Before You Depart

Douro River Cruise

The Old City in Porto, Portugal

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Your flights from the U.S. to Portugal and back to the U.S. are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the origin airport at least three-and-a-half hours before the scheduled departure.

Departure Date Airport Airline Depart Return
2023: Oct. 28 Newark (EWR) TAP Air Portugal 6:35 PM 9:55 PM

Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing customs and immigration if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least three-and-a-half hours. Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

The above airlines do not assign seats in advance and smarTours is not involved with seat assignments. Typically seat assignments are arranged upon check-in at the airport.

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.

Land-Only services end after breakfast on the ship/disembarkation in Porto on Day 10 of the itinerary. Ship disembarkation is at 9 AM.

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.

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. No visa is required for U.S. passport holders. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations.

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 should consult your personal physician, local public health authorities or the Center of Disease Control (CDC) as to their suggestions.

CLIMATE

November through April, daytime highs are typically in the high 50s to low 60s with nighttime lows in the 40s. May through June, and during October, enjoy daytime temperatures that can reach the mid-60s to low 70s with nighttime temperatures dropping to the 50s and low 60s. The warmest time to visit is July through September with daytime temperatures from the mid-70s to the 80s, depending on your altitude and location, and pleasantly cool nighttime temperatures in the high 50s to mid-60s.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

On the cruise ship and some stores during your shore excursions will accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations. On board the Euro is the accepted currency. Credit cards may be used on board (Visa or Mastercard only), but a service charge may be applied. As of May 2014, European credit card processors require credit cards with chips and a 4-digit PIN code.

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.