Europe

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Exploring the Azores from $709
The Portuguese island group 800 miles out in the Atlantic is at its best in the fall. There are fewer visitors, and the average October high is 71 degrees; plus, non­stop flights from Boston take just four hours.
Azores Express flights from Boston to São Miguel island, six nights at the Vila Nova Hotel, and breakfasts. Add $180 for fuel surcharges. When: Tuesday departures Sept. 16–Oct. 28 ($959); Nov. 4–Dec. 16 ($709). Other Gateways: None. SS: $240. Information: Azores Express, 800/762-9995, sata.pt.

Bratislava & Prague from $969
Czech Airlines flights from New York to Bratislava, Slovakia (returning from Prague), transfers, two nights in Bratislava, an onward flight to Prague, three nights in Prague, two city tours, and breakfasts. Add about $350 for airline taxes and surcharges. When: Sept. 1–9 ($1,449); Sept. 10–Oct. 28 ($1,119); Oct. 29–Nov. 30 ($969). Other Gateways: D.C. (add $180); Atlanta, Chicago (add $280). SS: $439. Information: Tatra Travel, 800/321-2999, czechvacations.com.

Burgenland, Austria from $2,129
Austrian Airlines flights from Chicago, D.C., or New York to Vienna; a four-day car rental; three nights in the town of Moerbisch, in Burgenland, a wine-making region in eastern Austria; lunch at the Gabriel vineyard; a horse-drawn carriage ride; and more. Fuel surcharges are included. When: Sept. 8–Oct. 31. Other Gateways: None. SS: $959. Information: Austrian Airlines Vacation Center, 800/790-4682, austrianair-vacations.com.

Croatia & Slovenia Tour from $2,933
Air from Boston or New York to Dubrovnik (returning from Zagreb) and a 10-day escorted tour up the Croatian coast and through Slovenia. The price includes eight nights' lodging, transfers and local transportation, guided sightseeing tours, entrance fees, and most meals. Includes fuel surcharges. When: Friday departures until Nov. 7. Other Gateways: Chicago (from $3,064). SS: $548. Information: CIE Tours, 800/243-8687, cietours.com.

Greece from $1,529
Air from New York to Athens; one transfer to Nafplio, on the Gulf of Argolis; a two-week car rental; 14 nights in a two-bedroom apartment; and English-speaking support on-site. You must mention Budget Travel when booking. Add about $200 for fuel surcharges. When: Oct. 22 ($2,099); Nov. 5, 19 ($1,529). Other Gateways: Chicago (add $150), L.A. (add $275). SS: From $914. Information: Untours, 888/868-6871, untours.com.

Marche & Puglia, Italy from $735
A nine-day road trip round trip from Rome through the eastern regions of Marche and Puglia, with a nine-day car rental and eight nights' hotel in Bargni and Conversano in renovated medieval houses. Airfare isn't included. When: Until Sept. 14 ($825); Sept. 15–Oct. 31 ($735). SS: $882. Information: TourCrafters, 800/482-5995, tourcrafters.com.

Ronda, Spain from $795
An eight-day tour round trip from Málaga through the mountainous region around the town of Ronda, with seven nights' lodging, local transportation, guided hikes to the Grazalema forest reserve, and more. Add $390 for meals. A payment of €150 is due upon arrival. Airfare isn't covered. When: Sept. 14, 28; Oct. 12, 26; Nov. 9. SS: Not available. Information: G.A.P Adventures, 800/465-5600, gapadventures.com.

Skåne, Sweden from $942
A four-day road trip round trip from Malmö through the region of Skåne in southern Sweden. The package is themed around gourmet cuisine and includes transfers, a four-day car rental, three nights' lodging, breakfasts, and dinners. Airfare is not included. When: Until Apr. 9. SS: $200. Information: Travel Gate Sweden, 011-46/707-58-65-39, travelgatesweden.se.

Ukraine, Belarus & Lithuania from $1,299
Air from New York to Kiev, Ukraine (returning from Vilnius, Lithuania), transfers and local transportation (plane, bus), and six nights' lodging split between Kiev; Minsk, Belarus; and Vilnius. The price includes city tours, an opera in Kiev, and folk shows in Minsk and Vilnius. Add about $599 for taxes and fuel surcharges. When: Until Sept. 15 ($2,099); Sept. 16–Sept. 30 ($1,899); Oct. 1–31 ($1,599); Nov. 1–Mar. 31 ($1,299). Other Gateways: Boston, D.C. (add $250); Chicago, Miami (add $350); Dallas, Denver (add $450); L.A., San Francisco (add $525). SS: $495. Information: Eastern Tours, 800/339-6967, traveltorussia.com.