By Clara Bosonetto

For the AJC

BUDGET

Getting there

Round-trip economy class rates to Zurich, Switzerland, from $647 (tax additional); seven-day advance; depart by Dec. 15 or Dec. 24-March 25; various carriers; country code 41.

Stay

Two blocks from Zurich’s Old Town, Pension St. Josef offers sparkling, cheerful rooms with a hearty buffet breakfast from 140 Swiss franc, about $137 double; www.st-josef.ch, Hirschengraben 64 /68, 044 /250-5757.

Eat

No dieting allowed at the historic Bierhalle Kropf in Altstadt. This wood-paneled baroque dining hall serves Swiss and Bavarian specialties for hearty appetites; 15-45 Swiss franc ($14.50-$44.50); closed Sundays; www.zumkropf.ch, In Gassen 16, 044 /221-18-05.

Experience

More than 5,000 Swarovski crystal ornaments adorn a towering Christmas tree in Zurich’s Main Rail Station, the largest covered Christmas market in Europe. Nov. 27-Dec. 24; www.christkindlimarkt.ch. From Dec. 8-23, artisans from around the world sell their wares at Zurich’s oldest and most romantic Christmas market held at three Old Town locations; www.zuerich.com.

MODERATE

Getting there

Round-trip economy class rates to Venice, Italy, from $738 (tax additional); seven-day advance; depart by Dec. 15 or Dec. 24-March 25; various carriers; country code 39. Verona is about 70 miles west of Venice.

Stay

Relais de Charme Il Sogno di Giulietta is romantic and sophisticated. A one-night stay from 155 euro ($230) per person; www.juliet-dream.com, Via Cappello 23, 045-8009932.

Eat

Dine at Ristorante Torcolo for classic Italian comfort foods. Located just around the corner from the Roman Arena. A traditional Veronese dinner with wine, dessert and coffee for 35 euro ($52); www.ristorantetorcolo.it, Via Cattaneo 11, 045-8033730.

Experience

Nuremberg, Germany, comes to medieval Verona with nearly three dozen traditional wooden stalls selling toys, decorations and “Gluhwein” (spicy hot wine), gingerbreads and Bavarian sausages and beer; www.nataleinpiazza.it. The Feast of Santa Lucia is a medieval Italian holiday celebrated Dec. 10-13 on Piazza Bra; www.comune.verona.it.

SPLURGE

Getting there

Round-trip economy class rates to London, England, from $637 (tax additional); three-day advance; depart by Dec. 15 or Dec. 24-March 25; various carriers; country code 44. Bath is 90 minutes by train from London.

Stay

The Royal Crescent Hotel is a masterpiece of European architecture. A Classic double room is priced from 235 pounds per night (about $390 with a fourth night free); valid Sunday-Friday through Dec. 30; www.royalcrescent.co.uk, 16 Royal Crescent, 1225-823333.

Eat

Head to the friendly Volunteer Rifleman’s Arms, with its military memorabilia and tributes, for a pint of specially brewed winter ale and a snack or lunch. A good selections of beers and traditional pub dishes (up to 8 pounds, $13.25); New Bond Street Place; 1225-425210.

Experience

Bath’s Abby Green, next to the Roman Baths, becomes transformed into a storybook Christmas setting from Nov. 26-Dec. 6; from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; to 9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays; www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk.