Although I never received a request from you for a personal review for a recent trip ( 16 Day Deluxe Israel and Jordan), I feel compelled to write regarding the superb guides and bus drivers in both countries as well as the outstanding Gate 1 service and planning, beginning with pick up at the Tel Aviv airport and ending with Gate 1 support at the Amman airport. The hotels were superb, the meals delicious, and the travel arrangements between hotels, between tourist sites and between countries, were seamless. Kudos to the Gate 1 planning team, from initial reservation in 2019 and due to Covid, rescheduled twice!
In Israel, Gabriella (Gabi) , our tour manager and guide, was a font of information regarding history- both historical/archaeological and the history of the state of Israel. She is extremely knowledgeable regarding the culture, religion and food ways of her country. Gabi is a master planner and facilitator, shepherding us daily through a rich itinerary, coordinating departures, entry times, lunch and dinner reservations, leaving us each day with rich memories of Roman cities, natural wonders, Christian holy sites and Jewish religious/cultural experiences. Gabi's ability to communicate her love and passion for Israel coupled with her empathy, understanding, concern, and care for the 20 tourists under her care made for wonderful traveling.
Our Israeli bus driver, Aman, was outstanding, maneuvering a large bus in crowded cities with skill and humor. And across the border we were met by our Jordanian driver Mohammed, equally skillful and engaging.
In Jordan, we were welcomed at the Israeli border by Ali , our charming and exceptional tour manager and guide. Ali's extensive knowledge of history, archaeology, Islam, and Jordanian culture, coupled with his engaging manner, ability to communicate and involve his audience, made our experience especially memorable and enjoyable. Our itinerary was was filled from sunrise until nighttime. Ali delivered wonderful lectures on the tour bus as we traveled from site to site and seamlessly planned and timed our visits and meals. Ali's concern for us, his wealth of information, ability to engage his audience, and the spectacular sites in Jordan all contributed to an exciting week of travel.
Deborah S.