12 Day Highlights of Turkey & Greece
From
$3299
Land Only
$4049*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
| Monday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Barcelo Istanbul | Istanbul | |
| Margi Hotel | Edirne | |
| Egnatia City Hotel & Spa | Kavala | |
| Lucy Hotel | Kavala | |
| Grand Hotel Palace | Thessaloniki | |
| Lazart Hotel | Thessaloniki | |
| Divani Meteora Hotel | Kalambaka | |
| Divani Caravel | Athens | |
Select a Date to Book
Select a Date to Book
| 2026 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1050 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| Only 1 seat left! | $3449 | $4339* | ||||
| $3499 | $4339* | |||||
| Only 1 seat left! | $3549 | $4399* | ||||
| $3599 | $4439* | |||||
| $3599 | $4469* | |||||
| $3599 | $4559* | |||||
| $3449 | $4829* | |||||
| $3499 | $4879* | |||||
| $3599 | $4999* | |||||
| $3599 | $4979* | |||||
| $3599 | $4499* | |||||
| $3599 | $4499* | |||||
| $3599 | $4609* | |||||
| $3499 | $4589* | |||||
| $3499 | $4529* | |||||
| $3499 | $4469* | |||||
| $3499 | $4249* | |||||
| $3299 | $4079* | |||||
| $3299 | $4049* | |||||
| $3299 | $4049* | |||||
Not Included:
Gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
During Ramadan (Feb 17 - Mar 18, 2026), 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 - 10 nights First Class accommodations
- 3 nights Istanbul
- 1 night Edirne
- 1 night Kavala
- 2 nights Thessaloniki
- 1 night Kalambaka
- 2 nights Athens
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services
- 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 strait 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
†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:
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.
|
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 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
This superior first class hotel is located in the heart of Athens, near to the Embassy district.
Hotel Details- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| 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 |
| Greece - 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: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| Turkey - 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: 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. |
| 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 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. |
| 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. 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 |
| Turkey - Payment can be made by cash US$ or Turkish Lira, or by credit card if the amount to be charged is US $200 or greater. |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Turkey - The Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey. It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations in local currency or in US $1 bills to make tipping and minor expenses easier. |
| Greece - The Euro is the currency of Greece. |
| Greece - Credit cards are not widely accepted in restaurants, small shops, museums and archaeological sites. American Express cards are not accepted in Greece. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Greece - Greece offers an array of boutique shopping. Along with traditional handicrafts, honey, and olive oil, Greece is famous for its production of high-end, designer footwear and other fashion accessories. Shops generally open at 9:00, closing in the mid afternoon, and sometimes reopening for a few hours in the evening, from about 5:30 to 8:30. Most major department stores and boutiques are closed on Sunday. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Greece - Pick-pocketing is a centuries-old crime. However in Athens, the incident has rapidly increased over the past few years. These crimes are rarely aggressive, however, this warning should not be taken lightly. Pick-pocketing typically takes place in crowded shopping areas, tourist attractions, and while riding public transportation, particularly while traveling on the subway/metro. Take note:
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| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Greece
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Turkey
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| Languages |
| Greece - Greek is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Turkey - Turkish is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Greece - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Turkey - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Greece - The Greeks are known for their relatively relaxed approach to life with an emphasis on hospitality, similar to other Mediterranean European countries. The Greek Orthodox Church retains a fairly strong cultural influence. In Greece, politics is considered an acceptable topic of discussion in almost any social situation. As a result, people may attempt to draw you into political discussions, which can include the subject of American politics. Keep in mind that regardless of their political views, most Greeks like Americans themselves very much. Smoking is mostly prohibited in public places except in designated areas. Violations can incur fines. Restaurants have smoking and non-smoking sections, while traditional coffee houses and nightclubs usually allow unrestricted smoking. Casual dress is generally acceptable, though some religious sites require long pants for men and a long skirt covering the knees for women, and for shoulders to be covered. |
| Turkey - The common form of greeting is shaking hands, while close friends will sometimes hold hands and kiss cheeks. In Turkey, hospitality is highly valued and people are often quite friendly. Even salespeople may offer tea to customers. If you are comfortable with accepting, you may drink it without any obligation to make a purchase. Casual dress is acceptable, but beachwear should only be worn at the beach or poolside. Smoking is generally permitted except in cinemas, theaters, and on public transportation. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Greece |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 25: Independence Day Apr 10: Orthodox Good Friday Apr 12: Orthodox Easter Sunday Apr 13: Orthodox Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day May 31: Orthodox Whit Sunday Jun 1: 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 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 25: Independence Day Apr 30: Orthodox Good Friday May 2: Orthodox Easter May 3: Orthodox Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day Jun 20: 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 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 18: Ramadan Start Mar 19: Ramadan Feast Eve Mar 20-22: 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 May 26-30: 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 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 8-Mar 12 Ramadan Feast Apr 23: National Sovereignty and Children's Day May 1: Labor and Solidarity Day May 15-18: Feast of the Sacrifice May 19: Commemoration of Ataturk, Youth and Sports Day 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 on the 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. |
| 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: Greece & Greek Island Cruises |
Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Greek Island Cruise: Cruise Director: US $6 per person per day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Greece - For activities on your own, 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 - 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. |
Amazing! This was my 5th trip With Gate 1 and I can honestly say I'll Never travel with another company. Our tour manager was brilliant. Everything ran smoothly and the added things like the lunch with cooking class and dancing lessons were beyond fun.
Kirstan T.
We just completed the 7 day essential Greece tour. Our tour manager Rania was amazing! Gate 1 does a fantastic job of finding the best tour guides in the industry and she helped to make our tour enjoyable and memorable. Thank you for another great trip, Gate 1!
Elizabeth H.
What a wonderful trip and experience you provided! This is my third trip with gate One, I have high standards, and you continue to exceed them with every trip. From the fantastic guide that we had, Ender, to the accommodations and diversity of experiences, I can see how hard you work to deliver a full and well-rounded experience. Turkey is a vast country and of course there is more I wish I could have seen and things I would tweak on this itinerary, but overall, it was just such a wonderful experience. Also, I want to credit our driver, Recep, with skillful and calm demeanor in congested traffic and tight narrow streets. Excellent! One of my favorite things about your tours is that it's like going back to high school history class, but you're on a field trip the entire time and the history is so much more meaningful when you're physically there and living through it, if that makes sense. The experience is so much more three-dimensional this way. Great job!!!
Laurie D.
I wanted to follow up on the survey I recently completed to let Gate 1 know how utterly fantastic our tour guide, Rania, was! She was perfect in every way, and she put a great deal of effort into ensuring we knew the schedule, had regular bathroom breaks, and enjoyed timely food stops. She provided a wonderful balance of engaging us and yet allowing time for breaks when we might need some downtime on the bus. She also made sure that we rotated seats on the bus every day. She was highly organized, so everything ran like clockwork -- yet things did not feel overly structured. Rania is also incredibly knowledgeable about history, landmarks, and archeology. She knows the dates for everything. She was so eager to share information, which made our time with her so very interesting. She gave us helpful tips such as when we'd be back in the Plaka area for shopping, so we wouldn't have to carry our purchases throughout the entire week. That was such a helpful hint. Rania deserves high praise! Also, our bus driver, Alex, was wonderful! He was so courteous and professional. And boy, does he know how to drive a big, long bus! He got us safely through very narrow streets in tiny villages, and he was required to make a very long and impressive backup to one of our hotels, also through a narrow passageway. Alex and Rania made a great team! Thank you so much!
Jane G.
The Greece trip was amazing. I enjoyed every excursion, breakfast, dinner and all the time I was with Nina the tour guide. She is very knowledgeable, attentive and gentle. I loved her personality. She did an amazing job.
Adelita C.
My tour guide, Ender, was exceptional throughout my Turkey journey with Gate 1. His deep knowledge of the country's history, culture, and traditions made every site come alive, and his organization kept the entire trip running smoothly from start to finish. Ender's warmth, professionalism, and genuine passion for sharing his country made the experience even more meaningful. I left Turkey not only impressed by its beauty, but truly grateful for the guidance and care he provided. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with my Gate 1 experience and would highly recommend traveling with Ender to anyone visiting Turkey.
Roberto R.
The trip was wonderful, it exceeded my expectations! Our tour director Aykut was great. He's very knowledgeable, energetic, very accommodating making everybody in the group comfortable, worry-free and engaged. He kept the tour running smoothly and always on schedule. Everybody loved him! It was my first time travelling with Gate1 and definitely not my last. Looking forward to travelling with Gate1 again!
Maria E.
I wanted to give our praise to our tour leader Namik. He was an incredible leader. So very knowledgeable, interesting and entertaining. He managed the group with ease. We were all eager to hear his commentary each day. He and the trip were outstanding!! Also wanted to thank him for arranging golf carts for us at Hierapolis in Pamukkale. Our group would not have made it through the site without it.
Karen R.
I wanted to take the time to comment on our experience with Yiannis, our tour guide for Athens & Greece, prior to the 4-day Aegian cruise. Yiannis was amazing. He was not only extremely knowledgeable of Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Crete, he also shared valuable cultural information. He was personable, friendly, and punctual, and always took time to confirm that everyone understood what was expected at each location. He was patient. He was very concise. What we enjoyed the most about Yiannis is that he was very passionate about GREECE, and tried to pass it on to his tour group. He helped us experience Greece in a way that we could never do on our own! The rest of the trip (cruise portion with Panos, Nicholas, and Isadoro) paled in comparison to our experience with Yiannis on the land portion of the trip. He is a great asset to Gate-1!
Catherine E.
Vivian was an EXCELLENT guide, definitely the best tour guide Ive had to date. Vivian's historical knowledge and ability to communicate was thorough. I received everything I wanted on this tour -Thank you!
Marguerite G.
I wanted to express kudos to Rania. She is in a class by herself. Her attention to detail, professionalism and ability to manage a heterogeneous group was evident from the moment the tour began. Her being an anthropologist with an amazing command of her country's history made for an exemplary experience. You have a gem on your staff.
Linda H.
I estimate I have taken over 50 Gate 1 tours. Our Tour Manager, Cengizhan, was superb in every way- one of the very best! He is a superb representative of all the wonderful Gate 1 employees!
Kerri R.
We decided to visit Turkey for our honeymoon, and after a great deal of researching various options, we settled on Gate 1's tour based on both the value and how it went to most of the sites we were interested in. We had heard good things about Gate 1 from friends but didn't know anything beyond that. Our experience was far beyond anything we imagined. The tour was chock full of every kind of incredible sight and once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Faruk handled the complexity of the tour effortlessly and made sure that each one of us had the best experience possible. He especially pulled out the stops for us as he wanted us to have a great honeymoon. On our first night's orientation in Istanbul, we were the only couple who were on a Gate 1 tour for the first time. Having gone through one, we now understand why everyone else there was a repeat customer. We will absolutely be taking more Gate 1 tours in the future (already looking at Italy and Greece) and have already been recommending them to our friends and coworkers. Thanks to Faruk and the Gate 1 team, our honeymoon was everything we hoped for and more.
Maximilian P.
Most notably, our Tour Manager, Ender, was excellent in every way. As you know, he is highly educated and has many decades of tour guide experience. Obvious from his delivery of information, Ender has done his own research in depth, with respect to Anatolia's ancient, and Turkey's contemporary, history, art, geopolitics, social, economic, and cultural aspects and influences. He is highly skilled with respect to organization and people management. He communicates with clarity, patience, warmth, humor, and enthusiasm. He shared excellent suggestions for free time activities, restaurants, and things to look out for and notice. Gate 1 is extremely fortunate, as was I, to have Ender as a Tour Manager. Consistent with my experience of other Gate 1 trips, the overall value was excellent, as was the quality of food and hotels. Transportation, drivers, and assistance provided were also excellent. Finally, the itinerary was fantastic, and, as a plus, our group was compatible.
Marilyn R.
This was our first guided tour ever and it was with Gate 1. We were so pleased with every aspect of the organization and flow of all activities and all the beautiful experiences along the way. But most importantly the guide and bus driver were exceptional. Yucel, our manager/guide for the entire trip was exceptional. I don't know if you realize when you have such a knowledgeable person on your team, he is it! He is a walking encyclopedia, incredible commentary and able to explain the complexities of Turkish history in a way for us simple folk to understand!! Absolutely, superior guide! And Shakir, our driver, was friendly, very professional and reliable as well. They were the dynamic duo for the length of the trip. Thank you for a great first experience. The bar for future trips has been placed very high!
Sharon M.
I'd like to give additional props to our tour guide, Murat. He was exceptional in every way - I marveled at how he was able to corral 40 people, make everyone feel "at home", keep us organized, and make it look absolutely effortless- incredible! In addition, his extreme knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for our tour history and subject matters was truly unparalleled. I (and everyone on the tour), learned so much about Turkey and Greece from him. This, combined with his welcoming personality and delightful humor, just wrapped it all up to be an amazing experience!
Grace C.
The trip was very good. Damil, our tour guide, was wonderful. He was kind, considerate, funny, and extremely informed about Turkey's diverse history, cultures, and so many topics concerning Turkey. As always, Gate 1 trips were filled with many interesting places to see and things to do. We enjoyed discovering the different areas of Turkey and meeting the pleasant people who were part of our group. We found Turkey to have a large cosmopolitan appearance, extremely clean cities and towns, and a country which cares for it's citizens. A bonus pleasantry for us was to hear the call to prayer throughout the days as it added to the sense of an exotic surrounding.
Kathleen S.
Metin was fabulous! His knowledge of Turkey (history, culture, traditions, geology, architecture, archaeology) is amazing - he is naturally gifted as a teacher and easily connects and intersects all aspects of the Turkish experience. All of this is quite remarkable, BUT at the same time, he is organizing arrivals at different scheduled sights, comfort stops, restaurants and hotels while keeping his engaging George Clooney persona intact. I never thought I'd meet another guide to compare to Sharif in Egypt but both are just the best and obviously love what they do - tour managers of this quality solidly complement and enhance the reputation of Gate 1 Travel.
Jayne S.
Our Turkish Treasures Trip was excellent! We enjoyed the trip very much! Our guide Khan was very good! He taught us a lot about history, he was kind, very friendly and helpful with suggestions for leisure time and shopping. We had a great time with balloon ride in Cappadocia and loved Antalya for the resort vibe! The entire trip was awesome, inspiring and very educational! We all had a great time! We would definitely return!
Sandra J.
My husband and I had the best time with Gate 1. We will be back for more tours. Katerina, our tour guide in Greece was wonderful!! She was able to make the entire trip fun and keep 40 people organized and share a wealth of knowledge about the Greek culture and history. We appreciated seeing so many interesting places, planned excursions, tasting a large variety of Greek foods. If we had planned a trip ourselves, we would have had the pressure of figuring out how to get to places and what to do. With Gate 1 you took all that pressure away and we were able to totally relax and have fun. We became friends with our bus driver, Giannis too. He was a delight. The cost of the trip was affordable. As I said above, we will be back.
Kathy V.
Commend our tour manager Aykut as being the best TM of our 27 gate 1 trips Aykut was extremely flexible and accommodating in meeting the individual needs of each one of the 13 travelers on the trip. Special thanks to him for making my birthday special.
Maria S.
I would like to just say that every tour guide we had on this vacation did an amazing job. They were friendly, professional and helpful with every move we made. I would like to give special recognition to Vivian, who was brilliant, fun, professional and overall, the best tour guide I have ever had. I had tears in my eyes when we said good-bye. Thank you for employing people that have such high levels of people skills along with significant knowledge and great pleasure in doing their jobs.
AnneMarie M.
I just wanted to say what a great level of service our tour guide, Maria, provided on our trip to Greece. She was very knowledgeable of all locations we visited and was able to answer all questions the group asked. She was also very punctual, accommodating, friendly and kept everything running smoothly. I don't know what more a guide could have done to provide a wonderful, memorable experience. She is a real asset to your organization.
Martin F.
My husband and I had a wonderful trip! Turkiye is beautiful from the coast to the mountains. Having lunch with the local family was quite an experience and the balloon ride in Cappadocia was priceless! Our tour guide, Oguz was beyond exceptional. I have been to several tours with different tour companies such as Globus & Cost Saver and never had a tour guide as good as Oguz. He always asked us if we had our passports, cell phones and charges before we leave. He gave us detailed explanation of everything, history, background, culture, economy, etc. He even told us the menu of the restaurants or cafeteria we are going too and familiarize us of the local food so we would know what to expect and have idea of what ingredients are in the food. He made sure that we got what we ordered and would not eat until he is sure that everyone got their food. He was patient and kind which made our trip enjoyable.
Carmencita T.
Very nice! Our guide, Constantino, really enjoys his work and truly could be a professor of Greek history and mythology. We learned so much, and not at the cost of having lots of fun too. Not to mention delicious food and wine!
Philip R.
We really enjoyed our trip. Demetra, the tour guide, was outstanding. The trip was well organized and the accommodations were very nice. The bus drivers were amazing with their excellent skills at maneuvering the bus in small areas. A+ for them. The trip and tour exceeded our expectations.
Barry H.
I just want to compliment Dominique for her excellent planning skills and her attention to details to make the entire trip very pleasant and stress free for customers.
Thuy M.
I just want to say that our guide, Ahmet, was exceptional. He had excellent historical and current commentary on the places we visited, and a genuinely friendly and helpful attitude. If I knew which tours he would be leading, I would consider them above others. All Gate 1's guides were good, but Ahmet stood out. I really enjoyed this trip!
Caroline P.
Our trip was excellent. Overall experience was amazing!!! We are very pleased to have Ilhami Konya as our tour manager. He was very knowledgeable, and very intelligent in every aspect of the tour. He answered all our questions, very organized and made everyone feel included. His passion for the City, History was awesome. He made our trip to Turkey truly memorable and fun experience.
Raksha V.
Effie was the ultimate tour guide. She had a wonderful way with everyone on the tour. She is not only extremely knowledgeable, but also very personable. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was always willing to answer every question. The accommodations were beautiful with great views all of the time. The interactive lunch in Olympia and the Catamaran Excursion in Santorini was among my favorite times of the trip. I cannot stress the comfort which Effie made everyone feel and it was great to have her be a part of every day. I'll always remember this trip as one of my favorite two weeks of my life.
Marianne M.
The excellent marks that I gave our tour manager, Serdar, were very well deserved. He is a top notch tour manager in every respect. There are many reasons I will travel with Gate 1 again, but top among them is providing a great tour manager like Serdar. That is what truly makes a fantastic tour.
Gregory T.
The Turkish Odyssey tour was magical; I have tried to spread the word on social media and with my friends and family how wonderful it was. Turkey is a beautiful, diverse, country full of history and unique sites, and I felt very safe there when I was walking around by myself. Aykat is one of the best tour guides I have ever had. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and funny and he was an important reason for my appreciation of the tour. His enthusiasm was contagious. Even though he had no doubt seen the places we went to repeatedly, he made it seem as fresh as if it was the first time. He promoted other Gate1 tours of Turkey, and I am very tempted to sign up for another, especially if I am lucky enough to land on one of his tours again. I also want to say a few words about Sezgin, our driver. He was clearly very skilled as he handled the occasional heavy traffic and obstacles in narrow roads. I was very impressed with the way he loaned out umbrellas to anyone who had forgotten theirs on one rainy day.
Regina S.
Our tour manager Ilke was an amazing wealth of information on all things Turkish and was an exceptional ambassador for her country. Her enthusiasm and smile were constant, even on the long travel days. Throughout the tour she went above and beyond to make sure all guests' questions were answered (and we had a lot!) and our needs were met. Even after the trip she helped me connect with the balloon tour operator to get assistance with downloading the photos they took of our balloon flight. Traveling with Ilke made me want to return to Turkey to see and learn more of this beautiful country!
Catherine M.
I would like to commend our Tour Manager Jenny. Our tour was not only informative but fun. Her knowledge of the history and sites we visited was exceptional. She knew exactly what we should see and experience instead of aimlessly walking around. We probably would have missed the highlights if it were not for her direction. She interspersed antidotes and stories that kept us engaged and we truly felt like a family.
Debra W.
Our recent Kaleidoscope of Greece trip with Gate 1 certainly lived up to its name...we hunted truffles, climbed to remote monasteries, explored ancient ruins, learned a few Greek recipes (and dances), strolled delightful villages and enjoyed tasty cuisine. What's more, our tour manager and guide, Anna, was a wealth of knowledge about "everything Greece." Her organization, enthusiasm and commitment to our group was exceptional. Thank you Gate 1 for another memorable journey!
Michael S.
We recently returned from a Gate 1 tour of Greece and couldn't be more impressed. From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized and thoughtfully executed. Our accommodation in Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Kalambaka, Crete, and Santorini were excellently comfortable, well-located, and ideal for relaxing after full days of sightseeing. The local guides in each location were knowledgeable, engaging, and really brought the history and culture of Greece to life. What truly made the trip exceptional, though, was our overall Gate 1 guide, Maria. She handled every detail, seamlessly-transportation, logistics, tickets, and timing-so we could just enjoy the experience. Her background knowledge was impressive, and she was always ready with answers to any question we had. This trip exceeded all our expectations. We felt like we got to truly experience the heart of Greece-both its ancient past and modern charm. I highly recommend Gate 1 for anyone considering a tour of this incredible country! I will absolutely consider another Gate 1 tour in the future.
Karin S.
Just wanted to say that Evi was the best guide I've ever had. She was both efficient, organized and knowledgeable about everything we saw. She has a great sense of humor and was kind and sensitive to everyone's needs. She learned everyone's name early into the trip and hung out with us throughout. We all bonded with her and will miss her.
Barbara W.
The Eastern Turkey trip was fantastic. I have recommended it to several people I've met on other trips. Excellent food! The itinerary was very well thought out and interesting. Our guide "Oz" was knowledgeable and organized.
Lynette B.
The trip was amazing. Our tour guide, Yucel, was very organized and had so much information to share. I learned so much about the history and culture of Turkey. Our group of 16 became like a family. I loved the balloon ride, the welcome wine event in Cappadocia and my all-time favorite was the boat ride and swim in the Aegean. I would give our tour guide and the itinerary the highest rating possible.
Debra M.
Our tour was wonderful. The included meals were the most we have got on any Gate1 tour. And the "surprise" lunch and cooking class with dance lessons was an added bonus. To top it all off, the enthusiasm, passion and energy our guide Anna brought to the tour made all the difference to someone like me and my wife who were visiting Greece for the 6th time (not all Gate1 tours).
Carlton L.
Our trip was excellent. We liked the size of our group (15 total) which made it very easy to get to know each other and Eleni was able interact with everyone. I was really impressed with the knowledge of Eleni, our tour manager. She made every place we went very interesting and enjoyable. We were able to see most of Greece's highlights and she explained everything. She is truly an asset to Gate 1 Travel.
Denise C.
My wife and I would express our most sincere gratitude and admiration to our tour manager Aykut. From the very start to the end, he was friendly, understanding and very kind to all of us. He created great harmony in our group and all of au admired him. Usually, Gate 1 employs local guides with some trips, but this time Aykut was with us during the whole trip. His profound knowledge of everything was very impressive. He treated us all as his family. We would love to have hm again as our tour manager. We travelled many times with Gate 1, and all guides were very good. But Aykut was the best of all of them.
Leo G.
Zeta was the best tour manager! Her knowledge surpassed any tour guide we would have had. She really cared about our group and cared that we had the best experience possible. She was so organized, and she even taught us a few words of her native language. Because of her my experience was the best! Accolades to her!
Joanne B.
Our tour guide/tour manager Eleni, was an exceptional guide. Her attention to every detail on our trip and her professionalism went beyond the call of duty. Eleni communicated to us her deep knowledge of the sites we visited in a very understandable way. At every site she had a folder containing pictures and diagrams thereby illustrating and bringing to life the history of the location. Additionally, her masters in archeology was an excellent asset. She provided practical support as well as being attentive to our individual needs. Eleni's positive and professional attitude made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Caryn S.
This Trip was a Bucket list trip that exceeded my expectations. Our team of Driver, Muti, and Tour Manager Aykut was a perfect pairing. They were kind and sensitive to our individual travelers without compromising the enjoyment of the whole group. Not an easy task, but they accomplished it seamlessly. Aykut has an encyclopedic knowledge of Turkish history, inspiring me to do more research into Turkey and its evolution. The amount of the country that we were exposed to would have been impossible in the amount of time we had were it not for Gate 1 and the team. The highlights were many, but the lunch in the village at Izmir was especially beautiful, what wonderful gracious people they were. The people of turkey and the beauty and cleanliness of the country make me a strong advocate for Turkish travel. If I have a chance, I will return!
Julia S.
Our trip was stunning! Each archaeological site was jam packed with both beauty and history. Our tour guide, Vivi, was exceptionally well versed on Greek history, which made for an enriching tour experience. She was knowledgeable, passionate, and always willing to take questions. On top of that, she was extremely kind and caring to our entire group. Our driver, Fanouris, navigated the roads safely and efficiently, ensuring that our group made it to each stop in a timely manner. The accommodations were equally stunning. The views of the Greek countryside were beautiful and comforting. The food was amazing, giving us an opportunity to taste authentic Greek cuisine in the most comfortable ways possible. Overall, the vacation was easily one of the best my family has been on. We would easily recommend this trip to anyone interested in an all-around introduction into Greek history & authentic culture.
Annabelle R.
The trip was amazing. I brought my son John, his wife Kristen and granddaughters on the trip and we all had a fabulous time. Our guide Katerina was wonderful. She was an amazing guide at all the historical sites, kept us all in good humor with 112 degree temperatures, cared for all our personal needs for meals, hotels, transportation and even delighted us with cooking classes and dancing Greek. We couldn't be more delighted. It was my family's first time with Gate1 and I'm sure it will not be their last.
Judith G.
Nick is AMAZING! We were truly blessed to have such a knowledgeable and passionate tour guide for our trip. He was fun and so helpful. I wish I could pick him for other tours.
Jennifer H.