14 Day Wonders of New Zealand

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$4319

Land Only

$5829*

Air & Land


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2022 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $1200
Dates
Previous Season Dates

Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.


Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departures transfers, but does include flight Wellington-Christchurch.

Passengers should select flights on Day 14 from Queenstown that depart no earlier than 1 PM.


Accommodation Details:
Triple rooms are not available for this package.

Entry Requirements:
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.


Is This Trip Right for You?

This is a moderately active trip. Expect to spend four to five hours on your feet during tours. The overall pace is moderate. Some of the tours require walking for up to three hours, including going up hills, stairs, and uneven surfaces. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. Some hotels in Franz Josef, Queenstown, and Te Anau are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. During heat waves, these hotels can become uncomfortable. This is a Small Group program. For more information, click here.

Accommodation Details




Room 1


  • Requests are not guaranteed and are subject to each hotel's discretion and availability

Additional Nights

Flight Details



Package Includes

  • Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
  • Flights Los Angeles-Auckland, Queenstown-Los Angeles
    Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
  • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
  • Intra-flight: Wellington-Christchurch
  • 11 nights First Class accommodations
    • 1 night Auckland
    • 2 nights Rotorua
    • 1 night Napier
    • 2 nights Wellington
    • 1 night Christchurch
    • 1 night Franz Josef
    • 2 nights Queenstown
    • 1 night Te Anau
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
  • Hotel porterage
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • 22 meals: 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 8 dinners (including welcome, home-hosted & farewell dinners)
  • Beer and wine included with all dinners
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
  • Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
  • Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
  • Active itinerary with unique cultural features
 

Tour Highlights

Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.

  • Descend into the astonishing Waitomo Caves with its swirling rivers and glow worms
  • Visit Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Park and admire its steaming geysers
  • Home hosted dinner in a traditional New Zealand home
  • Enjoy a traditionally prepared "Hangi" dinner, cooked in the steaming ground
  • Discover delightful Christchurch, the "most-English" city in the country
  • Take in the stunning landscape of the South Island aboard the TranzAlpine train
  • Experience the dynamic environment at the Franz Josef Glacier
  • Explore the dazzling city of Queenstown, the country's adventure capital
  • Tour a family-run working merino sheep farm
  • Cruise on spectacular Milford Sound, surrounded by breathtaking scenery

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Is This Trip Right for You?

This is a moderately active trip. Expect to spend four to five hours on your feet during tours. The overall pace is moderate. Some of the tours require walking for up to three hours, including going up hills, stairs, and uneven surfaces. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. Some hotels in Franz Josef, Queenstown, and Te Anau are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. During heat waves, these hotels can become uncomfortable. This is a Small Group program. For more information, click here.
Watch our Video!
Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart. Click a day above to see what is included.

DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for New Zealand
Depart for New Zealand

DAY 2, Thursday - En Route
Cross the International date line en route to New Zealand and skip a day ahead

DAY 3, Friday - Arrive in Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Arrive in Auckland, the country's largest city, often called the "City of Sails" because of its lovely harborside location, and transfer to your hotel. This evening, attend an orientation meeting at approximately 6 PM with your Tour Manager on the exciting adventure that awaits you in New Zealand, followed by a Welcome Dinner and drinks with your fellow travelers. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 PM on Day 3 of the itinerary, if possible
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Dinner

DAY 4, Saturday - Waitomo Caves, Rotorua
From Auckland, travel south through the fertile Waikato Plains to Waitomo. A unique experience is in store for you at the astonishing Waitomo Caves, home to swirling rivers, glow worms and rocks that flow into delicate shawl-like formations. After lunch, drive to Rotorua and check in to your hotel. Tonight, savor a home-hosted dinner with a local family and experience a unique opportunity to learn about their values and traditions
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Sunday - Te Puia Thermal Reserve, "Hangi" Feast Dinner
Morning is at leisure for independent explorations in Rotorua, or join the optional Hobbiton tour. Travel through the spectacular North Island scenery to Matamata, home to the Hobbiton movie set. Take a guided tour around the set and view Hobbit holes, the Party Tree, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn. In the afternoon, journey to Te Puia, in Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity and thermal springs. Discover the unique lifestyle and traditions of the Maori and witness the phenomena of Mother Nature and how the Maori people live in harmony within this unique landscape and environment. You'll meet with a member of the local Maori tribe who shares the many aspects of traditional wood carving and its importance within the Maori culture. In the village observe the weaving demonstrations and traditional ways of creating piupiu (grass skirts). You’ll visit the kiwi house to view the nocturnal kiwi bird before continuing to the boiling mud pools and geysers. Then, attend a traditional Haka ceremony and Maori concert. Afterward, enjoy an authentically prepared Hangi dinner, cooked in the steaming ground and hot pools, ending with the most delectable steamed dessert. Tonight will indeed be a memorable and authentic Maori experience!
Optional: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (AM)
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Monday - Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park, Napier, Wine Tasting
Visit the geothermal wonderland of the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park, New Zealand's most colorful geothermal attraction, with its steaming geysers and bubbling hot springs. Then, journey through breathtaking scenery to the coastal city of Napier. Begin the drive heading south through rolling sheep-dotted hills and farmland. Marvel at picture-perfect views of Lake Taupo before continuing southeast along the Thermal Explorer Highway. The road leads into dramatic tree-covered mountains, rugged hills and at times alongside rushing rivers. On the descent through farmland and orchards, get your first glimpse of beautiful Hawkes Bay before arriving at Napier. This lovely city is famous for its wines and Art Deco architecture. The area is known as the fruit bowl of New Zealand with perfect conditions for world-class wine and produce. Tonight, taste some of the finest wines of the area and savor a delectable dinner
Overnight: Napier
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Tuesday - Dannevirke, Pukaha Mount Bruce National Reserve, Wellington
After breakfast this morning, depart Napier and drive through Wairarapa district to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, located at the southern end of the North Island. Along the way, stop for tea at Dannevirke, a town well-known for its Scandinavian heritage. Continue to Pukaha Mount Bruce National Reserve, housing rare birds in an area of protected forest. Take a guided walk in the forest and gain knowledge about New Zealand's unique flora and fauna. Learn about the reserve's work to restore the forest and bring endangered birds back into the countryside. After your visit, drive to Wellington. Arrive and check in to your hotel. Later, share highlights of today's experiences during dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Wellington
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Wednesday - Morning at Leisure, Culinary Walking Tour
Morning is at leisure for independent explorations in Wellington, including a ticket to ride on the historic Wellington cable car, providing panoramic views over the city. In the afternoon, embark on a culinary adventure around Wellington City and sample a range of delicious local food and drinks. During this walking tour, you’ll gain insights into the city’s history, its unique culinary scene, chat with local artisans and hear their stories. At the conclusion of the tour, return to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure
Overnight: Wellington
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Thursday - Flight to Christchurch and Walking Tour
Transfer to the airport this morning, for your flight to Christchurch, in the South Island. The city, is the second largest in New Zealand. Often referred to as the most English of New Zealand's cities, it is also known as the "Garden City", because of its majestic trees and extensive parks and gardens, including expansive Hagley Park in the heart of the city. Arrive in Christchurch and transfer to the hotel. Afterward, take an orientation walking tour of the city. Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Friday - TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Greymouth, Kiwi Hatchery, Franz Josef
This morning, board the most scenic train ride in New Zealand, and one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Traveling west crossing the farmland of the Canterbury Plains, ascend through spectacular gorges and river valleys towards the Southern Alps. Arrive at the village of Arthurs Pass for a short break before descending through the Otira Tunnel and lush beech rainforests to Greymouth in the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Drive to Franz Josef and visit a kiwi hatching facility, home to a hatching program of the world’s rarest kiwi, the rowi. Learn more about this rare flightless bird from an expert ranger. Then, check in to your hotel overlooking some of New Zealand’s tallest peaks. Dinner is at the hotel tonight
Overnight: Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Saturday - Franz Josef Glacier Walk, Queenstown
Embark on a thrilling adventure. Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead you on an adventurous walk in the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. The famous glacier, discovered by Europeans in 1865, is named after the Austrian emperor. Although the glacier has retreated considerably, its frozen past is still visible in the present landscape. Learn more about the role of the glacier in shaping this remarkable landscape as you continue through the regenerating rainforest and along the glacier valley up to the receding terminal face of the glacier. Later, drive to Queenstown, named for Queen Victoria, surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown's stunning scenery is inspiring and revitalizing. The city is acclaimed by international travelers and "kiwis" alike as New Zealand's adventure capital. Check in to your hotel before dinner tonight at a local restaurant
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Sunday - Mt Nicholas Farm Experience
Enjoy a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Mt Nicholas High Country Farm on board Spirit of Queenstown for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit to an authentic, family-run merino sheep farm. Tour the farm, that is home to 30,000 merino sheep, view the working animals and learn about raising sheep and producing merino wool. Afterward, savor a freshly prepared farmers platter for lunch. Soak in the surrounding panoramic views in one of New Zealand’s most rugged and remote high country farms before returning on a catamaran cruise to Queenstown. The balance of the day is at leisure to discover picturesque Queenstown on your own. Tonight, join the optional Stargazing Experience with dinner. After a meal of iconic New Zealand dishes, experience the clear skies of Queenstown as the setting for your stargazing encounter. Using state of the art telescopes, take a guided tour of our galaxy and learn about the southern skies and how to navigate using the Southern Cross constellation as your guide
Optional: Stargazing Experience with dinner (PM)
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13, Monday - Milford Sound, Te Anau
Depart Queenstown for picturesque Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound. Nestled on the lake's edge, it's the perfect base from which to discover the spectacular glacier-carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Follow the glacier-hewn Eglinton River Valley into a magnificent beech forest before descending into the precipitous Hollyford Valley. Tussock and scrub replace the bush as the road climbs steadily up the Hollyford to the gigantic cirque where sheer rock faces dwarf the Homer Tunnel portal beneath. Beyond the tunnel, you descend into the Cleddau Canyon, between towering, rugged mountains and forests, until the road comes out into the open at spectacular Milford Sound. After lunch, board your cruise on Milford Sound and be surrounded by astonishing scenery from atop the viewing decks. An informative commentary on the natural history and wildlife follows you as you stop at waterfalls and points of interest along the way. Afterward, check in to your hotel in Te Anau. Tonight, share wonderful memories together on your last night in New Zealand. Bid goodbye to your Tour Manager and newfound friends at a Farewell Dinner in the hotel
Overnight: Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14, Tuesday - Depart New Zealand
After breakfast, drive to the airport in Queenstown for your departure flight. Please select flights that depart no earlier than 1 PM
Meals: Breakfast

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Discovery Tours itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
Rydges Auckland, Auckland
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This first class hotel is centrally located in Auckland.

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Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Rotorua
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This superior first class hotel is located in the city of Rotorua, nearby the Polynesian Spa.

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Scenic Hotel Te Pania, Napier
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This first class hotel overlooks Hawke's Bay.

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Rydges Wellington, Wellington
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This first class hotel is located in downtown Wellington.

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Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square, Christchurch
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This superior first class hotel is situated in the city center of Christchurch nearby Cathedral Square.

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Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier
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This first class hotel is situated in Franz Josef Village.

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Scenic Suites Queenstown Hotel, Queenstown
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This superior first class hotel offers spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.

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Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas, Te Anau
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This first class hotel overlooks Lake Te Anau and the Fiordland ranges.

Hotel Details
Book your Optional Tours before you travel. See more, save time, save money.
  • Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
  • Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
  • Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
  • Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
  • Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
  • The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Departing from Rotorua this morning, enjoy a drive through spectacular North Island scenery. Arrive at the Hobbiton movie set, made famous in the “Lord of Rings” movie trilogy, located in Matamata. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the undeniable beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Experience Middle-earth with a guided tour around the set. Visit some of the most famous locations; the hobbit holes, the mill, the party tree and the pond. Listen to fascinating stories of how Hobbiton came to be. Conclude the tour at the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage, before your return to Rotorua.

Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 5 hours.

Day #5 01 Jun 2021 - 31 May 2023 $80.00
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Thumbnail
The Wonders of New Zealand, February 2020
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Wonderful! Gate 1 did a nice job (again) on New Zealand. The hotels, food and tours were very good. Our tour guide Kevin was a hoot and we were always laughing on the bus. He was concerned with making us happy and enjoying our tour. Another job well done, thanks!

Trudy M. Mokena, IL
The Wonders of New Zealand, February 2020
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Excellent! Clinton, our Tour guide, was so fun. We ran into several obstacles and he handled them seamlessly. All the hotels were great. The schedule was a good mix of busy and rest. I loved our small group. We were very compatible and had a great time together. New Zealand is beautiful. This was one of my favorite trips.

Penny Z. Overland Park, KS
The Wonders of New Zealand, September 2019
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The trip to New Zealand was excellent. Richard is a great tour guide.

Alan S. Hilton Head Island, SC
The Wonders of New Zealand, March 2019
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It was excellent. Our guide, Greg, did a masterful job ... The itinerary was well-planned, including the day at leisure in Queenstown, which was gratefully received. Coach tours all have their drawbacks, but they were greatly overridden by convenience and the relatively small group. We simply could not have been happier with the trip, including the hotels and meals.

Bruce C. Aiken, SC
The Wonders of New Zealand, February 2019
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Beautiful country and we had amazing weather. Food was incredible and our bus driver John was the best one we have ever had. Did lots of commentary and was fun.

Roy B. Saskatchewan, Canada
The Wonders of New Zealand, January 2019
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It was lovely, Kevin our tour director was awesome!!! Fellow travelers were tons of fun & had similar interests, and the scenery was to die for!! Especially Milford Sound.

Sharon B. Mokena, IL
The Wonders of New Zealand, January 2019
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It was a great trip. We had a wonderful experience, the tour guide was fantastic. Everything was excellent, small group tours are the best!

Eduardo F. Cancun, MX
The Wonders of New Zealand, January 2019
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The trip was excellent in every way. The itinerary was wonderful. Very nice hotels, good meals and Richard was a fantastic guide.

Isobel F. Toronto, Canada
The Wonders of New Zealand, October 2018
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It was spectacular. Unbelievable scenery. Food was excellent ... Both bus drivers were pleasant, safe and professional. Always felt at ease. Guide was very knowledgeable .. Will definitely recommend Gate 1 and especially the Discovery Tours.

Georgeann H. Gilbert, AZ
The Wonders of New Zealand, May 2018
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We enjoyed everything about our tour of New Zealand. We felt it was well thought out. The hotels were very good. The itinerary was excellent, as were the dinners. Our guide, Malcolm, was superb. He was so knowledgeable about NZ and tied in the Maori culture whenever possible which made the tour that much more interesting. Thank you for an excellent tour of NZ.

Frances R. San Jose, CA
The Wonders of New Zealand, February 2018
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Trip was fantastic! New Zealand was amazing; people were great; and the Gate 1 experience was excellent!

John C. Wingham, ON, CA
The Wonders of New Zealand, May 2017
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This trip was fantastic! Everything! Malcolm, the guide was superb -- knowledgeable, experienced in everything "outdoors", interested and practiced in what was important to all of us, and just plain fun. Each day, each event was worthy -- New Zealand is spectacular -- its environs and people are very welcoming. We loved the variety and level of activities offered. And -- the food all along the way was wonderful.

Glenda W. Thompsonville, MI
The Wonders of New Zealand, March 2017
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John was a fabulous tour director. He was very well prepared with interesting information about every place we passed or visited. Very organized, thinks of everything, knows the country well, great personality. The tour itinerary was excellent, we were on the go most of the time, making good use of our time in New Zealand. Hotels and included meals were very good. Bus drivers were excellent and even provided additional commentary. Absolutely no complaints.

Dennis L. Bend, OR
The Wonders of New Zealand, January 2017
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It was memorable . We loved the small group size and lucked out with a great group of travelers. Itinerary was well planned and the guide and drivers were all informed, professional and a pleasure to spend two weeks with traversing the north and south islands. It was our first Gate 1 experience. We will join a Discovery tour again.

Carolyn L. Prt Washingtn, NY
The Wonders of New Zealand, November 2016
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The trip was great. I am glad the earthquake in early Nov. did not affect the schedule nor itinerary. Our tour guide, Malcolm, was fantastic and he helped made the trip a success. We almost missed the penguins at Oamaru due to a flight delay. But he made last minute arrangements to overcome the problem. Great tour guide.

Teresa C. Woodridge, IL
The Wonders of New Zealand, November 2016
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Our trip was excellent! Very pleased with the guide, hotels, food quality and the overall itinerary. Thanks very much to Gate 1 for another successful tour.

Kent F. Mission Viejo, CA
The Wonders of New Zealand, October 2016
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It was great! New Zealand is a beautiful and fascinating place. Our guide Malcolm was very knowledgeable and interesting. Once again, Gate 1 provided us with a memorable experience. The hotels and dining venues were all good and the optional tours were exciting and all worthwhile. Gate 1 has really done it very well for us again and we intend to continue traveling with you!

Craig S. Kailua, HI
The Wonders of New Zealand, March 2016
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Just wonderful thank you. Our tour guide, John, was fantastic. So were our drivers Greg on the north island and Stephen on the south island. The hotels were very comfortable. The food was so good that we all ate too much. The itinerary was just perfect. Varied. So pleased we booked this tour with you. This is our second tour with Gate 1. Both have exceeded expectations. It would be nice if you could pass on our praise for John, Greg and Stephen to the appropriate people. Thanks

Annette B. Lutz, FL
The Wonders of New Zealand, March 2016
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We had a wonderful, enjoyable trip! We would especially like to acknowledge and thank Malcolm for his tour guide comments and insight!

Ronald F. Holt, MI
The Wonders of New Zealand, February 2016
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Thanks for asking. It was a fantastic trip. We enjoyed the pristine, picturesque, and the primitive history of New Zealand. The cuisine and optional trips were to our liking as well. We look forward to our next trip in November, with Gate 1 Travel/Discovery. Could you please send us the survey forms, so that we can get a rebate for the next to next booking ?

Amitabh D. State College, PA