We are planning for a family vacation in September this year. We are debating which is Better, The Baltics or The Greek Islands, all around 12 days, all offered by Gateway 1. Have not been to either and cost is not a problem. Three Family members, all adults.
The Greek Islands tour including Mylconos, Santorini and Athans
The Baltics including Two nights in each “The Three Baltics” and four nights in Poland.
Your opinions?
I say Baltics just because it’s my bucket list trip.
Been to Greece and it was beautiful. Totally enjoyed it.
Never been to the Baltics but it looks fun too. I don’t think you will go wrong either way.
If you’ve done a lot of Europe travel previously go for Greece.
There’s a big temperature difference! I tried to swim in the Baltic Sea in July and didn’t get past my ankles. But they both sound lovely.
I think it depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation and the age range of the adults. Will there be any young adults?
I haven’t been to the Baltics, but the #1 place on my bucket list and first big trip abroad after grad school was to the Greek Isles. I was interested in Greece for its rich history as “the birthplace of western civilization,” but also wanted to have some fun. The islands have some fascinating (to me) archaeological sites, but you also have the beaches and a thriving nightlife for young adults who might want to do their own thing at least some of the time.
Also, if these are tours, you’ll probably be traveling by motor coach in the Baltics while you’ll probably be traveling by boat between the Islands, correct? Personally, I’d rather be on a boat than in a bus when traveling between destinations. The ferries are typically several stories and much nicer than you might expect when you think of a ferry, and the islands are stunning to see by water from the big open air decks.
Whatever you choose, please come back and give us a trip report!
@doschicos it will be for a long time, not until October… 
Has anyone been to The Baltics?
We took a cruise in the Baltics last year. Loved, loved it. I think the poster a few posts above this is spot on. If you are looking for a beach vacation - go for the Greek islands. The baltics are cold in comparison. But a great vacation - lots of fun, great places to explore.
Lucky you to have a choice like that! You will have a good time no matter where you go, but things to consider are: world events (yes, sadly, everyone traveling internationally needs to look at patterns in attacks, etc.); weather; arts and museums vs beaches and ancient ruins, etc. If you do the Greek tour, I hope it stops in Crete. The palace of Knossos is amazing.
LOVED our trip to the Greek Isles last year. Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete, Patmos and Athens. Athens is a but sad,though…
I spent a day in Tallinn on my last trip (got home on Memorial Day)! The old town is fairly small and very walkable. Has some cool things but definitely not a city like London, Paris, or Rome in terms of things to do. Can’t speak to any of the other cities nor any potential day trips, unfortunately.
What do you get to see in Poland? I will tell you that my trip to the concentration camps in Poland was perhaps the most powerful thing I have ever experienced.
I, personally, am not super big on beach vacations, so I would choose the Baltics. Greece is on my travel list, but not at the top… and more for the ruins than the islands.
Here is what they say about the Baltics
Explore the Baltic region of Eastern Europe and discover centuries-old folklore, historic towns and diverse cultures within the region.
Visit each state’s capital; Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius and Warsaw, while you marvel at the medieval architecture and history of these locales. See the Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn, then travel to Riga and view the Freedom Monument, St. Jacob’s Cathedral and Riga Castle. Next, enjoy the scenic countryside on your way to Vilnius, where a city tour includes St. Peter and St. Paul Church, Gediminias Tower and Vilnius Castle! Continue your journey to Warsaw and view Lazienki Park with its Palace, the Old Town, the Old Market Square and St. John’s Cathedral. You will see more of Poland as you stop to explore the Jasna Gora Monastery and the Auschwitz Memorial Museum, plus embark on a tour of Krakow.
You’ll truly be in awe at the long history and diverse culture within these regions.
It does sound like totally different vacations. One is warm, beach and islands, the other is fascinating history. I’ve been on a LOT of beach vacations, and though they are pleasant, they all blend into each other: However, Greece is more interesting than most island beaches. I’d probably go for the Baltic region, just due to interest. Unless people were really trying to escape the cold and lay on the beach.
Just curious - why Gateway? I’m a well traveled do-it-yourselfer who has never taken a group tour. But DH doesn’t enjoy travel so, I’m doing more and more solo. For some destinations, possibly including Greece, I’m thinking it might be easier to hook up with a tour for ease of travel logistics. I’m very interested in knowing why people select their tour companies.
Language barrier is the main reason we choose touring vs DIY.
I don’t know anything about Gateway, but is your family active (as in, enjoys walking and can get around well)? Have you considered the Rick Steves tours?
I’m curious about Gateway, though. What is their draw and what do they do well? Always interested in finding new travel companies.
We are still looking, but D’s vacation window is limited.
Momofadult–we’ve used Go Travel. (gotravel dot com) for a couple tours including one to Greece–so fun!).
Good price attracted us. Always enjoyed the trip experience and guides (locals mostly who can tell you where the really GOOD restaurants and fun local places that are outside the “tour” suggestions). Local guides are also more into local culture.
Pretty laid back and very enjoyable. At least the trips we’ve taken. The schedule usually leaves lots of room for exploring on your own (our favorite) and adds excursions for those who want more structure or transport to places further away (like added bus travel to places that you couldn’t access from a ship port or the hotel).
Almost like a DIY with help and good advice–at least on the trips we’ve taken with them.
The groups were fairly small so we got to know everyone pretty quick and perhaps more forgiving if we got “off schedule”
So much fun meeting new people-- some of whom we still stay in touch with today.
That is the either the big win or bane of group travel.
Totally screwed up-- It’s Go Ahead Tours! Not Go Travel!..darn these all same alike.
Goaheadtours dot com
So sorry!
Totally screwed up-- It’s Go Ahead Tours. Not gotravel!