Baltics with Gate 1

My husband and I took the “10-day Classic Baltics & Warsaw” tour with Gate 1 Travel (Fort Washington, PA; 800/682-3333, www.gate1travel.com), April 29-May 8, 2014. 

I’m a travel agent, but this was not a discounted tour in any way, as we paid full rate, so my review is as a traveler with an eye on what I would recommend to my clients.

We were so pleased with the 4-star hotels and their locations in Old Town squares, where most of the historical sites were. 

We mostly prefer escorted tours because we get to see so much without some of the hassles. The trade-off is that you have to be ready to leave at certain times, but when you’re traveling to four cities by bus or train, you would be on a schedule anyway.

On this tour we had a lot of free time to explore on our own. We also had many days on which we could eat on our own or with others we had met on the tour. 

Regarding tours, a major plus for us is meeting people who love to travel as much as we do and hearing their stories about places they’ve been to, some of which are on my “Travel Dreams” list.

With airfare from New York to Tallinn, Estonia, and back from Warsaw, Poland, and a 5% discount for paying the final balance by check, the total cost of this tour for both of us was $3,739. All breakfasts were included as well as some dinners and a lunch. 

The Baltics, in general, offered Old World charm mixed with modern transportation and hotels and a wealth of history! If anyone would like additional information, you can email me c/o ITN.

AMY ROMANO

Syosset, NY