Start practicing Italian -- flights to cities throughout Italy are now on sale through Alitalia. Fares begin at $598 roundtrip, including taxes, for travel through March 31. Many routes are priced  $100 below tickets on competing airlines.

Book one of these deals from Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and New York City, with several nonstop route options. Alitalia is the only airline that offers nonstop service to Italy from the West Coast.

Sample fares (roundtrip, including taxes):

• New York City-Milan ... $598 (nonstop)
• New York City-Rome ... $649 (nonstop)
• Miami-Milan ... $658 (nonstop)
• Miami-Rome ... $729
• Boston-Venice ... $674
• Chicago-Rome ... $749 (nonstop)
• Los Angeles-Rome ... $799 (nonstop)

Passengers in Alitalia's Classica class (economy) are served both Italian and international cuisine in flight. Each seat comes with individual entertainment systems, including Video on Demand programming. Alitalia is part of the Sky Team frequent-flyer program, so travelers can earn miles towards flights on partner airlines.

Book by Jan. 12.