The "chip-and-PIN" cards require users to punch in a personal identification number (PIN) instead of signing for a purchase. For example, many automated ticket kiosks, such as those commonly found at train stations, gas pumps and parking garages, don't accept cards without a chip and PIN. Most cash registers are equipped to handle American cards but if you encounter difficulties, offer an alternative credit card or politely insist that the cashier keep trying to swipe the credit card. ATMs typically recognize and accept US issued debit cards. For travel to Europe, should you anticipate using ticket kiosks or purchasing train tickets locally, you may consider buying tickets and other basic purchases prior to departure.

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.

Ireland - Among the most popular items to shop for in Ireland are Waterford crystal, wool knitwear, silver and gold jewelry, and Belleek china.

Britain - Stores are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Many larger stores are open Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. London offers wonderful department stores and designer boutiques. The shops of Regent Street and Covent Garden are especially worth visiting. The British countryside is known for its quaint shops, handmade glassware, crafts and antiques.

Your Safety is Very Important

Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit.

It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:

Always use seat belts (if provided)
Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would be at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Your objective is to avoid drawing attention and to blend in with the crowd
Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place (in case one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place)
Do not leave valuables laying loose in your room or on the bus as Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any loss. Use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe
When possible we suggest traveling in pairs or groups when moving about independently
Do not pack valuables (cameras, computers, jewelry, etc.) in your checked luggage. Keep hard to replace valuables with you in your carry-on bag
Keep wallets safely tucked into front trouser pockets and/or wear a money pouch inside your clothing
Carry handbags close to your body, shoulder bags the cross-body method with the bag in front of your body
Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere and are safer than traveling with large amounts of cash
While in destination, you may encounter local wildlife. Please refrain from touching any animal as they may carry diseases or harm you.

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:

Remain alert and cautious. Be wary of any unusual contact or commotion in crowded public places, including train stations, markets, subways and tourist sites;
Be especially careful when traveling independently, or leaving your tour group to explore on your own. Try not to travel alone, especially at night. Avoid narrow alleys and poorly lit streets;
Use only official taxis and check the change you receive from all taxi drivers and vendors;
Beware of pickpockets often working with an accomplice who will distract you by spilling something on you, dropping a wallet or other seemingly valuable object, or tripping and falling down in front of you;
Beware of aggressive street vendors who may approach you offering a demonstration which may end with you being pressured to purchase an item or act as a distraction for another pickpocket;
Don’t tip beggars;
Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest;
Carry modest amounts of cash (US dollars) in small denominations so that you can avoid flashing large bills when paying for small items;
ATM machines can be a convenient way to carry less currency. However those machines too can be used for robbery. Be wary of anyone who can look over your shoulder when inputting PINs. Another scam involves rigging the machine with a plastic insert which makes your card retrieval difficult; the thief then removes your card after you walk away;
If you are confronted, do not fight back - give up your valuables. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police and keep a copy of the official report for insurance claims.

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ireland

General Emergency: 999

Britain

General Emergency: 999

Languages

Ireland - English is the local language.

Britain - English is the local language. In Wales, Welsh is also spoken.

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.

Ireland - The voltage used is 220 volts.

Britain - The voltage used is 240 volts.

Code of Conduct

Ireland - Shaking hands is the standard greeting and casual dress is appropriate. The Irish people are generally very warm and welcoming. Close community is an important part of Irish social life, often centered around pubs, which are not as age-segregated as bars in the United States tend to be. The Catholic Church is highly respected, and jokes at the expense of the Church are considered to be in poor taste.

Britain - The monarchy, though now only symbolic, is a powerful unifying force. Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Normal social courtesies should be observed. Smoking is prohibited in some public buildings, buses, and the London Underground.

Meals & Dietary Requests

Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.

Scotland - Meals in Scotland will often take place at your hotel. The food served is local to the region with limited variety. In addition, many hotels have limited restaurant staff and therefore meals can take longer than usual.

Holidays

On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants.

Holidays - Ireland

Holidays 2024

Jan 1: New Year's Day
Feb 5: St. Brigid's Day
Mar 17: St Patrick's Day
Mar 29: Good Friday
Mar 31: Easter
Apr 1: Easter Monday
May 6: May Day
Jun 3: June Bank Holiday
Aug 5: August Bank Holiday
Oct 28: October Bank Holiday
Dec 24: Christmas Eve
Dec 25: Christmas Day
Dec 26: St Stephens Day
Dec 31: New Year's Eve

Holidays 2025

Jan 1: New Year's Day
Feb 1: St. Brigid's Day (observed)
Mar 17: St Patrick's Day
Apr 18: Good Friday
Apr 20: Easter
Apr 21: Easter Monday
May 5: May Day
Jun 2: June Bank Holiday
Aug 4: August Bank Holiday
Oct 27: October Bank Holiday
Dec 24: Christmas Eve
Dec 25: Christmas Day
Dec 26: St Stephens Day
Dec 31: New Year's Eve

Holidays - Britain

Holidays 2024

Jan 1: New Year's Day
Jan 2: New Year Holiday (Scotland)
Mar 17-18: St Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland)
Mar 29: Good Friday
Mar 31: Easter
Apr 1: Easter Monday
May 6: Early May Bank Holiday
May 27: Spring / Late May Bank Holiday
Aug 5: Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland)
Aug 26: Summer Bank Holiday (England, Northern Ireland & Wales)
Nov 30: St Andrew's Day
Dec 2: St Andrew's Day (observed)
Dec 25: Christmas Day
Dec 26: Boxing Day
Dec 31: New Year's Eve

Holidays 2025

Jan 1: New Year's Day
Apr 18: Good Friday
Apr 20: Easter
Apr 21: Easter Monday
May 5: May Bank Holiday
May 26: Spring Bank Holiday
Aug 4: Summer Bank Holiday
Aug 25: Summer Bank Holiday
Nov 30: St Andrew's Day
Dec 24: Christmas Eve
Dec 25: Christmas Day
Dec 26: Boxing Day
Dec 31: New Year's Eve

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

Traveling with Friends or Family?

Trip Preparation

Travel Protection

Mobile Phones

Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another

WiFi Access

Staying Healthy While Traveling

Watch what you eat. Try new foods in modest quantities, and depending upon your destination, you may want to avoid street foods, salad bars, raw vegetables and fruits, unless they have thick peels like bananas or grapefruit.
Stay hydrated. Drink bottled water and avoid consuming ice cubes made with tap water.
If you have allergies to foods, medications or insect bites, or have any other unique medical issues, consider a medical alert bracelet and/or a physician’s note detailing required treatment should you become ill.
Wash your hands regularly and carry hand sanitizer.
Where appropriate, pack sunscreen and insect repellent (for both active and warm destinations).
You may also want to bring a small first-aid kit with bandaids, antibiotic cream, pain killers, bug bite cream, digestive aids like antidiarrheal or anti-bloat medications, antacids, and cold medicine. This is in addition to any prescription medications which should be adequate for the entire trip.

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:

Refrain from wearing colognes, perfumes and/or personal products containing excessive fragrance in respect for other guests who may be allergic
Avoid smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes or cigars in the vicinity of other tour members, including in outdoor areas where smoking may be permitted but may still affect other tour participants
No Smoking of any kind (medical or recreational) is allowed on any transportation that is exclusively provided by Gate 1. This includes e-cigarettes, e-cigars or any other smoking device. Furthermore, some countries heavily regulate the public use and possession of cigarettes (including e-cigarettes and vape pens) which could include their complete ban. Please check the regulation for the destinations you plan on traveling to prior to departure.
Avoid attire with political or religious messages that may offend other travelers
Respect your fellow passengers. Guests come from all walks of life and varied lifestyles. Please refrain from topics of conversation which might cause offense, such as religion and politics
Refrain from conversation or talking on mobile phones while commentary is in progress
Respect the mandatory seat rotation policy on the coach
Make use of the available hand sanitizer on the coach to support a healthy environment
Seek approval before taking photographs of other tour participants
Respect tour departures times to avoid delay and loss of sightseeing opportunities

Climate & Clothing

About Drones

Book & Film Recommendations

Preparing for Your Trip

Reconfirming Flights

Seat Assignments

Frequent Flier Programs

Known Traveler Number (KTN)

Luggage & Packing

Carry on Luggage

E-Tickets & Advance Check-In

Day of Departure

Arrive On Time

Check-In

Connecting Passengers

Flight Services

Avoiding Jet Lag

Airline Food

Premium Economy or Business Class

US Customs & Immigration for Return Flights

Foreign Domestic Flights

What to do if You Need Assistance

Emergency Assistance

Last Minute Schedule Changes & Flight Delays

Missed Flights

Missed Connection

Lost Luggage

Arrival & Departure

Arrival Procedures

What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed

Departure Procedures

If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.

Transfers

About Your Accommodations

Hotels

Hotel Check-in/ Check-out

At Your Destination

Eco & Sustainable Tourism

Gratuities

Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours

Ireland - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.

United Kingdom - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.

About Your Sightseeing

Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours)

Purchasing Tours Locally

Currency

Britain - The Pound sterling is the currency of the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Credit Cards

Shopping

Ireland - Among the most popular items to shop for in Ireland are Waterford crystal, wool knitwear, silver and gold jewelry, and Belleek china.

Your Safety is Very Important

Always use seat belts (if provided)
Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would be at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Your objective is to avoid drawing attention and to blend in with the crowd
Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place (in case one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place)
Do not leave valuables laying loose in your room or on the bus as Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any loss. Use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe
When possible we suggest traveling in pairs or groups when moving about independently
Do not pack valuables (cameras, computers, jewelry, etc.) in your checked luggage. Keep hard to replace valuables with you in your carry-on bag
Keep wallets safely tucked into front trouser pockets and/or wear a money pouch inside your clothing
Carry handbags close to your body, shoulder bags the cross-body method with the bag in front of your body
Credit cards are generally accepted everywhere and are safer than traveling with large amounts of cash
While in destination, you may encounter local wildlife. Please refrain from touching any animal as they may carry diseases or harm you.

Tourist Street Scams

Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:

Remain alert and cautious. Be wary of any unusual contact or commotion in crowded public places, including train stations, markets, subways and tourist sites;
Be especially careful when traveling independently, or leaving your tour group to explore on your own. Try not to travel alone, especially at night. Avoid narrow alleys and poorly lit streets;
Use only official taxis and check the change you receive from all taxi drivers and vendors;
Beware of pickpockets often working with an accomplice who will distract you by spilling something on you, dropping a wallet or other seemingly valuable object, or tripping and falling down in front of you;
Beware of aggressive street vendors who may approach you offering a demonstration which may end with you being pressured to purchase an item or act as a distraction for another pickpocket;
Don’t tip beggars;
Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest;
Carry modest amounts of cash (US dollars) in small denominations so that you can avoid flashing large bills when paying for small items;
ATM machines can be a convenient way to carry less currency. However those machines too can be used for robbery. Be wary of anyone who can look over your shoulder when inputting PINs. Another scam involves rigging the machine with a plastic insert which makes your card retrieval difficult; the thief then removes your card after you walk away;
If you are confronted, do not fight back - give up your valuables. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police and keep a copy of the official report for insurance claims.

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ireland

General Emergency: 999

Britain

General Emergency: 999

Languages

Ireland - English is the local language.

Britain - English is the local language. In Wales, Welsh is also spoken.

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.

Ireland - The voltage used is 220 volts.

Britain - The voltage used is 240 volts.

Code of Conduct

Meals & Dietary Requests

Holidays

On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants.

Holidays - Ireland

Holidays - Britain

Gate 1 Traveler Photos
Professional Photos

10 Day Classic Scotland, April 2024

My Scotland trip was great, due in part to an amazing tour guide, Adam. He was knowledgeable, humorous, and personable. The sites were well selected and timed perfectly so I could use 'off' time to visit other notable sites. When I needed help with finding stores or sites, Adam willingly circled them on my map and helped with directions. My trip was 'bonnie lovely' and well worth the competitive price.

Susan S.

10 Day Classic England & Scotland, April 2024

I loved the 10-Day Classic England & Scotland tour! We covered a LOT of miles! Our London hotel was in the shadow of Tower Bridge, and the hotels in Bath, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Leeds were also very nice. I particularly enjoyed the optional dinner in Lacock and the whiskey pairing dinner in Edinburgh. We had wonderful city guides in London, Liverpool, and Edinburgh, but our tour manager, Jackie, had a wealth of knowledge interesting info herself! I fell in love with Scotland and want to do an all-Scotland tour very soon and hope I can have Jacky as the tour manager again!

Daun C.

8 Day Affordable Paris & London, April 2024

I had a great and wonderful time! I'm glad to have signed up for Gate 1, I was safe and was easy, no stress from being picked up from the airport till returning home. Everything was well planned and organized. We had an awesome tour manager, whom we call JP, and tour guides that gave us really good information about the history and culture of the site. Everyone on the tour were so friendly, we were like families. I truly enjoyed my travel. Thank you so much. I loved the hotels too! Nice and clean and was accessible to everything. I'm glad I made the right decision for booking at Gate 1. I'll do it again!

Emelda J.

10 Day Affordable England & Scotland, March 2024

My 10-day tour of England/Scotland was top notch! We saw so many historical sights & villages, Stonehenge was my favorite as I've only seen it in pictures & on documentaries. What a magical place - it could have only been better if I'd seen it under a full moon & on the solstice, with only a fraction of the tourists! I would have loved more time in Liverpool, sleeping at the Hard Days Night was like staying over at a Beatles museum or shrine. The English countryside is beautiful & historical, I love the dry stone walling that divides the pasture & fields & that so many are ancient. My memories of England will always include sheep on a hillside. We visited High Yewdale Farm, the proprietor (Gill) provided tea & scones with the most delectable clotted cream & homemade jam - what a memory to treasure! I can't sing the praises of our tour guide, Mark, loudly enough! He took care with every detail, found humor where I may have found frustrations. He is very knowledgeable about the history of each site/village we visited. He was also very caring with our group of senior citizens & our safety was his first priority. He had many suggestions for our free time & seemed to genuinely enjoy our diverse group. Kudos to Mark!

Debra P.

14 Day England, Scotland & Ireland, March 2024

We just got back from the 14-day England, Scotland, and Ireland trip with Leonard and Joe and just wanted Gate1 to know how much we enjoyed the trip!! We were particularly impressed with how wonderful Lenny and Joe were. This was my 4th Gate1 trip and Lenny and Joe were the best Tour Guide and Driver I've ever had! They were both very knowledgeable about all the areas we travelled to and both of them went above and beyond to ensure that everyone in our group enjoyed themselves. It was great to see how Lenny handled the various people and their intentions for their trip. Lenny made sure to offer suggestions that would help each person achieve their individual goals for their trip while continuously bringing the group together by helping us see our similarities. Lenny is friendly, kind, funny, organized, and just one of the best humans I've ever met! Joe was absolutely amazing! He drove the bus as an expert, and it was impressive! He is also an amazing human! I loved that both Lenny and Joe are from the Republic of Ireland. As much as I think it would be cool to work for Gate1 and live somewhere amazing, I'm really glad that everyone that guided our tours were locals to the countries we visited. This added to the charm of our vacation. We will continue to use Gate1 for our bookings and will definitely want to book another trip to Scotland and Ireland, specifically with Lenny (and hopefully with Joe too)!! Thank you for employing such incredible people!!

Shawna M.

16 Day Scotland & Ireland, March 2024

My husband and I loved our trip! Our Tour Manager, Clodagh went above and beyond. She was exceptional in all regards. She was knowledgeable, considerate, friendly, incredibly organized, generous, fun, and more. We were extremely fortunate to have her as our guide. I feel like we found a new, cool Irish friend! Our driver, Kevin, was incredibly kind and extraordinarily skilled! He is a wonderful man, and we felt very safe while traveling along narrow and traffic filled roads. He's a gem! Our local tour guides were amazing, as well. Mairi, Jim, Peter and our lovely guide in Glasgow (I'm ashamed I can't remember her name) were all excellent. Rain or shine, they contributed to our experience in extraordinary ways, and we will never forget them. Our relief drivers, Ian and John (Tubby) were also very skilled, polite and helpful. They made an effort to get to know all of us on the tours, and we appreciated their careful transport. Overall, I was extremely pleased with the tour, and Clodagh and Kevin made it all amazing. I have an appreciation for the land, history and people of Scotland and Ireland that I didn't expect to gain. I can't wait to go back to both countries!

Sally B.

16 Day Scotland & Ireland, March 2024

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed our trip. Our tour manager John and driver Jim were amazing. I have always done independent travel because I heard groups trips were rushed and always go, go, go. My experience was the exact opposite. We had an amazing time. John never rushed us and gave us plenty of time to do everything we wanted to and the perfect amount of downtime. He always watched out for us, always gave group and individual suggestions, always made sure everyone was ok and having fun, always made accommodations for special request and even went to the airport to track down our lost luggage. Jim, our driver, was the second part of the amazing duo. He was such an outstanding driver. Our bus quote was "In Jim we trust.' He did not just react to oncoming traffic; he would watch what was going up or down the entire mountain. Beyond his driving skills, he was such a nice person. Getting to know Jim was a highlight of my trip and our talks are something I will always remember. I just wanted Gate 1 to know how amazing John and Jim are. How easy, fun, and memorable they made our trip. John planned and took care of every single detail, Jim got us through the craziest roads I have ever seen, all while creating an atmosphere that allowed our entire group to bond. One week after arriving home, I still miss everyone and would not have changed one minute of our time together. Overall, I want your company to know that while the trip itinerary you created was great, it was Jim and John that made it unforgettable. They are both irreplaceable assets to your company and should be rewarded and treated as such.

Jaime E.

10 Day Affordable England & Scotland, March 2024

Words cannot adequately describe the professionalism, dedication, knowledge, organization and problem-solving skills, warmth, and outright entertaining and friendly disposition of our dear and wonderful Elaine, our tour manager. Dave, our driver, was equally professional, dedicated, and friendly. I come from an industry of the world's top driving experts and skilled offensive and defensive drivers, and yet Dave still managed to impress me with his skill and unbelievable constitution and calmness no matter the situation. Elaine and Dave are a powerful and invaluable team.

Andrea P.

14 Day England, Scotland & Ireland, March 2024

This was our fourth tour with Gate1travel, and we have no complaints at all. As usual, everything was on time with the excellence that Gate 1 delivers. We are very lucky that we found Gate1, and we are recommending it to everyone we know. We want to especially highlight our tour manager David; this gentleman is one of the best tour manager we have ever met. He was extremely attentive, and all the time concerned about our safety and comfort. Somebody who also we could have a great conversation with about the countries we were visiting, and also a happy companion, like another guest. We want to also thank Tommy, our driver, who was a heck of a great one through the narrow roads in Scotland and Ireland. Thus far, this was the best of the fourth tours, and we are already thinking about our next adventure with Gate1. Thank you all for a magnificent time!

Leopoldo S.

14 Day England, Scotland & Ireland, March 2024

Our trip was wonderful although the (weather in Ireland was not the best!) Our tour director David was very good. He had the perfect blend of organization, information, tips on navigating each stop and a bit of humor!!. The breakfasts and dinners were delicious. Tommy was an unbelievably experienced driver. He received many rounds of applause from the passengers as he maneuvered through some tight spots. We were very pleased with Gate 1. I will definitely consider another trip with your company in the future.

Kathleen A.

14 Day England, Scotland & Ireland, March 2024

I wanted to send more feedback about our tour guide David. Without him, the trip would not have been the same. He was charming, informative, caring, funny, knowledgeable and was just the right mix of fatherly vs tour leader. What I mean is, he kept the group on schedule without treating us like young school children or being too harsh about it. I work in the tourism industry and wish every group leader I interact with was like David. He was just an absolute joy to spend the two weeks with. Most of the guests on this trip were 55+ however, I traveled with my kids (in their late 20's early 30's). They absolutely LOVED David and we are still telling "David" stories. I think we have all made a lifelong friend. My family has taken several Gate 1 tours and have always found the accommodations, travel documents, attractions, transportation etc. top tier. Having David as our guide really make this particular tour special. Give the man a raise!!

Carrie S.

8 Day Affordable Paris & London, March 2024

Another wonderful trip with Gate1, my 13th, but a lucky 13th with my daughter in law and granddaughter .Thank you Gate1. A new generation of travelers is born!!!

Patricia R.

10 Day Affordable England & Scotland, January 2024

Our tour guide Debbie and bus driver Alan were top notch. They both went over and beyond to make our trip enjoyable and trouble free. We can't say enough about their expertise and friendliness. They are both great assets for Gate 1.

Teresa P.

8 Day Edinburgh & Glasgow by Rail, November 2023

This was one of the best travel experiences ever. Your web description, paperwork and actual services and amenities all were perfectly in alignment and so useful. My wife and I were so please that EVERY aspect of the trip was already so well thought out .. the hotel, the transfers, the train, the locations ... perfect. EVERY contact ( hotel, transfer, tour ) knew about us right when we walked in ... no guessing or clarifying .. it was like they had expected us and were looking forward to our visit. Most importantly ...WHAT A GREAT VALUE. The independent travel gave us the flexibility we wanted, but, key aspects ( like flights and hotels ) were already set and the add on transfers and tour were seamlessly integrated. We have no idea how GATE1 does this at the very, very reasonable price that we charged. To heck with cruises .... GATE1 Independent travel is our new way of seeing the world. Thanks !!

Mark B.

8 Day Affordable Paris & London, November 2023

My mom, sister, and I had a WONDERFUL time in Paris and London. Our tour guide, Craig was amazing! From day 1 he made sure we were settled, had a map of the area, knew how to get around, gave safety tips and reminders, and every single restaurant he recommended was fabulous. Every single one! He is extremely knowledgeable about the areas we visited- during free time, we would tell him what our plans were and he gave helpful tips. My favorite was when we told him we planned to go to an Indian restaurant in London and he said it was often very busy so they give you a buzzer. The buzzer would work only in a certain range from the restaurant, and there is a pub with live music 2 stores down that it will work in! There is no way we would have known that , and it turned our dinner into a 2 part event. Additionally, I am a pescatarian and don't eat certain meats. Every group meal and afternoon tea, Craig made sure the servers knew and I had a replacement. In a large group, he really paid attention to the needs of each individual. I have done Gate 1 a couple of time before, but this is the first time I heard of the term "group harmony". We had a wonderful group with people from all over, and we all would talk and agreed that Craig is the best of the best! Thank you, Gate 1 for a trip we will always remember.

Andria Q.

8 Day Edinburgh & Glasgow by Rail, November 2023

We had a fantastic time. Gate 1 put us in hotels in great locations - both hotels were near train and bus stations, and close to restaurants, pubs and shopping. It was an easy walk to all the major sights in Edinburgh. In Glasgow we could walk to shopping, transportation, and the Winterfest fair was just a block away. We have noticed that on our independent Gate 1 excursions the hotels are always well placed near transportation and eateries. Breakfast was hearty and the hotel staff very helpful. Our room was pleasant and clean. The hotel dinner menu in Glasgow was limited but enough to get a good dinner. We took advantage this once when we came in late, tired, and didn't want to head out again. We had soup and sandwiches, and both were excellent. We love the Gate 1 independent offerings. We have done many - and have booked another one for next spring. Thank you Gate 1 for making travel easy, fun and reasonably priced.

Katherine I.

10 Day Affordable England & Scotland, November 2023

Just wanted to say I thought David was an excellent Tour Manager and he went above & beyond everyday. I've been on 8-10 tours, this being my first with Gate 1 and by comparison, I'd say David was one of the best Tour Managers I've ever encountered. He was willing to take tour members out every night to see a bit more of the local events, and took members to pubs and to hear music. I thought this went beyond because I considered him "off the clock" once we were checked into our rooms, unless there was a scheduled dinner. I thought this was very generous of him to give up his "free time" and keep members entertained instead of decompressing from the long day's events & travel. David is very personable and really made of point of interacting with everyone in the group. He really made a significant contribution to raising the overall level of the tour (& I'm not just saying that because he remembered my birthday on the 6th! LOL).

Catherine J.

8 Day Classic England & Scotland, October 2023

I just completed my first experience with Gate1 Travel and it will not be my last for sure...I want to send a special compliment to our tour guide, Elaine and our driver David. It was obvious Elaine loves her job and what she does. She was so very knowledgeable about our trip and was very organized. She made us laugh and did little things to make the trip so very nice. Please pass my compliments along to her. David was an excellent driver and made us feel safe. He was professional and we very much appreciated him!

Patti L.

10 Day Classic Scotland, October 2023

Trip was fantastic. Helen and John were good leaders. Great camaraderie. Learned a lot and enjoyed the scenery, and food (haggis was part of our first dinner!!!!). I've been talking about this trip with folks I work with and I believe they will looking into planning a Scotland trip soon!

Susan G.

10 Day Classic Scotland, October 2023

I wanted to be sure and commend Gate 1 for a fabulous trip to Scotland! We had a group of 9 of us in our party alone and it was our first time to the country and we all loved every second of it. Helen, our tour manager, and John, our driver were great. John was kind and would joke with the group and just had a great personality while continuously keeping us safe with his excellent driving. Helen was the most kind person. She was always available to the group for any questions anyone may have had. She engaged with all of us every chance she got and always had the best smile on her face. She made me feel like I had known her for years! She worked very hard changing some of our original plans that were effected due to weather and I much appreciate her doing that. I also really enjoyed all of the hotels that were selected for this trip. All were very comfortable and the locations were great because we like to walk to local establishments in our free time. I have recommended Gate 1 to many others (in fact, 4 in our group of 9 chose Gate 1 because of me) and I will absolutely continue to do so. Thank you for continuing to provide traveling the world at great prices!!

Heidi V.

16 Day Scotland & Ireland, October 2023

Our trip was wonderful! Our tour guide, David, was outstanding. He provided us with all the history, folklore and high points of all 3 countries while constantly keeping us entertained with music, trivia and jokes. He went above and beyond. Gerard, our driver, is the most skilled driver I've ever met. Always pleasant, happy and helpful, too. No disappointments, other than the fog at the cliffs of Moher , but that couldn't be helped. Highlights for us were the countryside and castles, our shortbread and tea stop in Scotland, the Titanic museum in Belfast, and the pubs and sheepdog demonstrations in Ireland. I was happy to meet PJ of Sweney's pharmacy fame at Kennedy's pub in Dublin. Gate 1 certainly finds the best people to make our vacations memorable.

Elizabeth F.

16 Day Scotland & Ireland, October 2023

Please convey to David Seagraves our thank you for the wedding anniversary song he played for us on 10/28. Went to thank him two times and forgot each time to thank him. David is, by far, the best tour guide that we have ever had in all our travels. Each day David invited us to join him during his free time to see more of the city. We have never experienced that before this trip. He had the group interact with his "Name the State." He played such great music during the drives that included songs related to Scotland and Ireland. If it was a person's birthday or wedding anniversary, he played an appropriate song. I loved his "Write A Limerick" contest. He sat and visited with the group and/or bus driver during the meals. I had a chance to talk with others after the tour. One man said David was by far the best tour guide he and his wife had had. One lady said David "was the best." Another traveler said David was great. A couple we traveled with heard a lady on the street in one of our cities say she had heard of David and wish he had been her tour guide. I loved his play on words. David has a good reputation. He knows his job very well and made our trip fun, interesting, and showed and explained the sights. He is personable, and he represents your company very well. Our bus driver, Gerard, was the best bus driver I have ever had. He was very personable, humorous, and drove safely. Will you email me that you passed my words on to the tour guide.

Nancy W.

16 Day Scotland & Ireland, October 2023

Our trip was FANTASTIC!!! There were 33 of us and we all got along so well!! No prickly personalities, no estrangements, no tardiness, just pure fun. Our tour manager David was amazing. He was so much fun and so knowledgeable. His jokes (no matter how bad), his music and the info he shared with us was so enjoyable. He made our group seem like one big happy family. He was always prompt, if not early, his communication with us was excellent. His passion for the United Kingdom was very evident and he was so good at sharing that. He set a very good pace for all of us and we saw so much. Our bus driver, Jared, was excellent as well. His rapport with David was so strong and the two of them made our trip extremely enjoyable. Jared worked so hard managing our luggage and was an amazing driver on the windy, narrow roads of Scotland and Ireland. He always looked out for our safety when crossing busy roads. He was always prompt and very helpful. Our tour guide in Glasgow, John, was so passionate and informative about his city. He is so proud of how Glasgow has grown during his lifetime and that pride clearly came through. His stories about legends added quite a bit of color for us and we really enjoyed his guidance around Glasgow.

Nancy O.

14 Day England, Scotland & Ireland, October 2023

The trip was great. We have covered lot of places an happy to be able to see UK and Ireland. The driver and the tour manager were excellent and knowledgeable.I would recommend this trip anyone who is interested seeing UK and Ireland. Eric, the tour manager is outstanding in managing the trip and providing in-depth analysis of various places. Joe, the driver, is outstanding in driving. He was able to manage to drive through narrow roads and mountains and hills.I would be happy to take another trip with GATE1, in fact I have reservations to see Portugal and Spain and then Japan next year. Thank you GATE1 for providing my wife and I with great European experience, This was my third trip with GATE1 and two more to go next year and so on.

Prasad K.

8 Day Essential Paris & London, October 2023

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.

16 Day Scotland & Ireland, October 2023

Out trip was wonderful! We went to so many beautiful places and had so many wonderful experiences, thank you. Our Tour Manager, Mathew was a fountain of knowledge and a great guide for each place we visited. He also surprised the group with many little touches and stops along the tour. We will look forward to another Gate 1 trip sometime in the future. Thank you for all of your help in planning the trip.

Deborah R.

10 Day Classic England & Scotland, September 2023

I want to make sure Gate 1 Travel knows what a valuable asset they have in our Tour Manager Debbie. Debbie was not only a highly effective manager of the tour in terms of logistics, she is personable, compassionate, and funny. Her voluminous knowledge of Great Britain encompasses geography, history, culture, etymology, geology, popular culture, government, economics, and botany. She kept us entertained and informed throughout every moment of the tour, but also knew when to give us time to rest and just enjoy the scenery. Her commentary was given in a natural and conversational way, never feeling rehearsed or forced. Her enthusiasm for the subjects she was discussing was genuine and fresh, something uncommon with tour guides. In terms of managing the tour, we always knew what was on the schedule, where to be, and when. We feel our time was utilized to its fullest, something that greatly increases the value of the tour for the price paid. Debbie is not only an amazing ambassador for Gate 1, she is a credit to the U.K., representing her home in a way that left us excited to make another trip in the future. Our Gate 1 Tour was an amazing success thanks to Debbie.

Jennifer K.

12 Day Kaleidoscope of Scotland, September 2023

Thank you for an amazing trip! It's the first time we have travelled internationally since Covid. Scotland was beautiful and so rich with history. David, our guide was perfect. He told us so much about the history of Scotland. He was well organized and kept the tour on time. Chris, our driver was the sweetest person. She kept us safe and you could tell she was a very experienced driver. All the hotels were well located. We particularly loved the ones in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The optional tour of the Kayleigh was definitely a fun time and a highlight of our trip. Thank you for organizing such a great adventure.

Ruth B.

8 Day Essential Paris & London, August 2023

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.

10 Day Southern England, August 2023

Another outstanding trip - G1 trip number 51 for me! I am English born, but took this, my second UK trip with G1, as there is so much that I haven't seen and Southern England fit the bill admirably with many castles, historic homes and sights with great tradition and history. The tour was beautifully paced, and after many trips where you are constantly on the go, this one allowed for a really nice amount of time in every stop, guided visits and free time for shopping, a leisurely drink or lunch, which is not always the case and is a bonus! Hotels were well located and very nice, included meals were also quite good, I counted five included dinners and the fish and chips dinner in Brighton and the farewell dinner in London were especially delicious. Our tour was led by Mark, who was an exceptional tour manager and person. He had a great manner about him, was knowledgeable, supremely organized, funny, very clear and kept everyone happy. Our driver Glynn was excellent, safe and personable and we were in great hands. I saw and learned so much, experienced many new sights and loved it all - every day brought something interesting and fun. For anyone who is looking for a very well paced tour, with a nice mix of sights and free time, look no further than this one, it ticks all the boxes! Thank you as always!

Lorraine P.

10 Day Classic Scotland, August 2023

Super. Our guide arranged events flawlessly; our stops were historic; Scots we met were very pleasant and so polite. Went to the Edinburg Castle military tattoo: best show we have ever seen. Overall a + 10.

Robert F.

6 Day London Vacation, August 2023

Trip was amazing. We needed more time to see everything in London, so I guess we have to go back! We are already thinking about where to go next and Gate 1 will be our first option for planning the next trip (but not till 2024 some time).

Erin S.

12 Day Kaleidoscope of Scotland, August 2023

Enjoyed our trip to Scotland. Mike is an excellent tour guide. He was very helpful and informative. His sincerity came through when he arranged excursions not listed. For the purpose of bringing highlights to the tour. He will be fondly remembered. Also the bus driver John, his ability to handle the bus was reassuring while on the narrow roads. John is friendly and welcoming

Gloria P.

16 Day Scotland & Ireland, August 2023

Jackie was our tour manager, and we just want to let you know how fantastic she was! She made our first Gate 1 trip, a trip to remember! Jackie was so fun, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout our entire 16-day trip. Our driver through Hannon, Robbie, was just as fun, knowledgeable, and helpful. These two people are great representatives and treasures of Gate 1 Travel.

Mary F.

16 Day Scotland & Ireland, August 2023

Our tour manager, David was very passionate about what he was doing and so knowledgeable. I've learned so much from him on the history on so many things. He was the best tour manager so far!

Marianne B.

12 Day Kaleidoscope of Scotland, July 2023

My partner and I just returned from our 10 day tour of Scotland with you and there are not enough positive superlatives to express our appreciation. Everything, everything was wonderful. Debbie, our tour manager, was phenomenal, from her great personality to her knowledge of the history of Scotland, its topography, flora, fauna, etc., etc. And what energy! Marcin, our driver, was also phenomenal. He also has a great personality, and we felt safe with him. And Scotland definitely has some narrow roads that he had to negotiate. Everything was so well planned and executed. The hotels were all clean and comfortable. The food was good. We even tried a little haggis! Not my thing, but we tried it. We definitely saw a lot of Scotland, and what a beautiful country with such friendly people. This was our third tour with Gate1, the others being Croatia/Slovenia and Sicily, which were also wonderful by the way, and we will definitely be back if our ages allow. Thanks again!

William H.

10 Day Classic England & Scotland, July 2023

My wife and I just finished our 8 day trip to England and Scotland to celebrate our 25th anniversary. I can't say enough good things about our guide Elaine, our driver Alan and the various guides we utilized throughout the tour. The hotels were excellent and the itinerary was well-developed to allow for individual exploration when you wanted it. We enjoyed the dinners and appreciated the random samples of items on the coach that were unique to the area we were visiting. Alan's driving, especially in the small roads of the English countryside, was perfect and Elaine's stories broke up the time nicely in long journeys towards our destination. We really enjoyed our first experience with Gate 1 and will be back again!

Keith L.