Now that they've incorporated fuel surcharge in their prices (and there's no longer a need for a fuel surcharge, at least temporarily), the air-and-land packages offered by Tourcrafters can now be considered by self-respecting travelers -- that former fuel surcharge made many of Tourcrafters' promotions non-competitive.  Suddenly, from now until March 31 (excepting only the holidays), Tourcrafters will be offering mid-week departures to Venice called the "Venice Supersaver" for only $699 per person, including airfare and surcharge from either New York or Boston and Venice, four nights at the Hotel Hesperia overlooking the Canareggio Canal, daily buffet breakfast, service charges and taxes. 

To be in Venice during the winter is a top travel opportunity.  My own first trip to Venice was made during the stillness of a November week, and November-through-March is now the only time when you can fully grasp the magical beauty of Venice.  The tourist crowds are gone, the piazzas, calles, and museos are delightfully empty, and the entire experience is what people used to treasure in the days before Venice became as inundated as Times Square on a New Year’s Eve.  Starting April and through all of October, Venice is jammed.

The Tourcrafters' package costs only $30 more from Chicago, $89 more from Miami, and $215 more from Los Angeles; and there's an added charge of about $112 for government taxes and fees.  At these prices, Venice is again a travel treasure.  For reservations, call tel. 800/482-5995 or go online to www.tourcrafters.com.