12 Day Classic Baltics with Krakow
From
$1749
Land Only
$2679*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
(Hotels may vary based on departure day of the week)
| Sunday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Radisson Blu Olumpia | Tallinn | |
| Radisson Blu Hotel Latvia | Riga | |
| Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva | Vilnius | |
| Mercure Warszawa Grand Hotel | Warsaw | |
| Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto | Krakow | |
| Wednesday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Radisson Blu Olumpia | Tallinn | |
| Radisson Blu Hotel Latvia | Riga | |
| Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva | Vilnius | |
| Mercure Warszawa Grand Hotel | Warsaw | |
| The Westin Warsaw Hotel | Warsaw | |
| Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto | Krakow | |
| Friday Departure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Radisson Blu Olumpia | Tallinn | |
| Radisson Blu Hotel Latvia | Riga | |
| Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva | Vilnius | |
| Mercure Warszawa Grand Hotel | Warsaw | |
| Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto | Krakow | |
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
| 2024 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $650 | ||||||
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| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
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$1899 | $3019* | ||||
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$1899 | $2999* | ||||
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$1999 | $3149* | ||||
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$1949 | $3309* | ||||
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$1849 | $3279* | ||||
|
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$1849 | $3339* | ||||
| Only 1 seat left! | $1949 | $3399* | ||||
|
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$1849 | $3329* | ||||
| $1799 | $3239* | |||||
| $1749 | $3299* | |||||
|
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$1899 | $3159* | ||||
|
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$1899 | $3339* | ||||
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$1899 | $3489* | ||||
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$1899 | $3269* | ||||
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$1899 | $3239* | ||||
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$1899 | $2879* | ||||
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$1899 | $3249* | ||||
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$1899 | $3099* | ||||
| Only 1 seat left! | $1899 | $3109* | ||||
| Only 1 seat left! | $1999 | $3149* | ||||
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$1999 | $3159* | ||||
| Only 1 seat left! | $1999 | $2949* | ||||
|
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$1999 | $3119* | ||||
|
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$1999 | $3029* | ||||
| $1999 | $2939* | |||||
| $2099 | $3239* | |||||
| $1999 | $3119* | |||||
| $1949 | $2909* | |||||
| $1999 | $2979* | |||||
| $1949 | $2999* | |||||
| $1999 | $2929* | |||||
|
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$1999 | $2939* | ||||
|
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$1999 | $2859* | ||||
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$1999 | $3059* | ||||
| $1999 | $2999* | |||||
| $1799 | $2679* | |||||
| $1849 | $2939* | |||||
| $1899 | $2829* | |||||
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$1849 | $2859* | ||||
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
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?
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights New York-Tallinn, Krakow-New York
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 10 nights First Class accommodations
- 2 nights Tallinn
- 2 nights Riga
- 2 nights Vilnius
- 2 nights Warsaw
- 2 nights Krakow
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides in all major cities
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- Discover centuries-old folklore, historic towns and diverse cultures in the Baltics
- Marvel at the medieval architecture and history in Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius
- View Toompea Castle and visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn
- In Riga, view the Liberty Monument, St. Jacob's Cathedral and Riga Castle
- Visit the St. Peter and Paul Church, view Gediminas Tower and the Castle in Vilnius
- View Warsaw's Lazienki Park, Old Town, Market Square and visit St. John's Cathedral
- Visit the Shrine to the Virgin Mary at the Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa
- Solemn visit to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp Museum in Krakow
- In medieval Krakow, visit St. Mary's Church; view historic 16th century Wawel Hill Royal Castle and visit the Royal Cathedral
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
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Gate 1 Travel 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.
This first class hotel is situated near the River Neris in the business district of Vilnius.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the heart of Krakow, just a short walk from the Old Town.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is situated near the River Neris in the business district of Vilnius.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the heart of Krakow, just a short walk from the Old Town.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is situated near the River Neris in the business district of Vilnius.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the heart of Krakow, just a short walk from the Old Town.
Hotel Details- 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
Visit the open-air Ethnographic Museum that depicts 18th century farm life. This unique museum is set on 100 hectares of land on the outskirts of Riga, in a pine forest on the banks of the Jugla Lake. The over 72 historic structures including farmhouses, windmills, fishing villages, churches and other historic structures have been rebuilt and preserved here to re-create a proper village preserved from this era.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2023 - 31 Mar 2025 | $43.00 |
Afternoon tour to red brick Trakai Castle on Galve Lake, regally standing on an island by itself completely surrounded by water. This is truly such a beautiful sight and one you'll always remember. The castle is furnished with an excellent collections of armor, furniture and decorative objects. Keep your camera ready -- Trakai Castle is one of the most photographed places in Europe. This historic and world-famous Gothic Palace was built by Lithuanian Dukes and once served as their residence. Time to stroll the grounds and visit the Palace Museum to see the extensive display of medieval exhibits before returning to Vilnius.
*For all 2025 departures, access to Trakai Castle might be limited, due to renovations.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #7 | 01 May 2024 - 30 Sep 2024 | $49.00 |
| 01 Oct 2024 - 30 Nov 2024 | $49.00 |
This evening head to one of the many private palaces in Warsaw for a piano recital featuring the music of Frederic Chopin. As a child growing up in Warsaw, Chopin quickly established himself as a prominent musical prodigy of his time and today is considered a father of Classical Romantic music. During the break, a glass of local sparkling wine will be served.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #9 | 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Mar 2025 | $62.00 |
This former summer residence of the Polish kings is situated just outside of Warsaw. The tour of the palace makes Polish history come alive. Wilanow was built at the end of the 17th century for King Jan III Sobieski. It stands for the splendor of Poland in the past and is considered one of the most important monuments of Polish culture.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
Advance purchase is highly recommended for this tour. Tickets are limited and may not be available for purchase locally.
| Day #9 | 02 Apr 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $52.00 |
Legend has it that the salt mines in Wieliczka were part of a dowry from Kinga, the Hungarian princess, when she wed Boleslaw the Shy over 700 years ago, making the Wieliczka Salt Mine one of the oldest in Europe. The mine's historical importance, as well as the amazing works of art carved into the walls by miners, have earned the Wieliczka Salt Mine a place on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. The tour will be conducted with a group on a route that takes you through three levels of underground galleries and chambers.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel. Times to be arranged locally. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
There are a total of 800 steps to descend to the underground mine, with convenience stops along the way. This tour is not recommended for travelers that have difficulty walking on uneven and/or steep terrain.
| Day #11 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $80.00 |
Visit the open-air Ethnographic Museum that depicts 18th century farm life. This unique museum is set on 100 hectares of land on the outskirts of Riga, in a pine forest on the banks of the Jugla Lake. The over 72 historic structures including farmhouses, windmills, fishing villages, churches and other historic structures have been rebuilt and preserved here to re-create a proper village preserved from this era.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2023 - 31 Mar 2025 | $43.00 |
Afternoon tour to red brick Trakai Castle on Galve Lake, regally standing on an island by itself completely surrounded by water. This is truly such a beautiful sight and one you'll always remember. The castle is furnished with an excellent collections of armor, furniture and decorative objects. Keep your camera ready -- Trakai Castle is one of the most photographed places in Europe. This historic and world-famous Gothic Palace was built by Lithuanian Dukes and once served as their residence. Time to stroll the grounds and visit the Palace Museum to see the extensive display of medieval exhibits before returning to Vilnius.
*For all 2025 departures, access to Trakai Castle might be limited, due to renovations.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #7 | 01 Mar 2024 - 30 Apr 2024 | $49.00 |
| 01 May 2024 - 30 Sep 2024 | $49.00 | |
| 01 Oct 2024 - 30 Nov 2024 | $49.00 |
This evening head to one of the many private palaces in Warsaw for a piano recital featuring the music of Frederic Chopin. As a child growing up in Warsaw, Chopin quickly established himself as a prominent musical prodigy of his time and today is considered a father of Classical Romantic music. During the break, a glass of local sparkling wine will be served.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #9 | 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Mar 2025 | $62.00 |
This former summer residence of the Polish kings is situated just outside of Warsaw. The tour of the palace makes Polish history come alive. Wilanow was built at the end of the 17th century for King Jan III Sobieski. It stands for the splendor of Poland in the past and is considered one of the most important monuments of Polish culture.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
Advance purchase is highly recommended for this tour. Tickets are limited and may not be available for purchase locally.
| Day #9 | 02 Apr 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $52.00 |
Legend has it that the salt mines in Wieliczka were part of a dowry from Kinga, the Hungarian princess, when she wed Boleslaw the Shy over 700 years ago, making the Wieliczka Salt Mine one of the oldest in Europe. The mine's historical importance, as well as the amazing works of art carved into the walls by miners, have earned the Wieliczka Salt Mine a place on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. The tour will be conducted with a group on a route that takes you through three levels of underground galleries and chambers.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel. Times to be arranged locally. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
There are a total of 800 steps to descend to the underground mine, with convenience stops along the way. This tour is not recommended for travelers that have difficulty walking on uneven and/or steep terrain.
| Day #11 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $80.00 |
Visit the open-air Ethnographic Museum that depicts 18th century farm life. This unique museum is set on 100 hectares of land on the outskirts of Riga, in a pine forest on the banks of the Jugla Lake. The over 72 historic structures including farmhouses, windmills, fishing villages, churches and other historic structures have been rebuilt and preserved here to re-create a proper village preserved from this era.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours.
| Day #5 | 01 Jan 2023 - 31 Mar 2025 | $43.00 |
Afternoon tour to red brick Trakai Castle on Galve Lake, regally standing on an island by itself completely surrounded by water. This is truly such a beautiful sight and one you'll always remember. The castle is furnished with an excellent collections of armor, furniture and decorative objects. Keep your camera ready -- Trakai Castle is one of the most photographed places in Europe. This historic and world-famous Gothic Palace was built by Lithuanian Dukes and once served as their residence. Time to stroll the grounds and visit the Palace Museum to see the extensive display of medieval exhibits before returning to Vilnius.
*For all 2025 departures, access to Trakai Castle might be limited, due to renovations.
Pick-up details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #7 | 01 Mar 2024 - 30 Apr 2024 | $49.00 |
| 01 May 2024 - 30 Sep 2024 | $49.00 | |
| 01 Oct 2024 - 30 Nov 2024 | $49.00 |
This evening head to one of the many private palaces in Warsaw for a piano recital featuring the music of Frederic Chopin. As a child growing up in Warsaw, Chopin quickly established himself as a prominent musical prodigy of his time and today is considered a father of Classical Romantic music. During the break, a glass of local sparkling wine will be served.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #9 | 01 Apr 2024 - 31 Mar 2025 | $62.00 |
This former summer residence of the Polish kings is situated just outside of Warsaw. The tour of the palace makes Polish history come alive. Wilanow was built at the end of the 17th century for King Jan III Sobieski. It stands for the splendor of Poland in the past and is considered one of the most important monuments of Polish culture.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
Advance purchase is highly recommended for this tour. Tickets are limited and may not be available for purchase locally.
| Day #9 | 02 Apr 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $52.00 |
Legend has it that the salt mines in Wieliczka were part of a dowry from Kinga, the Hungarian princess, when she wed Boleslaw the Shy over 700 years ago, making the Wieliczka Salt Mine one of the oldest in Europe. The mine's historical importance, as well as the amazing works of art carved into the walls by miners, have earned the Wieliczka Salt Mine a place on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. The tour will be conducted with a group on a route that takes you through three levels of underground galleries and chambers.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel. Times to be arranged locally. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
There are a total of 800 steps to descend to the underground mine, with convenience stops along the way. This tour is not recommended for travelers that have difficulty walking on uneven and/or steep terrain.
| Day #11 | 01 Jan 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | $80.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Poland - Spring and Autumn: 40–65°F; Summer: 55–75°F; Winter: 20–35°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Poland Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#central-europe-weather |
| Estonia - Spring and Fall: 35°F-50°F; Summer: 55°F-70°F; Winter: 20°F-30°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). |
| Latvia - Spring and Fall: 35°F-50°F; Summer: 55°F-70°F; Winter: 20°F-30°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). |
| Lithuania - Spring and Fall: 40°F-55°F; Summer: 55°F-70°F; Winter: 20°F-30°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Poland - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. Taxi drivers do not expect gratuities and rounding up the fare is usually sufficient. |
| Estonia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Latvia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Lithuania - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Auschwitz - Advance reservations are required to enter Auschwitz and will be made based on the name provided on your Gate 1 Travel reservation. Upon entry to Auschwitz, passengers will be required to present photo identification matching the name on your Gate 1 Travel reservation. Due to security restrictions, only small bags (approximately 8 inches x 12 inches) are permitted inside and contents should be limited to passports, camera, phone, wallet, 1 bottle of water and an umbrella (if necessary). |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 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 and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Poland - The Zloty is the currency of Poland. |
| Estonia - The Euro is the currency of Estonia. |
| Latvia - The Euro is the currency of Latvia. |
| Lithuania - The Euro is the currency of Lithuania. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Poland - Poland offers a variety of quality goods including fine enamel pieces, silver, genuine amber jewelry, woodcarvings, dolls, and sculptures in assorted media. Handwoven textiles are another Polish specialty. |
| Estonia - Tallinn has both large department stores and smaller boutique shops, situated in medieval buildings, where handmade goods that have been made on location can be purchased. Leather, glass, and textiles are the most popular items. Another shopping option is the outdoor markets, best suited for those who enjoy haggling for deals. |
| Latvia - Riga offers many high-end shopping venues, from mall stores carrying designer labels to boutique shops offering more unique and eclectic selections. Latvia is also known for its charming home décor accessories, especially amber, ceramic, silver, and fine linen. |
| Lithuania - The Old Town district of Vilnius offers an opportunity to find finely crafted Baltic amber and intricate works of folk art, especially carved wooden masks. Embroidery, silver jewelry and specialty liqueurs are also Lithuanian highlights. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Poland
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Estonia
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Latvia
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Lithuania
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| Languages |
| Poland - Polish is the local language. German and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Estonia - Estonian is the local language. |
| Latvia - Latvian is the local language. Russian and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Lithuania - Lithuanian is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Poland - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Estonia - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Latvia - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Lithuania - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Poland - There is a marked difference between city and rural life in Poland, with rural people maintaining a more traditional, conservative religious lifestyle. Jokes at the expense of the Roman Catholic church are considered to be in poor taste. Normal courtesies should be observed and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Estonia - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Latvia - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Lithuania - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Latvia - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Lithuania - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Poland |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 3: Constitution Day May 19: Whit Sunday May 30: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 11: Independence Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christma Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Apr 20: Easter Apr 21: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 3: Constitution Day Jun 8: Whit Sunday Jun 19: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 11: Independence Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas |
| Holidays - Estonia |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 24: Independence Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter May 1: Labor Day May 19: Pentecost Sunday Jun 23: Victory Day Jun 24: Midsummer Day Aug 20: Independence Restoration Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 24: Independence Day Apr 18: Good Friday Apr 20: Easter May 1: Labor Day Jun 8: Pentecost Sunday Jun 23: Victory Day Jun 24: Midsummer Day Aug 20: Restoration Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Latvia |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 4: Independence Restoration Day May 12: Mother's Day May 19: Whitsunday Jun 23: Midsummer's Eve Jun 24: Midsummer Day Nov 18: Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Apr 18: Good Friday Apr 20: Easter Sunday Apr 21: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 4: Independence Restoration Day May 11: Mother's Day Jun 8: Whitsunday Jun 23: Midsummer's Eve Jun 24: Midsummer Day Nov 18: Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Lithuania |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16: Independence Restoration Day Mar 11: Independence Day/National Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day Jun 24: St. John's Day Jul 6: Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16: Independence National Day Mar 11: Independence Restoration Day Apr 18: Good Friday Apr 20: Easter Apr 21: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day Jun 24: St. John's Day Jul 6: Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Poland - Spring and Autumn: 40–65°F; Summer: 55–75°F; Winter: 20–35°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Poland Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#central-europe-weather |
| Estonia - Spring and Fall: 35°F-50°F; Summer: 55°F-70°F; Winter: 20°F-30°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). |
| Latvia - Spring and Fall: 35°F-50°F; Summer: 55°F-70°F; Winter: 20°F-30°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). |
| Lithuania - Spring and Fall: 40°F-55°F; Summer: 55°F-70°F; Winter: 20°F-30°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Poland - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. Taxi drivers do not expect gratuities and rounding up the fare is usually sufficient. |
| Estonia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Latvia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Lithuania - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Auschwitz - Advance reservations are required to enter Auschwitz and will be made based on the name provided on your Gate 1 Travel reservation. Upon entry to Auschwitz, passengers will be required to present photo identification matching the name on your Gate 1 Travel reservation. Due to security restrictions, only small bags (approximately 8 inches x 12 inches) are permitted inside and contents should be limited to passports, camera, phone, wallet, 1 bottle of water and an umbrella (if necessary). |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 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 and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Poland - The Zloty is the currency of Poland. |
| Estonia - The Euro is the currency of Estonia. |
| Latvia - The Euro is the currency of Latvia. |
| Lithuania - The Euro is the currency of Lithuania. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Poland - Poland offers a variety of quality goods including fine enamel pieces, silver, genuine amber jewelry, woodcarvings, dolls, and sculptures in assorted media. Handwoven textiles are another Polish specialty. |
| Estonia - Tallinn has both large department stores and smaller boutique shops, situated in medieval buildings, where handmade goods that have been made on location can be purchased. Leather, glass, and textiles are the most popular items. Another shopping option is the outdoor markets, best suited for those who enjoy haggling for deals. |
| Latvia - Riga offers many high-end shopping venues, from mall stores carrying designer labels to boutique shops offering more unique and eclectic selections. Latvia is also known for its charming home décor accessories, especially amber, ceramic, silver, and fine linen. |
| Lithuania - The Old Town district of Vilnius offers an opportunity to find finely crafted Baltic amber and intricate works of folk art, especially carved wooden masks. Embroidery, silver jewelry and specialty liqueurs are also Lithuanian highlights. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Poland
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Estonia
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Latvia
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Lithuania
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| Languages |
| Poland - Polish is the local language. German and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Estonia - Estonian is the local language. |
| Latvia - Latvian is the local language. Russian and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Lithuania - Lithuanian is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Poland - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Estonia - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Latvia - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Lithuania - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Poland - There is a marked difference between city and rural life in Poland, with rural people maintaining a more traditional, conservative religious lifestyle. Jokes at the expense of the Roman Catholic church are considered to be in poor taste. Normal courtesies should be observed and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Estonia - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Latvia - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Lithuania - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Latvia - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Lithuania - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Poland |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 3: Constitution Day May 19: Whit Sunday May 30: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 11: Independence Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christma Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Apr 20: Easter Apr 21: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 3: Constitution Day Jun 8: Whit Sunday Jun 19: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 11: Independence Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas |
| Holidays - Estonia |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 24: Independence Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter May 1: Labor Day May 19: Pentecost Sunday Jun 23: Victory Day Jun 24: Midsummer Day Aug 20: Independence Restoration Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 24: Independence Day Apr 18: Good Friday Apr 20: Easter May 1: Labor Day Jun 8: Pentecost Sunday Jun 23: Victory Day Jun 24: Midsummer Day Aug 20: Restoration Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Latvia |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 4: Independence Restoration Day May 12: Mother's Day May 19: Whitsunday Jun 23: Midsummer's Eve Jun 24: Midsummer Day Nov 18: Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Apr 18: Good Friday Apr 20: Easter Sunday Apr 21: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 4: Independence Restoration Day May 11: Mother's Day Jun 8: Whitsunday Jun 23: Midsummer's Eve Jun 24: Midsummer Day Nov 18: Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Lithuania |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16: Independence Restoration Day Mar 11: Independence Day/National Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day Jun 24: St. John's Day Jul 6: Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16: Independence National Day Mar 11: Independence Restoration Day Apr 18: Good Friday Apr 20: Easter Apr 21: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day Jun 24: St. John's Day Jul 6: Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Poland - Spring and Autumn: 40–65°F; Summer: 55–75°F; Winter: 20–35°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). Poland Average Temperatures: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#central-europe-weather |
| Estonia - Spring and Fall: 35°F-50°F; Summer: 55°F-70°F; Winter: 20°F-30°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). |
| Latvia - Spring and Fall: 35°F-50°F; Summer: 55°F-70°F; Winter: 20°F-30°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). |
| Lithuania - Spring and Fall: 40°F-55°F; Summer: 55°F-70°F; Winter: 20°F-30°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62”), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline’s requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Poland - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. Taxi drivers do not expect gratuities and rounding up the fare is usually sufficient. |
| Estonia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Latvia - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| Lithuania - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Auschwitz - Advance reservations are required to enter Auschwitz and will be made based on the name provided on your Gate 1 Travel reservation. Upon entry to Auschwitz, passengers will be required to present photo identification matching the name on your Gate 1 Travel reservation. Due to security restrictions, only small bags (approximately 8 inches x 12 inches) are permitted inside and contents should be limited to passports, camera, phone, wallet, 1 bottle of water and an umbrella (if necessary). |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 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 and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Poland - The Zloty is the currency of Poland. |
| Estonia - The Euro is the currency of Estonia. |
| Latvia - The Euro is the currency of Latvia. |
| Lithuania - The Euro is the currency of Lithuania. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store’s policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country’s online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Poland - Poland offers a variety of quality goods including fine enamel pieces, silver, genuine amber jewelry, woodcarvings, dolls, and sculptures in assorted media. Handwoven textiles are another Polish specialty. |
| Estonia - Tallinn has both large department stores and smaller boutique shops, situated in medieval buildings, where handmade goods that have been made on location can be purchased. Leather, glass, and textiles are the most popular items. Another shopping option is the outdoor markets, best suited for those who enjoy haggling for deals. |
| Latvia - Riga offers many high-end shopping venues, from mall stores carrying designer labels to boutique shops offering more unique and eclectic selections. Latvia is also known for its charming home décor accessories, especially amber, ceramic, silver, and fine linen. |
| Lithuania - The Old Town district of Vilnius offers an opportunity to find finely crafted Baltic amber and intricate works of folk art, especially carved wooden masks. Embroidery, silver jewelry and specialty liqueurs are also Lithuanian highlights. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Poland
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Estonia
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Latvia
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Lithuania
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| Languages |
| Poland - Polish is the local language. German and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Estonia - Estonian is the local language. |
| Latvia - Latvian is the local language. Russian and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Lithuania - Lithuanian is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Poland - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Estonia - The voltage used is 230 volts. |
| Latvia - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Lithuania - The voltage used is 220 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Poland - There is a marked difference between city and rural life in Poland, with rural people maintaining a more traditional, conservative religious lifestyle. Jokes at the expense of the Roman Catholic church are considered to be in poor taste. Normal courtesies should be observed and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Estonia - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Latvia - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Lithuania - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Common courtesies should be observed, and conservative casual dress is appropriate. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Latvia - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Lithuania - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Poland |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 3: Constitution Day May 19: Whit Sunday May 30: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 11: Independence Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christma Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Feast of the Epiphany Apr 20: Easter Apr 21: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 3: Constitution Day Jun 8: Whit Sunday Jun 19: Corpus Christi Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 11: Independence Day Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas |
| Holidays - Estonia |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 24: Independence Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter May 1: Labor Day May 19: Pentecost Sunday Jun 23: Victory Day Jun 24: Midsummer Day Aug 20: Independence Restoration Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 24: Independence Day Apr 18: Good Friday Apr 20: Easter May 1: Labor Day Jun 8: Pentecost Sunday Jun 23: Victory Day Jun 24: Midsummer Day Aug 20: Restoration Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Boxing Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Latvia |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Sunday Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 4: Independence Restoration Day May 12: Mother's Day May 19: Whitsunday Jun 23: Midsummer's Eve Jun 24: Midsummer Day Nov 18: Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Apr 18: Good Friday Apr 20: Easter Sunday Apr 21: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day/May Day May 4: Independence Restoration Day May 11: Mother's Day Jun 8: Whitsunday Jun 23: Midsummer's Eve Jun 24: Midsummer Day Nov 18: Republic of Latvia Proclamation Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Holidays - Lithuania |
Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16: Independence Restoration Day Mar 11: Independence Day/National Day Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Apr 1: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day Jun 24: St. John's Day Jul 6: Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2025 Jan 1: New Year's Day Feb 16: Independence National Day Mar 11: Independence Restoration Day Apr 18: Good Friday Apr 20: Easter Apr 21: Easter Monday May 1: Labor Day Jun 24: St. John's Day Jul 6: Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas Aug 15: Feast of the Assumption Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 2: All Souls' Day Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 26: Second Day of Christmas Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
This was my first trip with Gate1, and it was wonderful. The guide, Dalija, and driver, Mario, were top of class. It was an action-packed tour and Dalija's knowledge and passion for these countries gave me a lot of insight into the area. I will travel again with Gate1 and recommend it to friends. In fact, 8 of us are booked on a Christmas trip.
Lori L.
We have been on numerous trips with your company and have had excellent tour guides. However Egos and the driver were by far the best we have encountered. On a scale of 1-10 they both are at a 12+ level. They went above and beyond to meet the needs of everyone on the trip. Egos suggested many leisure time activities and places of interest to enjoy. He was extremely knowledgeable about each of the 4 countries we visited. He was such a nice person it was a pleasure to have him and the driver as our leaders through these countries. It was a trip we won't soon forget!
David D.
It is our second trip with Gate 1, after last year trip to Ireland. We returned from this Baltic trip with the feeling that someone succeeded to achieve the best of his job and this was our guide GREG !!! The preparation of the logistics for the trip, the every detail regarding the sites we visited, the personal relations for the well doing with everyone from our group, the in advance connections with the restaurants that we will have lunch or dinner, are the facts that impressed in a very positive way. On the other hand, his presentation of the Countries we visited, the historic knowledge of the region and relations, are important and contributed to our better understanding of this special part of Europe. This is the most successful trip that we participated, from the preparation and organizing point of view and we thank GATE1 choosing such people working for the Company. This will be the reason for us recommending our friends to participate in future GATE1 trips.
Israel K.
This was our first trip with Gate1. I found the entire experience superb. Egidijus Cickevicius was an oustanding tour leader who went well above what I might expect of a tour manager and guide. His depth of knowledge throughout the tour was amazing. It was obvious he not only enjoyed what he did but expended great effort to provide an outstanding experience. He provided local annotated maps, local 'treats' that added to our understanding and experience for each location, and numerous insights and details regarding our various sites. Egis also expended extra effort giving us insight, directions, and even leading us to non-tour places during leisure time. Additionally, his English was amazing. I cannot overstate how pleased we were with his work. Victoria, who provided support for one day was also outstanding. Philip, our final tour manager - during our Poland visit, was also an expert, professional, personable, and most able. We were extremely pleased with his performance and efforts as well. Our driver Spijeck made us quite comfortable throughout our journeys. His friendly demeanor was most appreciated. He also extended extra efforts to get us into and out of our various locations and stops during our tour. I, of course, was most interested in comparing our Gate1 experience to that of other tour companies with which we have traveled. I was truly impressed and pleased at the quality and return on my investment on this trip. My most sincere thanks for this experience!
Robert O.
Our first Gate 1 tour was exceptional thanks to an outstanding tour guide/manager, Dalija. Dalija was welcoming, very informative about each country's and city's culture and history, highly organized throughout the trip, and often went above and beyond such as personally taking our group on a short orientation to things around the hotel and landmarks for directions to help during our own free time. She provided and posted guide sheets with each cities major sites that we could visit on our free time as well as restaurant suggestions from other Gate 1 travelers. While there were many positive aspects of Gate 1's Baltic countries/Poland Classic tour, Dalija facilitated a very positive experience. My husband and I sincerely appreciated Dalija's professional and dedicated expertise.
Kathleen S.
We had a magnificent time on the 10 Day Classic Baltics tour. Gate 1 made us feel very cared for, from the moment we arrived until our transfer to the airport. The core itinerary ensured we saw all of the "must-see" highlights in each city, but it also allowed enough flexibility to fill the rest of the day with things we enjoyed. It was a very smooth trip, and the history and beauty of these countries should put them on everyone's list. Our guides were also unbelievable. The driver (Zbyszek, if I'm spelling that right) was so kind and went out of his way to make it easier for travelers to move between the hotel and tour stops. Egis, our tour manager, blew us away. He was so personable and detail-oriented. He made sure that each guest had what they needed and would bend over backwards to make people comfortable. He ensured we got a taste for local life by bringing in stories, treats, and fun facts throughout our trip. He even surprised my friend with a precious gift because he knew it was her birthday. The service he provided was beyond anything we'd expect from this tour, and it's the reason we left with such wonderful memories of the Baltics. He is the gold standard for tour managers. Thank you, and looking forward to our next Gate 1 trip!
Beau O.
I've been on a number of Gate1 trips and have always been extremely satisfied with the guides and drivers. However, I have to say that Egis and Zbyszek made the best team ever. They went out of their way to ensure our enjoyment, comfort and safety. Very knowledgeable, professional and caring!
Elizabeth N.
It was wonderful as usual! I always think the tour manager on my most recent trip is the best I've ever had but I honestly don't know how anyone could be better than Egis was. He was, of course, very competent, organized, and thorough in his management of our large group and all the itinerary pieces. And his knowledge of the history, culture, and geography of the region was unsurpassed. Our driver, Marian, was very friendly and equally as competent in the job he did for us. We got everywhere safely and on time and I appreciated the clean windows for viewing all the amazing scenery we drove through. I have to add that Egis went so much further than what was required of him. So many extra gifts, guidance, and tour add-ons he gave us - including a special visit from his delightful parents and little dogs, with authentic Lituanian refreshments on a long travel day. What impressed me the most about Egis was his excellent character and his genuine caring and compassion for each of us. I felt personally cared for and watched after by a true friend who made sure my every question was answered and every need met. This was my husband's first international tour and i could not have been more pleased with the way Egis made it perfect for him. Then, to top it off, he surprised us with two beautiful souvenir gifts to take home and remember him and the trip with. Thank you for providing me with such an exceptionally talented and wonderful person for my 15th Gate 1 tour!
Patricia E.
This was the first Gate1 trip for our family of four. 2 adults and 2 children 12 and 14 years . The Not only was the tour very interesting and educational. Also the organization of the tour deserves the highest rating possible. Starting with choice of hotels, tours quality, excellent food, great bus drive Marayan, high quality tour guides. But most importantly we would like to recognize our tour director Egidijuis (Egis). He made this trip exceptional! He took care of the group 24/7, offered a lot of additional sightseeing and shared his knowledge of all 4 countries and their customs and food! He treated us every morning with a local treat! He deserves the highest rating! We have traveled with other tour companies before but we're never treated to such royalty like Gate1 provides! This encourages us to book many more trips in the future with Gate1!
Natalie K.
I recently had the pleasure of joining a tour with Gate 1 Travel to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, and I must say that our tour guide, Greg, was truly exceptional. From the moment we met him, it was evident that he has a genuine love for people, cultures, and being a Gate 1 tour guide. One of the standout qualities of Greg was his extensive knowledge of each country's history, as well as their current cultural and economic status. His expertise added immense value to the tour, allowing us to gain a deep understanding of the places we visited. Moreover, Greg's willingness to invite questions from the group fostered an environment of active learning and engagement. What truly set Greg apart was his ability to immerse us in the culture of each country. Through the use of music, food, and drink, he skillfully brought the destinations to life, allowing us to experience their unique essence. Additionally, his utilization of maps, personal stories, and anecdotes created a rich and vibrant tapestry of information, making the tour both educational and entertaining. I appreciated Greg's attention to detail and his commitment to ensuring the group had the best possible experience. He went above and beyond by offering restaurant recommendations, suggesting alternative sight-seeing options, and providing clear directions. It was evident that he genuinely cared about each person in the group and their individual preferences and needs. As our family's ancestry is Lithuanian, I was particularly touched by Greg's thoughtfulness when we entered that country. Upon learning about our background, he made a point to speak to us specifically about the food, language, and other aspects of Lithuanian culture. This personalized touch created a strong sense of connection and made our experience all the more special. Based on my experience, I wholeheartedly believe that Greg is an incredible asset to your travel agency. His passion, knowledge, and dedication to creating memorable experiences make him an outstanding tour guide. I would not hesitate to recommend any group tour led by Greg, as I am confident that he will provide an exceptional and enriching journey. Thank you for providing us with such a remarkable travel experience, and please extend my gratitude to Greg for his exceptional guidance.
Tamara M.
This is my 5th trip with Gate 1, and I speak highly to everyone who wishes to travel solo or accompanied by a friend or significant other, the tour guides have always been top of the line, and this time was no different. I look forward to my next trip. Thank you!
Silvana U.
I'd like to commend our guide, Leva, during our trip to the Baltics & Poland, April 9 -April 18. Please share this email with Leva and her manager. I gave her a rating of Excellent in all categories of my post-trip survey, but wanted to share that she went above and beyond with many elements of our trip. One example is that after arriving in some of the cities, she offered walks (on her own time) to notable sights not covered on the formal tour. She educated us about extreme hardships in various countries during war times...but in addition, she shared first-hand family experiences. I really appreciated that, as younger guide likely wouldn't have had those life experiences. She did extra things like celebrating a traveler's birthday, and getting up in the (very) early morning to see groups off to the airport. She was genuinely so friendly and so organized! I've traveled a fair amount; Leva and Gate 1 are high on my list.
Maureen N.
The Baltic trip was great with Poland being the highlight. The tour manager Dalija was excellent. She was super organized, very patient dealing with all sorts of different people in the group, provided excellent information in details, friendly and professional. She always went the extra step and covered all details to make sure it was a smooth trip for us. She also offered extras like sharing candy that her family made, bought us a local cheese to try as a snack. She really made the trip memorable. Please keep her as a Gate 1 tour manager.
Sylvia M.
The trip was fantastic!! You hire phenomenal people as your tour and city guides. As you know, Egis is the best. It's not an easy job but he shows such kindness and patience to everyone. I'm sure we all came away changed for the better from all that we learned about that part of the world. I brought a friend with me who had never done a Gate 1 trip. She was very hesitant to go on a "bus tour", but she really wanted to see Tallinn again after seeing it on a Baltic cruise. We hadn't even finished our trip and she was talking about the next Gate 1 trip we should take. And she wants to bring her sister and another friend along too. You ensure your success by the people you hire, and on this tour you hired wonderful people. Eric, in Tallinn was great. Leva, in Riga, was also wonderful, as was Maggie in Warsaw. I don't remember the name of the woman who gave our city tour of Vilnius, but she was very good too. I can't recommend this tour highly enough. I have 2 more Gate 1 trips planned in the next 5 months, but this one will be hard to beat!
Marita H.
It was GREAT! Egis, the tour guide, was exceptional, interesting, informative, knowledgeable, genuinely interested in insuring we enjoyed ourselves, the places we visited and that we left knowing more about the Baltic countries and the people than when we arrived! He was also generous with treats on the bus!! I run out of adjectives when I talk about Gate 1 and the tours I have taken. Each area of the world is different but the tours are always wonderful. I can't think of a thing that has ever disappointed me. Except, of course, that the tours end and I say "goodbye" to all my new friends until we meet on the next tour.
Paula E.
My wife and I just came back from the 12 Day Classic Baltics with Krakow tour. It was our first tour with Gate 1. It was absolutely a great trip and more than what we had expected. The Tour Manager, Dalija was truly a professional in all aspects of her duties and responsibilities throughout the tour. Several group members and I had to leave for the airport on the departure day at 3 AM and yet she got up and bid farewell to us. That's clearly above and beyond her normal duties. All the local guides that Gate 1 utilized were highly knowledgeable and competent. I am not sure if any tour guides in other regions could be any better than they were. Gate 1 should be commended in hiring such outstanding local guides. Our driver, "Super" Mario, was a highly skilled driver with a very friendly personality who did a great job from the first day to the last, transporting us through 4 countries and five cities. We truly enjoyed our experiences with Gate 1 and looking forward to our next tour with Gate 1! Our thanks to Gate1 for such amazing experiences.
Brian E.
Amazing trip, went with our friends on our first Gate 1 adventure. Your tour guide Mario is the best guide I could ever have imagined. Knowledgeable about the Baltics and it's rich, rich history culture and sites. Mario had thoughtful treats for us that represents the country we were in (a 'yum' box). We know a lot goes I behind the scenes, ie driver, baggage, comfort stops, local guides and much more. Gate 1 went beyond our expectations!
Michael D.
My husband and I completed the 12 Day Classic Baltics with Krakow tour. It was a wonderful trip with an excellent tour manager, Leva. She was organized, efficient, educational and fun. She made us feel very welcome and safe. Everywhere we went, the people thanked us for coming and supporting their countries. Our favorites were the stop at the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, visiting the pilgrimage site in Czestochowa in Poland, the somber visit to Auschwitz and the Wieliczka salt mines in Krakow. A great trip!
Jane D.
The trip was great. We loved all five cities, wished we'd had more time in each. Our tour guide, Ieva was wonderful. And Joseph, the bus driver was a great driver and a really nice guy. We love Gate 1 and recommend it often.
Paula B. Davenport, FL
Our trip was wonderful, we love Gate 1 and have taken many trips with your company. Our tour guide Mario was outstanding. He was professional, humorous, gregarious and truly a joyful tour guide.
Aleyda K. Vienna, VA
We thoroughly enjoyed the Gate-1 Baltics with Krakow tour. Accommodations, group dinners, tour bus were very good. We liked the itinerary. We were especially pleased by our guide, Chris. What a marvelous storehouse of knowledge. We have Baltic and Austrian roots, and Chris’ knowledge about ethnicity, history, emigrations and languages was superb. We had many long and learned discussions with him about some rather narrow areas of the people and events connected with these areas. He is a jewel in your cadre of guides. This was our 4th Gate-1 trip, and your organization continues to provide a high value experience. We are beginning to prepare planning for one of your Southeast Asia tours in late 2020.
George B. Richmond, TX
We had a great time! Our tour director, Mario, was so passionate, hardworking and caring! He really spoiled us with some goodies from these four beautiful countries. Mario, you are the best! Our driver, Piter, was a very good man and a gentleman. Thank you both for keeping us safe and showing us these amazing places! This was our 14th trip with Gate 1, and you remain consistent with nice hotels, wonderful itineraries and sumptuous dinners. Thank you Gate 1 for showing us the world for less!
Rosemarie E. The Bronx, NY
Our trip was amazing. We were surprised by the accommodations, the food, and our transport for the whole trip. Mario, our tour guide, was exceptional and knowledgeable and looked after everyone's needs. He was the first one up, and the last one in bed when it came to our arrangements. He provided us with local information on the use of buses and trams, places to visit on our own time, and inexpensive places to by food,clothing, souvenirs, and even do laundry if needed. Mario told us many stories and had us laughing much of the time even when we were tired from our packed schedule. We were fortunate to meet new friends even though we had fewer travelers on this trip. Even Marek, the bus driver, was a gem. He drove carefully and cautiously throughout or trip and made the drives pleasant. We were fortunate to see him several times and talk with him personally about life and work. A real gentleman, he accommodated us and made us feel welcome. We even had the good fortune to meet Kim, a Gate 1 employee, who was along with us for this trip. She gave us a real insight to how Gate 1 works and sets up trips and itineraries. She even provided us with information regarding the different jobs she has had with Gate 1 and other trips she has been on with the company, including conventions and trade shows. We thank you and will be traveling with you again soon.
Anita & John B. Ocala, FL
Our trip to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland was awesome. Our hotels were excellent. The optional tours were better than expected. Our driver "Chris" was incredible. He was friendly, professional, welcoming and accommodating! Our guides throughout the trip were awesome. They were extremely knowledgeable, they answered all our questions we posed and they were very interesting as well. Our main guide "Agnes" was the complete package all around. Pleasant, accommodating, friendly, cheerful, intelligent, informative, all the above. We loved her so much that we will be returning to Poland to tour the entire country and we want her as our guide. She was the absolute BEST!! Thank you for wonderful memories that we will never forget!
Beth and Peter B. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Our trip was absolutely great; first class all the way. The hotels were all excellent as were the meals. The tours and tour guides were also all excellent. The overall tour leader, Chris, was absolutely great, very knowledgeable and professional ... Chris was the best overall trip organizer/tour guide that we have ever encountered. Kudos to Gate 1 for employing such a consummate professional. Thanks for a great trip to the Balkans.
John C. Getzville, NY
Hi Daniel, Thank you very much for your assistance from my recent travel with Gate 1. I tried many tour companies already to Europe but, Gate 1 is the best so far. The services and accommodations are excellent. The tour guide and the driver are knowledgeable, patient, kind, caring and all the positive adjectives to describe with. Looking forward to join another trips with Gate 1 in the future.
Cheryl U. Ontario, CA
Our trip to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland was fantastic. Our Tour Manager "Victor" was great. He was always at our service, and all hotel/city transitions, tours and group meals went without a hitch. All the sightseeing in the Baltic countries was great due to the quality of the local guides. All were very knowledgeable. Victor was a great guide during our time in Poland.
We thank Gate 1 for providing professional staff, quality hotels, and a very nice bus for us to ride in the 9 touring days. Adam, our driver was very safe and courteous. Plus we feel the pricing for all we received was very reasonable.
We look forward to our next adventure with Gate 1.
Melinda B. San Diego, CA
The trip was fantastic! We couldn't believe the trip was coming to an end; the time flew by. Our guide, Yolanta, was impressive. She certainly is detail oriented. The location of the hotels, except for Warsaw, was delightedly close to all the Old Towns.
I will definitely book another trip with Gate 1 Travel.
Marjorie M. Kingman, AZ
The trip was more than I expected. It was inspirational, educational and memorable. Our leader Agnes was excellent and although the group was large, it was the best group I have traveled with. Many had some background related to the area we traveled. We all traveled as one and everyone shared their travel experiences. The people, food, museums, palaces and castles were all interesting.
I am glad I took the options. The location of the hotels was perfect and within walking distance of major areas and town squares. I just wish I had another day in Krakow and would recommend that.
Katherine B. E Brunswick, NJ