The Real Deal: Multicity airfare on American Airlines arriving in London and departing from Rome; a flight between London and Rome on British Airways; three nights at the Garden View Hotel in London; three nights at the Express by Holiday Inn Rome San Giovanni; breakfast daily; hotel taxes; and fuel surcharges; from $755 per person—plus estimated airport taxes of $150.
When: Jan. 14–March 31, 2010. The starting rate is available on Jan. 14; prices may vary slightly for other departure dates.
Gateways: New York City; add $45 for Chicago; $52 for Atlanta; $68 for Houston; $73 for Miami; $113 for L.A., Seattle; additional gateways available.
The fine print: Airport taxes and fees are about $150 per person. Airport-hotel transfers are $32–$36 per person each way in London and $30 per person each way in Rome, based on two people. Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $191. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact: European Destinations, 877/267-2247, europeandestinations.com.
Why it's a deal: According to a recent search on Kayak, the lowest multicity fare (New York City to London, London to Rome, Rome to New York City) was $715 with taxes for travel in mid-January (British Airways).
For an additional $190, this European Destinations package covers airfare, as well as six nights' accommodations split between London and Rome, breakfast daily, fuel surcharges, and all other taxes and fees.
More: Optional activities in London include a tour of the Tower of London ($14 per person based on two visitors). While in Rome, you can tour the Vatican ($22 per person based on two visitors) or Ancient Rome ($34 per person based on two visitors).
Additional nights start at $52 per person per night at the Garden View in London and $51 per person per night at the Express by Holiday Inn Rome San Giovanni. Upgrades to your choice of 254 hotels in London and 261 hotels in Rome are available at varying costs.