Before You Depart

The Best of Italy

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Our flights to Italy 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.

Departure Date Airline Airport Depart Return
2024: Apr. 8, May 6, May 20, Jun. 10, Sep. 16, Sep. 23, Sep. 30, Oct. 14 ITA Airways New York (JFK) 4:00 PM 1:55 PM
2024: Sep. 2 TBA TBA TBA TBA

 

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 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.

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.

When booking your flights, please note that the tour starts in Venice and ends in Rome. We recommend that you:

  • Fly into Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
  • Fly out of Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

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

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

The average temperatures in Italy can vary depending on if you are in the North or South. Spring and Fall temperatures average between mid-40s-mid 60s. In the summer, the temperatures average between mid 60s-90 degrees.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (€). Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency. Money can be exchanged at local banks or at one of the many exchange offices available in major cities. You may also withdraw local currency from ATM machines, however you may be charged a fee for the operation. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

ELECTRICITY

Italy operates on 230 volts/50 Hz and uses the same plug types (C, F, and L) that can be found through Europe. Please check any electronic devices you plan to bring to determine if you need an adapter (which allows you to plug your devices into a different-shaped outlet) and/or a converter (which allows you to convert the voltage for single-voltage electronics).

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.