Italy deal: Spend Christmas in Rome for $860 per week, with extras

Can’t see Rome for the trees? Maybe not. During the holiday season, huge Christmas trees appear at Piazza Venezia, the Colosseum and the Vatican, plus a menorah in Piazza Barberini. Witness the holiday lights and sights with a seven-night Christmas in Rome hotel package with extras.

The deal: TourCrafters’ Christmas Special in Rome covers seven nights at one of six hotels starting at $860 plus tax per person, based on double occupancy. Airfare is extra. The package includes daily breakfast, airport transfers, two-day bus pass, two sightseeing tours (ancient Rome and the Vatican Museum), Christmas lunch and even a free gelato.

When: The trip can begin as early as Dec. 18 and as late as Dec. 21, depending upon the hotel you select.

Tested: I like this deal because of the low price and the option to explore Rome without a fixed schedule. To get you started, TourCrafters offers a suggested itinerary for each day.

I called to check on availability and selected a stay at the Grand Hotel Beverly Hills (yes, that’s the name, even though it’s in Italy) at the lowest package rate offered: $860 plus tax per person-- a pretty cool rate for this European capital. But remember: You still have to pay the airfare to get there and back.

Contact: TourCrafters, (800) 482-5995