European Christmas market tours, from $969

updated 9:46 a.m. ET Oct. 3, 2008

Frankfurt, Leipzig, Dresden, Annaberg, Schneeberg, Plauen, Bamburg: 5 nights, from $969 per person

The Real Deal: Five nights' accommodations, breakfast daily, sightseeing tours by bus, entrance fees, the services of a tour guide, and all taxes. Hotels include the InterContinental Frankfurt, Hotel Mercure in Leipzig, Steigenberger Parkhotel Dresden-Radebeul, and the Hotel Alexandra in Plauen. Sightseeing highlights include Wartburg castle in Eisenach, Meissen's china factory, Semper Opera House in Dresden, and the town of Plauen, famous for its handcrafted lace.

Book by: No deadline; based on availability.

When: Depart Dec. 2 or 6, 2008.

Fine print: All taxes included. Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $166.

Why it's a deal: The Christmas Delight package breaks down to about $194 per person per night, including taxes. For that rate, you get not only your accommodations but also the services of a tour guide.

At the market: The Leipzig Christmas market has trees strung with lights and a huge freestanding Advent calendar. There are also stops at the markets in Dresden, Annaberg-Buchholz, and Bamberg.

Getting there: The trip begins and ends in Frankfurt. A recent Kayak search for round-trip flights in early December produced the following fares: $577 from New York City (Continental), $681 from Chicago (United/Lufthansa), $682 from Philadelphia (U.S. Airways), $685 from Seattle (Air France), $704 from San Francisco (United), and $736 from Atlanta (United). You can also opt to book airfare through the tour operator; do some research through online booking sites to see how Nordique's fares compare.

Contact: Nordique Tours, 800/995-7997, nordiquetours.com.

More from Budget Travel Best places you’ve never heard of Dream trips (yes you can!) Stunning castle photos Beat the crowds at national parks Paris: Top 5 free events

Frankfurt, Munich, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Lucerne: 8 nights, from $1,625 per person

The Real Deal: Eight nights' accommodations, hotel transfers, sightseeing tours by bus, entrance fees, the services of a tour director, breakfast daily, and three dinners. Hotels include the Sheraton Congress Hotel Frankfurt, the ArabellaSheraton Grand Hotel in Munich, the Castellani Parkhotel Salzburg, the Hilton Innsbruck, and the Hotel Astoria in Lucerne. Sightseeing highlights are St. Jakob's Church in Rothenberg, Salzburg's Mirabell Palace, and Mount Pilatus. Additional nights start at $91 per person per night.

Book by: No deadline; based on availability.

When Departs Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 6, 8, 12, 2008. Note that there are additional dates available that don't include stops at Christmas markets.

Fine print: All taxes included. Based on double occupancy; single supplement is $475. Children 5 to 17 years old receive 10 percent off. Round-trip hotel transfers are not included but may be purchased for $25 per person.

Why it's a deal: The Winter Wonderland and Christmas Markets package breaks down to about $203 per person per night. For that rate, the package takes care of your accommodations and all sightseeing tours and entrance fees—and provides the valuable services of a tour guide. Plus, you're packing highlights of three countries (Austria, Germany, and Switzerland) into a little more than a week.

At the market: The Lucerne Christmas market has festive decorations, sweets, and wreaths; you can expect to find handcrafted toys and other goods, as well. There are also stops at markets in Munich, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.

Getting there: The trip begins and ends in Frankfurt. A recent Kayak search for round-trip flights in early December produced the following fares: $577 from New York City (Continental), $681 from Chicago (United/Lufthansa), $682 from Philadelphia (U.S. Airways), $685 from Seattle (Air France), $704 from San Francisco (United), and $736 from Atlanta (United).

Contact: Atlas Cruises & Tours, 800/942-3301, christmasmarkettours.com.

MORE FROM DEALS

Deals Section Front

New Zealand, air/6 nights, from $1,499 Paris and Nice, air/6 nights, from $749 10-day China package from $888 Best affordable Caribbean hotels Greek Islands, air/8 nights, from $1,399 Stay in London for less this Christmas De-stressing spa getaways for less New Vegas hotels from $129 per night Las Vegas, 2 nights, from $210 Save on an adults-only Caribbean cruise Deals Section Front   Add Deals headlines to your news reader: