June 6, 2003 -- December may seem so far off that you don't really need to consider it yet, but those who do plan ahead can take advantage of some alluring offers for packages to Rome.
TourCrafters has done it again with these late fall specials. The Illinois-based family-owned tour company is offering a six day/four-night combo starting at an incredible $489, including roundtrip airfare on Lufthansa to Rome from New York, Philadelphia or Boston.
The deal also offers lodging in a three-star hotel, the Contilia, daily Italian buffet breakfast (big) and hotel service charges and taxes. It's available for Thursday departures from November 2 through December 14, 2003. This pre-Christmas period is always wonderful in Rome, with shoppers searching out regional specialties such as truffles and game, and the crowds of summer tourists are gone, gone, gone.
Because of fall harvests and the frenetic activity building up to the holiday season, Rome's restaurants and gourmet shops are bursting with goodies not found during the rest of the year. And if you're in the market for new wines and vintages, this time of the year has no equal. Don't forget, moreover, Rome (as all Italy) continues to be in the forefront of good design in dozens of categories, from fashion to home furnishings.
You can pay more for other gateway cities and for departures on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, as well as for upgrades to four-star hotels. Prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability, and do not include airport taxes and charges. All hotels selected are of superior quality in their price category and are centrally located.
For more information on this "Rome Early Bird Special," visit www.tourcrafters.com. For reservations, phone them at 800/482-5995 or e-mail info@tourcrafters.com.
Of course, it's almost impossible to write about the best deals to European destinations without including that perennial nonpareil of packagers, Go-Today, which is offering its own early bird bundles with a seven-day/six night package starting from $499. That base-price is for departures out of New York City and Newark and includes your flight, six night's in a hotel, morning meals and hotel taxes and service charges. Additional gateways are available across the U.S. at additional costs. You can read the full details of this winter special at www.gotoday.com/IT_FGRS.ASP.
For a full listing of just-announced specials over Thanksgiving and throughout the winter to almost every major destinations in Europe, scroll down through Go-Today's complete list at www.gotoday.com/gt_sa.asp. You'll find similar deals at its affiliate, Europe Express, at www.europeexpress.com.
