Gate 1 Travel is a global tour operator offering affordable vacation packages, primarily escorted tours and river cruises, with destinations around the world. Focusing on Escorted tours, river & sea cruises, small group tours and recently launching new Family Tours there are a variety of ways to see More of the World for Less! Destinations include all seven continents including tours to Europe, Africa, Asia & the Pacific, South America & North America.
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Is Gate 1 Travel legit?
Gate 1 Travel (gate1travel.com) has a 3.3 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 100 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Travel & Vacation and its reputation is mixed. Opinions are polarized: 55% rate it 4 stars or higher while 38% give 1 star; The business has replied to 100% of negative reviews; 83 of them were added in the last 12 months. Last updated 2026-09-01.
What reviewers say
AI generated
Most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Travelers frequently praise the exceptionally knowledgeable tour guides and friendly staff who consistently make their trips truly memorable and engaging. Consumers also appreciate the wonderfully well-organized itineraries, interesting destinations, and comfortable accommodations provided throughout their dream vacations.
However, some customers also noted frustrating issues with customer service and communication difficulties after booking their trips. People experienced specific difficulties trying to get simple questions answered or receiving prompt assistance when unexpected travel changes occurred. Reviewers expressed disappointment regarding unhelpful responses from representatives and complex procedures when handling cancellations or special requests.
Auto-generated from all reviews of this business. For reference only.
Gate 1 Discovery tour Civilizations of Greece. Hotel is nice, but as a solo traveler who pays a supplement for the trip, I am ALWAYS guaranteed the WORST room. Wish I could add photos, but I look over a parking lot and excavation work being done, probably to extend said lot. Thankfully room has soundproofing for windows overlooking this hideous view. I’ve taken many trips with G1 as a solo, and this is almost ALWAYS the case ( I got nice rooms in Mexico).Usually for couples they get much better rooms. Just something to keep in mind if you are traveling solo with G1. It’s the first 2 days of trip in Thessaloniki, so you would think the company would spend a few more bucks to give a better start to the tour.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-10-27
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
I have traveled with Gate 1 many times in the past and usually had good experiences. However, my recent trip to Peru was very disappointing. The hotel accommodations were poor, the food was unsatisfactory, and the worst part was that our guide exchanged currency for me at a completely unfair rate — 1 USD to 2 soles, when the official rate was much higher. This left me very unhappy and feeling taken advantage of. I hope Gate 1 will take this seriously and improve their standards for hotels, meals, and especially the professionalism of their guides.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-09-23
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
Horrible trip to Tunisia Sept 2025. Really bad guide Aisha and awful tour. I won’t do Gate One again
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-09-23
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.
I approached this website after many many Encounters with unprofessional and Extremely rude customer service/ sales representatives these past few weeks in hope of booking a vacation. Evidently from seeing a 2.7 customer satisfaction review average it is going to be a waste of my time to write this Review because obviously the leadership of Gate1 is not addressing the compilation of issues. As an executive in leadership development I am appalled. I will mention to the powers that be that your customer service representatives are not serving me and they are not serving YOUR company. To be as blatantly rude as they are and have customers get off the phone without Working with or any concern of making a sale blows my mind. In my crazy mind I think OK I'll just call back and get somebody more pleasant and professional....WRONG the representatives have no intention of selling anything or working with the client in the best interest of GATE1.
This is supposed to be an exciting And pleasant experience. With all my travel through the years I am just dumbfounded. Please do not send one of the automated "dismissive replies. That is just another poor representation of the company.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-09-02
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
Would rather their guest risk death instead of accommodate unforeseen medical emergencies
My parents used Gate1Travel to book their honeymoon and had a wonderful experience. On 7/10/25, we booked a Father/Daughter trip to Greece and are scheduled to leave 10/7/25. We paid the trip in full at the time of the reservation. On 8/26/25, my Father had to undergo a cardiac catheterization after some abnormal testing results received last week. We were told that he needs a quadruple bypass and is not medically cleared to leave the state and our trip should be postponed 3 months. I called gate1 and advised them of the medical emergency and that we wished to change our reservation to the Jan date that was available when we booked it. They advised since it was passed the final payment date and 40 days before travel we could only cancel it with cancelation fees for both airline and land. The cancelation penalties are roughly 75% of the total trip. I asked if there could be an exception as this was a medical emergency not a voluntary decision and was willing to provide medical documentation. They informed me there are no exceptions and they will follow their policy. I further asked if the trip was booked under 90 days from travel and paid in full how could they say we were beyond the window. They could not provide a response and asked if I wanted to cancel one or both passengers. I asked if the reservation could be canceled with penalties but be offered a discount to rebook the same trip under the circumstances. They advised they would not provide any discount. I asked if there is anyway to rebook the same trip but try and minimalize some of the loss as they were keeping 75% of the money paid. I again advised this is an involuntary cancelation and due to the severe blockage to my father's heart is not allowed to travel without serious risks. They could give two shits and basically told me to kick rocks. Is it partly our fault because we did not opt for insurance, yes. But you would hope that there would be some compassion and empathy for the situation. We weren't looking for a full refund with no penalties. Hell, I would have even been willing to still pay some penalties if they would just reschedule the trip for the OTHER AVAILABLE DATES for the same trip. They didn't even express condolences for the situation. All this company cares about is your money and once they have it don't expect ANYTHING from them.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-08-28
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.
I am scheduled to leave tomorrow for Ireland. By chance, I called United Airlines to ask a question. The agent said that Gate 1 messed up your ticket. Plus Air Canada is on a strike. The United Airlines representative was concerned. He even called Gate 1 with me on the line. The Gate 1 agent was rude and made up excuses why no one contacted me. No more Gate 1 Travel trips! Total dysfunction is a hallmark trait of this agency.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-08-20
Thank you for sharing this feedback. Your comments are 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 to assist you.
Wow. I traveled once before and had a great experience in Asia. W this company.. called this Saturday west coast time USA 1212 sat afternoon. Was told no dates for Egypt in fall 26. Asked for info on iTinerys on 10 plus days. To Egypt. 4 of us. And early dates that they do have .. Got a what felt like bind stares in to the dark from rep ?? Asked again for itinerary’s in time they did have?? Again. Very little help. When a customer who’s planing on spending 10 to 15 thousand dollars seeks assurance of competence and guidance in the offerings. It’s best to have knowledgeable. Folks on the other end of the line. This rep appeared to be the stunned deer in headlights standing in the road. Frozen. So much for gate one travel. Il pass
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-08-20
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
We recently went on a Gate 1 Riverboat cruise on the Danube River on the Monarch Queen....12 days ...Prague, Pilsen, Passau, Melk Abbey, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. We upgraded our room to a stateroom...the staff was wonderful! The weather was pretty warm for Europe in June...almost 100 degrees each day..but the guides were great and did the best they could to keep up cool! This was our 7th trip with Gate 1 and always a fantastic time!!!
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-08-15
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 got back from a Norway tour. The tour manager was rude, nasty and offensive. The tour itself was very poorly planned. It was billed as an 8 day tour--in reality it was 5 and most of the time was spent on a bus. Hotels were not great--one was awful--room like a cell and dirty. My first and last time with Gate 1 travel.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-08-05
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.
I have taken many big trips with Gate 1, I e. Japan, Africa, etc., however, I planned to do the trip for Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam in January 2026, but now there's fighting at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, also there is a level 4- DO NOT TRAVEL by the Embassy. Gate1 refuses to give me my $600 deposit back because they said they have not cancelled this trip yet and is monitoring the situation. My thrill is no longer interested in being over there. Gate 1 will not even give a credit, with all my years of traveling with them. How unfortunate.
UPDATE:
I contact Gate 1 again, as they stated, yet they said the same nonsense. There was no reason to ask me to contact them, just to repeat same sentence. $600 deposit is not a lot of money for some, but it is to me and shame on Gate 1 for not honoring the refund.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-07-29
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
I booked the 16 days Egypt with Jordan tour. On the highlights page it said that Jordan visa is included. I booked my own flights so I called the agent to confirm visa situation. He told me that it is not, since I booked my own flight and airport transfer. He spoke to his manager and assured me this will be remedied by Gate1. After some back and forth emails and review left on this forum, a representative reached to me within hours, and let me know that I will be reimbursed for this due to the misunderstanding. Also, Gate1 will edit the highlights page to avoid future confusions. I changed my review accordingly to reflect this. I’ve had positive experiences with Gate 1 for 10 years. The quality of the packages offered and customer support deserve recognition
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-07-21
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.
This was my fourth trip with Gate1, and I was very disappointed with how they handled my reservation this trip. My family’s reservation was linked to mine, as I always do when traveling. They made no effort to book our rooms next to or even close to one another this trip. This was very upsetting. We were often in rooms on different floors, towers, or buildings. Something has changed with Gate1, and I'm very disappointed they had so little regard for our accommodations. I don't think I can trust them again with my family’s vacations.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-06-25
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
A little late on writing this review!
My husband and I had the incredible opportunity to join the 14 Day Classic Greece with Crete & Santorini Tour.
It was truly a trip of a lifetime! From the breathtaking ancient ruins to the picturesque islands, every moment of this journey was unforgettable. However, what truly made the experience exceptional was our amazing tour manger, Marianna.
From the very start, Marianna was warm, knowledgeable, and extremely organized. She made sure every detail was taken care of, allowing us to simply relax and enjoy the beauty of Greece.
She also went above and beyond to accommodate everyone's needs, offering personalized recommendations for dining, shopping, and off-the-beaten-path experiences that we would have never discovered on our own. It felt like we were traveling with a local friend who was eager to share the best of Greece with us.
The logistics were seamless, from transportation to accommodations. Marianna handled everything with grace and professionalism, making the tour smooth and enjoyable. Thank you Marianna for making our first trip with Gate1Travel a great experience!
I must add that the bus drivers were remarkable, and very skilled in navigating the sometimes very narrow and steep roads of Greece. They were also, a very important part of our trip and added to the pleasure of this awesome tour. Thanks for the smooth ride!
Looking forward to many more tours with Gate 1 Travel and would highly recommend booking with Gate 1 Travel!
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-06-24
Thank you for taking the time to share your kind comments. We truly appreciate the feedback and look forward to welcoming you on your next Gate 1 trip!
I just booked a tour with gate 1 for a September safari to Kenya and Tanzania. Their customer service is very bad. If you are new booking, your phone is answered right away, however, as soon as you paid for the trip, it is Impossible to reach them, a phone call’s wait time is 45 minutes, and then you were routed to some remote call center in probably another country with bad connection, where the customer service representative is not knowledgeable and can’t help you with any thing. Very frustrating experience. Will not book with them again in future!
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-06-18
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
We just returned from a 10 day trip to Ireland. Our tour guide, Lenny, was fantastic . Very knowledgeable and adjusted our schedule seamlessly based on the weather, group desires and crowds. We couldn’t have been more happy with our first Gate1 experience (we actually just booked our second Gate1 before finishing this one!). Our driver Mike Cash was equally adept and friendly.
We were referred to Gate1 by three separate acquaintances who were all equally satisfied.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-06-17
We truly appreciate your business and are grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us. We hope to see you soon on another Gate 1 trip!
Not sure what has happened to Gate 1 Travel. We had 5 wonderful tour experiences with them in the past, but our tour in Australia last month had serious issues and the customer service response, both during the challenges and after the fact, has been abysmal. I am still fighting with insurance, bought through Gate 1, over the settlement for 1.5 days of lost itinerary due to 30+ hours of flight delays. no help at all from Gate 1. Will not risk another trip with these folks until they make significant changes.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-06-04
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.
I am happy to report after writing this review that gate 1 did reach out and credit $500. Thank you gate 1 for making this right.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-05-27
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.
Just back from a Gate One 8 day Essential South Africa Tour & I have to say it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.
The tour leader Maggie was exceptional as was our bus driver Eddie.
Both were knowledgeable , friendly & efficent.
The accommodation was excellent & Marbula Game Reserve was hands down the best experience .
The food , staff , rooms were all wonderful.
The game drives were amazing & I saw many of the big 5.
The sundowners on the africian plains was so awesome.
The dinner under a huge fig tree in the open was also exceptional , I dont know how the staff at Marbula manage this in the middle of nowhere !!!!
I am a solo female traveller & joined the Gate One tour , there was 23 of us & we all got along so well , the best travel companions ever .
Thank You Gate One & especially our tour leader Maggie & Bus driver Eddie for making this trip a magical experience.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-05-19
Thank you for your kind feedback. We can’t wait to see you again!
My husband and I went on a Seine River cruise in April 2025 with a 2-day Paris extension. I couldn't have been more happy with our experience. Even with the challenges of touring during the Easter holiday, the staff, especially Nad and Kristina, went out of their way to make sure our needs were taken care of. We will definitely tour with Gate 1 again.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-04-30
Thank you for your kind feedback. We can’t wait to see you again!
I did a Gate 1 week-long tour to Slovenia and had a nice time. Our guide Marina was knowledgable, funny, and super smart. The hotel was nice and centrally located, our daily tours were always a lot of fun and even though our group had around 31 people, it didn't feel crowded. Everyone we spoke with on our tour had already been on 4, 10, or even 60 prior Gate 1 trips. That tells you all you need to know.
Reply from Gate 1 Travel2025-04-30
We truly appreciate your business and are grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us. We hope to see you soon on another Gate 1 trip!
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