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Reviews 358
Dimitrios Georgiadis
Aug 06,2023My partner Rosemarie and I just completed an Eastern Canada tour hosted by Marc Ramus. What an experience. From the get go we were treated to an unforgettable holiday. The tour itself was fantastic: just enough group sessions and free time: amazing itinerary: 2 night stops: lots of information without being overloaded. Marc was fantastic: everyone bonded with him: like a big family. And he was so helpful, informative and friendly. This was our first Gate 1 tour but won’t be our last. Highly recommend this company to anyone seeking an honest friendly and enjoyable tour with great itineraries and well located hotels. Bravo gate 1.
FL
Aug 03,2023We recently returned from the 9 day classic Italy tour with gate 1 and I have mixed feelings about this trip which I want to share partly because the gate 1 website doesn’t allow you to submit a review and the only ones available on their website were all positive and wonderful. This was not the case for us. We had a great and busy trip but excursions were optional and food included in trip was fair to horrible. Hotels were not the best but not the worst. They were clean, beds were comfortable, AC worked great, and very good water pressure. Some rooms were very small but for a short stay (2 nights) it was manageable for 2 guests. The first day of arrival in Murano, rooms were not ready until after 4:00 pm which was unbearable after a long flight and time changes. I think this can be better especially if you are organizing a group of travelers. The island of Murano was quiet, not a lot of restaurants and many of them were closed. Keep this in mind when booking this trip. Venice is a lot more active and has many more options for dinner and shopping. Tours and excursions were misleading and not clear when booking trip. Tours included walking outside and exploring the city, rarely did you go inside anything, that was all extra. The worst one for us was during booking it implied we would be going to the Mighty Colosseum, possibly the main attraction of Rome only to find out we were not going in just walking past it. We were told they couldn’t get tickets, then were told only small groups are allowed in at a time. This was all false we had to buy a separate tour to see the Colosseum which was a group of 30 people. In fact, you had to buy many separate tours to actually go inside and see anything. This package included breakfast and 4 dinners. If you are expecting amazing food at these dinners think again. Two of the the 4 dinners were pretty bad, one at Starhotels Metropole in Rome was horrible. A type of meat served, possibly roast beef, was inedible. You couldn’t cut it or chew it. Service did not ask how was your food or why aren’t you eating it. The dinners served an appetizer, pasta, some sort of meat (type unknown), and a desert. There were no choices or options for different types of meals. You get what you get and if you didn’t like it you didn’t eat. You were not even able to buy yourself another meal. Coffee was never offered with desert. The restaurants should have at least 3 different dinner options to choose from. Some of the dinners were cheap and poor quality. Tour manager did not tell you where the dinner was or what was being served in case you needed to make other arrangements. Tour manager was receptive to limited availability of food but had no solutions. This is troublesome since you are indirectly paying for bad meals through your vacation package. Gratuities were not included and should be in the package. It was out of control and awkward. Everyone wanted and expected a tip and travelers were reminded to tip at least 3 times during the trip. It was great to have someone else handle your transportation, hotel accommodations, and show you around the different cities. Tour managers and guides were kind and friendly. They appeared knowledgeable about the areas’ landmarks. Their recommendations for shopping and restaurant options were not the best. Found better recommendations on yelp and trip advisor.
Steve
Jul 24,2023My wife and I have been very blessed to have traveled to many different places around the world and we have used several different travel companies ( OAT Viking Tauck etc) Whenever we have had to change plans we have always been able to get our deposits either refunded or credited for future travel. Gate1 is the first company that wouldn’t even give us credit for the 1000 dollar deposit ( unless we took the same trip in a short time frame ) or refund. This was our first experience with Gate1 and certainly our last
Cindy Carver
Jul 19,2023Went on a tour of Yelliwstone. We were given very little time at each stop. Spent most of the day on the bus. The driver was not allowed to stop on the road if we saw an animal, which I totally understand, however there was a huge bison lying down in near the parking lot after we boarded the bus and he refused to give us two minutes so we could get a nice picture from the bus window. I was so disappointed. The tour driver said we were behind schedule. What difference would two more minutes have made and we could have had an excellent picture.
Kelsey
Jul 19,2023Absolutely awful. Never ever book with these people. Everyone is so unbelievably rude, we found out days before we did not have everything needed, they tried to to say opening an email counted as a signature, in what world does that count? They won’t even refund us 100%. Just terrible. Save your money and go elsewhere.
cheryl Johnson
Jul 17,2023Gate 1 Travel deceptive airline credit is a claw back In March of 2023, we signed on for a trip to Ecuador with Gate1 Travel but cancelled after earthquake 2 days before we were to depart. We had both Gate 1 travel insurance and Arch Right Insurance. We were told that neither insurance covered our situation. We spent over $4,000.00 for this trip. After many emails to Gate1 Travel, pleading our case, Gate1 Travel offered as a goodwill gesture, to provide airline credit of $972 with American Airlines and a travel credit of about $1300.00. In June 2023 I called to reschedule the trip to Ecuador, using the airline and travel credits. I was told by the agent that I could use the airline credit, BUT I had to pay a SURCHARGE of $376. For what, I asked. Well, he said, you are getting a direct flight so you have to pay extra if the flight is nonstop. I was baffled. I never heard of such a thing. There is only 1 American Airline flight from MIA (Miami) to Quito each day and it is a direct flight and the price of the ticket should reflect the total cost without adding a surcharge. Has anyone out there ever heard of being charged a surcharge for a direct flight above and beyond what the ticket cost. The agent said he could not provide any information about the airline credit until, I committed to book a reservation for the trip and paid a NON-REFUNDABLE FEE of $600. The point of this was to lock me into a reservation in which I would lose $600 if the air faire credit turned out to be bogus, which it did. This is about as predatory as you can get. THEN the agent told me the cost of the ticket from MIA to Quito would be $1800.00, twice the original amount of the ticket. What appeared to be a credit suddenly turned into a debit before my eyes. A $972 ticket faire credit turned into a $1800 debit and a $376 surcharge to boot. While pretending to give me a credit, Gate1 clawed back the credit and required me to pay the actual faire that I originally paid. I then called to see if I could use the credit for domestic flights. NOPE. You can only use the credit for a scheduled tour with Gate1. I am betting that the faire will be double what is advertised on the airline website and I will end up owing Gate1 money for the ticket if I attempt to use it. Offer an air faire credit and construct barriers to prevent the customer from using it. I was incredulous at how fast it happened as the ticket agent, was talking a mile a minute, but I was in such disbelief, I went to American Airlines website, keyed in the air-faire on my computer while talking to him, and saw on my computer screen the actual price of the ticket on American Airlines listed at $432, per person round trip, not including tax from MIA to Quito. It was the exact same flight that the Gate1 Travel agent was booking me on from MIA to Quito, for $1800 + $376 surcharge, leaving and returning at the exact same time as the flight the agent was booking me on. Gate one did allow me to use the $1300 travel. Since we have not gone on the trip yet, scheduled for September. Based on other reviews I expect to have to cough up tips, fees for everybody I encounter on this trip. They lure you in with low prices and then nickel and dime you after you arrive at your destination. I am astonished at the used car lot sales tactics used by Gate1Travel. Sleazy, deceitful, manipulative. After this trip to Ecuador is finished, I will never do business with Gate1 Travel again. Has anyone out there had a similar experience with Gate1travel deceptive air faire credit? I am done with Gate1 travel. My business will be with Triple AAA from now on. The response from Gate1 Travel below states Gate1 Travel addressed this issue. That is untrue. I emailed a copy of what I posted here and never heard from them. The issue has not been addressed
Dillon
Jul 16,2023Recently took a 17 day tour of Eastern Europe including a 7 day river cruise. Everything was very well done - tour manager was very well organized, hotels were 4-5 stars, bus transportation was comfortable and there were only 25 people in the land tour portion of the trip.The one thing I absolutely hated is that you are constantly tipping everybody- bus drivers, local guides, tour managers, city hosts, etc., etc. On this particular trip there were 5 countries with 4 different currencies involved which meant you had spend time looking for an ATM and once you you got local currency you then had to get change so you had small denominations for tips. Major hassle. I wish Gate 1 would include all gratuities in its up front pricing. Even though the trip was excellent, in the future I will use a tour company that includes gratuities in the price.
Joyce
Jul 09,2023Gate1 booked our travel reservations to the Canadian Maritime Provinces, June 24-July 1, 2023. The original booking got us in to Halifax in the middle of the night and the return flight had us leaving Saint John at 5:30am. I called to complain at least 3 times with no luck. Gate 1 wouldn’t even set up transit from the airport to the hotel! Then as we were ready to drive to the airport, the leg of the flight from Montreal to Halifax was canceled by Air Canada. Called Gate1, and the first flight they could find for us was the next day. That meant we lost the first full day of the tour and welcome dinner. The agent assured me that there would a welcome package at the hotel lobby or our room. However, there was only a brief note in the room from the tour manager with no useful information regarding bag pickup or bus departure . I called and asked her to come to our room, At this point, I was extremely stressed and therefore a bit short with the tour manager. Instead of smoothing things out, she took umbrage and flounced out of the room without giving any further information. My observation of her leadership style during the remainder of the trip is that she is hubristic. She has an inflated sense of self without any exceptional credentials and is insensitive to understanding travelers needs. During the rest of the trip, she was rude to me anytime she could do that without others noticing. I’ve been on other tours, and this tour manager was totally unprofessional.
Elisa Mao
Jul 05,2023This was an independent tour so our group liked that we can plan our own activities/tours. Glad that our Louvre tour got canceled because it was nice to be on our own pace. Gate 1 needs to improve on finding better hotel locations. We were so far away from the center of everything in London and Paris! The only plus in Paris was the metro was right there. For the amount we paid I think we could’ve gotten better hotel accommodations. (We had to switch rooms in Paris because the AC wasn’t working!) The airport transfer pickups were on time and smooth.
TANIA DAVIS
Jul 03,2023Traveled to Greece June 2023. The 20+ page itinerary made no mention of the actual length of the bus tours and the actual set up of the tour days. The bus tour occupied about 8-11 hours of our day with 630am wake up calls to get the day started. They should really mention an estimated bus travel time because that may be a deal breaker for some people especially those with back ailments, tall people, or people with leg issues. This would not be conducive for anyone that has these problems sitting in confined spaces for long periods of time. My husband, who is 6’6, his legs were swollen everyday on the bus with the length of the rides and the cramped spaces. My back was on fire due to my back issues. There was assigned seating on these buses which constantly put us next to the same couple who were not at all fresh and it was nothing we could do about it because the seats were ASSIGNED! 8-11 hours daily stuck on and off a cramped musty bus is not my idea of a good time. I did ask if our seats could be moved but this request was not taken seriously until we decided to bail on the tour Friday June 16th after 3 days. We could not take two more days of that and from hearing the same complaints from some of the other travelers the feeling was mutual. When gate 1 rep was told of our plans to leave and called us to ask why we were leaving the tour and I told them there was no accommodations made and we were told that there would be no refund even though I hadn’t asked for any refund at the time. I paid out of pocket to book a shuttle to go back to Athens ahead of the tour then had to book an additional last minute hotel stay. On top of that the tours we experienced were very boring. It was Athens, Olympia, Kalambaka, Delphi. However, The tour guide, ViVi, was very knowledgeable and thorough in explaining the sites. This did not feel like a vacation and unless you’re into forced early wake ups, all day rides on cramped smelly buses, forced interactions (because you get the feeling you can’t even break off from the group if you want to) assigned seating like you’re at summer camp, and learning all about rocks, caves and olives..pick another trip! Gate 1 needs to be more thorough and up front with the explanation of the tours/trip!
Jennifer
Jul 02,2023We had a great trip to Nova Scotia and Geoff was a wonderful guide!
Marilyn Mason
Jun 30,2023I have traveled 18 times with Gate One, have referred dozens to them, feel they are a terrific value , BUT…. Their discovery tours you pay more for, and get a higher level of service. Booked Patagonia trip for 2, in March, called them in October with airline question, was told, all our flights were cancelled. Really? When were you going to tell me? Spent total of 5 hours overs 2 days trying to rebook. Asked for manager, too busy, they’d call me back, never did. I tried repeatedly to get manager involved, never could. I had to pay $3200 for new flights. I paid for the trip in September in full. So I paid for flights twice!!!!!! Many emails even to owner of gate one, no resolution. At the very least I am owed $950 x2 ( the original difference if booked land only price), so $1900 due to me for buying flights twice. Gate one has asked me to be patient, well, now I need money back!!! Not patience left!!!! Stop avoiding me, do the right thing for a loyal long term always happy customer. This need’s resolution now!!! If they treat someone who travels with them this much, this way, would you be confident booking with them????
Anne Selcer
Jun 26,2023Buyer beware about Gate 1 travel insurance company, Arch Insurance. And beware of Gate 1 for selling it and collaborating with them on denying my claim. I have used Gate 1 in past and totally loved and recommended. Never had to use the insurance before though. You can look up Arch's BBB complaints, and I see some here also. I have appealed several times and am very angry, not only about my issues, but all the others who are being billed by Arch...and Gate 1. I have never written a bad review on a company before. Update: Gate One sent me an email in response to this and just said - yes, Arch insurance had denied my claims. Thanks, I already knew that ! Help me get the money owed!
Rose
Jun 24,2023My $3000 Peru trip was interrupted due to nationwide strikes/civil and political unrest which happened after our arrival where we were held against our will in the Urubamba sacred valley for multiple days and were awaiting the National Military to take control of the region and reopen local airports which had been overtaken by protestors. Our original airport we were supposed to depart from in Juliaca did not reopen until the following week as strikes and riots were more violent in that region, so we had to make alternative arrangements to fly out of the Cusco Airport once it reopened so that we could get back to Lima International Airport in order to fly to the US from there. This took 4 days of negotiating with local strikers involving the mayor and local police at times which did not work and finally we had to depart under the cover of night, physically remove road barriers, bribe strikers to let us pass and not throw rocks at our bus in order to make our flight. We made it through luckily but some other busses that left the area after us that evening did not and were held hostage by strikers 30 minutes outside of Cusco city. It was a treacherous trip which caused me and others on the tour much duress, many sleepless nights and was far from anything that could be considered a vacation, which is what I thought I was paying for. I also had to change my flight back to the US because the new flight departure time from Cusco was later than the original one from Juliaca and I could not make my original flight. I arrived in the US a day later than originally scheduled and had to cancel travel I was supposed to make for a job interview. We were told by our tour manager that we would receive a refund and it would be better if we had insurance (I did). After 7 months of trying to get this matter resolved with Gate 1 (including contacting the president directly) and their sham Arch insurance company, I was given back $270 and an insulting $200 credit which I will of course not be using. Please be wary that you will be offered ZERO coverage and protection in the event of an incident while traveling and should consider that money gone when booking whether you take the trip you paid for or not.
Grace Ku
Jun 22,2023Gate One has been my go to tour company in the past for international travel of many years. Unfortunately, I was totally disappointed of the most recent trip. The company has tripled the size of people in a group. To accommodate the large number of people in a group by one tour guide they added a teenager as assistant of the trip. You have to pay tips for the tour guide, bus driver, local guides daily of different sites and the assistant. If you think the tips are voluntary, you are giving reference of how much you should tip throughout the trip as frequent reminder. You think Gate One has better discount. It is not the case. You are dealing with hidden costs and crowded bus with every seat filled with people. I am glad I did not go when it the weather is really hot. Can you imaging how uncomfortable it will be in the summer and peak season. I am sharing this with everyone who is interested of Gate One tour to be aware of the situation first so you can make informed decision. I will definitely stay away from Gate One after my recent experience unless the condition is improved. Thanks of Gate One response! I already submitted my feedback to the link you provided. They basically defended themselves of what happened. I believe that is what they are taught to do. This is why I am going through outside reviewer so it is more transparent by the public. And, the reviewers of the site can make their own decision of what they think.
Jaime
Jun 16,2023My mom and I traveled to Italy this past April. We had a great time although it was a bit too busy for us, but we did cover almost all of Italy you could possibly imagine. The breakfast was fair, not good but not bad. Dinners were good but not great and lots of fun. My biggest complaint is we were on a tour in Florence with Gate 1 travel and taken to a jewerly shop were we were than given a short talk regarding their products and than instructed we would receive a discount for being with Gate 1 travel. My mom and I both purchased 1 piece of jewelry each. When we went to purchase the products, we were told our discount was in the form of a tax credit and we had to turn the paperwork into customs to receive this discount. I was skeptical and questioned the process a few times but was reassured by the staff that it was very easy and if we had any problems to contact an email that was written on the instructions we were to follow. We followed the instructions as written and verbalized to us by the jewelry shop staff but were unable to complete due to our flight being delayed from Naples into Munich and we had to literally run to our next flight. I contacted the email 3 times with no response and I double check both my spam and the address given. I than contacted Gate 1 and were told in simple terms, there is nothing they can do. I believe this is a scam!!! I believe this is a way for them to make more money off of you. My mom and I are out 300 dollars. Which isn't a ton of money but I am sure we are not the first ones this has happened too! The Jewery shop is called "The Gold Market" and address is 50122 Firenze. I have also submitted this review to the BBB to further investigate this.
Rob Garneau
Jun 14,2023This company lied to me about being able to add travel insurance the day after I paid for my trip after I had a chance to check with my travel partner (my elder mom). I called the next day to add insurance after my mom said she wanted it, and was denied. Then they told me I could do a name change if my mom couldn't travel and after she ended up in the hospital, I spent hours booking new flights, and then was denied a name change by Gate 1 on my land only reservation. HORRIBLE customer service! Avoid! Their response suggesting they addressed my concerns is a complete lie too. No integrity at this company! Absolute nonsense that my concerns were addressed!
J N
Jun 11,2023This 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.
Jean Young
Jun 10,2023Don’t bother getting trip insurance, they don’t help. We used to love Gate One and took many trips with friends, neighbors and relatives. I will not use them again.
Maryland Drive 455, 19034, Fort Washington, US
http://gate1travel.com
LindaLou Montana
Aug 08,2023I took a tour with Gate One in the spring of 2023 to Portugal and Spain. I will probably not book with this company again. I trusted Gate One to take us to the highlights of both countries. I was wrong to do so. The city I was looking forward to the most was Barcelona, Spain. The website for that trip featured Gaudi's wall that overlooks the city. Disappointingly, the Park Guell which is portrayed in every Barcelona image collection that I have ever seen was omitted from our tour. Worse, by the time I realized this, no tickets were available for me to purchase independently. So I missed out on seeing the place I had most wanted to enjoy. Also in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia. It is the top-rated activity on many tours. It was not included in the Gate One tour, and tickets were unavailable. The Casa Batllo' was also on my wish list. Since it wasn't included and tickets were unavailable, I missed that bucket list sight as well. Instead of these prime areas, we endured a drive-by of the defunct Olympic Village. We did have free time, which we could have filled with tickets for the three sites previously listed if we had known weeks or months earlier that those highlights were not included in the tour. My comments to Gate One were dismissed with the rationale that we should have known from the itinerary that those activities were not included. Never before have I felt the need to preview the highlights of an area before embarking on a tour and then cross-checking that they were included. This would certainly be my recommendation for anyone using Gate One. I can't afford to go to Barcelona again so will have to live with disappointment. I do not recommend Gate One.