Booking Your Flights
For your convenience, we’ve partnered with Exito Travel to offer flexible flight options. Enjoy the freedom of flying from your home airport, choosing your preferred seats, and using or accumulating those valuable airline miles! Easily request a quote and share your travel plans with Exito in our booking path or from your dashboard after you’ve booked.
When selecting your flights, please note that our 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)
Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.
Complimentary Airport Transfers
We provide complimentary small-group transfers between the airports designated above (in the Booking Your Flights section) and our hotel on the first and last days of your tour. Booked a pre- or post-night stay through us? We’ll arrange transfers for those days too! Just make sure to send us your detailed flight information at least 60 days before your trip. You might have a short wait (up to 45 minutes) at the airport as we gather fellow travelers.
This is a complimentary service and smarTours is unable to offer any compensation for missed transfers or for travelers who choose not to use this service. Exceptions may apply. Learn more about our complimentary airport transfers.
If you prefer to make your own transfer arrangements, in Venice, there are numerous options to get to Venice Island. We recommend you check the hotel’s website for a map and directions, however you might consider one of the following:
- The ATVO Express Bus which departs from Marco Polo Airport every 30 minutes and provides non-top service to Piazzale Roma. Tickets can be purchased upon arrival at the airport’s automatic ticket machines in the arrivals hall or at the ATVO ticket office in the arrivals hall.
- The Alilaguna Water Bus, a public water bus that departs from Marco Polo Airport every hour. Tickets can be purchased in the airport’s arrivals area and the boats are a ten-minute walk outside the airport. The boats have yellow bottoms and it takes approximately 70 minutes to travel to Venice Island.
- A Water Taxi which can be private or shared. You can inquire about a water taxi at the taxi desk in the airport’s arrivals area. The water taxi will take you to the closest spot or landing near your accommodation.
- A regular taxi can take you from Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale ROma in approximately 15 minutes. From there, you can take the Vaporetto (large boats) to be dropped off closer to the hotel.
In Rome, taxis are a reliable way to get to/from the airport. Authorized taxis are white with a “”TAXI”” sign on the roof and there are fixed fares between the city center and airport. You may also consider the train, the Leonardo Express, a non-stop service dedicated to taking travelers to/from Roma Termini with departures every 15 minutes.
Tour Meeting & Ending Point
We recommend you arrive around 4 PM to settle in before joining the welcome orientation and dinner on Day 1. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM. The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Generally, hotel check-out is prior to 12 PM (noon).
Passport & 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.
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 & Considerations
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 & 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. For the best exchange rates and convenience, we recommend withdrawing local currency at an ATM once you arrive. 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.