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A Guide Through the Best of Australia & New Zealand

Halfway around the world for some and a short plane ride for a lucky few, Australia and New Zealand are two extremely diverse countries that promise unique travel experiences in the likes of kangaroos, fields of lupins, and covetable waves designed for surfing.

Halfway around the world for some and a short plane ride for a lucky few, Australia and New Zealand are two extremely diverse countries that promise unique travel experiences in the likes of kangaroos, fields of lupins, and covetable waves designed for surfing. Upon traveling to these countries, prepare to have endless dreams of returning to uncover more of their beauty. However, first-time travelers should plan to see these countries’ most worshipped highlights, from Sydney to Auckland to everything in between.

With Australia ranking as the world’s sixth-largest country and New Zealand falling into the bracket as the sixth-largest island country by area, a trip to these destinations is best spent soaking in the assorted treasury of activities and sights they offer.

Behold the Scenes of Sydney

Upon deplaning in the Land Down Under, you might be hit by a striking blow of jetlag. If the daylight is out, however, there is no better time than that moment to assimilate to the Australian time zone, even if it is an entire day ahead of your internal clock. Often recognizable by the eccentric architectural design of the Sydney Opera House, the city of Sydney does not skim on thoughtful design and landmarks adding to the capital’s pride. As part of your city tour, make time for this beacon of beauty while also viewing iconic spots such as the Harbour Bridge, the Parliament House, and the fashionable Paddington district. In celebration of crossing oceans to arrive, map out some time to take in the sights at Bondi Beach.

Although the daylight hours offer much magic of their own, Sydney follows suit with many other major cities of the world by offering a sparkling skyline that enhances its nightlife. Engage in an optional Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruise to view the city in some of its best light while tasting international dishes.

If your schedule permits, spend a day outside of the metropolis and wander in the direction of wildlife that is exclusive to this corner of the world. The Featherdale Wildlife Park and the Blue Mountains offer the pure Australian energy that visitors are in search of: cozy koalas, feisty kangaroos, Fairy Penguins, rugged Australian Bush, and more.

Travel Further South to Melbourne

Catch a flight to another of Australia’s choice cities: Melbourne. Wander through the city’s bayside suburbs, historical monuments, artistic avenues, and charming gardens. While a day in the city will introduce you to exquisite architecture and aesthetic eateries, there is an irresistible day trip that all travelers are encouraged to embark on to Phillip Island. At this location, visitors can expect nightly sunset entertainment that has earned itself the name of the Penguin Parade. After dusk, these lovable creatures emerge from the water and waddle onshore in an assembled fashion, creating an endearing pageant of sorts for spectators.

Hop Over to New Zealand

Upon concluding your tour of two of Australia’s most visited cities, make like the kangaroos and hop over to the neighboring island country of New Zealand. Arrive in Dunedin, the nation’s oldest city that pays homage to its antiquity by way of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Marvel at the city’s gems, such as the posh Dunedin Railway Station, the historic Olveston homestead, and Baldwin Street, the steepest residential street in the world.

Take your tour guides up on their offer of an optional tour to the Otago Peninsula, where you will be greeted by sea lions, fur seals, and penguins. Venture further to New Zealand’s sole castle, Larnach Castle, built on a stunning estate. Before leaving Dunedin, partake in a wildlife cruise, spotting the Taiaroa Head lighthouse and its surrounding species.

Discover the All-Encompassing Sights of Queenstown

Queenstown is a must-see destination while visiting New Zealand. Nestled between the cobalt Lake Wakatipu and the snow-covered Southern Alps, the city promises electrifying views in each direction you turn. Commence your time here with a visit to one of the region’s local vineyards for a wine tasting. After becoming giddy on account of the vino, make your way to the gold rush village of Arrowtown to lay your eyes on century-old miner’s cottages and charming shops lining the foot of the mountains.

Upon returning to downtown Queenstown, explore the ground-level shops before taking a gondola ride to Bob’s Peak to view the city from one of its best angles. Capture the sights of Queenstown, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and Lake Wakatipu in one sweep from this vantage point. Fill the rest of your schedule with enriching experiences such as gold panning at Deep Creek or learning the ins and outs of raising sheep, producing merino wool, and the job of a sheepdog at Queenstown Sheep Farm Experience.

If time permits, take a full-day tour to Milford Sound, home to World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Both en route to the destination and once having arrived, you’ll likely experience sights including waterfalls, seals, dense rainforest, and the occasional dolphin.

A Final Stop in Auckland Before leaving Oceania, make one last stop in Auckland, nicknamed the “City of Sails,” on account of its being based around two harbors filled with superyachts. Explore what you can of New Zealand’s largest city, whether you spend your remaining time watching sailboats cruise between the web of small surrounding islands or tasting some local cuisine at one of the city’s numerous restaurants.

• Posted in: Asia & Pacific , Gate 1 Connections
• Tagged in: featured , Gate 1 Travel , travel

Posted by Gate 1 Travel

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Option 1: Los Angeles (LAX): Depart on 11/9/16

Option 2: los angeles (lax): depart on 2/8/17, option 3: los angeles (lax): depart on 10/5/16, option 4: los angeles (lax): depart on 11/23/16, option 5: los angeles (lax): depart on 1/18/17, option 6: los angeles (lax): depart on 12/14/16, option 7: los angeles (lax): depart on 12/28/16, option 8: los angeles (lax): depart on 12/21/16.

Tour of New Zealand and Australia with Airfare from Gate 1 Travel - Heritage Auckland

✈ 15-day tour of new zealand and australia with airfare from gate 1 travel. pricer per person based on double occupancy., what you get.

• 15-day/12-night tour of New Zealand and Australia with airfare
• 8 options available, including departures in October, November, and December 2016 and January and February 2017 from Los Angeles (LAX).
• Click here to see all options and departure dates.
• Call Gate 1 Travel at (800) 682-3333 for pricing from any airport that isn’t listed on the Groupon Getaways deal page.

Note: All options priced per person, based on double occupancy, or pay an additional $1,250 fee to travel solo. Read about package structures here.

Policies and fees.

For all options, book by: 6/14/16

• Cancellation policy & fees: $200 fee per person to cancel; 61-day cancellation required or fee of 50% Groupon price; 31-day or fee up to 90% Groupon price; 2-day or fee up to Groupon price. Airfare nonrefundable after booking.
• Taxes: Tax included.
• Additional fees: Baggage fees may apply and vary by carrier.

See the World Down Under in New Zealand and Australia

Literally on the other side of the world, New Zealand and Australia are the ultimate escape. This 15-day tour from Gate 1 Travel shows you the best of both: start in Auckland and Queenstown before making your way to Sydney and Melbourne. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of each country, take in the stunning landscapes, and toast with local wine. This tour includes :

• Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles (LAX)
• Airline taxes and fuel surcharges
• All intracontinental flights
• 2 nights of standard accommodations at the 4.5-star Heritage Auckland or the 5-star Pullman Auckland in Auckland
• 3 nights of standard accommodations at the 4.5-star Millennium Hotel Queenstown in Queenstown
• 2 nights of standard accommodations at the 4.5-star Scenic Hotel Dunedin City in Dunedin
• 3 nights of standard accommodations at the 4.5-star ParkRoyal Darling Harbour, Sydney in Sydney
• 2 nights of standard accommodations at the 5-star Pullman Melbourne on the Park in Melbourne
• Hotel taxes, fees, and service charges
• Hotel porterage
• All transfers
• 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motorcoach
• Services of English-speaking tour managers
• Entrance fees per itinerary

Itinerary at a Glance

• Days 1–3 : Depart from Los Angeles, cross the International Date Line, and arrive in Auckland on day 3.
• Day 4 : Enjoy a tour of Sky Tower .
• Days 5–7 : Fly to Queenstown and explore the city and Milford Sound .
• Days 8 and 9 : Travel southeast to New Zealand’s oldest town, Dunedin .
• Day 10 : Take an introductory tour of Christchurch before flying to Australia .
• Days 11 and 12 : See the famous opera house and harbor with 2 full days in Sydney .
• Days 13 and 14 : Take in Melbourne ’s Victorian architecture.
• Day 15 : Return to the United States .

A Closer Look

After your flight takes you across the International Date Line, you’ll arrive in the bustling harbor city of Auckland, New Zealand. A tour will take you to the top of Sky Tower for bird’s-eye views of the skyline before you move on to the adventure capital of Queenstown. Spend time in Milford Sound and take an optional four-wheel-drive adventure through Skippers Canyon ($122/person). After quick stops in Dunedin and Christchurch, it’s off to Australia where you’ll spend the last portion of your trip exploring Sydney and Melbourne.

• Auckland Museum : Learn about the history of New Zealand and admire artifacts ranging from traditional Maori canoes to 1950s Spitfire aircraft.
• See the fjords up close on a cruise in Fiordland National Park, where you’ll get views of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls.
• Sample New Zealand wine in Gibbston Valley, a gorgeous area of the country famous for its pinot noir; a two-course lunch is included.
• Shop for opals in Sydney; they make for a great souvenir since Australia is one of the world’s largest producers of the gem.
• Optional tours : The itinerary is packed with optional tours, from a picnic lunch amid the rainforest and beaches of the Waitakere Ranges ($119/person) to a cruise through Sydney Harbour ($69/person).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal? Airfare is only available from Los Angeles (LAX).

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal? This deal is available with set airfare that cannot be altered.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available? The dates available are listed on each option.

4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available? You can either choose another date or be refunded by Groupon. We suggest calling Gate 1 Travel to redeem your vouchers as soon as possible so that you do not run into this problem.

5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room? All travelers, including children, must purchase a voucher in order to travel. Different occupancy arrangements may be requested with Gate 1 Travel at the time of reservation.

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• Promotional value expires Jun 14, 2016. Amount paid never expires.
• Book by 6/14/16 or promo value expires
• Limit 2 person, may buy 2 additional as gifts
• Reservation required, subject to availability
• $200 fee per person to cancel; 61-day cancellation required or fee of 50% Groupon price; 31-day or fee up to 90% Groupon price; 2-day or fee up to Groupon price
• Airfare nonrefundable after booking
• Must be 18+ to check in, 8+ to travel
• Credit card required at booking and check-in
• Baggage fees may apply and vary by carrier
• Airline subject to change/availability. Airfare includes carrier and government taxes & fees
• $1,250 fee to travel solo
• Motor coaches are not accessible for wheelchairs, walkers, or motorized scooters.
• Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.
• Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

About Tour of New Zealand and Australia with Airfare from Gate 1 Travel

Getting there.

• Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) is included.

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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Gate 1 Travel .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Gate 1 Travel Reviews & Ratings

Other gate 1 travel reviews, just did england and scotland.

Just did England and Scotland, it was the best experience ever, 2nd t...

Scotland/Ireland 16 day excursion

I just finished the Scotland/Ireland 16 day excursion with a Tour guide named Ian and our coach driver named Robbie. They were both FANTASTICO! The 42 travelers were...

they accused me of lying, ripped me off a single supplement charge, among other things

Accused me of lying about when my flight landed and why no one picked me up. THeyy told me my flights would have been better "had I used Gate 1 to buy the flights" G...

See all Other Gate 1 Travel reviews

Tour Operator

Gate 1 travel.

Gate 1 Travel offers escorted tours, European river cruises, independent vacations and customized international vacation packages for less. Our discount travel packages and tour packages to destinations worldwide provide exceptional value, saving our customers time and money. We have taken care of all the details so you don't have to. Find your dream vacation today.

Company Background & Highlights

Mission: To deliver More of the World for Less by developing quality, affordable vacations for North Americans. To provide exemplary service to our customers and to earn their loyalty. To respect our partners. To invest in our employees, providing a safe and comfortable work environment. To know and understand our products and destinations. To constantly innovate and be a leader in technology.

Founded in 1981 with 3 employees; now with over 200 employees worldwide

Headquarters: Fort Washington, PA (Suburban Philadelphia)

Overseas Offices: Hungary, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Morocco, Argentina, Indonesia, Great Britain, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Peru, Ecuador, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

30+ years of providing travel services to clientèle

Product Types

Escorted Tours - Group Tours

Small Group Tours

European River Cruises

Escorted Bus Tour/Sea Cruise Combinations

Independent City Stays

Independent Fly & Drive Packages

Multi-Destination Rail Packages

Customized Vacations (Vacation Builder)

Custom Groups and Individuals

Target Consumer Market

Gate 1 Travel's target market is a traveler seeking high quality, affordable travel ranging from a superior tourist class to moderate deluxe class level of accommodations with the highest level of service.

Financial Security

Gate 1 Travel is backed by the largest, most well-respected financial institutions and insurance providers, guaranteeing the greatest level of financial security to every passenger. Gate 1 welcomes your inquiries of any of those independent offices.

Gate 1 Travel's active membership in USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association), a professional organization representing the world's leading tour operators, requires that Gate 1 meet a minimum requirement of $1 million professional liability insurance (Gate 1 maintains a $5 million policy).

Additionally , Gate 1 is required to participate in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, requiring them to post $1 million in security, held by USTOA, in the unlikely event of bankruptcy or insolvency.

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Reviews 2.8.

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Scotland/Ireland 16 day excursion

I just finished the Scotland/Ireland 16 day excursion with a Tour guide named Ian and our coach driver named Robbie. They were both FANTASTICO! The 42 travelers were also wonderful. The sites in Scotland and Ireland were magical. The hotels were all very nice with breakfast and half our dinners included. The food was good. I would highly recommend Gate1 and plan to take another tour. Gate1 also needs to give those two wonderful men raises! They certainly made the trip amazing! Humor, history, intelligence, and much fun to entertain such a large group for 16 days! Great job Men!

Date of experience : June 03, 2024

Reply from Gate 1 Travel

Thank you for taking the time to share your comments. We truly appreciate the feedback and look forward to welcoming you on your next Gate 1 trip!

Just did England and Scotland

Just did England and Scotland, it was the best experience ever, 2nd time traveling with Gate 1, just booked another one, highly recommend!!

Date of experience : April 01, 2024

Thank you for your kind feedback. We can’t wait to see you again!

Tour guide can make or break a vacation.

Hawai'i 9-day tour 02/14/2024 thru 02/21/204 was busy and organized perfectly. Tours were organized and efficient. The preset hotels Queen Kapiolani and King Kamehameha were clean and well maintained. Due to the Lahaina devastation, which was hard to view, our hotel upgrade was amazing and impressive on Maui. Charles "Kaleo" Degala, the singing tour guide, made the trip. His love of his home, knowledge of the islands and respect for the culture of Aloha made you feel as if you were family not just a guest. Guides like him are a rare gift for a traveler.

Date of experience : February 14, 2024

RUDE service

This company has absolutely the most rude customer service. I'm a travel agent, asking basic clarifying questions regarding airfare and prices, and I was yelled out and treated very rudely two days in a row. They must hate their jobs. Unbelievable. Do not use this company! So many other professional travel companies to use!

Date of experience : May 03, 2024

Thank you for sharing your comments. We regret that your experience did not meet your expectations. So that one of our representatives can provide additional assistance and try to make this right for you, please submit an inquiry here: https://www.gate1travel.com/contactus

Not worth it!

My husband and I have taken many trips with Gate 1 but something with the company has changed and I do not recommend travelling with them now. We travelled on their Japan, Then and Now Discovery trip in March and there were so many problems–some with the itinerary and some with the Tour Manager. Many of the activities were unnecessary or badly timed. I never got to see the “NOW” in Tokyo or any other city. Plenty of “Then” as we constantly travelled outside the cities to see gardens that weren’t blooming or another shrine that was never explained why it was important. The food on the trip was terrible, whether it was a group dinner or a food court in a train station. Some of the hotel rooms were so small there was no room to open a suitcase. It was a Discovery trip but nothing was special about it. It was a lot of money for what we got and we will not with travel with Gate 1 again.

Date of experience : March 10, 2024

We've had our guide yell at us and…

We've had our guide yell at us and other guests for little things like beings 4 minutes late one time over several days of being on time as expected, sitting somewhere other than the "assigned seating" even when there were vacant spaces, and for "just standing there" when out on a group outing (I guess we were supposed to interact more when he was watching us?). Our guide appears to be a tired and lonely old man that may need this position to support himself, as he wears the same outfit for the entire week so far & has no luggage. He rambles endlessly the entire duration of the ride in the tour bus about politics and religion with occasional spurts of local scenery, too late to get a photo of the attraction. I'd consider another Gate 1 travel but only after being able to review the ambassador of the trip. As for this trip, Serge was an absolute failure!

Date of experience : May 08, 2024

Thank you for sharing this feedback. Your comments are very important to us. We regret that your experience did not meet your expectations. We have provided your contact information to our customer service team who will reach out so that we can try to make this right for you.

After reading all the negative reviews…

After reading all the negative reviews I decide to not go ahead and confirm the Baltic trip I had hoped to do with Gate 1 Travel. No way do I want to get stuck someplace with no help from the tour company. Glad I decided to read reviews before clicking the "Book" button.

Date of experience : March 16, 2024

Essential Portugal and Spain

Our experience was terrific! We were greeted at the airport by the tour manager Alex and taken to the hotel. Everything was so organized with time between tours for lunch or shopping. The hotels were nice too. We felt safe and cared for at all times. The tour guides were fantastic in each city giving us plenty of history without being boring. The bus driver Marco was excellent making sure our things were secured at all time. We will definitely use this tour company again.

Date of experience : February 29, 2024

Dear Susan, Thank you for taking the time to share your comments. We truly appreciate the feedback and look forward to welcoming you on your next Gate 1 trip!

Poor customer service leading to loss of ticket value

No possible to reach the travel agents on phone. Hence, communication to the Gate1 travel agents is possible via emails only. By 3pm UK time on 18 Feb, I confirmed my request to change my flight, from 19Feb at 1:45am to another day. But no response has been received, although my response was within 30-40min since the agent's reply time.. I appreciate this was on Sunday, but a clear statement on working hours and limitation from the beginning would be helpful. It seems the value of the ticket is lost which is very unpleasant. This could be easily avoided if there was an opportunity to call to agree the change and pay the diff in tariff.

Date of experience : February 18, 2024

Hello, Thank you for sharing your comments. We regret that your experience did not meet your expectations. So that one of our representatives can provide additional assistance and try to make this right for you, please submit an inquiry here: https://www.gate1travel.com/contactus

Travel Protection is a scam, thru Gate 1.…

Booked Christmas market trip for early Dec. Bought ‘Travel Protection’ that Gate 1 promotes. My travel partner needed a heart operation. Had to cancel trip. We’ve waited two months after providing info requested with letter from surgeon. Today they say coverage denied because she had defib prior. Of course the Protection was stated as covering pre-existing conditions!!!!!! Total rip-off. Deceptive scam artists. VERY disgusted!!!

Date of experience : December 05, 2022

Very disappointed with Gate 1

Very disappointed with Gate 1. We’re scheduled to tour Egypt in November. However, due to the the conflict that’s happening now with Israel in Palastine/Gaza and the West Bank, we are justifiably concerned about our safety. Our trip is fully paid, but we had humbly requested to reschedule for a later date to travel (Not asking for a refund) just to reschedule. Unfortunately for us Gate1 outright denied our request disregarding our concerns. The Arch insurance that’s offered through Gate1 essentially only covers Gate1.

Date of experience : October 17, 2023

Never had a problem

I was very surprised to see all the negative feedback. It is true that the Tour Manager makes all the difference on these kind of tours and ours have always been exceptional. We have done Italy, Spain, and SE Asia and have loved everyone of them. We are not old and feeble so maybe that has something to do with it because Gate1 does make sure you see everything on the itinerary and you get your monies worth, which what we like. Our last tour manager was Tim for the SE Asia trip and she was amazing, in fact we are still in touch because we have become friends. From our view they keep getting better and better and we would recommend Gate1 highly. PS ask for TIM if you go to SE Asia won't be disappointed.

Date of experience : April 09, 2024

Gate 1 great but their trip insurance provider is worthless

Great company with well-organized tours but the insurance company they route all Travel Insurance through—Arch Insurance—has terrible reviews and does everything to avoid paying claims. I had a trip scheduled to Mexico in March 2024–and paid for. I had to cancel my Gate 1 trip because I was hospitalized for 11 days after I flew a long airplane flight from Ireland. At the time I booked the Gate 1 trip I was well. I suffered from acute pulmonary embolisms from the long flight. Arch insurance only paid out $300 on my well documented claim. I am a retired lawyer and know how to fill out and document claims. Their denial was flagrant. Getting only $300 back made it a complete waste of time to file the claim. If 11 days with acute pulmonary embolisms preventing me from future plane trips is not justification, what is? Never ever accept Arch. Find another provider.

Date of experience : March 27, 2024

Best trip ever!

I’ve traveled quite a bit and this trip to Costa Rica with Gate1 has been so far the best! This is the first time I book with them. It is very well organized, Gerardo, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and fun to travel with. The stay in Tortuguero was a great experience I will never forget. The Hot Springs was a beautiful place.The hotels that were chosen for us were terrific. The restaurants we were taken were fabulous. I will definitely book more trips with Gate1 without a doubt.

Date of experience : April 08, 2024

Thereza, our tour guide in Europe

Thereza, our tour guide on Gate One's trip from Mainz, Germany to Venice, Austria November 2023 was extremely accommodating. She was punctual while caring for specific needs of some 40 people for 10 days. She was very knowledgeable of the 5 countries that we toured and surprised us continually with gifts; nice hotels; meals and even music that we all sang along with as we traveled. She was fun and we'd recommend her highly for a trip with Gate One travels in your future!!!

Date of experience : November 02, 2023

9 Day Classic Japan

This 9 Day tour should actually be called 7 Day Classic Japan - Gate 1 needs to revise / review since 2 of the days you are actually in transit. Our tour guide Ichiro was phenomenal- kudos to him for his patience & handling the hiccups. Loved the country, it's people & the culture. Only disappoinmet was that Japan has so much to offer but the Gate1 itinerary focussed on way too many shrines/temples.

Date of experience : June 06, 2023

Gate1 are uncaring ……After doing around 8 tours with Gate1 I…

After doing around 8 tours with Gate1 I unfortunately had to cancel over a month before we were commencing our tour due to having to have emergency surgery. I thought Gate1 might be understanding and give us a full refund or at least credit towards another trip. They would only refund half our money and yes that was in the cancellation policy but having been such a long term repeat customer who had recommended them to many, I was under the delusion they may have some understanding of my situation and refund the full amount or at least give credit towards my next trip. I am six months post surgery now and have booked this years tour with another company. Will never book with Gate1 again.

Date of experience : August 09, 2023

Worst customer service

Worst customer service. I had booked a trip to Greece. I called them about my plane itinerary. No answer after being on hold for hours together. I emailed them, but no response whatsoever. I will never ever book anything with these people. Stay away from 'GATE1 TRAVEL". I 100% agree with majority negative reviews on this website. Please do yourself a favor and save yourself from tremendous future headache by not using this lousy travel company.

Date of experience : July 10, 2022

Dear Yash, We are sorry to learn of the delay in responding you your phone call. We were experiencing an increase in call volume related to our most recent promotion. We do value our customers and make every effort to answer calls as quickly as possible. Please be assured we will respond to your email, you may also request a call back using the call back feature. Thank you for your understanding.

Gate 1 Travel is an amazing company

Gate 1 Travel is an amazing company. For starters, booking our trip to Ireland was easy, complete and priced reasonably. Next, our bus driver, Mark, a very kind gentleman, navigated all the twisty-turny roads like a master. And most important, our tour guide, Jill, was incredible! Her knowledge of all the towns, roads, pubs, Irish traditions, and folklore, was nonstop. Her sense of humor and the details of everything made a wonderful trip more memorable than we had expected. My only criticism is that not one of our rooms (in any of the hotels) had a view other than back parking lots, roofs of buildings, or high walls. Other than that, we highly recommend Gate 1 Travel.

Date of experience : October 22, 2023

Res# 2287535

Res# 2287535 There was no booking on a domestic flight for me from Istanbul to Gaziantep on 10/3. The tour guide, Serdad, insisted that I must pay at the counter of Turkish Air instead of paying from other sources. Later, I got cash reimbursement, but he should be more careful, which could easily be preventable. Serdad did not inform us how much to walk involved at each spot; his time management was poor, and for example, we had two hour lunch break In front of the Zeugma Museum on a hot day without AC. We could enter the museum earlier.

Date of experience : October 03, 2022

Gate 1 Travel Review: Are Their Organized Tours Worth It?

Have you ever wanted to take a trip where everything is planned for you? I was in the same boat when I found Gate 1 Travel, which offers escorted coach tours all over the world. If you're wondering whether this is the route for you, I did all the work to give you the inside scoop!

One of the best parts of traveling is getting to decide where you want to go and what you want to see. However, it can also be the most stressful part of traveling.

How do you make sure you see everything you want to see, get the right hotels, and eat at the right restaurants, all while staying on budget? One option I often think about to help alleviate that stress is to book a tour that covers all the nitty-gritty details!

When you're thinking about organized travel, you'll come across so many tours and guides that'll it'll hurt your brain.

One of those is Gate 1 Travel. So, the real question is does it beat out other options when booking tours?

I wanted to find out so that you'll have the essential info on its tours, prices, destinations, and more! This way you'll be making a decision with lots of valuable knowledge.

What Is Gate 1 Travel?

If you're not a fan of traveling with strangers, my advice is to go with a travel agency or plan your own trip. Don't go with Gate 1 Travel or other travel groups. Plan and go discover on your own instead with Pilot!

That's because you will definitely be exploring with a group if you book with with Gate 1 Travel.

Numbers fluctuate, but if you're keen on staying in a smaller group, be sure to check out Gate 1's Small Group tours . Also known as Discovery Tours, there are no more than 22 travelers on these trips, so you won't have to worry about there being too many people with you.

‍ Discovery Tours also allow you to get up close and personal with the country you're visiting in a way that often isn't possible in larger, escorted tours.

How Large Are Gate 1 Travel Groups?

If you're not a fan of traveling with strangers, my advice is to go with a travel agency or plan your own trip. Don't go with Gate 1 Travel.

Numbers fluctuate, but if you're keen on staying in a smaller group, be sure to check out Gate 1's  Small Group tours . Also known as Discovery Tours, there are no more than 22 travelers on these trips, so you won't have to worry about there being too many people with you. 

‍ Discovery Tours  also allow you to get up close and personal with the country you're visiting in a way that often isn't possible in larger, escorted tours. 

How Do I Book a Tour?

If you're interested in booking a tour with Gate 1 Travel, you'll first need to make an account.

You can head to the login page to do this. Once you've done that, you can start booking!

You'll select your tour region, followed by the country you want to visit and the tour that appeals most to you.

Choose your departure date, and decide whether you want flights included. You can then select those flights and any optional tours you may want to do during your trip.

What's Included in Gate 1 Travel Tours?

When booking a tour with Gate 1, you want to know what's included.

Something I liked to see is that every trip offers a "land only" and "air & land" price, so you can decide whether to have your flights included. Flights do only go to and from select cities, depending on your tour dates.

Escorted tours will include the following:

• Accommodation for the nights of the tour
• Hotel taxes and service charges 
• Transport between cities
• Certain meals (what's included will be outlined in the tour details)
• Sightseeing per the itinerary in an air-conditioned coach with a guide!

Not included is airfare for land-only trips, any visa-related fees, and optional extras you may decide to add to your tour.

Gate 1 Deals

Every traveler loves a good deal, and Gate 1 offers some great affordable vacations. It's actually one of the best bundle travel deal sites out there!

By heading to the company's Featured Specials page, you'll get to see Gate 1's flash deals, as well as any last-minute deals for upcoming departure dates. They also have a featured destination sale which will change from time to time.

To access the deals, you'll need to use the promo code listed on these pages, and then you're on your way to saving on your next trip!

From its website, you can also sign up to receive weekly deals via email. You never know what you'll get in your inbox!

How Do I Contact Gate 1 Travel Customer Service?

Whether you have a question or a complaint, it's never a bad idea to know how to contact customer service.

Gate 1 Travel is currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, but you can still fill out a  form  via the website to send an online inquiry. 

If you're traveling soon, you can get ahold of the team by phone. The company has 24-hour assistance line can be reached in the US by calling 215-572-7676. 

Cancellation Policy

If you find you can no longer join your Gate 1 Travel tour, how can you cancel your trip?

Once you've made at least a partial payment on your trip, you have to submit a cancellation request in writing via the contact us page.

Cancellation fees will then be applied based on how much time remains before your trip and will be applied as a percentage of what has already been paid. 

Customer Reviews

Overall, travelers seem to be satisfied with Gate 1's services and its tours.

Many of the complaints speak to packages booked with flights and how flight cancellations or changes have upheaved entire trips. Others have also mentioned the mismatch of travel credits promised versus ones they actually offer.

Other travelers have complained about Gate 1's customer service as being difficult to reach and not entirely helpful. It sounds like quite a few individuals had a tough time getting a full refund for their trip, even with travel insurance, when booking with them.

Whether it's that explanations can't be given, refunds are not fully issued, or travelers are sent in circles, it sounds like customer service is a hit or miss.

Other complaints have also touched on the itineraries being too packed to truly enjoy what you're seeing or to feel rested enough for them. 

Is Gate 1 Travel Worth It?

After all my reading, my advice is to proceed with caution. Here's why.

My first impression when I got onto the website is that this is mainly targeting an older audience, with their branding outdated to the 2000s. That's not a judging criteria, but just a red flag in my opinion.

While Gate 1 Travel offers a lot of packaged tours, the volume of travelers who have had their trips impacted by flights booked through Gate 1 is concerning.

Instead, I would avoid the flight risks by opting for land-only tours. If you go this route, Gate 1 does offer tours all over the world, so it's a good place to at least browse through when you're trying to make a decision.

They also offer other kind of tours like independent vacations, European river cruises, and customized international vacation packages, but it's honestly not for me. The price is way too expensive and I can frankly plan it myself.

They also seem to charge a bit more than the actual ticket for many attractions, which to me seems like a dealbreaker unless it is actually hard for me to get the travel reservations myself.

In Gate 1 Travel's benefit, they sure do have tons of locations. From Paris to Peru, From Ecuador to Budapest, their tour packages extend to many destinations around the world. They also offer discount travel packages there and here, so that's something to consider for all you deal-seekers.

Keep in mind that some comments were made about the itineraries being a bit packed. So, if you're more of a relaxed traveler, I would be very careful going with Gate 1 Travel.

That being said, if you want to do and see as much as humanly possibly, Gate 1 could be the tour company for you!

If you like the idea of booking a tour but still aren't convinced that Gate 1 Travel is right for you, make sure to also check out companies like EF and Intrepid !

Our Rating: 3.1/5 

• Tours all over the world
• Small group options for more immersive experiences
• Includes accommodation, and guided coach tours
• Options for smaller group tours
• Flight cancellations can result in trip cancellation
• Poor customer service
• Some feedback of packed schedules

Gate 1 Travel FAQs:

Is gate 1 travel still in business.

Yes, very much so. They've been operating for over 40 years and continue to maintain its operations despite its outdated website design.

Is Gate 1 Travel better than Trafalgar Tours?

They both offer the same comparable luxury comfort tours, so it's hard to say. I'd give Trafalgar the edge since they have more experience under their belt, but individual experiences will vary. Read our Trafalgar Tours Review for more detail!

Is Gate 1 Travel an American Company?

Yes, they're an American owned and run company based in Fort Washington, PA!

Who is the founder of Gate 1?

Dani Pipano is Gate 1 Travel's founder.

Ready to Get Traveling?

Whether you opt for a Gate 1 Travel tour, use another company, or decide to freestyle your next adventure, we want to make sure that you have the best time.

Use Pilot so you can keep all the different elements of your travels in one place and easily access them all. Plan your dream vacation today with Pilot!

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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