Before You Depart

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Our flights to Europe 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.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT AND FREQUENT FLYER MILES

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.

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 Palermo and ends in Malta. We recommend that you:

• Fly into Falcone–Borsellino International Airport (PMO)
• 2024 departures fly out of Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). The flight from MLA to CTA is included as part of the package.
• 2025 departures fly out of Malta International Airport (MLA).

2024 travelers who wish to independently extend their time in Malta may forfeit the included flight from Malta to Catania and make their own arrangements.

TRANSFERS

Taxis are a reliable way to get to/from the airport in Sicily & Malta. At the Palermo airport, the official taxi queue is outside of the arrivals hall. Licensed airport taxis are white and have the company name and phone # on the vehicle.

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. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM.

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:
• 2024 Departures: The tour ends after a flight from Malta International Airport (MLA) to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (VTA. You may forfeit this flight if you plan to stay in Malta.

2025 Departures: 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. 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

Sicily’s climate is Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Rainfall mainly occurs in the spring and fall. As there are mountains, the climate can vary based on where you are located and exposure to winds. Inland areas of Sicily experience weather that is more typical of a four-season climate.
Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate and is influenced by the sea.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

The official currency in Italy and Malta 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 plug types C, F, and L. Malta operates on 230 volts/50 Hz and uses three-pin rectangular plug type G. 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.