16 Day Tastes of Germany's Eastern States & the French Riviera
From
$4099
Land Only
$4879*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
| 16 Day Tastes of Germany's Eastern States & the French Riviera | ||
|---|---|---|
| MAXX Hotel Sanssouci Potsdam | Potsdam | |
| Hotel Aston La Scala | Nice | |
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers but does include flight Berlin-Vienna.
Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms at the Radisson Blu Nice will be accommodated in a single room & twin room.
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?
Stay & Explore Package Includes
Stay & Explore travel style combines the benefits of an escorted tour with the comfort of staying in a central location, without the hassle of packing and unpacking. Delve deep into the culture, history, and attractions of each location. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, you will have easy access to the best sites of the region. Create a customized experience as leisurely or enriching as you prefer, with a balance of included and optional tours.
- Flights New York-Berlin, Nice-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Intra-flight: Berlin-Nice
- 14 nights First Class Accommodations
- 7 nights Potsdam
- 7 nights Nice
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 16 meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of 2 English-speaking tour managers throughout
- Germany (Days 2-8)
- France (Days 9-16)
- Services of a local guide
- Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- During the walking tour of Potsdam, view the Dutch Quarter and the historic Old Market Square
- Tour Sanssouci Palace, the former summer residence of Frederick the Great
- View Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag, and Brandenburg Gate, emblematic reminders of Berlin's divided past
- The city tour of Leipzig takes you through iconic landmarks such as St. Thomas Church, the Old Town Hall, and the Monument to the Battle of the Nations
- Take a city tour of Nice, considered the capital of the French Riviera
- Explore the beauty of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the crown jewel of the French Riviera
- Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of the Belle Époque era
- Learn the secrets of perfume-making on a tour of a French perfumery in Grasse
- Travel along the sun-drenched French Riviera to Cannes and Antibes
- Experience traditional Nice specialties
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates if pre/post accommodations are booked through Gate 1 Travel
Not Included:
Optional tours gratuities. (unless otherwise specified).
Is This Trip Right for You?
| The number of participants may vary during your tour as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary.
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Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Embark on a drive to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial, a poignant site that serves as a reminder to the atrocities committed during the Nazi era. Located just outside Berlin, Sachsenhausen was one of the first concentration camps built by the regime, serving as a model for others. During the tour, delve into a dark chapter of Germany's history. Walk through the somber grounds, the reconstructed barracks, the original watchtowers, and the execution site. Visit the museum featuring powerful exhibits, personal stories, and artifacts that provide a harrowing insight into the suffering endured by prisoners.
Approximate tour duration is 5 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $39.00 |
Embark on a scenic journey to the historic city of Szczecin Poland. Explore the Old Town, and view highlights such as the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle, the striking Philharmonic Hall, the Church of St. Wojciech, the Cathedral, and the Chrobry Embankment along the Oder River. Indulge in a traditional pierogi lunch, where you'll savor Poland's beloved dumplings, freshly prepared and filled with a variety of delicious flavors.
Approximate tour duration is 10 hours.
| Day #6 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $106.00 |
Experience the natural beauty of the Spreewald region with a relaxing canal boat cruise through its lush waterways, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. As your traditional flat-bottomed boat glides along the canals, immerse yourself in the pristine landscapes of the region and learn about its rich history. Enjoy a specialty tasting thoughtfully selected to highlight the season.
Approximate tour duration is 6 hours.
| Day #8 | 01 Apr 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $39.00 |
Drive into the pine scented hills above Nice to visit the hilltop St. Paul de Vence - a walled town which still retains its medieval character and is a haven for artists - a treasure trove of workshops and galleries. Wander the cobbled streets to the central fountain, and see the burial place of Marc Chagall.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #10 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $45.00 |
Enjoy an authentic evening in Nice with a dinner that celebrates the region's rich culinary heritage. Savor iconic local favorites like pissaladière and salad nicoise, followed by Provencal classics - all perfectly paired with regional wines for a true taste of the Riviera.
Approximate tour duration is 2.5 hours
| Day #11 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 May 2027 | $59.00 |
Your exploration begins at the tiny hilltop village of Eze, overlooking the French Riviera, known for its perfumery, winding cobblestone streets, and traditional stone houses. Cross the border into the Principality of Monaco. Visit the Old Town with its stately Royal Palace, and view the changing of the guard (schedule permitting). On the walking tour, pass Saint Nicholas Cathedral where Princess Grace, and Prince Rainer are buried, and view the Oceanographic Museum dramatically perched on the edge of a cliff. In glamorous Monte Carlo, the crown jewel of the Riviera, stop at the opulent marble, and gold casino, a lavish example of Belle Époque architecture. View the harbor with rows of extravagant mega-yachts before heading back to Nice.
Approximate tour duration is 6 hours.
| Day #12 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2027 | $49.00 |
Embark on a delightful excursion to the resort town of Menton. On arrival, take exclusive out of hours access to Menton's Botanical Gardens* , established during the 19th century. This historic garden features an impressive collection of over 1,000 species of plants from tropical and subtropical regions. Next, savor a lemon degustation, sampling the region's citrus products. Continue with a stroll through Menton's picturesque streets, soaking in its colorful architecture and serene atmosphere. Free time to have lunch on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy Menton's iconic dessert - a freshly made lemon pie before returning to Nice.
This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking as you will need to walk on uneven and challenging terrain at the Botanical Garden.
Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.
| Day #14 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $59.00 |
Depart Nice and embark on a scenic drive to the seaside resort of Sainte-Maxime, from where you board a boat and sail to glamorous St. Tropez. Upon arrival, take an orientation tour and immerse yourself in the ambiance of the town, where luxury yachts line the harbor. Wander through the one of the largest and nicest food market, where stalls overflow with fresh seasonal produce, flowers, and handicraft goods. Spend free time exploring and have lunch on your own. In the afternoon, return to Nice. Along the way, stop at a vineyard nestled in the beautiful French countryside. Sample a selection of wines produced in the region and learn about the art of winemaking.
Note, due to traffic congestion between May and September, travel times may be longer.
Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.
| Day #15 | 01 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2026 | $59.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Germany - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Germany Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| France - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. France Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| 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. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Germany - The Euro is the currency of Germany. |
| France - The Euro is the currency of France. |
| 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. |
| Germany - In addition to large department stores featuring a wide range of goods, Germany has many specialized shops that feature high quality items such as optical instruments, knives, glassware, china, handcrafted toys, and antique books and maps, among many others. |
| France - In Paris, stores are open from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday. Larger stores are open Sunday from noon until 6 pm Many large department stores and designer boutiques are located in Paris. The French countryside is known for its quaint shops, farm markets and vineyards. Good buys include lace, crystal, glass, and fine wines and liqueurs. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Germany
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France
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| Languages |
| Germany - German is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| France - French is the local language. 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. |
| Germany - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| France - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Germany - Shaking hands is a customary greeting and normal courtesies should be observed. First names are not used when being introduced, but after a relationship exists, using first names is appropriate. Politeness is highly valued, and saying hello and goodbye is important even in shops and restaurants. |
| France - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Closer acquaintances and friends may kiss both cheeks. The form of personal address is simply Monsieur or Madame without a surname and people may not immediately offer to be familiar on a first name basis. Casual wear is appropriate, but more stylish dress would not be out of place. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in cinemas and theaters. |
| 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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| France - In France, most hotels serve continental breakfast with limited hot item options. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Germany |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Apr 6: Easter Monday May 1: May Day May 14: Ascension Day May 24: Whit Sunday May 25: Whit Monday Jun 4: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Assumption Day Oct 3: Day of German Unity Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 18: Repentence Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter Mar 29: Easter Monday May 1: May Day May 6: Ascension Day May 16: Whit Sunday May 17: Whit Monday May 27: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Assumption Day Oct 3: Day of German Unity Oct 31: Reformation Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 17: Repentence Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - France |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Apr 6: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 8: WWII Victory Day May 14: Ascension Day May 24: Whit Sunday May 25: Whit Monday Jul 14: Bastille Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 11: Armistice Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter Mar 29: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 6: Ascension Day May 8: WWII Victory Day May 16: Whit Sunday May 17: Whit Monday Jul 14: Bastille Day Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 11: Armistice Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: St. Stephen's Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Germany - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. |
| France - For activities on your own, gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
I cannot say enough good things about our group leader, Mira. She was organized, professional, knowledgeable, funny, friendly, and kind. She makes me want to travel again very soon! Thank you Mira!
Amy M.
What a great trip! Janine was one of the best tour managers I have ever had with Gate 1--knowledgeable, sincere, humorous, enthusiastic, organized--and the list goes on. Every day she would share a special drink or goodie that brought the region to life in a more personal way, making the trip truly special, as well as treating us to wine with our meals. She and our driver, Roman, were a great team, taking wonderful care of all of us. Clone that tour manager! :)
Annette R.
Tour manager Siobhan was amazing. She personalized everyone's trip by connecting with each individual and making comments/recommendations relevant to their situations. Her knowledge and local insight were so appreciated by everyone in the group. Her special added touches each day were such treats each day! Her preparation and up-front communication left no guessing for the group. She was able to pivot seamlessly if required and always made sure everyone was comfortable and satisfied. We would recommend Siobhan to anyone who has an opportunity to cross her path in the future.
Lauren L.
My husband and I recently returned from one of your tours, and we wanted to express our sincere gratitude for the wonderful experience. Our guide, Dennis, distinguished himself as one of the finest we have ever encountered during our many years of international travel. Dennis was warm, welcoming, and consistently professional. His deep knowledge, punctuality, and attentive accommodations elevated the trip to a truly memorable level. We appreciated his friendly manner, his ability to share rich cultural and historical context, and his flexibility with the group's needs. As business owners ourselves, we recognize and value what it takes to maintain a high standard of service. Dennis is clearly a standout asset to your team - someone who reflects the very best of Gate 1. Thanks to Dennis's exemplary guidance, we will absolutely be choosing Gate 1 for our future travels. Please pass along our sincere thanks and commendation to him.
Jenicha W.
We had a fabulous time on our trip through Gate1 Travel to Germany & Austria for the Christmas Markets. It is hard to say what part of the trip was our favorite as each destination was great and had such unique and special things! Our tour Manager Michael was phenomenal - so knowledgeable and kind and funny as well. He made us feel so comfortable and was always willing to help in any way. He was natural at making us feel like our group of 41 people was family and friends! He is such an asset to your organization! All our hotels were nice and clean and comfortable! I would not change a thing about our trip. We will be repeat customers
Janis L.
We had a wonderful trip. Our travel escort, Patrick, was wonderful. He was always professional, friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and made the trip extra special. Our driver, Pavel, was courteous, professional and did a great job keeping us safe traveling
Linda G.
Just wanted to write a brief note about our tour manager Nadine. We celebrated our 20th anniversary by taking this trip. Nadine went out of her way to recognize this and even got us gifts to celebrate the day. She also went out of her way to make sure our parents, who were on this trip, never felt like they were holding the group back and always making sure they were OK with the walking and hilly areas. Great job by Nadine. Also, it is a perfect location for the hotel in Ulm, close to shopping, grocery stores, banks, and places to eat. And our bus driver, very professional and safe driver.... always signaled when changing lanes and always maintained a safe speed. I loved the trip, looking forward to booking another one.
James J.
My wife & I had a wonderful time. Our group got along pretty well. Justus, the tour manager was very concerned for our safety and enjoyment of the whole group. Tomas, our bus operator is an excellent driver, very smooth when braking and accelerating. This trip was a fun trip, interesting people we got to meet and made new friends.
Danilo K.
I would like to comment on our tour manager, Somo. He was absolutely fantastic. He interacted well with the travelers and he was very engaging and knowledgeable. He is an excellent tour manager. Our bus driver, Slavic, was also excellent. He is an very skillful driver and we enjoyed having him as our driver.
Thomas L.
Mira was the best Tour Manager ever, and this was the 12th Gate 1 tour I've taken. She went over and beyond what any tour manager has ever done on trips I've taken. She was so pleasant and ALWAYS willing to help with ANYTHING we needed and took genuine care and concern over any matter that was brought to her. I wish I knew of upcoming trips she was managing because I would definitely endeavor to make a reservation, just to have her manage us again. She is definitely an asset to Gate 1. Don't let her go!
Laura D.
Our trip was wonderful! Macedonia is a truly beautiful country with a fascinating history and very friendly and welcoming people. Kudos to Gate 1 for the planning and staffing of this tour. This was our first Gate 1 trip, but I doubt it will be our last.
Steven R.
Our tour manager for the Swiss Alpine Jewels trip, Dennis, was outstanding and went above and beyond in all respects. His knowledge, passion, enthusiasm and organization are top notch. He made the trip fun and rewarding for the whole group. Also, our driver, Pieter, was fantastic and super competent handling very difficult roads.
Stephen H.
We're lucky to have the leadership of our Tour manager, Katarina. Not only did she provide clear expectations from our group of 35, gave us enough free time to explore on our own, not afraid to make adjustments when needed, while always making sure we had the best time! She truly cared for our safety and comfort throughout the tour.
Teresita B.
My trip to Prague was wonderful. I was able to learn more about my Prague heritage. Our tour guide Jana was very knowledgeable and I learned a lot about the history of Prague. She told us some very funny traditions they have in Prague which we would not have otherwise known. My favorite tours were to Cesky Krumlov and Dresden. I also need to give a shout out to our bus driver Dali. This was my 4th trip with Gate 1 and I have never been disappointed. I already have 2 more trips booked for 2026. Gate 1 just takes care of everything for you. I travel alone quite a bit and they make it seamless. Always looking forward to my next great trip with Gate 1
Cynthia F.
Our tour Manager Kevin was very knowledgeable and exuded confidence at each location making it easy to follow recommendations. Enjoyed everything about this trip!
Kim H.
The beauty of Switzerland can only be really seen by visiting there. Our Crown Jewels of Switzerland tour of 12 days was amazing. Andrea, our tour leader, was so knowledgeable and took such good care of us that I can only give her a 10+. She was kind, caring and went overboard to make everyone comfortable. We saw more in 12 days than I ever imagined. I especially enjoyed staying in Zermatt and taking the cog train up to the Matterhorn. Our hotel's balcony looked up at the magnificent mountain one morning. The sky was perfectly clear, and the sun was shining on the north face. It was a memory I'll never forget. Our bus driver was amazing. He maneuvered the twists and turns of our route in an unbelievable way. I would recommend this 12-day Crown Jewels of Switzerland to anyone who really wants to see Switzerland in an up-close way.
Linda N.
This was my first tour with Gate1 Travel, and I was so impressed by the entire experience. I was most impressed with our Tour Guide, Julia, what a GEM you have in her. She made the experience so special, well versed in all areas we visited and the most personable individual. She cared about her entire group and went above and beyond if any of us needed anything. Her wit was extraordinary, and I can say that our entire group was comfortable with her. I look forward to another trip with Gate1 in the future.
Belinda M.
Decided to go to North Macedonia at the last minute and what a great decision. The people are so friendly and welcoming. The dollar is really strong there so everything seems a bargain. We always felt safe and Many thanks to our effervescent Tour Manager, Melania for making our trip special. It's very obvious she really enjoys her job and was so helpful. Highly recommended for a visit.
Donald M.
I just came back home, from a trip to Switzerland. Those were 11 days of awesome and unforgettable travel. Not only that me and my husband enjoy it because we are with our friends but also, we made lovely friends there. Our accommodations were excellent, from the hotels and transportation. I would just like to make special mention to our tour guide and coach driver, namely Mihaela and Marco. They are very pleasant, accommodating, always one step ahead with our needs. Mihaela keeps us well informed about our schedule what is expected and is very particular with every minute details but at the same time friendly and very attentive. Marco is a very careful and excellent driver. They carry the company's name with professionalism and dignity. I, especially, have been to and met some tour guides but I can say Mihaela is different. If ever we buy another trip in Europe we wish to meet them again and I am not only speaking for myself but for the entire group.
Lorna R.
Our travel arrangements were impacted by the Amsterdam work stoppages both going and returning. The people on your travel desk were fantastic; pleasant, professional, and reassuring that they would take care of us. Our trip coordinator, Mira, was so knowledgeable and went beyond expectations making concert and restaurant reservations. We also were impressed with two of our guides, Renata and Pavel. The hotel was comfortable, clean, with pleasant staff and great breakfast. The location on the tram line was perfect.
Peter S.
Asia, our tour Manager, is every tour manager trainee, should watch and learn from. She is prompt, made herself available for everyone at the end of the day, and has the knowledge of every minute details of the towns interesting "to do", places to eat, shopping for souvenirs, foods and stores' specialties, and especially how she sees things, places through the eyes of a new comer. She is great asset to Gate1Travel.
Sally G.
I loved this trip. This trip was entertaining and informative. The Tour Manager, Nikola, was outstanding. I've had many very excellent Tour Managers in all the Gate 1 trips I've taken and Nikola ranks right up there with the best. This was my fifth Gate 1 trip to the Balkans but the first time to Serbia. I'm so glad to not have had to go on another multi country trip just to spend a night or two in Belgrade. I really got to learn about Serbia and I loved it. I'd like to see a similar trip to Sarajevo.
Eric F.
This was our first escorted land tour and our first with Gate 1. We were so happy with everything about our vacation, from the hotels to the routes and all the sites we saw, but especially because of Derek and our driver Bart. What a team! Derek made sure that we all were able to meet each other and felt comfortable. He was very knowledgeable about everywhere we travelled and showed his concern for each guest. We loved him! I loved the rotating seat plan on the bus too!! And Bart! What a fantastic driver. He made it all look so easy, but rest assured, we were happy he was the one doing the driving. We feel like we had the best with those two! This being our first escorted tour, we didn't know what to expect. Our vacation with Gate 1 exceeded all our expectations! Thank you for giving us a trip we will never forget. Cannot wait to go on another one!
Jean L.
Our Tour Manager for the Gate 1 Discovery 12 Day Swiss Alpine Jewels was Monique. Our Tour Manager was exceptional-knowledgeable, warm, and wonderfully organized. From the very first evening orientation in Lausanne, she set the tone with a welcoming presence, making sure everyone felt comfortable and informed. Throughout the journey, her deep understanding of Swiss culture, history, and geography enriched each stop, whether we were tasting chocolate in Broc, admiring the medieval streets of Gruyere, or standing before the breathtaking Matterhorn. What stood out most was her attentiveness: always approachable, quick with helpful suggestions, and equally skilled at handling logistics so the group could simply relax and enjoy. She struck the perfect balance between professionalism and friendliness-sharing fascinating stories and insights, but also giving us space to explore on our own. Her genuine enthusiasm made each day more memorable, whether guiding us through the dramatic Aare Gorge, pointing out hidden gems in Lucerne's Old City, or making sure everyone had the best vantage point for the views from Jungfraujoch. By the farewell dinner in Lucerne, it truly felt like we were saying goodbye to a friend who had expertly led us through Switzerland's most beautiful landscapes.
Arlene B.
This was my first Gate 1 trip, but it will definitely not be my last!! I have been on ship cruises before, but this was much better than anything I have experienced before. The Monarch Baroness was a beautiful ship and the service on board was exceptional. The meals were spectacular, and the entertainment provided by Nick and guest speakers was excellent. Bettina was a wonderful person who was extremely helpful and joyous. Mercedes was responsible for maintaining our cabin and every time we went back to it, it was more than "ship shape". The captain was friendly and made great headway up the Rhein and through the locks. All the ports of call were beautiful and exciting, as well as the extended land trip to Lucerne and Bevino. The Dino Hotel in Bevino was much grander than I had expected and was more like a resort than a mere hotel. In summary, this was one of the best trips I have ever taken, and I will absolutely travel with Gate 1 again!! Thank you for such a wonderful experience!!
James M.
I simply cannot say enough good things about our Gate 1 trip - Swiss Alpine Jewels! I felt like I was living in a photograph the entire time! It was surreal! All of the highlights were chosen well. They were varied and each surpassed my expectations! I have had Switzerland on my bucket list for 55 years, since reading Heidi as a child, and it did not disappoint! Britta, our tour manager, was unbelievably beyond wonderful! She is a treasure and such a valuable asset to your organization! She is caring, considerate, fun, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. I adore her! Beat was our driver, and he did an excellent job taking care of all of us on the road. We were treated extremely well everywhere we went and thoroughly enjoyed all of the meals included. All of the guides on our individual tours were excellent, and we especially enjoyed Patricia and Denis at the winery in Cully. What a lovely experience! Because we enjoyed ourselves so completely on this first Gate 1 tour.
Anne S.
I want to commend Pebbles, our tour guide, on an excellent job during our stay in Switzerland. Not only was she knowledgeable, but she was courteous, conscientious in terms of our comfort and safety, funny, and she treated us like one big family. She made our stay pleasant and memorable and we hope to travel with her in the future.
Katherine H.
I would like to say what a wonderful small group tour Switzerland and France was. I can't say enough how great Nadine the tour director was. She was always upbeat, and helpful with any questions; she totally made this tour complete. All the hotels were wonderful and situated in ideal locations. I enjoyed all the food that was included and also the itinerary was excellent. There was also free time to enjoy other activities or just relaxing. I would highly recommend this tour.
Judith H.
I have been on at least 14 Gate 1 excursions. All tour guides were wonderful. However, I must mention a phenomenal guide, Mihaela. She was a cut above all the rest!!! With her positive spirit, daily greetings, special local gifts, and all above care for our safety, Mihaela was outstanding. She definitely added the diamond quality sparkle to our Gem of Switzerland trip. Her knowledge of the area was unsurpassed, and she has my highest praises. I even miss her now!
Phyllis M.
We had the best tour manager and bus driver, Dieter, on the trip. Janine is so organized (preparing a short summary of the trip which we refer to daily and giving us a startup coin for our W/C usage), everyone got to know and enjoy each other in the group, she shared local drinks/wine, chocolates, cookies for us to taste. Her stories and experiences made Switzerland more meaningful. We really enjoyed the trip and will share our experience with our friends and family.
Maria J.
Our tour director, Krzysztof, and bus driver, Lucas, were both excellent! Krzysztof made our journey safe, fun, and memorable! He shared his wealth of knowledge and made sure we knew where to go at all times. He added many personal touches, including a wonderful picnic at the Seefeld Village! He also handed out special gifts to our entire group! His recommendations for our free time were great. Lucas was an outstanding bus driver. He made us feel safe and catered to all our needs! He made sure we had our luggage at all times and went out of his way to show us special things! Krzysztof and Lucas are a wonderful team! Thanks for the beautiful memories!
Donna H.
I wanted to pass along what a terrific Guide and Program Director that Julie was on our Switzerland 12 day trip. This is our 3rd Gate 1 tour and without a doubt the most enjoyable beyond all expectation. The trip was well planned and the activities and events were exceptional in the variety and scope. Julie has such a great love for her job which translates into a wonderful time for all of us who are with her. Great tour- I would recommend it for all those who want to see and enjoy beautiful Switzerland.
Kevin H.
Our tour guide Julian was absolutely phenomenal! I know what it's like to be in charge of a group, and he kept all us safe, on time, and entertained. This was our first family trip to Europe and with Gate1. It is because of Julian that we would totally recommend Gate1, and use in the future. He really made the trip for us! The tours we took were wonderful and kept us busy.. and the places chosen by Gate1 were fantastic and I haven't stopped commenting how wonderful it was to be on a vacation where I didn't have to do any of the planning or driving around. I could sit back and rely on Julian and Gate1 to give me a fabulous vacation.
Kyle M.
The trip was absolutely wonderful! Our tour guide Joanna was amazing, she was very informative at the same time friendly, helpful and a very sweet lady. Also our driver Marek was awesome, his driving around curving road was smooth and gentle. He was cautious, and helpful with getting us off the bus and did an excellent job taking care of our luggage. The optional tours were amazing with spectacular views. This tour gave us excellent highlights and a taste of all three countries! We would highly recommend this tour!
Diann L.
We are very happy that we chose to travel to Germany, Switzerland and Austria with Gate1. It was a phenomenal experience. Everything was handled very professionally and there were no issues along the way. Our tour guide, Nadine, is an amazing tour guide. She was very knowledgeable about all the points of interest that we visited along the way. She expertly managed our time so that we never felt rushed. She is very personable and brought us together like a family. She was always ready with water and sometimes some lovely little treats. She brought us a picnic during one of our excursions (carriage ride); it was such a thoughtful gesture. We appreciated all the information and suggestions she provided for ways to spend our down time, and she gave us some excellent suggestions for places to eat. My husband had apple strudel on his mind from the moment we set foot on the motor coach and made it his business to bring it up to her every single day, sometimes more than once in a day. She was such a good sport about it! She touched my heart when she spoke about growing up in Berlin and what it meant to her to be able to share small bits of her life with our group. She is a wonderful person. Our driver, Konrad, was exceptional at his job. He took great care of navigating the roads and made sure we were always comfortable on the motor coach. As Americans, we are used to strong air conditioning everywhere when the temperatures are uncomfortably warm. Nadine and Konrad always had our comfort in mind and kept us happy throughout the tour. They are exceptional at their jobs and should be rewarded for their hard work. It is because of them that we thoroughly enjoyed our first tour with Gate1. We are looking forward to travelling with you again. Thank you for an amazing experience.
Ellen W.
I had an amazing time on the 12 Day Crossroads of Germany, France & Austria trip. I cannot say enough wonderful things about our tour manager, Fred. He made my 1st time overseas the most fabulous experience ever. He was very knowledgeable about history and had fun facts about every area we visited. I loved his personality, and he made sure everything went smoothly. I would definitely recommend Gate1!! I also would like to mention our bus driver, Adam. He was excellent and took us everywhere safely. There were some really tight spots, but he handled everything beautifully. It was nice to feel safe travelling from city to city.
Rebecca W.
The trip was fabulous. Gate1 was recommended to us through a friend of a friend who was a former tour director for you. We thought at first it was a bit expensive. After traveling with you, we think you will get what you pay for. Lodgings were top notch, the food what great, the sites were fantastic, and the tour director and driver were absolutely the Best. We will strongly recommend Gate1 to all of our friends. Thanks to you for putting a great package together for our travel experience.
Michael P.
Peter did an excellent job guiding us and is very responsive to any request. Tim, the bus driver was absolutely excellent. Because of them, we are looking at more Gate 1 tours as this was our first. The hotels and itinerary were fantastic. The variety within each location was excellent. This trip exceeded our expectations.
Mark W.