China, Japan, South Korea & Central Asia
Reviews
Our Tour Manager, Jason, for my China trip was excellent. He took care of the entire tour group with kindness, was thorough in all his explanations, and was responsive to any concerns the group had. He is a true asset for Gate 1 and gives a very positive image for Gate 1. Other tour members who had been on previous Gate 1 trips said that Jason was the best Tour Manager they had ever had.
Glenn O.My first experience traveling with Gate 1 Travel was wonderful! Our trip to Japan was absolutely amazing, and our tour guide, Sam, truly went above and beyond to make our experience special. He was friendly, knowledgeable, kind, patient, helpful, and extremely organized. It was clear that he genuinely wanted everyone to have a great experience, and he made sure we did! His dedication and attention to detail made our trip even more enjoyable. I loved my first experience with Gate 1 and look forward to traveling with them again!
Johanie H.I want to express my appreciation for Joe's excellent service and work with our group, focusing on our safety and comfort, and answering our questions about Chinese sights and culture. The guides: Dana in Beijing, her knowledge of the places we visited, her patience, and her care for our group. Mr. Wang, very kind and focused on our comfort. In Xi'an, Jessica, with her knowledge of the places we visited and her attention to the group's safety. Mr. Wang was very kind and attentive. In Shanghai, Ping, with her knowledge of her hometown and sharing experiences of her cultural traditions, made me feel like family. Mr. Lin was very attentive to our comfort and safety on the bus. To this entire wonderful group of people, thank you for making the Joe's Family experience unforgettable.
Evelyn C.Joe was truly outstanding. His dedication, professionalism, patience, and genuine love for his work were evident every single day. We were a group of Latino travelers, full of energy and different personalities, and Joe had an incredible ability to understand us, connect with everyone, and make each person feel comfortable and cared for. By the end of the trip, he had earned not only our respect, but also our affection. What impressed me most was that Joe did much more than simply guide a tour. Through his enthusiasm, kindness, knowledge, and dedication, he helped us discover and appreciate China, its people, history, and culture. He made the entire experience feel personal and special. The local guides were knowledgeable, professional, and attentive, and our drivers were also an important part of making us feel safe and well cared for as we traveled through each city. I sincerely congratulate Gate 1 for having such an excellent team in China. The quality of your people exceeded my expectations and made this vacation truly unforgettable. My friends and I returned home in love with China, and I strongly believe that Joe and the wonderful local team played a huge role in that. Joe is exceptional. He represents Gate 1 with professionalism, warmth, and heart. I sincerely hope his dedication and outstanding work receive the recognition they deserve, because people like Joe are what transform a trip into an experience that travelers will remember for the rest of their lives. Thank you, Joe, Dana, Jessica, Ping, Mr. Wang, Mr. Wang, and Mr. Liu for the wonderful memories you gave us.
Miluska A.I have additional comments about Alice. She was the best tour manager we have had. I feel like she went above and beyond what any of my other TM's, in that she personally gave freely of her time to help with so many aspects of this tour. In Beijing she let us know our power banks would not be allowed on domestic flights, she went with us to a near by mall to shop for a replacement and then went with us to a nearby noodle restaurant to help us order our dinner. Then in Shanghai, She went with us to another near by mall and help me decide what I wanted for a meal that night as well by interpreting the labels and being sure I understood any options I had. I could add so many more examples but I would need a much bigger box than this one. Considering all the amazing experiences and sights we saw on this tour, Alice was hands down the highlight. I will miss her caring personality and selfless attitude, she is a keeper.
Michael P.Gate1's 12-Day Discover Uzbekistan tour was a genuine delight. Each destination along the route had its own distinctive character, vibe, and spectacular sites. The trip was insightfully designed to allow us to experience the local lifestyle while learning about local arts, architecture, cooking, history, culture, and more. Best of all, Kamie, our guide, made our entire group feel truly welcome and more like family than guests. She is deeply knowledgeable about the country and her enthusiasm is contagious. My wife and I greatly enjoyed hearing her weave together the diverse and colorful fabric of Uzbek life for us with fascinating facts, legends, and a personal touch. We not only got to know the country, but through her we got to know the people, making it a highly memorable experience.
Arthur S.My recent trip to Mongolia is now my favorite destination!!! The food, people, and history were wonderful.
Patricia H.Another amazing trip via Gate One! I don't know how they consistently find such great guides -- Odka was an amazing hostess. We covered a lot of ground on this trip with challenging logistics and Odka made it look easy, though I realize how much work actually goes on with the planning and management. I loved getting away from the crazy traffic in Ulaanbaatar. We stayed in gers or cozy rooms in various locations, giving us a great sampling of the unique terrain, history and people in this large country. Meeting the different types of nomad families was a special highlight of this trip. There are so many special meals, experiences, and learning opportunities on this itinerary. I can't recommend it enough and already have.
Tami Z.My wife and I took the 15 Day Amazing China with 3 Day Yangtze River Cruise. It was probably the best trip we've ever taken; we had the time of our lives. The people, history, scenery, and architecture were amazing! We loved China and hope to go back again. Our tour manager Joe was incredible and so helpful; he even taught us a few phrases in Chinese. All of our local guides were knowledgeable and friendly. There was Peter in Beijing, Dary in Xi'an, Rex in Chengdu, and Vicky in Shanghai. They all made traveling so easy.
Thomas B.Our Mongolia Discovery Tour was an incredible and unforgettable adventure! Mongolia's vast, beautiful landscapes were breathtaking, but what made this trip truly special was the opportunity to experience its fascinating culture and nomadic way of life. We loved visiting local families, meeting a Golden Eagle hunter, riding camels in the Gobi Desert, staying in ger camps, and exploring the Flaming Cliffs. Lake Khövsgöl was another highlight, especially meeting the Tsaatan reindeer people and experiencing their unique traditions. The tour offered so many memorable experiences that we would never have been able to arrange on our own. It was adventurous, educational, culturally enriching, and unlike anywhere else we have traveled. Mongolia exceeded our expectations, and we came home with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation for its people and culture. We highly recommend this Discovery Tour to anyone looking for a truly unique adventure!
Pacita T.The trip went great and was everything we hoped for plus more! The itinerary was great, our group was awesome, and our tour manager Susan was fantastic. Her excellent organization of the tour guidance and super kind plus fun interpersonal interactions with the tour group made the trip even more memorable. The trip wouldn't have been the same without her!
David A.My trip to Japan was one of the best experiences. The tour guide, Kei, is very knowledgeable, the places we visited revealed the culture and history of the country. Excellent trip and tour guide.
Adaline S.Our trip to Japan was wonderful. We chose the classic 9-day trip and were able to see so many sights. We opted in for the Mt. Fuji Tour and Nara Tour. Even before the trip started, I needed to reach out to move our days, and Gate 1 was very accommodating. But the star of the show was our tour guide, Rei. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. Every experience we were able to hear her insights and information about the place. Her genuine care and experience were easy to see. She would give small tours of local sights and personal recommendations for food, that were helpful. My husband especially appreciated her detailed explanations about Japan cultural and traditional at the shrines. If all Gate 1 travel guides are as good as theirs, we will be giving our business again.
Tatyana K.My wife and I enjoyed our Classic China trip. This was my first time with Gate1 and it was a positive experience. Our tour manager, Jhonny, was excellent! He was friendly and accommodating. He gave clear expectations of itinerary throughout the tour. We would be very happy to be on another tour with Jhonny. We also enjoyed the local guides. Eric, David, and Tom were knowledgeable and friendly. We were also happy with all of the hotels that were selected for the tour.
Jared D.This was an excellent trip. Truly enjoyed every aspect of the itinerary. Nammja expertly rearranged our itinerary so that we always arrived at the optimal time to avoid crowds and any inconvenience posed by weather conditions. The yurts/gers and lodge far exceeded my expectations. It was a very comfortable trip. I am recommending it to my friends.
Lynette B.Rustam was, without question, one of the finest tours guides we have ever had. His knowledge, professionalism, warmth, and unique ability to connect with every member of the group transformed an outstanding itinerary into an unforgettable experience. In a country like Kyrgyzstan, where travel can be particularly challenging - totally unprepared for tourists, having a guide of Rustam's caliber made all the difference. He is an exceptional ambassador for both his country and your company, and we feel fortunate to have had him lead our tour.
Anat M.Jalol was one of the most attentive and accommodating tour managers we have had. He went out of his way to make sure all the group members had whatever they needed or wanted. His knowledge of history and culture were amazing - we learned so much about the history of Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Jalol greeted us cheerfully every morning and kept us motivated and upbeat throughout the day. I would highly recommend Jalol as a tour manager.
Elaine W.My 12-day Gate1 Discovery Tour to Uzbekistan was wonderful. Uzbekistan offers so much to the traveler in terms of history, culture, architecture & people. Gate1 did a fabulous job putting together the itinerary and overall logistics of the tour. Our tour leader, Fax did a marvelous job in taking us through this very interesting and colorful country. He is an excellent guide with very good English, and most importantly a very fine gentleman. The hotels were all most satisfactory with the meals very good. I highly recommend this Gate1 tour of Uzbekistan to anyone interested in visiting a quite fascinating country. This is my 4th Gate1 trip and I will continue to use this excellent tour company in the future.
Paul E.We have travelled numerous times with Gate 1, and the Tour Managers/guides have been excellent. But Keiko is head and shoulders above the rest. Not only is she unbelievably organized, but her experience as a teacher came shining through. Her communication skills, second to none. Every day, on the bus, she not only orally told us exactly what to expect, but she showed us in writing (and I'm not talking about what was posted in the hotel lobby). After we finished the item on the agenda, and were situated back on the bus, she again went through what we did, and what was next. We knew almost to the minute what to expect. You found a true gem. Lucky us.
Rosalind K.Our tour manager Rumi was exemplary with her work. Informative and super helpful. Pleasant and great sense of humor.
Alan V.Our trip to China was excellent! This was our 8th Gate 1 tour. Our tour director, Eric, was beyond wonderful, he was so approachable, organized and fun! When there were gaps in the itinerary Eric always gave options for things to do or places to eat. The hotels, meals, and transportation were great. No complaints at all!
Sara D.The trip was outstanding and well done job by Gate 1 Staff at home and abroad by Mr. Fayozbek , Tour Manager and the Driver. We are very happy with Gate 1 customer service oriented Company that takes care of all travel needs and it has been proven many times. This was our 15th trip with Gate 1 and that speaks for the Company. Again, it was well done job by Gate 1 Staff at home and abroad because this trip was NOT feasible without cooperation, coordination and well planned logistics.
Mirza B.I have completed the survey on our family's recent trip to China, but I wanted to write a special note about our tour managers. Gloria (in Beijing and our overall leader), Jenny (in Xi'an) and Christina (in Shanghai) were an absolute dream team!!! Not only were they extremely knowledgeable and capable tour guides, but their warmth, humor, thoughtfulness, and boundless energy met our group and individual needs perfectly. They worked together seamlessly to make our experience truly special. I hope the family and friends I recommend this excellent tour to are lucky enough to have them!
Roxana W.I wanted to write and say that we were very happy with our tour guide manager Anne, as well as our city guides Dery and Tom! All three were knowledgeable and more than accommodating to requests or questions we had. Dery was very friendly and also funny, at one point saying to us to be "like the sticky rice" and stay together as a group. I loved Xi'an and she made the 3 days there even more special. In Shanghai, Tom did an excellent job explaining the cultural history and influences on the city as a financial center. He also recommended we try the observation floor in Shanghai Tower which was an unforgettable experience. He always had a smile on his face, and I can tell he enjoys his work. Anne, or "Mama Anne" as I called her, looked after us all especially well and made the trip extra fun. She was so sweet and went above and beyond what was required of her. She educated us about daily life in Beijing and even gave us local snacks to try (more than once!). At one point she even shared her umbrella with me when it was raining. And at the farewell dinner, some of our group sang her a song to show our appreciation - it was a fun conclusion to our trip! Anne did a wonderful job and we will miss her. :)
Gretchen G.As I depart from Japan, my heart is overflowing with immense gratitude for an truly unforgettable journey. Every aspect of this incredible nation, from its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities to its serene temples and bustling markets, has left an indelible mark. I was particularly captivated by the rich tapestry of Japanese culture, the impeccable hospitality of its people, the exquisite culinary delights that tantalized every palate, the unique fashion sensibilities that blend tradition with modernity, the unparalleled efficiency of its world-class train system, and the sheer joy of exploring its diverse shopping districts. A special debt of gratitude goes to our exceptional tour guides, Maki and Mr. G. Your profound knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, and thoughtful insights truly brought Japan to life, transforming what would have been a wonderful trip into an incredibly meaningful and enriching adventure. Your dedication ensured every moment was seamless and deeply engaging. The camaraderie formed with our diverse group of fellow travelers, hailing from various states and backgrounds, was an unexpected highlight. Sharing this adventure with all of you added so much joy and perspective. This journey has been a profound experience, filled with cherished memories and newfound friendships. I carry a piece of Japan with me, and I look forward to the day our paths may cross again.
Roscel C.Thank you for reaching out. This was an amazing trip which was only enhanced by our Tour Manager Lily! She was so attentive to everyone and helped us wherever needed. She manages with real heart and care. Our "Lily Family" was like a United Nations if USA and Canadian citizens and she brought us altogether as one. The Local Guides were also fantastic! In particular Candy and Sunny, who brought with her great sunny weather! Johnny was full of energy and purpose, a consummate professional! Needless to say, it was a trip of a lifetime!
Vivian K.Just a note to tell you that our tour director Cindy was just excellent!! She was energetic, knowledgeable, efficient, caring, kind and sociable. Many of our tour group members felt Cindy was the best tour director so far in many of our Gate I trips.
Carol L.It was a wonderful trip. Very surprised on how Yerevan and Tbilisi are very modern cities. Our guides, Varb and Nick were both excellent - very knowledgeable, kind, organized and took care of us really well. They made the trip extra special. And the food - always too much but very good. The sites we visited were all wonderful. Thank you for putting together this wonderful trip. This is why we love Gate1.
Felipe A.It was an amazing trip! Scenery at the monasteries in Armenia were so beautiful. I loved the old town in Tbilisi- outdoor cafes, walks along the river, and sulfur baths & spas.
Phyllis B.Thank you! The tour was above and beyond our expectations. We had a great tour manager and guides who not only showed their countries highlights but also shared their culinary traditions and their experiences. This is probably one of the best G1 tours out of 9 we had.
Benjamin V.Johnny is one of the best tour managers that we have experienced with Gate 1 Travel. We have travelled on many Small Group Discovery Tours, and he went above and beyond to ensure that we would have the most enjoyable experience in China. He also assisted us with extremely experienced knowledge and travel wisdom for the local destination and beyond to assist us in planning our post tour activities. His suggestions and travel knowledge were extremely helpful to ensure that we would have a wonderful experience transitioning to personal travel. Johnny is a marvelous asset to Gate 1 Travel, and we would consider another destination trip if he was the host tour manager.
Cynthia T.This was my very first Gate 1 tour. I am not sure if any other tour will be able to match the quality of this tour. Our tour guide Eric certainly made the tour most enjoyable. He was friendly, informative, accommodating, attentive, and knowledgeable. His presence certainly added to the quality of the tour.
Patricia T.This tour was way beyond our expectation. Tingting was the most engaging and hardworking tour manager. She went out of her way to help each one of us, making sure we are safe, comfortable and having a good time. A real asset to Gate 1 organization. Extend our sincere gratitude to her.
Carlos R.Our recent escorted tour through Uzbekistan was an absolute standout, striking the perfect balance between immersive exploration and thoughtful pacing. From the turquoise domes of Samarkand to the ancient streets of Khiva, the experience was elevated by a masterfully planned itinerary and truly exceptional leadership. The heart of this trip's success was our Tour Manager. Davron, His care for our group was nothing short of exemplary, and he truly set the bar for what a professional guide should be. Unlike tours that leave travelers exhausted, this itinerary was adequately curated for the modern explorer. We appreciated the sufficiently early (but not too early) starts each day, which allowed us to beat the midday heat and the largest crowds at major monuments. The schedule provided enough "breathing room" to wander independently, enjoy a slow chai in a local madrasa, or simply process the incredible sights we had seen. If you are looking for a deep dive into the heart of Central Asia that feels both adventurous and meticulously organized, this tour is it. We left Uzbekistan not just with photos, but with a genuine appreciation for the culture, thanks in large part to a tour manager who made the complex look easy.
Florida M.Rose, our tour manager, was exceptional in every respect. She is one of the primary reasons the trip was so enjoyable. She has a great personality and sense of humor which made it easy to connect with everyone. Her professionalism, preparation, work ethic, English, cultural knowledge, and concern for our well-being are all first-rate and greatly contributed to the quality of our experience. Last, but not least, she just comes across as a genuinely nice person.
Randall C.I would like to share my highest recommendation for our tour manager, Mari, from our recent Gate 1 Travel experience in Japan. Mari demonstrated exceptional care and professionalism throughout the entire journey. She was especially attentive and accommodating to the elderly members of our group, always ensuring they felt comfortable, supported, and included. One of her greatest strengths was her ability to bring each destination to life. She consistently provided a clear and engaging historical background at every site we visited, which greatly enriched our travel experience. Safety was clearly her top priority. Whether guiding us across busy streets, organizing group movement through train stations, or coordinating our bullet train transfers, she remained vigilant and proactive. Her attention to detail gave everyone a strong sense of security and trust. She also made thoughtful efforts to accommodate members with dietary needs. On the rare occasions when issues arose, they were due to local restaurant limitations rather than any oversight on her part. Mari handled these situations with professionalism and care. Overall, Mari created a well-organized, safe, and enjoyable experience for the entire group. If I have the opportunity to travel to Japan again, I would absolutely request Mari as our tour manager without hesitation.
Jasmine Y.This was a fabulous journey through China, which are exceeded my expectations. Scottie was a fabulous guide. Very organized, knowledgeable, funny, and patient. The entire group loved him. I have done numerous trips with Gate One and each one has been fabulous. I'm looking forward to my next Gate One adventure!
Tara K.Just completed an excellent China trip. Our Tour Manager Frank was outstanding. He contributed a lot towards our wonderful experience. He was extremely skilled, thoughtful and humorous. We also enjoyed the company and information provided by our Tour Guides Jessie And Christina in Xian and Shanghai. They were exceptional. THANKYOU FRANK, JESSIE AND CHRISTINA!!! Thanks again Gate1 for a memorable trip!
Neelanjana D.I would loke to thank and appreciate your tour guides especially the tour manager we known him as Mr. Joe.! He was a terrific and knowledgeable man, very friendly and helpful in many ways. Your local tour guides at Xi'an Mr. David and at ChongDu Mr. Rex were excellent. Not to mention that Ms. Sunny at Shanghi was a fantastic person with lots of enthusiasm and energy. My wife and I loved her very much. I definitely will go on a tour under the Mr. Joe and Ms. Sunny again and again. Your daily tour guides Ms. Sarah and two others that i forgot their names were also so pleasant. Thanks to all of them again.
Behrooz K.My Gate 1 trip to China was a 65th birthday gift to myself, so my expectations were high-and Gate 1 absolutely delivered. Even with a large group, our tour manager, Jessica, kept everyone organized, engaged, and getting along. She shared history and cultural do's and don'ts with so much humor that we stayed entertained and learned a lot without ever feeling bored. She also encouraged us to ask questions and take a deeper interest in China's history and people. What impressed me most was how she still managed to give individual attention whenever it was needed. When a group of seven arrived without luggage, she worked tirelessly to locate it, helped them shop for essentials, and supported them during the two days it took for their bags to catch up. When an elderly couple became ill, she made sure they received medical care so they could continue the tour. Jessica also came to our rescue in Shanghai when my sister and I went to a local restaurant and learned-only at checkout-that they didn't accept foreign credit cards, and our payment apps weren't working. We had no way to pay for our meal. Thankfully, Jessica had the foresight to put her name and phone number on everyone's name tag (along with our names in Chinese). The server called her, she paid for us, and she saved us from a very stressful situation. I truly can't say enough about Jessica. She represented Gate 1 so well, and several first-time travelers in our group said they would book another Gate 1 tour because of this experience. Thank you, Jessica, for making my dream trip to China such an amazing adventure.
Debbie P.Andy was fantastic. He was always concerned about our safety and if we were enjoying the trip. He knew seeing the Pandas was the highlight of the tour for me. He suggested we get a private tour guide and take the golf cart to the new section of the Panda reserve. It was excellent suggestion because it was easier walking with paved walkways. Michelle, our guide was excellent and we saw younger Pandas in the new section. I will certainly book on Gate 1 again. Andy is a fantastic ambassador for the company.
Shirley Z.We had an AMAZING time in China. Our TM, Andy, was very knowledgeable and did everything to make our trip an unforgettable experience. All transfers by plane, train, bus, local trips, and extra shows were smooth and easy. This is a trip you MUST do, to see the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, terracotta warriors, Xian Opera, and the Three Gorges, all in one trip, simply incredible.
Margaryta K.It was great! I'm glad we didn't cancel because of the war. We had a great time! Our tour guide, bus drivers, food & hotels were all excellent. People are friendly, helpful & the tour was excellent! All the folks in our group are all nice we didn't have any issues. I didn't hear any complaints about this tour. We are all excited to discovery Uzbekistan and we are not disappointed. It's a beautiful place, clean & it's the cheapest country we've been to. When our friends asked us why Uzbekistan? I told them they need to see it first themselves. We are thankful Gate 1 had this tour! Thank you for helping us with booking this tour. This is our 3rd tour with Gate 1, the first 2 were a disappointment but this tour makes up for it.
Olivia A.Tour Dir/Leader was the best I have had and I have travelled the world with other companies. His mind was like Wikipedia, he is also a motivational speaker in how he kept us going, he was sensitive to our needs truly an outstanding employee who represents your company at its best. He is a true asset and should be recognized for his abilities which make a tour so memorable.
Elizabeth K.Our guide, Akmal, was outstanding in every way. He was gracious, attentive to our every need, extremely well-organized, and a wonderful communicator with a warm sense of humor and a very positive attitude. He sought feedback and was open to suggestions. His English was very, very good. I had been trying to visit Uzbekistan for many years--having Akmal for my guide was worth the wait. His knowledge of Central Asia and Islam was very deep, and he was passionate about helping us understand the sweep of history and culture in the region. I feel fortunate to have had this very talented young man as my guide. He made me want to return to Uzbekistan and see more!
Karen K.I had a great time in South Korea. I was lucky to have an excellent tour manager Cindy. Cindy run a very smooth tour. At every stop meeting point Cindy took a count of everyone in the group to make sure that everyone was present and no one was left behind. She took her time to explain and answers every questions we had. Cindy provided so much information regarding shopping and restaurants on every stop of the tour. We all learn so much about the Korean culture and history from her. She also went out of her way to help two people that needed medical help. Cindy also spent time of her own to give tours at night. This is my 20th trip with Gate 1. Cindy is one of the best managers of Gate 1. On a scale of 1 to 5, Cindy is a 6. She deserves an extra bonus from Gate 1 for her effort and hard work in taking care of everyone in her tour.
Julio C.Our trip to South Korea was wonderful. Cindy was an excellent tour manager - she had an ability to guide, manage and entertain a diverse group of people - with a great sense of humor. We gained a real appreciation for Korea and it's people. Thank you for another great Gate 1 tour.
Nancy L.I recently traveled to Japan with Gate 1 Travel, and it was truly an exceptional experience from start to finish. Our tour guide, Kai, was outstanding-knowledgeable, warm, and incredibly attentive, making every moment feel smooth, enriching, and memorable. His deep understanding of Japanese culture, history, and local nuances added a special depth to the journey that I would not have experienced otherwise. Gate 1 Travel did a fantastic job with organization, accommodations, and overall planning, allowing us to simply relax and enjoy the beauty of Japan. I genuinely appreciate the care and professionalism throughout the trip, and I would highly encourage anyone considering travel to Japan to choose Gate 1-and if you're lucky enough to have Kai as your guide, you're in for something truly special.
Jitu T.Surprised is not the word to describe our Japan vacation. We were amazed by the friendliness of the people and the cleanliness of the cities and entire country. Our tour guide, Yoyo, was very detailed and encompassing throughout the entire trip from the smallest personal details to navigating the crowded train terminals so that our group is not separated. She gave insight to the history and brought the events to light as what transformed Japan to the 21st century. She was very communicative, friendly, polite, kind, and worked tirelessly to ensure that we had an exceptional trip and experience. What a wonderful tour guide for a wonderful trip!
Andrew C.The 10 day classic China tour is excellent. The tour manager Malinda is an excellent tour manager. She made sure everyone's needs/help is attended to. She's well organized. She's with us from start to finish! A job well done!
Luzviminda N.




