The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare on Air France, 10 nights' accommodations, breakfast daily, a three-day first-class Spanish Rail pass, hotel taxes, and fuel surcharges, from $1,899 per person—plus about $115 in taxes.
When: Sept. 1–Oct. 21, 2009; add $150 for July 11–Aug. 21, $190 for July 1–10, and $340 through June 30 and Aug. 22–31.
Gateways: New York City; add $30 for Boston, Philadelphia; $50 for Baltimore, D.C.; $120 for Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Orlando; $170 for Atlanta; $200 for Pittsburgh; $220 for Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle; $240 for Nashville; $310 for Detroit; additional gateways available.
The fine print: Does not include about $115 in taxes per person. Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $710. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact: Air France Holidays, 800/237-2623, airfrance-holidays.com.
Why it's a deal: In a recent Kayak search, we found a $545 fare for travel in September, flying into Barcelona and out of Madrid (Air France). For $1,469 more, including all taxes, this package takes care of airfare as well as 10 nights' accommodations (which could cost as much as $1,000 per person, before taxes) and the three-day rail pass (valued at $280 per person) in one booking. The price breaks down to $201 per person per night.
Lodging: You'll begin with three nights at the Gran Derby Hotel Barcelona. Be sure to take advantage of the hotel's courtesy car and free entry to the Barcelona Egyptian Museum.
Next is a two-night stay at the Occidental Hotel Cordoba, then two nights at the Gran Hotel Lar in Seville. You'll spend the last three nights at the Hotel Husa Moncloa in Madrid. For $360 per person, upgrade to the Gallery Hotel Barcelona, the Hotel Maciá Alfaros in Córdoba, the Occidental Sevilla Hotel in Seville, and the Hotel Husa Princesa in Madrid.
More: Add nights in any city starting at $50 per person.
Before you go: U.S. citizens will need a valid passport for travel; a visa is not required. For more ideas on what to do, visit Spain's official tourism site.
