12 Day Highlights of Turkey & Greece
From
$2549
Land Only
$3449*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
| Monday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Occidental Taksim Hotel | Istanbul | |
| Port Bosphorus Hotel | Istanbul | |
| Margi Hotel | Edirne | |
| Lucy Hotel | Kavala | |
| Capsis Hotel | Thessaloniki | |
| Divani Meteora Hotel | Kalambaka | |
| Divani Caravel | Athens | |
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
| 2024 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $800 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| Only 1 seat left! | $2799 | $3859* | ||||
| $2849 | $3929* | |||||
| $2949 | $4289* | |||||
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$2699 | $4179* | ||||
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$2999 | $3999* | ||||
| $2999 | $4319* | |||||
| $2899 | $4219* | |||||
| $2899 | $4279* | |||||
| $2899 | $3899* | |||||
| $2999 | $3999* | |||||
| $2849 | $3979* | |||||
| $2749 | $3779* | |||||
| $2549 | $3589* | |||||
| $2549 | $3519* | |||||
| $2549 | $3449* | |||||
| $2649 | $3589* | |||||
Not Included:
Gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
During Ramadan (Mar 10 - Apr 9, 2024), historic and cultural sites may close early and operate with minimal staff. The order of sightseeing may be changed to accommodate the holiday observance. Traffic congestion is common during Ramadan. Some hotels and restaurants may not serve alcoholic beverages. Entertainment may be limited to be respectful of the holiday observance. Modest dress is suggested during Ramadan (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights New York-Istanbul, Athens-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 10 nights First Class accommodations
- 3 nights Istanbul
- 1 night Edirne
- 1 night Kavala
- 2 nights Thessaloniki
- 1 night Kalambaka
- 2 nights Athens
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- Visit Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans, including the Harem section
- Discover Istanbul's sights including St. Sophia, the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar
- Embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia
- Explore Edirne, an important gateway between Europe and the East
- Tour the archaeological site of Philippi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Take a walking food tour, where you discover Thessaloniki's distinct local flavors
- View the Royal Tomb of King Philip and the famous "Vergina Treasures"
- Visit Meteora with its mystical Eastern Orthodox monasteries perched in mid-air
- Explore the Acropolis, an ancient architectural masterpiece and visit the Acropolis Museum
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This first class hotel is located in Istanbul's Beyoglu district, just a five minute walk from Taksim Square.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is situated at the foot of the rocks of Meteora at the small village of Kalambaka. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and has stunning views of the mountains.
Hotel Details
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/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.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Greece - Spring: 60°F-80°F; Summer: 85°F-95°F; Autumn: 60°F-80°F; Winter: 40°F-50°F Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather coat. Some religious sites may require modest dress code to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Long pants are required for men, a long skirt covering the knees is required for women, and shoulders are required to be covered. On cruises, daytime dress code is casual (shorts and t-shirts for example), however swimsuits are not allowed in public areas or restaurants, except for the lunch buffet on deck. The majority of evenings on board are country club casual. There will be one formal evening on the 4 day, 5 day, and 7 day cruise, which will be indicated on the daily program. A suit and tie are suggested for gentlemen, and a cocktail dress or pantsuit suggested for women. Greece Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/mediterranean/default.aspx#greece-weather |
| Turkey - Spring: 50°F-65°F; Summer: 70°F-90°F; Autumn: 55°F-75°F; Winter: 40°F-55°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts. Turkey Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/mediterranean/default.aspx#turkey-weather |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Book & Film Recommendations |
| Many of our guests enjoy reading about their destination - either in advance of their trip or while traveling - as a way of adding context to their visit. Whether reading a traditional guide book, learning about the history and culture, or simply enjoying a fictional novel set in the destination, a good book can add greatly to your experience. Similarly, a good movie set in your destination helps set the mood before you travel. We asked our Tour Managers and staff to recommend books and films which past guests may have enjoyed. The following does not constitute an endorsement of any authors, books or films listed, it is merely a collection of guests' recommendations. |
| GREECE: Books Colossus of Maroussi by Henry Miller The Island by Victoria Hislop The Odyssey by Homer The Summer of my Greek Taverna by Tom Stone Eleni by Nicholas Gage It's All Greek to Me by John Mole Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres GREECE: Films Mamma Mia! The Movie (2008) Boy on a Dolphin (1957) Shirley Valentine (1989) Zorba the Greek (1964) Moonspinners (1964) |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. 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. |
| Greece - If you have purchased international airfare and/or transfers from Gate 1, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. You will be met by our local representative after you pass through customs. Look for someone holding a Gate 1 Travel sign. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, please call the Gate 1 emergency phone number on your voucher. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| Public Transportation for the Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Metro service between the Athens Airport and the center of Athens, Syntagma Station, is available on the Blue Line and is scheduled every 30 minutes. The cost is 10 Euros per person and journey time is approximately 50 minutes. The Metro runs between 6 AM and 10 PM. There is also a bus service from Syntagma Square to the airport (and vice versa) for 6 Euros. They are scheduled every 10 to 15 minutes, and journey time is approximately 60 to 70 minutes. Buses run 24/7, though from 11 PM till 6 AM, they are running every 30 to 50 minutes. The Suburban Rail Line train runs every 30 minutes between the airport and Larissa Train Station. The cost is 10 Euros per person, and journey time is approximately 50 minutes. A taxi from the airport to the Athens city center costs approximately 35 Euros per taxi during the day. Between midnight and 6 AM, this cost is approximately 50 Euros. Metro service between the Piraeus Port and the center of Athens is available on Metro Line #1 from Omonia Station. The cost is 1.40 Euros per person, and journey time is approximately 30 minutes. A taxi from the center of Athens to Piraeus Port costs approximately 15 Euros, and journey time is approximately 30 minutes. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Greece & Greek Island Cruises |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage) : US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $3 per person per day of sightseeing, US $2 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Greece - Service charges are generally included in restaurant bills, however it is customary to leave a 10% tip. Also, it is customary to leave coins totaling around one Euro for the busboy. |
| Turkey - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Turkey - Payment can be made by cash US$ or Turkish Lira, or by credit card if the amount to be charged is US $200 or greater. |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Turkey - The Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey. It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations in local currency or in US $1 bills to make tipping and minor expenses easier. |
| Greece - The Euro is the currency of Greece. |
| Greece - Credit cards are not widely accepted in restaurants, small shops, museums and archeological sites. American Express cards are not accepted in Greece. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Greece - Greece offers an array of boutique shopping. Along with traditional handicrafts, honey, and olive oil, Greece is famous for its production of high-end, designer footwear and other fashion accessories. Shops generally open at 9:00, closing in the mid afternoon, and sometimes reopening for a few hours in the evening, from about 5:30 to 8:30. Most major department stores and boutiques are closed on Sunday. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Greece - Pick-pocketing is a centuries-old crime. However in Athens, the incident has rapidly increased over the past few years. These crimes are rarely aggressive, however, this warning should not be taken lightly. Pick-pocketing typically takes place in crowded shopping areas, tourist attractions, and while riding public transportation, particularly while traveling on the subway/metro. Take note:
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| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Greece
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Turkey
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| Languages |
| Greece - Greek is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Turkey - Turkish is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Greece - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Turkey - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Greece - The Greeks are known for their relatively relaxed approach to life with an emphasis on hospitality, similar to other Mediterranean European countries. The Greek Orthodox Church retains a fairly strong cultural influence. In Greece, politics is considered an acceptable topic of discussion in almost any social situation. As a result, people may attempt to draw you into political discussions, which can include the subject of American politics. Keep in mind that regardless of their political views, most Greeks like Americans themselves very much. Smoking is mostly prohibited in public places except in designated areas. Violations can incur fines. Restaurants have smoking and non-smoking sections, while traditional coffee houses and nightclubs usually allow unrestricted smoking. Casual dress is generally acceptable, though some religious sites require long pants for men and a long skirt covering the knees for women, and for shoulders to be covered. |
| Turkey - The common form of greeting is shaking hands, while close friends will sometimes hold hands and kiss cheeks. In Turkey, hospitality is highly valued and people are often quite friendly. Even salespeople may offer tea to customers. If you are comfortable with accepting, you may drink it without any obligation to make a purchase. Casual dress is acceptable, but beachwear should only be worn at the beach or poolside. Smoking is generally permitted except in cinemas, theaters, and on public transportation. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's 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 - Greece |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 18: Orthodox Ash Monday Mar 25: Independence Day May 1: Labor Day May 3: Orthodox Good Friday May 5: Orthodox Easter Sunday May 6: Orthodox Easter Monday Jun 23: Orthodox Whit Sunday Jun 24: Orthodox Whit Monday Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Oct 28: Ochi Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Synaxis of the Mother of God Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 25: Independence Day Apr 18: Orthodox Good Friday Apr 20: Orthodox Easter Apr 21: Orthodox Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day Jun 8: Day of the Holy Spirit Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Oct 28: Ochi Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Synaxis of the Mother of God All offices, stores and some sites or museums are closed on these days. The Plaka area is open year round, except for the morning of New Year. |
| Holidays - Turkey |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Apr 9: Ramadan Feast Eve Apr 10-12: Ramadan Feast Apr 11: Ramadan Feast Holiday Apr 12: Ramadan Feast Holiday Apr 23: National Sovereignty and Children's Day May 1: Labor and Solidarity Day May 19: Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day Jun 16-19: Feast of the Sacrifice Jul 15: Democracy and National Unity Day Aug 30: Victory Day Oct 29: Republic Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 29-Apr 1: Ramadan Feast Apr 23: National Sovereignty and Children's Day May 1: Labor and Solidarity Day May 19: Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day Jun 5-9: Feast of the Sacrifice Jul 15: Democracy and National Unity Day Aug 30: Victory Day Oct 29: Republic Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve * Please note that Islamic holidays are based a lunar calendar, and exact dates depend on local sightings of the moon. Because of this, actual dates may vary from the dates given above. During Ramadan, historic and cultural sites may close early and operate with minimal staff. The order of sightseeing may be changed to accommodate the holiday observance. Traffic congestion is common during Ramadan. Some hotels and restaurants may not serve alcoholic beverages. Entertainment may be limited to be respectful of the holiday observance. Modest dress is suggested during Ramadan (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Consider keeping drinks and snacks in your hotel room that you may consume in private. |
I would like to commend our tour guide Ender. We always have great guides with Gate 1, 5 trips down and three more already booked! but Ender was spectacularly above and beyond. No local guides were hired, it was just Ender. He knows the background, the extensive history of every site we visited and every optional tour. No matter what we asked, he had the answer for us. He knew the best side routes to take to avoid the biggest crowds at the historic sites and gave us time to savor and explore on our own. Ender just made the whole trip so enjoyable. His calm and steady presence and knowledge of Turkey made this one of our most memorable trips with Gate 1.
Loretta M.
My trip was wonderful! Beautiful places, great accommodations, and food. Our Tour Manager Mettin was great at knowledge and dedication to our needs, also great sense of humor. Lots of fun visiting historic places. Our driver Butchin was an impeccable professional making us feel so comfortable and safe. Totally enjoyed all and very grateful to all that made it possible. Thank you so much!
Lecy S.
I had the pleasure of being guided by Militsa during my Gate One tour of Greece, and I must say, she exceeded all expectations. Militsa's warmth and welcoming demeanor instantly put us at ease, making our journey feel like a family adventure rather than just a tour. Her extensive knowledge of Greece's history, culture, and landmarks enriched our experience, and her passion for sharing this knowledge was evident in every word she spoke. Militsa truly embodied the role of a "travel mom", ensuring our comfort and enjoyment throughout the trip. I can't recommend her highly enough to anyone looking for an unforgettable tour experience in Greece. This was our first Gate 1 experience but certainly will not be our last!
Amanda B.
Gate 1 is awesome! My family has been using Gate one for nearly 20 years. I always feel like I see so much more while on vacation using Gate one because they are so organized. I also like the headsets which allow you to hear your tour guide without being right next to them. The tour guides are very knowledgeable of the area and sites visited during the vacation. My friends and I just recently completed a gate one excursion to Greece and had a wonderful time and already planning for a Gate one trip next year.
Scott S.
The trip to Greece was fantastic. The guide Yianni and our driver Socrates handled everything with ease and professionalism. Yianni always gave us great recommendations for restaurants, gyros, Greek yogurt, and gelato. Everything I ate in Greece was delicious. The sites we went to were the perfect mix of culture, history, and beautiful scenery. Yianni was our guide for every city and gave us a ton of information, history, and mythology. I traveled solo but the welcome meeting and dinner made it easy to meet new travel friends so that I never felt alone. Gate 1 continues to give me great travel experiences and I look forward to my next trip.
Amanda J.
I wanted to reach out to let you know how happy I am to have found your company. I am an experienced traveler who had always prided myself on avoiding tours - Gate 1 has changed all of that! I recently did the Affordable Turkey trip with some friends and was not only convinced of the error of my foolish ways (avoiding tours) but I fell in love with Turkey. Our tour guide Faruke was wonderful. He was so knowledgeable and entertaining - having him at the helm convinced me how beneficial it is to have someone who really knows their country guiding us through it. I have since signed up for another Gate 1 tour and look forward to experiencing Morocco with my husband in January. I also wanted to share how great your phone representative Mark was. He helped me set up my own account separate from the shared friends account we had used for our first trip and he helped us find the best flights and get our next trip all taken care of. So, just a little thank you to you all - you are doing great things Gate 1 and I appreciate you!
Kristin S.
Our trip to Turkey was a very enjoyable and educational journey in history, culture, and nature. There were eye opening experiences waiting for us almost every day. Our tour guide Okan is very knowledgeable about the history of the sites we visited. He's very enthusiastic to share what he knew with us during the entire trip. Our bus driver was also very good giving us smooth and comfortable rides. We thank all of you who worked together to give us such wonderful time in Turkey.
Kit K.
Our tour of Turkey was a home run. Great weather, great people and cultural history, great historical sights, wonderful Gate 1 cultural moments. And above all of this shine Serdar our guide. Just the thought of him brings fond memory of a 5-star tour. Truly, he is a man of great depths of knowledge and people skills. This coupled with his genuine caring nature, wonderful sense of humor in presentation made history come alive. Gate1 is blessed to have such a guide representing them. And he does the country a true service. This rates as one our favorite all time tours. We thank you for making such a grand experience available to us. It has truly broadened our perspectives.
Kevin M.
My goal for this first trip to Greece was to visit the ancient sites which I have been reading about all these years (Parthenon, Olympia, Mycenae, Delphi). Vivian was excellent and very knowledgeable about ancient Greece including its contemporary history. Gate 1 is lucky to have Vivian as a Tour Director; she is excellent at what she does, and she is proud of her beloved Greece. We plan to book a more extensive tour of Greece with Vivian as our tour director.
Isidro G.
It was an absolutely wonderful trip! Eva, our tour manager was incredibly knowledgeable and basically a walking encyclopedia of historical history and culture of Greece! She was warm, friendly, compassionate and it was blatantly obvious how much she loves her job!
Estelle F.
Absolutely the MOST fantastic trip from Gate One to date. We have been on 7 now and everyone has had their highlights. This trip was nothing but highlights. Each part was absolutely PERFECT. Largely due to the absolutely most amazing and capable guide Dr. Ender. This man is the most capable, intelligent, and knowledgeable guide we have ever had on ANY trip. He is also a pure gentleman in every way. His concern for all of us was beyond belief. Thank you and we are already planning our next trip.
Sheldon B.
It's my first time to travel with Gate 1 and overall turned out to be very memorable and educational. Our tour guide Mehmet and driver Ramazan are truly a gem for your tour agency. Mehmet is very knowledgeable and has an expertise of all the historical background of the places we visited in Turkey. He was excellent and went beyond answering all inquiries and questions asked by members of the group. Mehmet initiated cohesiveness among the group members and made sure everyone was comfortable, safe, and secure. He is quite patient, with sense of humor, generous and full of surprises. It became quite emotional during the goodbye dinner party because we knew that the "bond", love, and unity will be missed which is Mehmet's doing. We applause him for what he did for the group. He will be truly missed! More power to Gate 1 and looking forward to book another trip. All the hotel accommodations were excellent and recommendable.
Glenda T.
Our tour guide, Aykut, was incredible. His energy and enthusiasm for the topic was inspiring for me. He is very thoughtful giving us tips that he would want us to know to enhance our experience. For example, he arranged for us to have dinner 15 minutes earlier to avoid the crowds. His knowledge about the history of the sites we were visiting was superb. For those sites where he could no longer talk while we were there or take photos, he came up with alternative ways to provide the information (through photos and giving us insight on the bus) AND continue to respect the rules of the site. Aykut was phenomenal. I would choose a future vacation based on where he was assigned as a guide. He deserves many kudos. I hope you will share this with Aykut.
Karen L.
The trip was awesome! Our tour guide Militsa was the best! She was very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. I was blown away with how beautiful Greece was. I was also very impressed with how skillful our driver was. We will tour again!
Jess M.
I LOVED the new whispers! They are much lighter in weight, and the earpiece is a soft foam that remains outside the ear. These factors make it so much more comfortable! Thank you! Our Tour Manager, Namik, was truly extraordinary. His broad knowledge combined with a skillful delivery and a gentle sense of humor, made him the perfect guide for all the sites. No local guides were needed. I've never had a Tour Manager that didn't use a local guide. His expertise even shone through on our long bus rides, as well as on any of the optional tours. I would imagine that such omnipresent engagement must be exhausting, but over the entire 2 week period, his enthusiasm and good nature never waned. I have always been impressed by Gate 1's Tour Managers, but I feel that Namik deserved some special recognition. He is certainly the best among the best. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share. We're eagerly looking forward to our next Gate 1 trip in September for gorilla trekking in Rwanda and exploring wildlife in Kenya and Tanzania!
Starrette G.
We absolutely LOVED our 13 day Affordable Turkey tour! It was a trip of a life time! We felt welcome the minute we arrived. Our Tour manager Namik was the best!! We all learned so much from him. His knowledge of Turkish history and culture was excellent! He immediately connected with us and we all felt like friends! It wasn't just a boring history tour, it was fun, informative, safe and we met so many great people. Our Driver Vedat was wonderful too! He is an excellent driver! He made us feel safe and always made sure we were comfortable, and the bus was always clean. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Topkapi, Istanbul, Ephesus and Hierapolis were all just amazing! This trip was so much more than we thought it would be. The scenery was beautiful and the local people were very friendly! The food was excellent. Namik took us to so many great places for lunch and all the dinners we had were excellent too. The hotels were exceptional. They were comfortable, clean and the locations were great. If you wanted to go for a walk on your free time they were close to shopping etc. This was our 6th trip with Gate 1. The amazing part of traveling with Gate 1 is that these trips are so affordable!! We are always telling our friends about the beautiful places we have traveled for such a great price! We are looking forward to our next trip! Thank you Gate 1 for another fantastic trip!
Linda F.
My Turkey trip was excellent! The tour manager Ilke and our driver Okan were awesome. Ilke was very generous in sharing her knowledge about the culture, history, people and all, of her country. I would surely recommend Gate1travel to my families and friends!
Rowena A.
On my 7days essential Greece trip: Nina our tour guide was incredible! She had us be prompt in the mornings which was the best! We missed the larger crowds at the museums before it got too loud and crowded. We were early for lunches/dinner so it wasn't too crowded or loud in the beginning. It made everything feel more personal! She had several amazing surprises for us which made the experience even better! She took good care of us! Our Driver was amazing as well! He maneuvered the bus in the narrow streets like I have never seen before! And he was always willing to take breaks so we could stop and take photos! He was so sweet! They both are a huge highlight of my first trip out of the United States!
Amy W.
We just completed the 7 Day Essential Greece tour with our tour manager, Nineta. Our driver for our trip was Socrates. Nina was an outstanding tour guide with a boundless knowledge of Greece. She was outstanding in her presentations, organized, and made all of us very comfortable. Her love for her country was exhibited in her presentations and her deep concern for us to have accurate knowledge of her country, Greece. This was our 4th trip with Gate 1, all of them having outstanding tour guides, but Nina was at the top of that list. She is marvelous. She made us feel safe and comfortable while on this tour. With Socrates doing an excellent job with driving the tour bus, it made for tremendous combination. Gate 1 can be very proud of the job that Nina did as our tour guide. She is marvelous, and she will be missed by all of us in that tour group! Bravo to Gate 1 for offering another outstanding trip for us!
Christopher S.
Fantastic!! Passionate and knowledgeable guide; caring and fun local guide; a skillful and humorous driver; excellent hotel accommodations; great group of fellow travelers; beautiful weather; delicious food; out of this world scenic hikes. I couldn't have ask for more.
Susan S.
Thank you! This trip exceeded my expectations. The description was a walking trip. But it was a hiking adventure. I was so pleased about that. Beautiful scenery, Challenging trails. Our guides were warm, engaging, intelligent, and fun! The accommodations were comfortable and inviting. Food out of this world! Thank you again, Gate 1 for another memorable and fulfilling adventure.
Debra O.
This was our 12th Gate1 tour, and it was the best yet!!! We had a big group of 38, but everything went so smoothly, thanks to the wonderful tour guide, Mr. Mehmet. We believe that a Tour Manager could make or break a trip, and Mehmet made our trip so much enjoyable. He was always smiling and courteous, easily accessible either physically or via phone, a very knowledgeable man of history and religion...an overall great genuine person. He seemed to truly enjoy what he is doing and sharing his beautiful country. Of all our 12 Gate1 tours, we declared him as the BEST TOUR MANAGER!!! Gate1 is lucky to have a great tour manager like Mehmet! Kudos too to our wonderful driver, Mr. Osman, who is such a skillful driver and keeping his beloved bus clean and comfortable. He literally has his bus cleaned at every lunch stop. Language was a barrier, but he managed to please us with his smile and kind demeanor and gestures. Again, THANK YOU Gate1 for creating such a wonderful trip for all of us. We will be looking forward to our 13th trip with Gate1.
Johari A.
We enjoyed our trip and the tour had included some very special touches i.e. stopping after a long ride on the bus and catching the sunset in the middle of nowhere overlooking a valley and where a gentlemen was waiting for us with wine and cheese. The private time spent on the yacht was fun and special too and another time on another boat being able to swim in the beautiful warm water. Our tour guide was full of great information and wanted us to be able to immerse in the culture by meeting local people and interacting with them. Great discovery tour.
Doris M.
I would like to inform you that we are beyond satisfied with our trip. Mr. Serdar, our tour manager and Verdat, our driver were top notched! From the first step out of the plane in Istanbul to the day of our return. Mr. Serdar was truly the best!! His English was perfect, he went above and beyond for us, answering all our tricky historical questions and still had time to learn our native language. We were truly amazed by his passion for his profession! It was like visiting a family member away from home. He made us all felt like one big family. For that thank you from the bottom of our heart. It is the extraordinary experience like this that to motivate us to book more trips with Gate1. Many thanks for your time.
Sokhary N.
Oh the most amazing experience and time with Gate 1 travel. Hands down you are the best, I highly recommend you to other travelers. Our Tour director Yianni is the best friendly and knowledgeable if I will ever go back to Greece I will request to be on his group. Keep up the good classy customer service and classy hotels and classy restaurants you offer and picked for the tours we really enjoyed the food. I would make reservations again with Gate 1 Travel in the future.
Maria D.
I want to write and share that my mom and I booked the 13 Day Turkish Treasures as a fun mother/daughter trip abroad. We were recommended Gate 1 by a friend and are glad we took their advice and booked. We had an excellent time on the trip and highly recommend it! Booking was made easy by Gate 1 agents, the transfer to and from the airport was very helpful (especially as we were traveling separately), and the group of fellow travelers were all so friendly. Our tour manager, Cem, was fantastic! He was extremely knowledgeable, sharing so much history, culture, and information throughout the trip. He was well organized, professional, kind, and attentive - making sure everyone enjoyed the experience. Our motorcoach driver, Ahmet, was great. He navigated the bus with such ease. The hotel accommodations were very nice, and we highly recommend participating in all the optional tours. This was our first-time using Gate 1 and we are already looking to book again.
Michelle M.
My husband and I just returned from a Kaleidoscope 15 day tour of Greece. We cannot say enough good things about this trip! I'm sure you are aware that the tour guide is the driving force for excellent reviews. Our tour guide was Militsa. I simply cannot tell you that she was amazing. We've been on many tours, some with Gate 1, some with other tour companies, but Militsa was by far, the best guide ever. (In all fairness, our guide Amine, in Morocco last October was also amazing.). But I'm here to tell you about our experience with Militsa. When we arrived at the hotel in Thessaloniki, she came running out to introduce herself and to shake our hands. Such a warm welcome! Throughout the tour, she showed the utmost professionalism. She was extremely passionate about her country, sharing an abundance of facts and history about the country she loves. She was extremely knowledgeable about every place we went, and gave us a great deal of information about Greece and mythology while the bus traveled. She was always upbeat and smiling and took the time to really know each person in the large group of 37. She treated everyone with great respect and genuinely loved all of us. She never once got upset or short with anyone...she had a kind and sweet way to get a point across. She was helpful and kept us safe and together every step of the way...including some fairly intense moments arriving at the ferries. Again, I cannot begin to tell you what a wonderful employee you have in Militsa representing Gate1. Our trip was absolutely perfect and memorable because of Militsa!
Barbara C.
We came back to the US from our 16 day Absolute Tour of Turkey on October 12th. The tour started on 9/25 from Istanbul. We received a survey from Gate 1 after we came back but we missed seeing any comments section where we could give feedback on our Tour Guide. We just answered the questions on the survey. We feel bad as we would like to give a glowing report on how awesome Kadriye, our Tour Guide, was. Not only was Kadriye extremely well informed and knowledgeable of all the sites and on every aspect of each city, but we have also come back with an immense knowledge of the history of Turkey. She was extremely energetic, enthusiastic, and made it a point to engage with every member of the tour group. Our days were packed with activities. There was not a question anyone asked her that she didn't have an answer for. She knew her facts and gave us great insights into the social norms and practices of the Turkish people, which was fascinating. . Kadriye was not only a fantastic tour guide, but she was an amazing human being - genuinely nice and a warm and kind hearted person. Louise had severe allergies for a couple of days on the trip and Kadriye made sure one day after lunch, to take Louise to the pharmacy to make sure she got the medication she needed. Because of Kadriye, we have recommended Gate 1 to several of our friends. We can't say enough about Kadriye. On a scale of 1 - 10 - Kadriye would get a 20!
Marc C.
It was FANTASTIC! Our guide, Konstantina, did an excellent job in explaining all about the country's culture and the various cities, archeological sites, and attractions which were included in our itinerary. The overall experience was a wonderful one and everything went very smoothly. Again, the trip was made much more pleasant due to Konstantina's very attentive and professional demeanor and her excellent command of the English language and knowledge, where no questions were left unanswered. This having been our second trip with Gate 1, we were equally impressed and pleased with the experience and will continue to share these very positive experiences and comments with our friends and family.
Lancelot L.
The Greece Walking Tour was great! We enjoyed everything about the trip from the natural beauty of Zagori and Meteora, to the history and culture of the small villages and towns, to Mountain Tea and Mountain Music, to the stone bridges, Vikos Gorge, the monasteries, the Pindus Range and the amazing rock formations. We also had great accommodations and food throughout the trip. Our guide and driver Dimitris and Gregory were both personable, knowledgeable and accommodating, and made our trip completely stress-free. Thank you Gate 1 for a wonderful itinerary and unforgettable trip.
Holly K.
The Tour was well planned with a variety of interesting activities and tours, the included meals were all great and we were very happy with the hotels as well, The best thing about our tour was our guide, Marianna, She has a background in archeology which made understanding the many historic sites much easier. She was so patient and helpful with all of the members of our diverse group.
Catherine G.
The Turkey trip was amazing. Our guide Yucel was so good and informative that I have decided that it is very worthwhile to take another Gate1 trip. I usually like to travel independently but the knowledge and information learned from our guide made me want to do my next trip with Gate1 also. the driver was very good. Very helpful and the bus was always clean and stocked with water every morning. I would recommend Gate1 Turkey trip to my friends.
Anisa J.
We had an amazing hiking trip to Greece! Thanks to our tour guides, Dimitri and Angelos for keeping us safe when hiking on difficult terrains. Our driver, Gregory, went the extra mile taking us downtown one evening even though he was supposedly off duty. We enjoyed meeting everyone in our small group and developed friendships with many. The hotels are excellent. The food was superb. We couldn't have a better tour! This isn't our first tour with Gate1 and it won't be our last. Gate 1 has continually surprised us on every trip we have taken so far. Looking forward to our next in November and April next year. Thank you again for another memorable experience.
Lam-Anh G.
It was absolutely amazing! We loved our guide "Vivi" - she was very very knowledgeable. I can't believe anyone can remember that many dates. Everything was very well planned and carried through and we had a really good group of people. We were very pleased with Gate 1 and hope to be on another trip soon.
Brenda T.
It was absolutely wonderful! The guide, the activities, the bus/ferry/plane, and the other guests. A dream of 40 years came true and was beyond my best hopes!
Patricia K.
Our Tour Manager, Constantinos, was simply outstanding! However many stars constitute excellence, I would award him double that number. His knowledge of every aspect of Greek life, history, mythology, archeology, agriculture, politics, cuisine, fashion, finance, language -- is dazzling -- and his ability to share his passion for Greece made our trip unforgettable. Everywhere we went (and I do mean everywhere) he was recognized and greeted warmly by other guides and former students. He was able to get our tour group admitted into popular attractions early and adroitly so that we avoided crowds as much as possible, and I am so grateful for that. Tourism is the #1 industry in Greece, but it seems to be wildly mis-managed, with large numbers of cruise ships in every port, throngs of people filling the narrow waterfront streets, and nobody in charge able or willing to regulate it. I am so happy that I was able to see Greece before the entire country sinks into the Aegean from the combined weight of TOO MANY tourists at one time.
Laurel A.
The trip was great and exhausting. Our guide, Serdar, was fantastic. He kept everyone on time, was completely organized and he was a wealth of ancient history information. He has a great personality and great sense of humor. He is a real asset for Gate 1. We literally travelled 11-12 hours per day and saw more ruins and points of interest than we ever expected. All of the 23 people in our group for the trip were great, always on time and friendly. There are many highlights from our trip but the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia topped them all. Turkey is much more advanced than we expected, has a wonderful highway system and the Turkish people were very friendly. I must say that the Istanbul airport with 5 runways has the most spectacular airport facilities that we have ever seen. We took in so much information during the trip, we are now encouraged to read up and learn more of the ancient history of the region. This was our 4th Gate 1 trip and we think it and our guide, Serdar, we the very best we have experienced. We are now planning our next Gate 1 adventure.
John H.
Our trip was better than great! Maria was our trip leader and tour guide. The amount of knowledge that woman has is amazing and so interesting. She, having been an archeologist, added so much extra to everything we saw. She was passionate not only about archeology, but also the history and mythology associated with every ruin, monastery, and town/island we visited. I feel ready for a game of Jeopardy! We were near the first group at each destination which made our visit so nice as we didn't have to deal with the crowds. We came into bad weather and she was able to change gears and book us all flights the same day to Mykonos due to the ferry system being unable to operate. We had a couple of other hiccups that she handled with expertise and grace. She was kind, thoughtful, patient and funny. It was obvious she loves what she is doing. She is an educator and this opened our eyes to see more of Greece. I know it must have been exhausting for her to spend so much energy making sure we were all happy but if it makes her feel better, we all appreciated it. Thank you so much Maria! Thank you Gate 1.
Laurie L.
Fantastic! The trip was excellent! Thank you Gate 1 travel! All our needs and expectations went far beyond and we're so happy and grateful for the entire trip offered by Gate 1. It was our first time with Gate 1 and I was so impressed as well as my husband how Gate 1 fulfilled our dream vacation with no mishap at all. From our tour coordinator Nam, driver Zergie, hotel accommodations, itinerary, etc everything went perfect! I can't imagine how fascinated we are how Gate 1 handled all of these. I am so proud that our fellow travelers get along well with each other and we became one big family, thank you much to Nam our tour director who orchestrated this well organized itinerary. I'm so proud to say now that Gate 1 is my priority choice to all my trip bucket lists, it's worth the money invested in traveling.
Maria C.
The trip was great. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and personable. The itinerary was followed and the places we visited were amazing. The hotels and included meals were excellent. The people on the tour were nice and everyone got along. No complaints!
Sandra J.
It was absolutely amazing! We had a wonderful time. Our guide was just perfect, the places we went were amazing. It was definitely a trip that I would recommend to others!
Jannell D.
Amazing! We loved it and we'll have the memories forever! We also bought some jewelry that we're enjoying very much! Our tour guide (Demetra) was wonderful! She's smart, well-educated, kind, worldly, and articulate - basically, everything that you want in a tour guide! She really went above and beyond for us! We're really grateful to her for taking such good care of us! Also, she took us to a place that served artichokes for lunch one day (I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the place!), and they were some of the best artichokes that we have ever had - we're still talking about that meal (it was great to get to pick what you wanted to eat from so many options and their fresh squeezed orange juice was delightful too) and we hope she keeps taking people there! Also, the catamaran trip was my absolute favorite part! It was unbelievably lovely! I would do it over and over again! Highly, highly, and highly recommend! The guys on the boat made the experience a total slice of Heaven! Worth every penny that we paid for the trip! I recommend Gate 1 to everyone (all the time)! We'll be traveling with you again soon! Thank you and much appreciated for everything - again, especially to Demetra!
Carissa K.
This was our third trip with Gate 1. I have to say by far the best one yet! Your tour Guide Demetra was absolutely amazing!. She is like a walking encyclopedia when it comes to Greek history, Architecture and she has the endurance of a 20yr old soldier! The heat was brutal, but that is something no one could predict or control, she always made sure everyone had plenty of cold water to drink and that we got to take plenty of breaks. The Hotels and Resorts were all very nice, the ferry shuttles, bus drivers and resort folks were all very kind and helpful. Oh and the meals were amazing as well. Just wanted to compliment your company for such an amazing, bucket list accomplishment for my wife and I. This would not have been possible without Demetra's vast knowledge and experience.
Steven B.
Thank you for your email! Our trip was great. This was Our first trip with Gate1 or any other company in the travel industry. After, so many concerns Gate1 delivered an extraordinary experience from the time of booking, the waiting time, after arriving in Turkey, and Throughout the entire trip! Our family just told us to relax, just to show and to leave everything to Gate1. Honestly! Didn't expected to be so professional, wonderfully organized, and worry free. The entire staff from your customer service in U.S. to our tour Manager Faruk, our coach driver Kurter, Faruk's assistant Volcan, hotels staff, and the rest demostraded a great deal of professionalism, kindness, and the eagerness to make this trip and unforgettable experience! Faruk is a True pro, so knowledgeable and devoted to his group. Can't wait to do it again and again. The optional tours were well executed and every detail looked at. Hotels, meals, all arrangements were super! Thank you once again!
Edwin G.
Anna was our wonderful tour guide. She is a great historian regarding Greek history, art, and architecture. She even told us about Greek mythology and Greek culture. We felt safe under her care and because of her we have a new love and appreciation for Greece. We definitely would love to come back. We will be telling all of our friends about the fabulous time we had with her and with Gate1. Our driver Nikos was also very professional and went above and beyond to make sure we were safe and got to see all of Greece
Karol L.
The trip was great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our tour manager Evi was the best, so knowledgeable and took great care of the group. We had great weather and the group of people we were with was great. We along got along and have exchanged email addresses and facebook. I had forgotten about all the history that Greece has. Plus, the islands are so beautiful. My niece, Samantha, did not want to leave. In fact, she cried when we left. We have a lot of great memories. I would highly recommend this tour, plus Evi with her knowledge and getting up thru everything really made it. I will definitely be booking another tour in the future with you. Thinking about italy.
Gail B.