Central Holidays lowered prices on its entire collection of FIT and independent packages throughout Europe and the Mediterranean as well as on Hertz car rentals as a result of the U.S. dollar’s gain against the Euro.

"While many tour companies are opting to take advantage of the rising dollar by keeping rates set earlier this year when the dollar was at record lows, Central Holidays is pleased to pass along real hard dollar savings that will effectively stretch traveler’s dollars,” said Gianni Miradoli, CEO of Central Holidays. "It’s our way of showing travel agents and their clients that we are committed to them and to delivering the high-quality, value-packed travel programs that fulfill their dreams."

Prices will be reduced an average of 7 percent across the board and up to 12 percent on FIT packages and independent tours. Travelers to Europe and the Mediterranean will also see a better exchange rate than has been available for a long time. For example, Central Holidays’ 10-day Rome, Florence, Venice program, departing Oct. 7, has been reduced by 11 percent from $1,523 to $1,356 per person. The eight-day Rome, Pompeii & the Amalfi Coast (Oct. 7) has been reduced by 12 percent from $1,328 to $1,162 per person.

Founded in 1972, Central Holidays offers travel programs to destinations throughout Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, plus Mediterranean and European river cruise itineraries and worldwide ski programs.