Update (Oct. 13, 2:39pm ET): Due to the popularity of this deal, the following date is now sold out: Dec. 19. However other departures through 2010 are available for $200 more. 

With less crowds and mild temperatures, spend the holidays cruising the Western Mediterranean and sightseeing in Rome with this 10-day/8-night land-and-sea offer from Friendly Planet Travel.

For $1,299 per person, the package includes roundtrip airfare; a six-night first-class cruise with stops in Italy, France, Spain, Tunisia & Malta; and a bonus two-night hotel stay in Rome. 

Departing on a peak holiday date of Dec. 19, this offer saves nearly $700 off putting the unique itinerary together on your own.  For $200 more, depart on April 23.  Additional departures through 2010 are also available at discounted rates.

Package overview:

• Roundtrip flights from New York (other gateways available upon request)
• Six nights in a superior inside cabin on Louis Cruise Lines' newest ship, the Louis Majesty.  Ports of call include: Genoa (Italy); Marseilles (France); Menorca (Spain); Tunis (Tunisia); La Valetta (Malta); Sicily (Italy)
• All meals aboard the cruise and buffet breakfast daily in Rome
• Two nights superior hotel accommodations at Hotel Genova in Rome
• All group transfers except final departure transfer to airport in Rome
• Children cruise free (call for details)

A few of Louis Majesty's amenities include six international restaurants, nine bars and lounges, two swimming pools, fitness center, spa and casino. Cabin upgrades are also available at a discounted rate.

Also available: For $1,499, ring in the New Year on an 12-day/10-night land-and-sea package with stops in Italy, France, Morocco, Gibraltar and Spain, with two nights in Rome.  This cruise departs on Dec. 25.

To Book: Click here to learn more about the package and to reserve online or call Friendly Planet at 800-555-5765 between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET.  Book by Oct. 21.