Category: Europe

Traveling in Europe can be a rich and rewarding experience, with its diverse cultures, languages, and historical sites. The continent is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and the Big Ben. Visitors can also explore the rich history and culture of Europe through its museums, galleries, and festivals, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the continent’s mountains, lakes, and forests. Additionally, Europe offers a wide range of culinary delights, from traditional French cuisine to Italian pizza and pasta, and German sausages and beer. However, visitors should be aware of the potential challenges of traveling in Europe, such as the high costs, language barriers, and overcrowding during peak tourist season. It is important to research the specific countries and regions to be visited, and to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Shown below are the trips we’ve taken in Europe.

Benelux Trip – Gate 1 (Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, & Germany) – October 2024

We took this trip to explore parts of Europe we hadn’t visited before, specifically the Benelux region, which includes Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The name “Benelux” comes from the first letters of each country’s name:

Be for Belgium
Ne for the Netherlands
Lux for Luxembourg

These countries formed a customs union back in 1944 to strengthen economic ties and remove trade barriers, eventually inspiring what we now know as the European Union. Our main reason for visiting was to see Bastogne in Belgium, where Carey’s dad served during World War II in the Battle of the Bulge. It was important for us to visit this historic site.

We arrived in Amsterdam a day before our Gate 1 tour began, giving us the chance to explore the Molen Sloten windmill, which was fascinating. The next day, we met up with our group of 14 travelers, led by our friendly Irish guide, Wesley. Everyone got along really well, making the journey through the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and Germany even more enjoyable.

Some highlights included walking tours of charming towns like Ghent and Brugge, visiting the impressive Delta Works, and exploring the Rijksmuseum. Of course, we couldn’t resist sampling some local specialties like Belgian waffles, chocolate, beer, and the famous Belgian fries. Despite a few rainy days, the trip was fantastic, thanks to Wesley, our skilled bus driver Mohammed, and the great company of fellow travelers. After the formal tour ended, Donna & I rode a train from Frankfurt to Hamburg with the goal to visit the Miniature Wunderland in Hamburg. I am a model train hobbyist and Miniature Wunderland is the largest model train layout on Earth. We arrived a day early and were able to take a Harbor ferry tour, which was good but the dialogue was in German, so we didn’t understand a word they said. In any case the next day’s visit to Wunderland did not disappoint. It truly was unbelievable attraction and without a doubt, the highlight of the entire trip.

Molen Sloten Windmill – Amsterdam, Netherlands

The American Cemetery in Luxembourg (Patton’s Grave)

Oe of many miniature scenes in Wunderland – Hamburg, Germany

Switzerland Hiking Trip – August 2024

Our first Gate 1 hiking tour was nothing short of extraordinary. With 22 fellow travelers and two exceptional guides, we embarked on an unforgettable journey through the majestic Swiss Alps. Every day was an adventure—riding trains, cable cars, and ski lifts to reach the trails, where we immersed ourselves in breathtaking scenery. We hiked through misty rain, warm sunshine, and pastures dotted with grazing cows, savoring brown bag picnic lunches amid the mountains. The beauty around us was beyond words, and the experience of walking these trails allowed us to connect with nature in a way that no bus window ever could. We explored the UNESCO World Heritage Domaine Bovy Winery, took in the awe-inspiring views from the Harder Klum after a funicular ride, and dined at the summit’s restaurant. Lucerne, the Aareschlucht Gorge, Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Murren, Montreux, and the Staubbach waterfalls felt like stepping into a fairytale. Hiking the Four Lakes Trail, Panorama Trail, and Flower Trail offered us sweeping views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, as well as the towering Eiger and Wetterhorn North Faces. Our hotel rooms in Lucerne and Geneva provided us with stunning lakeside vistas, adding a touch of serenity to each evening. This was one of our most remarkable trips ever. The flights were smooth, the camaraderie with our group was heartwarming, and our guides, Sabine and Marina, were outstanding. If you haven’t yet added a walking or hiking tour to your travel bucket list, don’t wait. This enriching and meaningful way of exploring offers a profound connection to the places you visit, turning a trip into an unforgettable experience.”

Finland/Lapland Trip – March 2024

Why brave the icy embrace of Finland’s winter? Picture this: soaring from the bustling JFK airport to the serene landscapes of Helsinki, our journey into the heart of Finland and Lapland began. In Helsinki, we marveled at architectural wonders like the awe-inspiring Rock Church and lost ourselves in the labyrinth of knowledge and technology at Oodi, crowned the world’s finest library.

But it was in Rovaniemi, nestled on the fringes of the Arctic Circle, where the true magic unfolded. Our sanctuary was Santa’s Arctic Igloo resort, where under barely visible Northern Lights, we embarked on adventures that stirred the soul. We surrendered to the enchantment of a reindeer sleigh ride under a somewhat cloudy sky, felt the thrill of floating atop the Baltic Sea in survival suits during a Sampo ice-breaker cruise, and reveled in the exhilarating rush of a husky dog-sled ride through the pristine wilderness at the Bearhill husky ranch.

Guided by the talented Daniel, our Gate 1 expedition united 16 intrepid souls for an unforgettable odyssey. Despite the biting chill and the blanket of snow, our spirits remained ablaze with wonder and delight. For in the heart of Finland’s and Lapland’s winter, amidst the frost and the freeze, we discovered the true warmth of adventure and camaraderie.” You have got to put this on your “Bucket List.”

Family Heritage Tour – Sicily & Amalfi Coast of Italy – Sept. 2023

The Mannino family, from all over the US, most from Cincinnati, Ohio embarked on a captivating journey to Sicily and various parts of Italy, tracing the roots of their beloved patriarch, Salvatore Mannino, Donna’s grandfather. The adventure began with 24 family members exploring Sicily, particularly Carini, where Donna’s grandfather was born and raised, and where he was baptized in the town’s main square church. This initial leg of the trip was followed by 15 members continuing on to Naples, the enchanting Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Rome.

In Sicily, our group immersed themselves in the rich heritage, spending several hours in Carini and exploring historic sites in Palermo, Sorrento, Agrigento, Taormina, and Catania. The highlights of our journey included awe-inspiring visits to Mount Etna, the archaeological wonders of Syracuse, an enchanting Olive farm, the majestic Valley of the Temples, and the magnificent churches of Monreale and Carini.

Among the travelers were Donna’s siblings, cousins, and their families, fostering cherished family bonds, and my sister LuAnn. The second leg of our adventure treated us to the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast, the mesmerizing ruins of Pompeii, and the cultural wonders of the Vatican Museum and other iconic attractions in Rome. Throughout our journey, the emphasis was on family unity, savoring delectable cuisine, and immersing ourselves in the fascinating history of the Roman Empire. Overall, the trip proved to be a delightful blend of heritage exploration and bonding, creating enduring memories for the entire Mannino family.

Donna, Steve and Jan at the church where their grandfather was baptized.

Visiting the ruins of Pompeii

Scotland Trip – October 2022

We went on an Insight Vacations tour of the “Country Roads of Scotland.” This was our first Insights Vacations tour. It was originally scheduled for 2019 but got delayed due to COVID restrictions. The tour began in Edinburgh and ended in Glascow. We toured the Scottish Highlands, the Orkney Island, the Isle of Skye and the Culloden battlefield (the 1746 battle between England and the Jacobite army). Parts of the trip followed the theme from the Outlander TV series. Our 8-day trip was very good. We had an excellent tour guide (Greg) and the group consisted of 14 people, all of whom got along well together.

Click here to read the complete Trip Report

Croatia/Slovenia – May 2022

This was our first tour with Collette. Our first stop was Dubrovnik then up the coast of the Adriatic Sea to Split and other cities in Croatia. The highlight of the tour was a visit to Plitvice Lakes National Park. We also toured UNESCO walled cities and several wineries. In Slovenia we visited Lake Bled where we rode on a small dingy. We met some new friends from the group of 31 people, and our guide, Nashrin, a 35-year-old female, did a great job.

Oyster & Mussel tasting – fresh from the sea

The entrance to Plitvice Lakes National Park

Croatia, Montenegro & Serbia – October 2021

I traveled with my daughter Audrey and grandson Drew, and my friend Doug Borrett to Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia to visit the area, ride on trains and experience the Balkan lifestyle. This was an 11-day trip which Audrey planned for the rest of us. A great trip highlighted by numerous tours, visits to fortresses, rides on several passenger trains and a narrow-gauge track train, and we all had fun. Audrey’s friend Rhianna Pruit also joined us for most of the trip.

Click here to read the complete Trip Report

Audrey, Doug & Rhianna on our boat tour to an island near Dubrovnik

Audrey during a tour of one of Montenegro’s national historic sites

Poland (Habitat) Trip – October 2019

I traveled to Warsaw, Poland with 16 other Habitat for Humanity Global Village team members from all over the USA. We worked on rehabbing an old warehouse into the first Habitat ReStore in Europe. We also had time to visit several museums and do a city tour on an old Soviet era bus. They called it the Communism tour.

Click here to read the complete Trip Report

We rode in one of these old Russian vans to tour the city

Ireland/Northern Ireland – May 2018

We took this Gate 1 “Signature” tour to Ireland & Northern Ireland because we have never been to this island. We discovered it to be the “greenest” place we’ve ever been to. The people of Ireland are warm, friendly and hard-working. This was a very enjoyable and relaxing trip. We had the opportunity to see majestic cliffs, historic castles, champion horses, a Celtic dance, lots of sheep, and of course the home of famous Guinness beer. Our tour included staying in 5-star hotels throughout our 14-day adventure, and we enjoyed traveling with 16 other people, many of whom became friends. It was a fun trip.

Click here to read the complete Trip Report