Incredible savings on Spain cruise package from TourCrafters

LIVERTYVILLE, Illinois – TourCrafters, the tour operator known for its good deals, has the perfect trip for couples who can’t decide between a hotel or a cruise vacation. And during the months of October and November, couples can save US$780.

The 8-day/7-night Malaga Escape and Lisbon Cruise, which starts at US$1,259, includes round-trip air fare from New York to Malaga, Spain; fuel surcharge; a 5-day/4-night all inclusive cruise (drinks too!) on the Empress; two transfers; three nights hotel accommodation in Malaga; three buffet breakfasts; sightseeing bus ticket; shopping discount; free wine and tapa at El Corte Ingles department store; land taxes; and service charges.

The Empress — which has two pools, two restaurants, cafés, evening shows, casino, duty-free shops, fitness facilities, even rock climbing — sets sail soon after arrival in Malaga. The next morning, it docks in Portimão on Portugal’s Algarve coast, where there’s a choice of optional excursions. Then it’s on to Lisbon, Portugal’s charming capital, with its seven hills and St. George’s Castle. Here, too, there’s a choice of optional excursions: to the beautiful town of Sintra, the beach resort of Cascais, or the shrine of Fatima. And finally, Morocco’s legendary white city, Tangier, where there are optional excursions to Tetuan, with its Kasbah and Khalif’s Palace, and the fortified seaside town of Asilah.

Then it’s back to Malaga, the ancient Andalucian seaport that’s now a lively resort and capital of Spain’s sun-splashed Costa del Sol. Here, you can simply enjoy the hotel’s facilities, take a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour of the town, or opt for a day trip to Granada or Gibraltar. And don’t forget a shopping excursion to El Corte Ingles for that free glass of wine and tapa.

To get an early-bird discount, book the standard package by July 30. It includes the 4-star Hotel Tryp Alameda in Malaga and an inside cabin on the Empress, with prices that range from US$1,389 to US$1,529. Save, too, on the superior package, which includes the 4-star superior Hotel Petit Palace and an outside cabin on the Empress. The superior package ranges in price from US$1,679 to US$1,909.

Book by June 15 and get a better deal with prices that drop even more. The standard package then ranges from US$1,259 to US$1,399, the superior package from US$1,509 to US$1,725, which means the savings on the superior package can be as high as US$390 per person, or US$780 per couple over normal published rates.

The air fare add-on for Boston and Washington, DC varies from US$30 to US$190, depending on the date, for Chicago it’s US$45 to US$150, and for Miami it’s US$150 to US$210. There’s also a special price for children, so be sure to ask TourCrafters’ reservation agents.

All prices quoted above are per person, double occupancy, are subject to availability, and do not include airport taxes of approximately US$115, or port taxes of 100 euros, cruise service fees of 40 euros, and tips, which are to be paid on-board in euros. Reservations must be paid for within 72 hours of booking.

For additional information, visit www.tourcrafters.it and click “Spain.” For reservations, call 800-482-5995.