15 Day Highlights of Turkey & Greece with 3 Day Iconic Aegean Cruise
From
$3499
Land Only
$4589*
Air & Land
Hotels/Plans Available for Departure Dates
Cabin IA Inside | ||
---|---|---|
Occidental Taksim Hotel | Istanbul | |
Rys Hotel | Edirne | |
Lucy Hotel | Kavala | |
Capsis Hotel | Thessaloniki | |
Divani Meteora Hotel | Kalambaka | |
Divani Caravel | Athens | |
Celestyal Discovery | Athens |
Cabin IB Inside | ||
---|---|---|
Occidental Taksim Hotel | Istanbul | |
Rys Hotel | Edirne | |
Lucy Hotel | Kavala | |
Capsis Hotel | Thessaloniki | |
Divani Meteora Hotel | Kalambaka | |
Divani Caravel | Athens | |
Celestyal Discovery | Athens |
Cabin IC Inside | ||
---|---|---|
Occidental Taksim Hotel | Istanbul | |
Rys Hotel | Edirne | |
Lucy Hotel | Kavala | |
Capsis Hotel | Thessaloniki | |
Divani Meteora Hotel | Kalambaka | |
Divani Caravel | Athens | |
Celestyal Discovery | Athens |
Cabin XA Outside | ||
---|---|---|
Occidental Taksim Hotel | Istanbul | |
Rys Hotel | Edirne | |
Lucy Hotel | Kavala | |
Capsis Hotel | Thessaloniki | |
Divani Meteora Hotel | Kalambaka | |
Divani Caravel | Athens | |
Celestyal Discovery | Athens |
Cabin XB Outside | ||
---|---|---|
Occidental Taksim Hotel | Istanbul | |
Rys Hotel | Edirne | |
Lucy Hotel | Kavala | |
Capsis Hotel | Thessaloniki | |
Divani Meteora Hotel | Kalambaka | |
Divani Caravel | Athens | |
Celestyal Discovery | Athens |
Cabin XC Outside | ||
---|---|---|
Occidental Taksim Hotel | Istanbul | |
Rys Hotel | Edirne | |
Lucy Hotel | Kavala | |
Capsis Hotel | Thessaloniki | |
Divani Meteora Hotel | Kalambaka | |
Divani Caravel | Athens | |
Celestyal Discovery | Athens |
Cabin BA Balcony | ||
---|---|---|
Occidental Taksim Hotel | Istanbul | |
Rys Hotel | Edirne | |
Lucy Hotel | Kavala | |
Capsis Hotel | Thessaloniki | |
Divani Meteora Hotel | Kalambaka | |
Divani Caravel | Athens | |
Celestyal Discovery | Athens |
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
Book By Dec 12, 2024 & Save!
2025 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1300 | ||||||||
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Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | ||
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
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$3499 | $4099 | $4589* | $5189* | |||||
$3499 | $4099 | $4589* | $5189* | |||||
$3649 | $4249 | $4809* | $5409* | |||||
$3949 | $4549 | $5499* | $6099* | |||||
$3949 | $4549 | $5499* | $6099* | |||||
$3849 | $4449 | $5549* | $6149* | |||||
$3799 | $4399 | $5499* | $6099* | |||||
$3799 | $4399 | $5499* | $6099* | |||||
$4099 | $4699 | $5349* | $5949* | |||||
$4249 | $4849 | $5499* | $6099* | |||||
$4249 | $4849 | $5499* | $6099* | |||||
$4249 | $4849 | $5499* | $6099* | |||||
$4249 | $4849 | $5499* | $6099* | |||||
$4049 | $4649 | $5249* | $5849* | |||||
$4049 | $4649 | $5249* | $5849* | |||||
$3849 | $4449 | $5049* | $5649* |
2025 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1300 | ||||||||
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Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | ||
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
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$3549 | $4149 | $4639* | $5239* | |||||
$3549 | $4149 | $4639* | $5239* | |||||
$3699 | $4299 | $4859* | $5459* | |||||
$3999 | $4599 | $5549* | $6149* | |||||
$3999 | $4599 | $5549* | $6149* | |||||
$3899 | $4499 | $5599* | $6199* | |||||
$3849 | $4449 | $5549* | $6149* | |||||
$3849 | $4449 | $5549* | $6149* | |||||
$4299 | $4899 | $5549* | $6149* | |||||
$4299 | $4899 | $5549* | $6149* | |||||
$4299 | $4899 | $5549* | $6149* | |||||
$4299 | $4899 | $5549* | $6149* | |||||
$4299 | $4899 | $5549* | $6149* | |||||
$4099 | $4699 | $5299* | $5899* | |||||
$4099 | $4699 | $5299* | $5899* | |||||
$3899 | $4499 | $5099* | $5699* |
2025 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1350 | ||||||||
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Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | ||
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
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$3599 | $4199 | $4689* | $5289* | |||||
$3599 | $4199 | $4689* | $5289* | |||||
$3749 | $4349 | $4909* | $5509* | |||||
$4049 | $4649 | $5599* | $6199* | |||||
$4049 | $4649 | $5599* | $6199* | |||||
$3949 | $4549 | $5649* | $6249* | |||||
$3899 | $4499 | $5599* | $6199* | |||||
$3899 | $4499 | $5599* | $6199* | |||||
$4349 | $4949 | $5599* | $6199* | |||||
$4349 | $4949 | $5599* | $6199* | |||||
$4349 | $4949 | $5599* | $6199* | |||||
$4349 | $4949 | $5599* | $6199* | |||||
$4349 | $4949 | $5599* | $6199* | |||||
$4149 | $4749 | $5349* | $5949* | |||||
$4149 | $4749 | $5349* | $5949* | |||||
$3949 | $4549 | $5149* | $5749* |
2025 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1350 | ||||||||
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Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | ||
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
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$3649 | $4249 | $4739* | $5339* | |||||
$3649 | $4249 | $4739* | $5339* | |||||
$3799 | $4399 | $4959* | $5559* | |||||
$4099 | $4699 | $5649* | $6249* | |||||
$4099 | $4699 | $5649* | $6249* | |||||
$3999 | $4599 | $5699* | $6299* | |||||
$3949 | $4549 | $5649* | $6249* | |||||
$3949 | $4549 | $5649* | $6249* | |||||
$4399 | $4999 | $5649* | $6249* | |||||
$4399 | $4999 | $5649* | $6249* | |||||
$4399 | $4999 | $5649* | $6249* | |||||
$4399 | $4999 | $5649* | $6249* | |||||
$4399 | $4999 | $5649* | $6249* | |||||
$4199 | $4799 | $5399* | $5999* | |||||
$4199 | $4799 | $5399* | $5999* | |||||
$3999 | $4599 | $5199* | $5799* |
2025 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1350 | ||||||||
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Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | ||
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
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$3699 | $4299 | $4789* | $5389* | |||||
$3699 | $4299 | $4789* | $5389* | |||||
$3849 | $4449 | $5009* | $5609* | |||||
$4149 | $4749 | $5699* | $6299* | |||||
$4149 | $4749 | $5699* | $6299* | |||||
$4049 | $4649 | $5749* | $6349* | |||||
$3999 | $4599 | $5699* | $6299* | |||||
$3999 | $4599 | $5699* | $6299* | |||||
$4499 | $5099 | $5749* | $6349* | |||||
$4499 | $5099 | $5749* | $6349* | |||||
$4499 | $5099 | $5749* | $6349* | |||||
$4499 | $5099 | $5749* | $6349* | |||||
$4499 | $5099 | $5749* | $6349* | |||||
$4249 | $4849 | $5449* | $6049* | |||||
$4249 | $4849 | $5449* | $6049* | |||||
$4049 | $4649 | $5249* | $5849* |
2025 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1400 | ||||||||
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Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | ||
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
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$3749 | $4349 | $4839* | $5439* | |||||
$3749 | $4349 | $4839* | $5439* | |||||
$3899 | $4499 | $5059* | $5659* | |||||
$4199 | $4799 | $5749* | $6349* | |||||
$4199 | $4799 | $5749* | $6349* | |||||
$4099 | $4699 | $5799* | $6399* | |||||
$4049 | $4649 | $5749* | $6349* | |||||
$4049 | $4649 | $5749* | $6349* | |||||
$4549 | $5149 | $5799* | $6399* | |||||
$4549 | $5149 | $5799* | $6399* | |||||
$4549 | $5149 | $5799* | $6399* | |||||
$4549 | $5149 | $5799* | $6399* | |||||
$4549 | $5149 | $5799* | $6399* | |||||
$4299 | $4899 | $5499* | $6099* | |||||
$4299 | $4899 | $5499* | $6099* | |||||
$4099 | $4699 | $5299* | $5899* |
2025 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1950 | ||||||||
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Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land | ||
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
Book By Dec 12 |
Book After Dec 12 |
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$4049 | $4649 | $5139* | $5739* | |||||
$4049 | $4649 | $5139* | $5739* | |||||
$4049 | $4649 | $5209* | $5809* | |||||
$4299 | $4899 | $5849* | $6449* | |||||
$4299 | $4899 | $5849* | $6449* | |||||
$4299 | $4899 | $5999* | $6599* | |||||
$4299 | $4899 | $5999* | $6599* | |||||
$4299 | $4899 | $5999* | $6599* | |||||
$4649 | $5249 | $5899* | $6499* | |||||
$4649 | $5249 | $5899* | $6499* | |||||
$4649 | $5249 | $5899* | $6499* | |||||
$4649 | $5249 | $5899* | $6499* | |||||
$4649 | $5249 | $5899* | $6499* | |||||
$4399 | $4999 | $5599* | $6199* | |||||
$4399 | $4999 | $5599* | $6199* | |||||
$4199 | $4799 | $5399* | $5999* |
Not Included:
Port charges of US $149, optional shore excursions and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers. As taxis are difficult to find upon disembarkation, we suggest that the departure transfer is pre-booked.
Passengers returning from Athens on day 15 should select flights that depart no earlier than 12 PM.
Your cruise package includes the following excursions: House of Virgin Mary & Ancient Ephesus (KUS-01). Please note that shore excursions can only be purchased locally.
While sailing with Celestyal Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise line's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: Celestyal Cruise's Conditions of Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage
Visas are not required for shore excursions to Kusadasi.
Passport information for all passengers traveling on Celestyal Cruises must be submitted 60 days prior to departure.
During Ramadan (Feb 28 - Mar 31, 2025), 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
- 13 nights accommodations
- 3 nights Istanbul
- 1 night Edirne
- 1 night Kavala
- 2 nights Thessaloniki
- 1 night Kalambaka
- 2 nights Athens
- 3 nights Celestyal Cruise
- Cruise gratuities & porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 27 meals: 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
- Wine and beer with all meals on board the cruise
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- 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
- Visit Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans, including the Harem section
- 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
- Tour the archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus and the colorful town of Kusadasi
Cruise Features & Amenities
- English speaking cruise director
- 7 bars & 4 restaurants
- Spa and wellness center
- Swimming pool
- Beer & wine with all meals
- Fitness center
- Extensive sun deck
†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 DetailsThis 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 DetailsThis first class hotel is located in Istanbul's Beyoglu district, just a five minute walk from Taksim Square.
Hotel DetailsThis 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 DetailsThis first class hotel is located in Istanbul's Beyoglu district, just a five minute walk from Taksim Square.
Hotel DetailsThis 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 DetailsThis first class hotel is located in Istanbul's Beyoglu district, just a five minute walk from Taksim Square.
Hotel DetailsThis 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 DetailsThis first class hotel is located in Istanbul's Beyoglu district, just a five minute walk from Taksim Square.
Hotel DetailsThis 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 DetailsThis first class hotel is located in Istanbul's Beyoglu district, just a five minute walk from Taksim Square.
Hotel DetailsThis 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 DetailsThis first class hotel is located in Istanbul's Beyoglu district, just a five minute walk from Taksim Square.
Hotel DetailsThis 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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Celestyal Cruises - Passport information must be submitted to Gate 1 Travel at least 60 days prior to departure. This information needs to be submitted to Port Authorities for embarkation. |
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. |
Celestyal Cruises Terms & Conditions: Celestyal Cruises Terms & Conditions governing the cruise component of a Tour & Cruise package apply to all customers sailing with Celestyal Cruises. Carriage by Sea is subject to the Carrier's Conditions of Carriage which are expressly incorporated into the following document: Celestyal Cruise's Conditions of Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage |
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. |
Celestyal Cruises - Our local staff will provide luggage tags for the cruise which you should clearly label with your name, cabin number and sailing date. |
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. On some itineraries, particularly those with flights included during the tour, you may encounter multiple drivers and local guides throughout. It is recommended to keep small bills on hand for tipping. 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. |
Celestyal Cruises - Cruise gratuities are included in your package rate. |
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. |
Celestyal Cruises - The Euro is the currency used aboard the ship. Please note that while calling at port, other currencies may be used depending on the country being visited. |
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 |
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. |
Celestyal 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. Swipe your card when you leave and board the ship. This 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. |
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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Celestyal Cruises
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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. |
Celestyal Cruises - Crystal, Olympia: the voltage used is 110 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. |
On-board Cashless System - Celestyal Cruises |
You will receive an Access Card, which will serve as both your boarding pass and onboard charge card. Please store it securely as you would any other charge or identification card. There is a cashless system on board. All on board expenditures (in the bar, restaurant, shop, etc.) are charged to your Access Card, and cash is not accepted at any of the ship's outlets. Your card's limit can be extended by verifying a credit card at Reception . At the end of your cruise, the closing invoice will be presented for settlement. Payment can be made by cash, credit card (American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Diners Club) and traveler's checks. Personal checks are not accepted. Children's Access Cards may be restricted by taking them to Reception for re-encoding with a reduced limit. If you misplace your Access Card, report this immediately to Reception. Otherwise, another person may use the card and you will be liable for their charges. |
Cruise Embarkation / Disembarkation |
Embarkation commences three hours before the departure time of the vessel. Your passport and cruise voucher should be ready to present to the embarkation staff. The ship's staff collects and holds your passport for the duration of the cruise. A receipt will be given to you and should be presented at the designated time when passport will be returned to you prior to disembarkation. At embarkation you will be issued with your own personal embarkation card which acts as your on board payment card and the security for embarking and disembarking the vessel. Disembarking in Athens: Upon arrival, please proceed through customs with your luggage. With Gate 1 transfer: Meet Gate 1 representative holding Gate 1 sign after clearing immigration and customs. You will be responsible for carrying your luggage to the vehicle. |
On Your Cruise - Celestyal Cruises |
Attire: 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. Long pants/dresses are required for meals in the main dining room, and no flip flops are permitted to be worn (sandals are allowed). 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. On shore excursions, some religious sites may require modest dress code to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Long pants are required for men and a long skirt is required for women or a sarong wrap will be provided if necessary. Meals and Dietary Restrictions: Upon embarkation, the Maitre d'Hotel will take your dining room reservation and assign your table. You will have the choice, depending on availability, of main or late sitting. Breakfast and lunch are free-sitting and no reservation is required. All dietary restrictions, particularly for medical reasons should be advised at time of booking. While every effort will be made to accommodate, Gate 1 cannot guarantee every restaurant will be able to comply to the fullest extent. Dinners in tour packages are based on set menus and some buffets. Your cruise includes a drink package. This package includes tap water, soda, juice, coffee, tea, and select beer and wine by the glass during meals. Alcoholic beverages will not be available for passengers under the age of 18. Details of beverage choices will be provided on board the cruise. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in all areas except one designated lounge, the casino and on open decks. Smoking is not permitted in the cabins. Casino: The Casino will be open during sailing times only. Guests under the age of 18 are not permitted to enter. Your ship's account card may not be used to play in the casino. Excursions: Additional shore excursions will be available for purchase on board the cruise. In Santorini, passengers on a shore excursion will disembark at Athinios, all other passengers in Fira. Disembarkation and embarkation in Santorini, Patmos, Mylos, and Mykonos may be done via tender boats. Cruise itineraries and ships are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, cruise ships may be chartered and/or departure dates canceled after publication, in which case all moneys will be refunded. Gate 1 takes no responsibility for ship substitutions or itinerary changes imposed by a cruise line. Shore excursion itineraries and rates: Olympia and Crystal: https://www.gate1travel.com/cruises/ships/celestyal/excursions/ Email: Internet facilities are available on board for a fee that is charged to your shipboard account. |
Our trip was phenomenal, thanks largely to the great scheduling and our awesome guide, Erkal. We felt like every day had another great adventure or pleasant surprise. Each archeological site, city, interactions with locals, offered something unique and fascinating. The Turkish people were wonderful, down to earth. And our fellow passengers were equally as fascinating to get to know. Gate 1 truly is family for travelers; you can relax about the schedule and all the details, and just concentrate on having a great time with like minded travelers--many of whom we hope to see again on another excursion!
Daniel A.The 16-Day Absolute Turkey trip was wonderful. Large group but Genghiskhan did a marvelous job coordinating all the folks...with humor, patience and just personality. He is a very gifted tour leader. A number of us were talking and would like to either do the Eastern Turkey trip with him or do a Private Gate 1 Trip with him and add back in Mt Nebo and Trabizon and the Sumela Monastery. The stops were all educational...I was amazed there were more mountains in Turkey than I expected. Our bus driver Eckram was excellent at negotiating mountain curves and tight spaces. I don't mind the long drives as I am a reader. The hotels were nice...the one in Antalya was gorgeous. I am a geologist...so Cappadocia and Pamukkale were long-time desires for me. I had never done a balloon ride and with the National Holiday and so many balloons going up at once, I texted family and friends for special prayer....but it was incredible...an experience of a lifetime. And to do it at that spot...was worth the wait. From the window in our room the next morning we could watch them all take off again....stunningly beautiful. The selection of the spot for the farewell dinner was perfect. We all loved it...and the hotel was great for just walking around Izmir. At first I felt that having the full free day was too much, but in the end I really appreciated having it. A number in the group were going on to further adventures either on their own or with Gate1. So the downtime was treasured. Again, when people ask me what I liked the most...what I will remember the most...as much as I love the time in Nature and the Beauty and History I have seen...it comes down to the people on the tour...folks that choose Gate1 are just a delight...fun explorers who desire value for hard earned money. And Gate1 provides that over and above. I met quite a number of people...singles and couples on this tour...that I hope to keep in contact and travel again with. Thank you for providing the opportunities and coordination of so many wonderful tours...and the new Stay and Explore Tours look to be a big hit.
Catherine R.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.Just returned from Turkey for our 5th Gate 1 tour. We have had excellent tour directors every time but Ender was the best ever! Ender's knowledge of the history of Turkey was unsurpassed. He told us in detail about each of the historic sites that we visited and brought them to life with his passion. He got to know every person in our group, interacted with each of us and made us all feel important. We were in Turkey during the EID holiday and Ender planned and reacted to adverse conditions like closings and traffic with skill to make sure we got the most out of our trip. Perhaps most impressive is the fact that Ender did the entire tour by himself without any "local" guides. His knowledge of every stop was invaluable in giving each of us an understanding of the importance of that site. We left Turkey feeling like we had left a real friend behind. Ender was simply magnificent!
Alan M.Participating in the Turkish tour group organized by Gate1 (from 4/7 to 4/19) allowed me to learn more about Turkey. This more than a week trip was full of joy from beginning to end, especially the Cappadocia Balloon Ride. It is a very valuable and rare life experience. It's really amazing. Our team's Tour Manager, Mr Ordal, He is very friendly, has strong organizational skills, and has rich professional knowledge. I would like to thank him very much for his leadership, which allowed our whole group to have an unforgettable holiday in Turkey.
Frank S.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.This was my first Gate 1 tour. My husband and I enjoyed it immensely. We were traveling with my 2 cousins. Our tour guide/ manager was Vivian. We absolutely loved her. She was exceptional. Vivian is extremely knowledgeable and professional, and caring. She is enthusiastic and proud to teach others the history and culture of her country. She managed to keep the 24+ people in her charge, engaged, punctual, and organized with our busy itinerary. She was warm and friendly. We experienced Greece through the heart and soul of someone who loves her country. Vivian truly made our experience in Greece phenomenal, and we are grateful to have had her guide us! Bravo Vivian! Bravo Gate 1 for having such wonderful tour managers!
Debra G.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.We completely enjoyed every aspect of our Greece Tour. A special thanks for our Tour Managers Chrysanthos and Panagiotis (Panos), they were awesome. We love this trip so much that already booked a Spain & Portugal Tour with you for next year. We have had one other trip with Gate One to Ireland years back and was equally enjoyable. Thanks you for your great service. We will be life long travelers with Gate One. A special thanks to Emad, our waiter, on the Celestyal Cruiseship he was impeccable.
Ann K.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.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.Just got back from 7 day Athens with 3 day iconic Aegean cruise. I was impressed with how the Gate 1 representatives took us under their wings the whole trip. Knowledgeable, compassionate, available, efficient and friendly- Panos and Gus, especially. The hotel Stanley was very nice, loved the rooftop restaurant. This was my first cruise, Celestial and the staff were great.
Karla O.I just wanted to send a quick note about our tour guide during our trip to Greece. Militsa was wonderful! She has such a love and passion for her job and her country. Her excitement and energy were contagious. She shared great stories of historical significance and her own stories as a Greek citizen. She was a delight everyday! She kept us safe, on time, and entertained every day. I enjoyed the chance to even meet her family, she is such a caring individual. Militsa definitely left us wanting more! Every place we went was breathtaking and fun. I just wanted to take a moment and let you know what a treasure you have in Militsa! She made our trip awesome! Thank you!
Steven B.We had a fantastic trip in Turkey! We enjoyed every moment of our trip over there. Faruk is such a great tour guide and he is so knowledgeable, kind and considerate that we wanted to travel with Gate 1 in the future trips. The tour guide, driver, hotels, meals and hotel services made our time in Turkey a lifetime experience and memorable ! This was our first time with Gate 1 Travel and we have referred to our friends. Thank you for proving excellent travel experience for us!
Jie H.I wanted to let it be known that our tour guide Sayat was exceptional. He was kind, competent, and knew so much of Turkish / Ottoman / Greek / Roman history. He could describe lots of interesting historical background information for every site we visited. I've been on a few group tours (with Gate1 and other companies), but I believe Sayat was the best tour guide I have ever had. The bus driver Homer was excellent as well. Homer was polite, friendly, and a very safe driver. Sayat and Homer made our Turkey trip far more interesting and fun that it would have been without them.
Sonya Z.13 Day Affordable Turkey (2/10/23): It was an amazing, eye-opening trip which exceeded all our expectations. Thanks to our OUTSTANDING tour manager & guide Dalim and driver Ramazan did such excellent jobs as a team to make our trip pleasant and memorable! Dalim was very professional, helpful and extremely knowledgeable, he was passionate for introducing his country to us who know little about Turkey, We have learned so much Turkish 's rich history, culture, geography, language, religions and people's life; also the folklore custom, nature, food, local products, about everything. In addition, his outstanding problem-solving abilities and time management & organizational skills impressed everyone on the trip. He handled the big group perfectly, with well-planned and made all the arrangements ahead to keep everything harmonious and on schedule despite the 38 personalities he had to deal with. Our driver Ramazan was the best professional driver we ever had. He was punctual, efficient and prepared all the time. In entire trip, he amazingly managed to take us to every destination safely and on schedule, without any delay. He was extremely kind, always put our needs in first place, and often drove extra for our safety and convenience. His driving skill was flawless no matter driving through the bad weather, dense fog, ice rain or at the incident of birds crashing into our bus. We experienced 3 random inspections by police during the trip, he passed all smoothly in no time. He was working very hard to keep the bus clean and orderly, even between the 2 tours on the same day; He was kind, willing to help us with the luggage, assisted guests walking on ice or crossed busy street; He made the long bus rides safe and pleasant. We definitely will recommend Gate1 to our family and friends, and looking forward to our next trip.
Huiming W.I just wanted you to know how amazing both Metin (our guide) and Recep (our driver) made this Gate 1 trip. They were the perfect pair, and they both did EVERYTHING they could to ensure our whole group had a wonderful, safe time. Metin is so knowledgeable and kind, and he went above and beyond for this group - he really made us feel like family. And Recep was a perfect driver, always calm, always keeping the safety of his passengers in mind, and keeping the bus SPARKLING clean. I will travel again with Gate 1, partially due to the fact that you hire such exemplary staff for these tours. Please keep it up - I love traveling with Gate 1!
Robin C.Our trip was excellent!!! On this trip were five first-time Gate1 travelers. I have been telling my friends for years, that I travel with Gate 1(MORE for less) and the exceptional price, accommodations, service, and hospitality that is shown to all travelers. They finally took a chance on this trip (still not believing that they could get more for less) and halfway through the trip...at dinner, they said, "I am a believer!" We had the best time and this time we got more than we could have ever imagined. The staff in all locations, the tour guides, and manager were EXCEPTIONAL. Additionally, the service team that had to change our original date for departure and flight at the end of the trip were kind, available and very helpful. I am so proud to say we travel with Gate 1. Thank you for caring about your customers...it is so evident.
Linda G.The trip was amazing. Exceeded all my levels of expectations for the price. We upgraded to first class as I am a tall guy and made a big comfortable experience for me personally. The Mercedes Benz Coach was super comfy with great leg room and a bathroom. Turkey had a lot of driving as we covered so much of Turkey. The driver Ecker was a gentleman and a great driver. Our guide Serder was a gentleman too with an ample knowledge of the history and significance of landscape. He was very cleared and soft spoken and enthusiastic in his delivery. He made us feel like family and he attended every need by all tourist keeping balance and punctuality of our schedule. The hotels were very good, modern, cleaned and their staff always friendly. Food was great too. For us the Air balloon ride was a bucket list and it blew our minds. The safety and professional output by the staff and Captain it charmed our nerves and as we flew over the landscape plus the sun rising, wow, tears in our eyes. The photos and memories we created were shared in social media and our friend and family will be calling you and gate 1 travel soon. Looking forward to our next adventure.
Carlos C.This was our 14th trip with G1 and thus far all our tour managers have been excellent. I want to particularly laud the service of our cruise tour manager, Maria. Maria far exceeded our expectations. There aren't many people like Maria who genuinely have a passion for their job and it was apparent in everything she did. Maria excelled in every aspect of her responsibilities and made our trip and that of our group companions so very special. She is a credit to Gate 1 and reaffirms our loyalty to the company.
Jeffrey F.My trip to Turkey was wonderful! Our tour guide, Gulin was nothing short of amazing. She was so kind and went out of her way to ensure everyone on the tour had a fabulous time. She has such a gift of kindness and it definitely showed. I knew very little about Turkey before my trip, but now I feel like an expert. I have been a traveler for 40 years and finding someone like Gulin made my trip great! I wish every tour guide was as knowledgeable, fun, helpful and kind as she is. Please be sure to give her my best!!
Donna L.The guide, Shenol is very well knowledgeable, educated, organized, flexible, punctual and a friendly person. Through out the Turkey Odyssey tour, he explained all historical, religious and cultural matters. He has a very good sense of humor and I really enjoyed his guidance. He is an asset to Gate-1 and I commend his dedication working for Gate-1 as a guide. Best wishes to Shenol. Great job!
Bhupendra P.Our tour guide Faruk went above and beyond to make this a fantastic trip for us. My family is vegetarian, and so at every meal time he would ensure we had sufficient vegetarian options available to us. If not, he'd help us find and get to a local vegetarian friendly place, which was greatly appreciated as it was hard to navigate in a new country. Additionally, we had many questions and inquiries about things such as rugs, marble, and other house goods and Faruk was extremely knowledgeable and able to help us at every step. He is also extremely patient and friendly, and this was tested multiple times. He took it all with a smiling face and did not let it stop him from treating everyone with kindness. He was extremely efficient and punctual as well, allowing us to see everything we would like to but still getting to the hotels at an appropriate time for relaxing. Overall, Faruk is the best tour manager we have ever had the pleasure of having, and hope we can travel again with him someday.
Tanuja P.I have to take the time to let you know how excellent our two tour managers, Maria and Panos, were in Greece. Both were incredibly knowledgeable, super organized, full of historical and local information, very pleasant and approachable. The list could go on and on. THANK YOU for obtaining such wonderful people to help make our trip so much more enjoyable. Kudos to both Maria and Panos!!!
Heidi F.WOW!!!! What an awesome trip. From the time we finally made it through to customs & loss luggage (about 2 hours) Dimitri at Gate 1 reassured me the driver Kostus was waiting for us. We had the time of our lives. Every tour guide was knowledgeable and welcoming at each tour we booked. And, a very "SPECIAL" thank you to our tour manager Pano. He was also knowledgeable and helpful with the multiple questions we had. He answered each question concise and always with a smile. I was so worried about getting loss in a foreign country, but with Gate 1 and the entire professional staff of tour guides: Helena in Athens, Sue in Ephesus, Celesei in Patmos, Alexi in Rhodes & Alexa In Santorini; bus drivers and PANO our wonderful tour manager who kept us on schedule and on time, and information for areas to explore on your own. This was a trip of a life time for me and GATE 1 alleviated all my fears and allowed me enjoy myself. Thank you. I have recommended you to my friends.
Beverly W.What a wonderful trip to Greece. Certainly and as expected flights, accommodations, sites were excellent but did not know as a bonus that I would meet and be guided by the "Energizer Bunny", Ms. Maria. She was with us every minute of every hour of every day providing much needed information and being the problem solver in chief. Patient as a saint and every attention to detail was paid in full. Have done a number of Gate 1 tours previously but she really made this one memorable. Enough so to want to return!
Thomas P.My Turkish Treasures trip was absolutely incredible. My tour guide, Hakan was beyond amazing. Our driver was fantastic too. They both worked so hard for all of us the entire trip. I knew going into this trip that I was going to like Turkey..... but I left having fallen in love with Turkey. Our guide arranged for us to have a private concert at our farewell dinner with some local musicians. IT WAS AMAZING!! It was the most perfect way to say goodbye to all of the new friends I made along the way with some singing and dancing and LOTS of laughs. Hakan taught us so much about Turkish history and was always sure to point out things of interest to individuals as he got to know each of us and our own unique interests. I would gladly recommend this trip to anyone who is contemplating it. I have been on several Gate 1 trips and this is right at the top!! Thank you!!!
Jennifer S.Amazing as always! Our guides Efi and Panos made sure the land and sea portions went smoothly and were knowledgeable and just generally awesome. Accommodations and included meals were top notch.
Staci B.The trip to Turkey was absolutely fantastic!! Could not have asked for anything better! So many fascinating history sites and information! I didn't know what to expect. But the trip was amazing! Our tour guide Taner was one of the best I have ever had in all of my other trips. He was excellent! Loved the whole experience!
Robin S.Grateful, Thankful and Blessed. It is with great joy and thankfulness to express our gratitude for organizing such an amazing trip to Greece. Our hostesses -Tour Guides from the Moment we arrived to Greece (Athens )we were welcomed with courtesy and warm candid smiles. When my husband Julio and I arrived to the Hotel Divani Caravel in Athens each working personal were very attentive and very welcoming .The same attitude and care was equally given in all the Hotels we stayed in . Eventually we meet Our Tour Guide Matina. Our experience traveling with Matina as our Tour Guide was phenomenal, terrific, marvelous and fantastic. Every tourist location we went with Matina was well organized with details. Matina surpassed our expectations. She is very knowledgeable in the history of her country and was able to communicate well with assertiveness the value and history of every place we travel with her in Greece. As Matina would guide us explaining the places she was taken us ,she showed and transmitted passion for the culture and history of her nation . My husband and I can only say that our childhood dreams came to true traveling in Greece. After all, Greece is the cradle of civilization for the birth of Democracy. Also ,with this in mind, the bus driver Socrates was Matina's Traveler companion that drove the 24 USA Passengers from Gate 1 to each touristic city we visited .Socrates was an excellent driver with experience. He was very attentive in carrying and transferring our luggage as we arrived to each hotel. Overall, it was a joy to have travel in Greece.
Diana C.I just wanted to share how magnificent and memorable trip we had after stuck at home for three year feared from COVID. I was eagerly and anxiously planned for this trip. Eagerly, because I was stuck at home for so long and missing the fun of traveling. Anxiously, because I was not sure I am making a right choice as COVID is now diminishing but its not completely gone. I made my decision to go for it by trusting how Gate one takes care of their customers. Gate one was informing us of all the COVID precautions and safety measures to keep us safe as well as giving the fun of our life back to us. We had a wonderful tour guide who treated and took care of us just like his own family member. Keeping the mask available, hand sanitizer and everything that can keep us safe during our travel. I would like to share the names of these this wonderful guide Oguz and driver Hamid who drove us around in his coach bus safely and maintained his bus by providing clean bus, and comfortable ride. I really appreciate traveling with Gate one and will keep going with your company. I shared this experience with my friends and family and they are also looking forward to travel with Gate one soon. As life is too short and There are too many things to explore. Once again, thank you Gate one for choosing the best staff, hotels and taking care of your customers the way you do.
Anita D.We just returned from our 13 day essential Turkey vacation , it was amazing! I cannot truly say enough good things about our experience. The history,the silk road, Ephesus, the virgin mary home, the wonderful hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, the beautiful resort hotels and of course our first Turkish bath Hamam! Was so awesome!, but lastly I must really take a minute to share with you that the best part was our incredible tour guide Dilek. She created the most wonderful environment for our group, making everyone feel like a family with our fellow travelers, telling us each morning that she loved us and loved sharing her country with us. She ensured every person was made to feel important and catered to every single need of everyone in our group. Every request or problem was met with kindness and a smile assuring us that everything would be taken care of. She was knowledgeable in all things Turkey, funny, kind, sincere and genuine in her care of us. She never rushed us and kept a wonderful pace. By the completion of our trip we really were a family and had become very close. Dilek is a guide who goes above and beyond to ensure gate1 travelers are truly valued! I must also mention Ronaldo Lassiter in emergency customer service. Prior to our departure there was great concern regarding the Required HES covid tracking system Turkey had in place for most of the pandemic. All websites stated you still needed this to enter the country and it was difficult to acquire and noone was able to assist, except Ronaldo! He assured me he would get to the solution prior to our departure and he did. He was persistent in getting the necessary info and assuring us we would have all we needed to go! With team members like Dilek and Ronaldo, you have earned our loyalty to Gate1.
Kenneth C.I recently returned home after being in the 13 day Affordable Turkey tour. I must say it is the trip of a life time. Not only was the scenery beautiful, the locals were super friendly, the history of layers of civilizations abundant at every site, the foods were superb.... but the most fantastic part is our tour manager, Metin. His rich resources of knowledge of the country, the history and cultures greatly enhanced our experience 300% more. The most enchanting part, is his network connection at every stop, how he introduced us with tidbits of relevant information and local residents, we did not have to feel like strangers in a new surrounding, we were like visiting friends along our way. If there were Tour Manager Award of the Year, Metin deserves it every single year! At the end of our trip, everyone wanted to take him home with us. I can not stop sharing my experience with friends after my return, nor can I stop thinking about Turkey, I want to go back again and again!!!
Hsien C.Our tour Manager Dilek was outstanding. This was our 14th trip with Gate 1 and Dilek impressed us immensely. She embodied every quality that made our trip one of the best that we have taken. She is a credit to your company. I also want to commend our driver, Arif for his professionalism and expertise.
Jeffrey F.An absolutely fabulous vacation. Dilek has been, by far, the best tour manager we've had in all our trips with Gate 1. Her knowledge level was amazing and her ability to share that with us was even better. It is obvious she loves her job and enjoys sharing her impressions and personal life with us. The 29 of us truly felt like a family after just 12 days!! She just knew how to draw out each traveler to make them feel a part of our adventure.
Leigh R.