FLIGHT INFORMATION
Flights from the U.S. and back are on the following schedules. 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.
| Departure Date | Airline | Airport | Depart | Return |
| 2023: Sep. 8 (check in on the evening of Sep. 7) | Turkish Airlines | Newark (EWR) | 12:10 AM | 10:40 PM |
| 2023: Oct. 12 | El Al Airlines | New York (JFK) | 5:30 PM | 3:20 PM |
| 2023: Nov. 2 | LOT Polish Airlines | New York (JFK) | 11:35 PM | 8:35 PM |
| 2024: Jan. 18 | El Al Airlines | New York (JFK) | 8:50 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 2024: Mar. 14 | El Al Airlines | New York (JFK) | 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 2024: All Other Dates | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
El Al Airlines does not assign seats in advance, and smarTours is not involved in seat assignments. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check-in. El Al does not offer frequent flyer miles.
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.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. U.S. citizens do not require visas. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates for current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. For passengers taking the Eilat Extension and included Petra full-day excursion, you’ll have to pay both Israel and Jordan border fees as well as a Jordan visa fee (granted locally), which total approx. $107 USD per person (Israeli Departure Tax, Jordanian Visa Fees, Jordanian Departure Tax). These fees are not included and will be collected at the border. 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, local public health authorities or Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
Expect temperatures as follows. Daytime temperatures in Eilat are warmer.
- Mid-50s and mid-60s in January, February and December
- 60s and 70s in March and November
- 70s and 80s in April and October
- 80s and 90s in June, July and August
Overnight temperatures are cooler
NON-INCLUDED MEALS
You may dine at the hotels or restaurants recommended by your Tour Director. Average cost for a hotel dinner (excluding drinks) in a casual restaurant is about $20-25 per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals, but not all restaurants will do so.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency (some markets may accept U.S. Dollars). There are plenty of ATMs, and your hotels will also be able to exchange cash to local currency. 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.
