I don't know of a survey that determines how many people prefer winter's weather to that of the balmy tropics, but it doesn't take long to tote up the difference between the number of villas in sunny climes compared to those on icebound shores. Nonetheless, there are folks who love snow, and not just because they're bunnies, either. Smart travelers recognize that this is what the industry calls "the value season" (since "winter" isn't a word that sells). This is when the bargains come fast and thick. For that reason, a mid-winter potpourri of offers to Europe might be appropriate for your planning purposes:
Ireland
In addition to the CIE Tour programs featured here recently, that company has just re-introduced its nine-day package called the "Irish Adventure." It starts from just $948. The trip is fully-escorted and includes roundtrip airfare, lodgings, transportation around the Emerald Isle on a luxury tourbus with guide and most of your meals. The itinerary takes in many Irish highlights like a tour to the Guinness plant in Dublin (you won't be driving, remember, so half another pint!) and a visit to the Cliffs of Moher--beautiful and awe-inspiring on a sunny day, spooky and dramatic on those rainy days. This trip runs from February to November 2003. For more details go online to www.cietours.com/2003vacations/irishadventure.htm or call 800/CIE-TOUR.
You should also check out these deals to Ireland offered by Isle Inn Tours, based in Virginia. They have an Ireland Self-Drive Package costing from $485 out of New York's JFK, Boston or Washington DC, with six nights in a Town & Country Home or farmhouse with Irish breakfast and private bath, and a standard shift car (Group B) with unlimited mileage. Departures are from now through March 31, 2003 (excluding March 7 to 16) and again from November 1 through December 14, 2003.
They also have a Pub Tour starting at $599, an escorted vacation including roundtrip air from New York's JFK Airport, four nights in first-class hotels and most meals, two nights in Killarney and two nights in Cork. Departure dates are March 6, March 20, November 6 and November 20, 2003. A third offering is the Ireland Spring & Fall Tour, from $849, another escorted tour, including roundtrip air from JFK, six nights in Ireland (two in a castle, two in Dublin city and two in Galway city). Departures on March 2, April 20, October 19, November 2 and November 23, 2003. Prices on all tours do not include departure taxes. Contact Isle Inn Tours at 800/237-9376, Web site www.isleinntours.com.
Italy
Prices to Italy have plummeted this winter as we've pointed out in the past, particulary with those sellin-like-hotcakes short trips from Tourcrafters. Another firm, Donna Franca Tours, is giving them a run for their money with these bargain basement prices. Here are just a few of the trips they are offering:
For prices starting at $599, including roundtrip air, you can spend five nights in either Rome, Florence, Venice or Sorrento, with daily continental breakfast. In Rome, your hotels are the Milani, Impero or Flower Garden. Highlights to be sure you do not miss: the Roman Forum, the Vatican Museums, the Villa Borghese, the much-maligned Spanish Steps (some people think it's "too popular").
In Florence, choose from the Cellai, Byron, San Giorgio, Rex or similar hotels. And plan ahead, see the fantastic Uffizi Gallery, as well as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Church of San Lorenzo and the Pitti Palace. In Venice, it's the Hotel Buonpesce or the Villa Edere (on Venice's Lido). In this marvelous city, be sure to see the Basilica of Saint Mark and its imposing square, the Grand Canal, and the Ducal Palace. Choose from the Gardenia or similar hotel in Sorrento. In this fabulous resort town, be sure to check out the Cathedral and the Museo Correale di Terranova, as well as the view from the nearby Belvedere.
Starting at $849, there's the Sunny Italian Riviera package, including air, with breakfast and dinner daily, one week's rental of a Fiat Punto (unlimited mileage) and five nights in the first-class Hotel Regina Elena in Santa Margerita Ligure. The Scenic Amalfi Coast tour also starts at $849, and includes, besides airfare, five nights in the first-class Hotel Vila Romana in Minori, with breakfast and dinner daily as well as your one-week rental of a Fiat Punto, unlimited mileage. Although Minori is a pretty village, the chief attraction here is what's left of a first-century Roman villa, excavated only some 50 years ago.
If you want to go a bit farther, try a Taste of Malta from $799, including air. The package consists, in addition, of five nights in the first class Hotel Lapsi in St. Julian, buffet breakfasts, roundtrip transfer in a private car between airport and hotel, and a full day excursion to Gozo with lunch. All the above Donna Franca Tours are valid from now through March 31, 2003. Departures are from New York, Newark, Boston, Chicago and Miami, package prices differing depending upon gateway. For more information, contact Donna Franca Tours at 800/225-6290 or at www.donnafranca.com, e-mail dftours@aol.com.
