TourCrafters, the Italian tour operator known for its good deals, is offering a new 7-day/6-night  "Eat Your Gelato in Italy" package that starts at $1,119 in April and includes round-trip air from New York to Florence, fuel surcharge, three nights at the Hotel Roma in Florence, three nights at the Hotel-Spa Villa Aurea in Cortona, daily breakfasts, a spa course with Turkish bath and sauna at the Villa Aurea, service charges and taxes...and that free gelato.  The price goes up $165 per person In May and from September 19 to October 31.

This is a chance to have a real vacation, to enjoy the relaxing lifestyle of Tuscany, the fabulous art, the fashionable boutiques, the rejuvenating spa waters, the wonderful restaurants-yes, the taste of real food-and that free gelato at Vivoldi, which has the most celebrated ice cream in Florence. 

The 4-star Hotel Roma has all the modern comforts in an 18th-century palazzo that overlooks the Piazza Santa Maria Novella and is only a short walk to the Duomo. The 4-star Villa Aurea, in the town of Cortona (made famous by the book and movie Under the Tuscan Sun), boasts a pool and full-service health spa.  A car rental, which is more-or-less necessary, is available on request.