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.
Departure Date | Airline | Airport | Depart | Return |
2024: Apr. 14 | Iberia | New York (JFK) | 8:45 PM | 2:45 PM |
2024: Sep. 22 | 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.
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 Lisbon and ends in San Sebastián. We recommend that you:
- Fly into Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
- Fly out of San Sebastián Airport (EAS) or Bilbao Airport (BIO)
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: 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. 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
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
The official currency in both Portugal and Spain is the Euro (€). Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency. You can either exchange U.S. Dollars into local currency in advance of your trip, or you may use your debit card to withdraw Euros from an ATM. ATM machines signs will say MULTIBANCO in Portugal and there are many available. Please contact your bank and credit card companies for any fees. 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.