HIGH & LOW WATER LEVELS
While every effort is made to adhere to the schedule outlined, the tentative timetable, stops and sights mentioned are subject to change for reasons of passengers’ safety or reasons beyond our control such as weather, lock schedules, water levels, availability, etc.
BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS
Booking your own flights has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.
When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Vienna and ends in Bucharest. We recommend that you:
- Fly into Vienna International Airport (VIE)
- Fly out of Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
TOUR MEETING POINT
When and where you’ll meet the rest of the group depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.
- smarTours Group Air Travelers: Upon arrival in destination, please proceed through customs and immigration. Our Tour Director will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs with a smarTours sign.
- smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: We recommend you arrive around 4 PM to settle in before joining the welcome orientation and dinner on Day 1. The cruise embarkation is at approximately 4 PM. If you arrive early, the cruise allows travelers to store their luggage and enjoy the common areas.
TOUR ENDING POINT
The final end point for your tour depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.
- smarTours Group Air Travelers: On our last day, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
- smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Generally, hotel check-out is prior to 12 PM (noon).
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
Travelers must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. A visa is not required for U.S. passport holders. Effective for travel in 2025, all visitors who do not require a visa to enter Europe will be required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. The application must be completed online and there is a small fee. Once approved, an ETIAS can be used for 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Before your trip, review travel requirements and restrictions by country including passport and visa requirements. You can also learn more about passport and visa services. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
You may expect daytime temperatures averaging in the 60’s & 70’s in May and September, 70’s & 80’s in June, July and August, 50’s & 60’s in October.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
The official currency on board the ship and for many of the visited countries is the Euro (€). Visa and Mastercard are accepted on board for incidental expenses excluding optional tours (a small service fee may apply). During visits to major cities and on shore excursions, major credit cards may be accepted at some stores, however for “street shopping” you will need local currency. The ship does not have currency exchange facilities on board. Travelers can obtain Euros at local ATM machines. It is recommended that you bring cash in small denominations.
ELECTRICITY
The ship operates on 220 volts and 110 volts and uses plug types C and F. Learn more about plug types, adapters, and converters.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.