Before You Depart

NOTE ON ICELAND’S TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE

Iceland is one of the most spectacular destinations on earth, yet the tourism infrastructure remains underdeveloped relative to other European destinations and typical American standards. In particular, the hotels in Iceland are much more basic in their amenities and typically have smaller rooms. That said, smarTours has planned an exciting, breathtaking trip to Iceland with clean, comfortable and centrally located hotels to help you enjoy your stay!

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Due to the abundance of flights to Iceland, we are no longer offering flights for departures taking place in 2025 or later. December 2023–March 2024, our flights to Iceland and back are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure. If you are planning a connecting flight, please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs. Flight schedules are subject to change.

Note: Icelandair does not provide meal service on this flight, nor do they accept cash. Consider eating dinner prior to departure or purchasing a meal en route.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

Airlines do not assign seats in advance for group fares – seat assignments are arranged upon check-in at the airport. smarTours is not involved with seat assignments. If you require a specific seat due to a medical condition, please obtain a doctor’s note you can present to the airline at check-in.

LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS

International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.

2024 Departures: If you wish to join the welcome breakfast and orientation briefing followed by a panoramic Reykjavik city tour, we recommend that you make your own arrangements to arrive at the Reykjavik hotel for breakfast by 8:30am. If this does not work for you, please make arrangements to the hotel for check-in to meet with the group. Land-only services end after the guided tour of the Whales Museum on the last day of the tour. For Oct. 2024 – Apr. 2025 departures, land only services end after breakfast in Reykjavik on Day 6 of the itinerary listed on our tour page.

2025 Departures: Land only services start with a Welcome Meeting at the hotel in Reykjavik at approximately 1 PM on Day 1 of the itinerary. Land only services end after breakfast in Reykjavik on Day 6 of the itinerary.

Generally, check-in at hotels is not before 4:00 PM and check-out is prior to 12:00 PM. If arriving early or departing late, hotels usually allow travelers to store their luggage in the luggage room.

BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS

Booking your own flighs has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles.

For 2024 departures, please note that the tour starts in Reykjavik and ends in Reykjavik. We recommend that you:

• Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF) with enough time to meet the group on Day 1 at 8:30 AM at the hotel
• Fly out of Keflavík International Airport (KEF) after sightseeing concludes allowing 4–5 hours for travel to the airport, checking in for your flight, etc.

For 2025 departures, please note that the tour starts in Reykjavik and ends in Reykjavik. We recommend that you:

• Fly into Keflavík International Airport (KEF) with enough time to meet the group on Day 1 at 1 PM at the hotel
• Fly out of Keflavík International Airport (KEF) at your preferred time

Some cities have multiple airports, and depending on your plans, you may wish to fly into an alternate airport.

OPTIONAL PRE-NIGHT

Before booking your flights, consider purchasing our optional pre-night at the hotel and arriving in Iceland one day early or to enjoy early check-in on Day 1. Note that many overnight flights from the U.S. to Iceland arrive between 6 AM – 9 AM. Our first day begins at 1 PM and may continue through 12:30 AM if the weather permits, and the optional pre-night allows travelers to approach the day well rested for the day’s excursions.

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 health authorities for their suggestions. The CDC recommends you stay up to date on routine vaccinations, and consult your physician at least one month prior to travel. Learn more about the CDC’s destination-specific recommendations.

CLIMATE

During the winter months, temperatures range from the mid-20s to the mid-30s. In the spring and fall, expect temperatures from 30-50 degrees. Daylight hours vary greatly depending on the time of year, with 9-13 hours of daylight in September, October and March, and 4-7 hours of daylight November through February. The windchill in Iceland can make temperatures feel much colder. We recommend packing warm winter layers including a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, thermal layers, a winter hat, scarf, gloves, and warm socks for colder days.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

The official currency in Iceland is the Icelandic krona (kr). Hotels and stores accept major credit cards (Mastercard, Visa). You may obtain local currency at an ATM or exchange bank. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

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.