USAirways puts Milan within reach for $592

Airfares to Europe for the off-peak winter season read more like peak summer fares. If you still want to head across the pond, there is one spot that is quite pleasant year-round and that’s Milan in Italy (although it can be foggy in winter). And through December 15, USAirways has this destination priced well below the norm for cities in central Europe.

For instance, the all inclusive rate for trips started on or before April 2 is $592.85. Compare that rate to Delta’s of $740.85.

To qualify, give at least a one-week advance notice of travel. Head to Milan Sunday-Thursday and return Monday-Thursday. Other travel days are $20 higher each way. Stay a weekend to a month.

USAirways serves Milan from ATL with an easy one-flight connection in Philadelphia.

Book online at http://www.usairways.com

What makes Milan a wonderful destination is its location to wonderful medieval villages. Many can be reached by boat or train on day trips. The city is surrounded by castles, mountains and lakes. Places to visit include the old medieval town of Bergamo (Bergamo Alta) and Lake Como (visit Lecco, Como or Bellagio by boat).

Lake Maggiore, part in Lombardy and part in the Piedmont, is a wonderful day-destination as well as Garda Lake divided between Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino. Place of interest include Arona, Isole Borromee, Villa Taranto, Mottarone and Rocca di Angera.

Another city within easy reach from Milan is Pavia - the old capital of the Longobard Kingdom during the Middle Ages.

Naturally if you want to escape the big city entirely, overnight accommodations of all types are available in these surrounding villages - including simply private villas yet grand enough for classic celebrations with family and friends.

Choose to stay in a town relatively close to Milan on your last night to put you within easy reach of the airport.

Some helpful Web sites for trips planning:

http://ciaomilano.it/e/index.asp

http://www.virtualitalia.com/travel/lombardia.shtml

More savings: More money-saving tips at Your Money.