9 Day Douro River Cruise
From
$2499
Land Only
$3449*
Air & Land
Hotels/Plans Available for Departure Dates
| Cabin D | ||
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| MS Douro Cruiser | ||
| Cabin C | ||
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| MS Douro Cruiser | ||
| Cabin B Obstructed View | ||
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| MS Douro Cruiser | ||
| Cabin B | ||
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| MS Douro Cruiser | ||
| Cabin A | ||
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| MS Douro Cruiser | ||
Select a Date to Book
Select a Date to Book
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1300 | ||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $2899 | $3959* | |||||
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$2999 | $4249* | ||||
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1400 | ||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $2999 | $3969* | |||||
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$3099 | $4139* | ||||
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1600 | ||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $3099 | $4069* | |||||
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$3199 | $4239* | ||||
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1700 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $3199 | $4219* | |||||
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$3299 | $4549* | ||||
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1800 | ||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $3299 | $4309* | |||||
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$3399 | $4419* | ||||
Not Included:
Optional shore excursions and gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Additional Information:
Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Embarkation will begin at 2 pm however early arrivals may rest in the lounge if their assigned cabin is not ready upon check-in.
Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. There are no elevators or chair lifts on board. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information.
While sailing with MS Douro Cruiser, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: MS Douro Cruiser Terms & Conditions.
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?
River Cruise Package Includes
- Round trip flights New York-Porto, Porto-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - 7 nights outside cabin aboard the MS Douro Cruiser
- Cruise porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 19 meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
- Cruise director & activities host throughout cruise
- Services of local guides
- Shore excursions per itinerary
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring during excursions
Special Features
- See magnificent panoramic views of the Douro River
- Tour the Douro Museum and learn about the winemaking industry of the area
- Discover the medieval village of Torre de Moncorvo, known for its historic architecture
- Visit Salamanca with its ancient sandstone buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Embark on a tour of Porto and view the Cathedral, São Bento Train Station, famous for its azulejos tiles, and the Stock Exchange
River Cruise Features & Amenities
- Wine and beer with dinners
- Lounge serving premium spirits
- Non-smoking ship interior
- Early riser breakfast in addition to buffet breakfast
- Daily morning exercises
- Shore excursions conducted exclusively in English by licensed guides
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates if pre/post accommodations are booked through Gate 1 Travel
Not Included:
Optional shore excursions gratuities. (unless otherwise specified).
Is This Trip Right for You?
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The order of ports of call and shore excursions is subject to change due to local port authorities. The number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary.
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
7 Day Afurada to Afurada - Cat. BO Upper Deck Superior Cabin with Obstructed View Balcony
Ship Profile
- 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
Embark on a tour to a local quinta located in the vineyard plateau of Favaios, in the center of the Douro demarcated area. Visit the vineyard and learn about the wine production, aging, and bottling, followed by wine tasting. Afterward, savor dinner with traditional Portuguese meals.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #6 | 01 Mar 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $105.00 |
Explore the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its wealth of architectural treasures. View the Guimarães Castle where Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal was born, and Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.
Approximate tour duration is 5 hours.
| Day #8 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $80.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/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 |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Portugal - Spring and Summer are usually sunny, with hot days during July and August. Autumn and Winter are typically rainy and windy, yet sunny days are not rare either. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Portugal Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| Douro River Cruise Docking Afurada - Douro Marina Port The Douro Marina (Afurada) port is located at R. da Praia 430, 4400-554 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. The ship access is at Gate E. Covelo - Leverinho Port The Leverinho Port (Covelo) is located at Cais da Lixa, Praceta Nossa Sra. dos Navegantes, 4515-027 Covelo, Portugal Google Map: Leverinho Port |
| MS Douro Cruiser - If you do not have a Gate 1 Transfer to the ship, we recommend you telephone the ship reception on your embarkation day to receive the most recent & precise docking information. * Ship reception/Hotel Manager: +31-639-346-845 * Local office emergency number: +(421)-907-707-947 |
Douro Cruiser 2025 Docking Locations in Afurada / Leverinho
Please find detailed descriptions of the river cruise ship docking locations in Porto below. |
| 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. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. 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. |
| River Cruises |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each cruise ship based on overall quality, itinerary, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All MS Douro Cruiser cabins are standard rooms with private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. All cabins have two twin beds that can be pushed together or separated. Traveling with bags and luggage that fold up is recommended as cabins cannot store hard luggage. Due to the closeness of cabins there may be potential noise pollution from adjoining cabins. While at port, the vessel may be docked adjacent to another ship which may obstruct window views. We recommend you close the cabin curtains before turning in at night for privacy. While double docked, ships often continue to run their engines for air-conditioning and other services. Depending upon the wind direction, residual engine fumes may enter some cabins. This is a temporary situation, alleviated once the ship moves. We reserve the right to make ship substitutions with those of equal standard. |
| 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. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| 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 |
| Water Level |
| A rise or fall in the river water level, or other factors which may impact safe navigation, can prevent the ship from passing under bridges and/or moving further along the river. This may cause part or all of the cruise itinerary to be operated by motor coach. If this becomes necessary, Gate 1 Travel will endeavor to provide equal or similar services, however no cruise will be canceled and no monetary compensation will be made for those changes. A fluctuation in water level can change in a matter of hours and may occur at any time of the year. In this case, the situation will be closely monitored by captain and crew to ensure services are delivered with as few substitutions as possible. If you have planned independent travel prior to the cruise it is advisable to leave local contact information with Gate 1 Travel before departing. Should an embarkation point be changed, Gate 1 Travel will attempt to contact passengers by phone or email. |
| Portugal - The Euro is the currency of Portugal. |
| European River Cruises - The Euro is the currency used for purchases on board the ship. Money-changing services (to Euro) will be available on board. Ship Account and Payment: There is a cashless system on board. All on board expenditures (in the bar, restaurant and shop) are added to the ship's account. Closing invoices will be presented to the passengers for settlement. Payment can be made by cash in Euro or by credit card (VISA and MasterCard). Payment made by credit card may be subject to an international credit card transaction fee. Please note we cannot accept USD as a form of cash payment. Passenger's are not eligible for a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for purchases made on board the ship. |
| European River Cruises - On board expenditures are processed through a banking center in Cyprus. Passengers wishing to settle their on board account by credit card should advise their credit card provider of potential charges from Cyprus in addition to the countries that will be visited on your itinerary. |
| 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. |
| Portugal - Items of particular interest include handicrafts such as handmade leather purses or clothes and glass items. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| European River Cruises - You are on a ship with a high safety standard and reliable crew. In case of emergency, we ask you to follow the instructions of your crew. Please take further information concerning safety from the notice on your cabin door. Life jackets will be stored in your stateroom or in containers on the sun deck, marked clearly. When leaving the ship, kindly pick up your boarding pass from the reception desk and promptly return it upon arrival back to the ship. This procedure helps ensure your security by allowing the crew to immediately determine if all passengers are on board before continuing the cruise. While in port, please keep your cabin door locked. |
| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Portugal
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| Languages |
| Portugal - The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. |
| 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. |
| Portugal - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| MS Douro Cruiser - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| 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.
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| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Portugal |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Apr 25: Liberation Day May 1: Labor Day Jun 4: Corpus Christi Jun 10: Portugal Day Aug 15: Assumption of Mary Oct 5: Republic Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Dec 1: Independence Restoration Day Dec 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception Dec 25: Christmas Day Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 9: Carnival Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter Apr 25: Liberation Day May 1: Labor Day May 23: Portugal Day May 27: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Assumption of Mary Oct 5: Republic Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Dec 1: Independence Restoration Day Dec 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception Dec 25: Christmas Day |
| On Your Cruise - European River Cruises |
| Attire: River cruise dress code is always casual. Modest attire (no bathing suits) is requested in the dining room at all meals. Remember to pack comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. Language: The official language on board is English, although other languages may be spoken. All announcements and tours will be performed in English. Meals and Dietary Restrictions: The dining room offers open seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you have any special dietary needs, please see your Maître d'hôtel, who will be at your disposal for special needs. Passengers with specific dietary requirements must notify Gate 1 Travel at least 20 days prior to departure. Please note that while we strive to accommodate dietary requirements, fulfilling requests for specific cuisines or regional dishes may not be possible. However, we are pleased to assist within the limits of the products available on board. Our menu reflects the region visited during the tour, with inspiration drawn from both U.S. and international cuisine. A vegetarian option is always available on the menu. Smoking: Smoking is only allowed in designated areas on the sundeck. Please do not throw cigarettes overboard. Amenities: A hairdryer is supplied to all cabins. Laundry service is available on board for an additional charge, however the ship is not equipped to care for dry cleaning. Charges are displayed on board. Valuables can be deposited in the cabin safe. Medical Services: Ship's crew may be able to provide basic first-aid, however ships do not carry a doctor or nurse onboard. Should professional medical attention be required, local services will be contacted upon the passenger's request. Excursions: During your journey you will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of shore excursions. If you have not pre-booked the excursions, there will be an opportunity to do so on board with your Cruise Director. These excursions can be paid for in cash (EUR), or charged to your credit card. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional About your sightseeing: To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our cruises. Color-coded group splits for shoreside included and Optional tours are coordinated which will be organized by your Cruise Director. Walking: River Cruise tours dock at inland towns and excursions may include a fair amount of walking on uneven or cobblestone streets. Passengers will be required to climb stairs to access the different decks of the ship and many ports have limited ramps. You may also experience "double-docking." In some ports, where there are limited docks available for the number of visiting ships, you may find your ship docked adjacent to another and may have to walk across one or more other river cruise ships before reaching the dock area. Children: The vessels do not maintain facilities or services for children aboard the cruise. We regret that we cannot accommodate children under 16 years of age. Telephone: Cabins are not equipped with telephones. If you need to be contacted while on board the ship, please provide the emergency numbers outlined in your documents to family and/or friends. It is possible that the emergency numbers are out of the telephone network at the time of dialing. It is advisable to hang-up and dial a short time later. Email and Post: The MS Douro Cruiser offers complimentary basic internet access onboard based on mobile telephone networks for river cruise ships. Internet service is accessible in the reception lobby area. This service is complimentary and should enable you to browse the internet, check your email, access international publications, and view Facebook accounts on your personal device(s) in areas where there is a network. You will be unable to download movies or video, send videos or access Netflix or Jetflicks. At the beginning of your sailing, you will be provided with an access code which you may use on any of your devices. Please note the possibility of potential interruptions based on terrain and weather, plus factors such as populated ports where many ships are utilizing the same satellite signal, is high and to be expected. Any mail with postage can be handed in at the reception. It will be posted at the next port of call. |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: European River Cruises |
River Cruise Crew: US $16 per person per day Cruise Director: US $4 per person per day Activity Host: US $4 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Crew gratuities will be shared by all crew members and may be paid via the on board ship account or dropped in the designated box at reception. Gratuities for the Gate 1 Cruise Director and Activity Host should be paid in cash and given to the person directly. Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Tour Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local City Host (Acts as Tour Manager): US $4 per person per day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Portugal - For activities on your own, tipping in restaurants is optional, as waiters earn wages in Portugal and a tip is considered a note of appreciation. It is common practice to round up the total bill to the next euro. Tipping taxi drivers and daily tips for hotel staff are not customary. However, it is important to note that in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists gratuities may be expected for good service. |
This was my first Gate1 tour and my first river cruise. It was wonderful. Special kudos to Eva and Nial who both made the trip run seamlessly. Also thank you to the chefs and wait staff who made mealtimes special. Thank you to the captain for being welcoming to guests and for providing safe travels. Also enjoyed the bar staff who interacted with all of us, the lobby staff were always available to assist or answer questions, and the housekeeping staff did an excellent job making up the room each day and keeping the ship extremely clean. Thank you to all as they truly are the ones who made the trip so successful.
Grace L.
My trip was wonderful. I especially liked the smaller ship where it was easier to meet people and get to know the staff. The scenery was very nice and the atmosphere on the ship was laid back. It was relaxing. The food was delicious and well prepared. The meat is so tender you could cut it with a fork. I enjoyed the presentation of the appetizers, entrees, and desserts. I liked seeing the countryside as I traveled to the different excursions. It showed me the picture of Portugal as a country that I wanted to know Overall, I enjoyed the sights and have recommended Gate 1 to my family and friends for a Douro River cruise.
Elaine G.
I am writing to express my deepest appreciation for the outstanding work of our tour manager, Sonia. She has been an exceptional presence throughout our journey professionally, organized, and genuinely caring in every moment. From the very beginning, Sonia made us feel welcomed, supported, and excited for what was ahead. Her communication was always clear, her planning flawless, and her ability to handle every detail with calm confidence was truly admirable. She anticipated needs we didn't even know we had, ensuring that every stop, every transition, and every experience felt smooth and enjoyable. What makes Sonia truly special is her warmth. She brought joy to the trip-not just by guiding us, but by being part of the group. Her positive energy, patience, and generosity of spirit lifted everyone's mood and made us feel connected, safe, and valued. She treated every member of the group with kindness and respect, and her passion for what she does shined in every interaction. Because of Sonia, this tour was not just a trip-it was a beautiful, memorable experience that we will treasure. Her dedication and professionalism make her an extraordinary asset, and we are grateful beyond words for the care she put into making our journey
Olga K.
This was our first Gate 1 trip, and we were thoroughly pleased with the quality and staff. We want to pass along how great our cruise director Carmen was. We have done many trips and have had many directors along the way. Carmen was outstanding and a credit to the quality of your tour, based on our experience we will look to Gate 1 for a future trip.
Theodore O.
We loved our Douro River Cruise from start to finish - even on rainy days! The ship was truly a home away from home, with much better service. Our tour director, Gisella, was wonderful - friendly, approachable and incredibly organized. We really enjoyed getting to know her. Entertainment director, Eva, was fun and a perfect fit in her role. The food was amazing! I can't recall how many times we said that the meals were incredible.
Amanda H.
Would like to give my highest praise to our Lisbon Portugal and Spain tour director Eva. Eva was the best tour director we have had from all of our Gate1 tours. I can't say enough about the way she conducted our tour. Thanks Gate1 for assigning such a wonderful person as our tour director.
Eddie S.
I wanted to compliment Rui and Nuno (tour driver). Rui was exceptional. His mastery of the history of Portugal was superb. He was able to answer our questions and taught us some of the language in a fun way. He was very engaging and knew when we needed to nap on the bus. He managed our group, so we all felt like family traveling together. He kept us on time in a gentle way. I would travel again with him absolutely. Nuno, our driver was the picture of professionalism, we had rain the entire trip, but his driving ability made me always feel safe. He dressed professionally and was concerned about our safety on and off the bus. All in all, this was the best trip I could have imagined for my first trip with Gate 1 and my first trip to Europe.
LeeAnn T.
I have been on 3 previous Gate1 tours & the Tour Managers have been excellent. However, I cannot say enough good things about our recent Tour Manager, Blanca. She was exceptional-outstanding! She was very professional, but friendly and easily accessible. She was thoughtful and very pleasant and worked very hard. She was the perfect hostess. She went out of her way for everyone. Kudos for having such a great person on your staff!
Eve S.
The trip was outstanding ! The tour director, Francisco, was among the very best in our 9 Gate 1 trips. All our guides have been good but Francisco was absolutely superb. The trip was paced well and the extra side trips we took were all excellent as well. Gate 1 never disappoints !
Lawrence B.
It was wonderful. Our tour guide Patricia was amazing. She was organized and prepared, a wealth of knowledge. She was so friendly and available to us at all times. All the staff on the Douro Cruiser were awesome. So friendly, kind and helpful. The food was delicious and our cabin was perfectly cleaned by Liliana. We had a waitperson in the dining room who made us feel like family, her name was Elsa. We had a member in our party with food allergies and Elsa worked diligently to make sure her food needs were met. I greatly appreciate the cooks who assisted with the special food preparation. Eva our activities director always had a fun activity planned. And I participated in many of the activities. The captain Fernando and his staff were experienced and I felt very safe with their navigator of the ship. Danny the bartender always made sure we were served the tastiest beverages and Ariel did the same at meals. Gate One has the best teams in the world. Everyone on the ship made sure I was well taken care of and enjoying myself. I cannot praise the entire staff enough and I know there were many crew members working hard to allow me this awesome experience. I would name all 35 in this email if I could. I also loved the excursions and the local guides and drivers. Thank you Gate One for another exciting adventure! Can't wait for my next one!
Mary R.
It was an excellent tour. It was a memorable experience to see all the beautiful and places with so much history. The group was totally fun to be with, the members were punctual. Our tour guide Maevon was very helpful in a way that he had handouts to help us navigate the place when we're on our own like the restaurants around the hotel and places to go to on our free time. My husband and I had truly enjoyed our trip. The weather was excellent as well.
Herminia L.
My husband and I really enjoyed our trip. It's a beautiful country and a place my husband has always wanted to go. Our tour guide America was amazing. We can't say enough about him. His knowledge, friendliness, sense of humor and commitment to his job was more than impressive. We heard many people in our group talking about how wonderful Gate 1 is and how many trips they've taken through Gate 1, which really impressed us. Hoping to go to Switzerland with Gate 1 next year. Thank you for helping us book our trip and for making everything run so smoothly.
Laura H.
Overall an excellent tour. We really saw so many interesting sights! Beautiful hotels with lovely breakfasts. We can't say enough great things about our wonderful tour guide, Telma!
June J.
AMAZING trip in beautiful Portugal! Beautiful country, beautiful weather, beautiful food and traveling companions! Most of all....AMAZING ALEX, our guide and manager! He made everything possible and perfect as we traveled the country!!! Thank you! Have a great day and be blessed!
Susan G.
The Douro River Cruise proved to be an exceptional journey. The thoughtfully arranged excursions offered a perfect balance of culture and leisure. Special praise goes to our guide, Dejan, whose engaging commentary and warm personality made every moment richer. His ability to combine entertainment with valuable insights ensured we could also appreciate each destination independently. An unforgettable experience. Entertainment Host Eva was very good.
Jayant S.
This was my first experience with an organized tour, and I have to say it was everything I hoped for and more. The hotels were all very nice, and the itinerary was excellent. I found Portugal and its people really lovely and am very glad I chose this destination. But the factor that really elevated this experience was our wonderful guide Rui. He was extremely knowledgeable and did an outstanding job of bringing Portugal's history to life. While delivering tons of information on the history of the country, he made it entertaining and memorable. On our last day, Rui arranged a brief, impromptu concert from a fabulous singer at the Opera Cafe. It was so moving, I know I will never forget it. Our driver, Mario, was also excellent and helped make the trip fun and easy. Because this was such a positive experience, I expect I will book another trip with Gate1 for new year. I only hope the next guide will be as good as Rui was, he will be a hard act to follow.
Emily H.
I recently returned from the 13 days Douro River cruise that took place rom August 30 2025. I would like to take a moment to recognize our tour director, Patricia for providing an exceptional experience. From the start, she demonstrated professionalism, deep knowledge of the destinations, and genuine care for every traveler in our group. She went above and beyond to ensure that everyone felt comfortable, informed, and well taken care of. What impressed me most was that Patricia handled unexpected schedule changes smoothly," "how clearly She explained the history and culture at each stop," and the kindness and patience shown to every member of the group Because of Patricia , this tour exceeded my expectations, and I truly believe She deserves recognition for their outstanding service. Thank you for organizing such a memorable trip, and please be sure to share my appreciation with Patricia and her management team.
Aleksandr K.
We all agreed that our tour manager, LISA, was AMAZING--organized, knowledgeable, caring and fun. She made sure every aspect of this journey was perfectly planned, that everyone was safe, aware of the nuances of each city, we understood the schedule and made the most of our experience. She is a great leader and we loved every moment shared. She truly made the journey special and we look forward to another Gate 1 Tour because of her. Hope we meet again some day.
Sonia P.
Catia is an exceptional tour manager with over 10 years experience! As seasoned travelers for many years, we have encountered large and small group dynamics and the challenges that come with international travel. With her grace, and strong communication skills including English, Portugese and Spanish, Catia ensured our comfort, safety, and health throughout. This made everyone feel cared for and well to enjoy the excursions and sites. We had no issues at all for the entire group! In fact, new friendships were made because she fostered an environment for the travelers to interact during meals. We are planning our next Gate1 trip! Thanks Catia for being phenomenal and we made some beautiful memories!
Stephen C.
Our trip was excellent and we will have those memories for a lifetime (including my teenage daughters who joined us). We cannot say enough good things about our guide, Rui. We intend to travel again with Gate 1, but admit it will be difficult for our next guide to compare to Rui. Besides being knowledgeable, helpful, enduringly happy, and witty/funny, Rui is clearly such a genuinely sincere, kind, and caring human being. One couple on our tour who had been on more than a dozen Gate 1 trips even said that he was the best guide they had ever had. Our bus driver for the majority of our trip, Pablo, was also so excellent. In the many days with him, we never ever felt unsafe -- he was always in full control of the bus and where we were going, all the while maintaining an immaculate environment. He was also very nice. His hard work and long hours keeping the bus clean after a long driving day, did not go unnoticed. Again, it is hard to imagine taking another trip without the Riu/Pablo pairing. We truly felt like a "Gate 1 Family", as Rui would address us. Thank you.
Kevin O.
I would like to let Gate1 know how outstanding your guide, Catia was. She went beyond being the perfect guide. Her knowledge of Portugal, was amazing, her kindness and making the group feel like "family" is what will always remember about this tour.
Emily S.
We had a wonderful trip with Daniel in Portugal & Spain. Daniel was a delight start to finish. We recommend Gate 1 to all our friends and will continue to travel with your company.
Grace J.
Our tour guide was amazing. He was very knowledgeable on all the subjects on tours. He created an atmosphere of friendship in our group. He would go above and beyond his duty to make sure we had access to everything, His knowledge of all the locations, culture and history was truly amazing. We often talked among ourselves about what a hard worker he was and how we appreciated him. He made our trip truly memorable! Thank you, Victor, you're on top of our list of best tour directors!
Marta K.
We recently completed our 1st Gate 1 Tour (10 day Classic Portugal), which just ended early this week in Lisbon. The tour was FANTASTIC, and very well done in all respects including an excellent itinerary, very nice hotels, a comfortable/new bus, etc., etc. But what we most want to provide feedback on was our tour guide/manager, Adriana.........she was absolutely the best tour guide with whom we have ever had the pleasure of spending time. She is sooo knowledgeable and has such a wonderful demeanor and personality. She made the tour THE BEST ! She made a good tour, an excellent tour. We'll do a Gate 1 tour again.
Alan S.
Danny the best guide we have ever had. Genuinely engaging and always making sure we were having a good time and very knowledgeable about the places in Spain and Portugal we visited. We would travel with him any time, anywhere.
Thomas H.
This was an amazing tour and that was in large part to our Tour Manager, Marcel. We have had four GATE 1 tours prior to this one and he was the best TM yet! His love of his job, attention to detail, information shared and friendliness to our group was the best! Thanks again, Marcel! Hope we can join you on another tour someday! :)
Rhonda R.
Our trip was wonderful! Portugal is so beautiful and very scenic. Our tour manager, Berta, was great. Berta is very knowledgeable about everything and so very helpful. Our hotel accommodations were very nice too and the location in the cities was convenient to get around. This trip was a great experience and Gate 1 again, does a first-class job! The employees, starting with our booking agent, Hannah, and anyone else I spoke to are very helpful and nice. Drivers and tour managers are very professional.
Norma M.
A shout out to our incredible tour guide Adriana. She was extremely knowledgeable and made the information she shared very interesting. She was also very patient, kind and unflappable. Her command of English was excellent and we appreciated her efforts in teaching us some Portuguese. A true professional!!!
Anna S.
This was my first time travelling with Gate 1 and hopefully it won't be the last. The things that made this trip so great were the Tour Manager, Silvia, who was always positive, welcoming, proactive, and an excellent advocate for whatever happened or needed to be done. She is excellent at her job. The driver was great at his job, and he was so helpful with loading and unloading the bus. His driving was professional at all times, and I felt very safe on this trip. There were many of our fellow travels who had been on many Gate 1 tours and highly recommended this company. I also wanted to thank you for making it possible for us to do the Paella cooking class in Valencia even though only 8 signed up for the class. It was truly one of the highlights of the trip. I would highly recommend the cooking class to everyone.
Cynthia S.
This is about our tour director Cesar. I have travelled extensively with several touring companies and been exposed to many tour directors. This is my 4th time with Gate 1. By far, I can say without hesitation that Cesar is the BEST of them all. He displayed extensive knowledge on all the sites we visited and shared such knowledge without being overwhelming with facts. He is caring and has shown excellent ability in dealing with all kinds of issues and concerns. He addressed all questions, including suggesting places to eat and safe places to shop. He can be firm when needed without being dictatorial. He made the experience comfortable with his timely and wonderful jokes. I would strongly recommend Cesar to head any and all your Spanish tour destinations.
Roland G.
Just completed our Gate 1 10-day Classic Portugal trip. To say it was fabulous is an understatement. From arrival in Porto to departure in Lisbon every day was an adventure. Our Tour Manager and Guide Catina was wonderful she went above and beyond our expectations. The most caring and knowledgeable person we could have asked for. It was like we took a course in Portugal history we learned so much. We will definitely book with Gate 1 again if all guides are this wonderful.
Melba M.
We just recently completed our 10-day Classic Portugal trip started last May 5,2025. It did not disappoint us. Our Tour Manager, Carlos, was excellent. Very knowledgeable, timing is always perfect especially so we will avoid the bigger crowd, very good restaurant recommendations and what to taste in Portugal. and its specialties. He is always concerned about our safety and personal needs, especially comfort breaks. He was organized. Hotels were very good to good with its amenities and locations, Renaissance Porto Laos Hotel was excellent though. I am glad I recommended Gate1 to a family that went with us. It did not disappoint them either. Looking forward to my 3rd Trip with Gate1 in the future.
Carmencita R
I recently completed my first Gate 1 trip- 10 days Classic Portugal. I would like to congratulate you on having such a wonderful tour manager. Claudia was absolutely fantastic! She was so prepared and very kind and helpful. It is not an overstatement to say she made all of the difference on the trip. I was amazed by her knowledge and her wonderful manner in helping all of us understand and appreciate our trip so much. Elias, our primary driver was also exceptional - although he was so quietly capable and made everything look easy when it clearly was not! If your other tour managers and drivers are half as good as Claudia and Elias, I will look forward to another trip.
Susan M.
Our trip was absolutely fabulous. First, and foremost, our tour director, Amaia was such a wonderful guide giving us much history and culture of Spain and Portugal. She was fun, helpful and caring. The trip itself was jam packed. We covered so much territory from the large cities to the small villages. The site selections were all inspiring. The hotels were fabulous as well. I have never eaten so well on a tour. The breakfasts were phenomenal, and the dinners were gourmet. In summary, the 12-day classic was a top tour!
Catherine G.
Katherine. The trip was excellent! It was our first experience with gate 1, and now we're hooked. Everything was excellent but what made the tour exceptional was Miguel. He has to be the best guide at Gate 1. He was knowledgeable, interesting, helpful and very personable.
Richard M.
My trip was good. Tour leader, Giselle, and activity leader, Eva, were excellent.
Kim J.