Found: bargains in airlines and tours
At a time when air prices keep escalating, anyone thinking of a trip to Turkey will want to know about an offer from Turkish Airlines. And in another unrelated travel bargain: a New York-based tour group is also offering an inexpensive way to visit highlights in Rome.
—Turkish Airlines is offering round-trip flights from Chicago as low as $505.
—Sceptre Tours has a new 6-night Rome package including air fare that costs roughly as much as air fare alone.
Why such a low price from Turkish Airlines?
Would-be passengers might conclude there’s a catch here but not so, according to Mevlut Kayar, General Manager of Turkish Airlines, Chicago.
“This is a promotional price to introduce Turkish Airlines to passengers,” he said. “We’re confident that we’ll impress passengers so they will want to try us out. We expect to get great word-of-mouth.”
Also, it’s low season for the airline and they are hoping to encourage travelers who might not be able to afford the trip.
Travelers must book tickets between now and November 15, 2011 for travel between January 10 and March 10, 2012 for Istanbul and between January 10 and March 31, 2012 for all other destinations.
Turkish Airlines currently flies to 188 destinations, including 147 international and 41 domestic.
A footnote: while the air fare may be a bargain, hotel rates in Istanbul are among the highest in the world.
The New York based Sceptre Tours launched a 6-night Rome getaway priced from US$799 per person which it says is a bargain because the price of that tour alone is comparable to an airline ticket.
“The Rome City Vacation” package was designed for those who want to immerse themselves in the epic history, culture, and charm of the Eternal City,” the tour group says.
Many famous sites such as the Vatican, the Sistene Chapel and the Coliseum are included. There are also breaks for gelato or cappuccino at outdoor cafes.
“Travelers will stay at the three-star Santa Costanza Hotel in the Northeastern part of Rome — close to Mausoleo di Santa Costanza, Villa Borghese, and Luiss University of Rome — which offers complimentary Continental breakfast,” says the tour group. It is also conveniently located a few blocks from the nearest Metro station and is a quick 10-minute ride into the city center.
The price for the package includes six nights at the hotel with daily breakfast, as well as round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) to Rome.
By David Wilkening
David
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