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We’ve all stumbled across an unheard of vacation deal to Europe that magically doubles in price when you try to book it. However, after putting this six-night Rome and Venice package (priced from $699) to the test, the only additional expenses are airport fees and security taxes – so the final sticker shock is minimal. Expect three nights of no frills accommodations at both the Venice and Rome hotels (think: fourth floor walk-up with no elevator); but you can upgrade and customize your package as you see fit by adding tours, airport transfers, and more. Both hotels include a continental buffet breakfast, and this package also covers round-trip airfare on Alitalia and a transfer flight between the two cities.

THE VALUE: Even after airport taxes, this package comes out to $819 per person – a killer price considering that airfare alone hovers around $800 (or more) from New York. Plus, the transfer flight between cities shaves off another $200. Even though the included hotels are budget, they have overall positive reviews, and will cost you over $130 a night if packaged separately.

THE CATCH: The $699 starting price is only available on March 7;  although there is a smattering of departures in March for just $100 more.

THE DETAILS: For more information, visit http://www.europevacations.com.

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See our Rome and Venice travel guides for more insider information.