The Real Deal: Round-trip airfare on an Air France carrier to Rome, four nights' accommodations at the Hotel Portamaggiore or Hotel Center, breakfast daily, fuel surcharges, and hotel taxes, from $699 per person—plus airport taxes and fees of at least $145.
When: Sept. 2, 9, 2009; add $60 for Aug. 19; $70 for Sept. 16, Oct. 7; $90 for Oct. 21; $100 for Aug. 26, Sept. 23, 30, Oct. 14; $200 for July 8, 15; $230 for July 22; $240 for Aug. 5, 12; $250 for July 29; $350 for July 1.
Gateways: New York City; add $170 for Chicago; $180 for Houston; $190 for Miami; $250 for L.A. and Phoenix; $275 for Seattle; additional gateways available.
The fine print: Taxes and fees start at an additional $145 and vary by gateway. Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $212. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact: Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.
Why it's a deal: According to a recent search on Kayak, the lowest round-trip fare between New York City and Rome is $636 with taxes (multiple carriers). For an additional $208, Gate 1 Travel covers the international airfare, as well as four nights' hotel accommodations, breakfast daily, fuel surcharges, and all taxes.
More: Extend your time in Rome by adding nights at the Hotel Center for $98 per room or at the Portamaggiore for $100-$200 per room, depending on travel dates.
Various hotel upgrades are available; for example, an upgrade to the Hotel Donatello starts at an additional $60 per person, and an upgrade to the Hotel Villafranca starts at $200 per person.
Optional activities are available at an extra cost; you'll save about 10 percent if you book any such activities prior to your trip. If you're willing to put off your travel until at least early November, take advantage of the 6 Day Rome Value Vacation, which starts at $579 for flights on British Airways and four nights at the Hotel Center or Hotel Donatello.
