Ten cheap spring Europe vacations

— -- Spring is the ideal time to visit Europe: The weather is pleasant, the summer crowds haven't yet arrived, and best of all, everything's affordable. I've compiled 10 of the best Europe vacation deals for travel in the upcoming months, with accompanying photos that will leave you daydreaming about your spring vacation.

1. Paris in the springtime (and fall)

Air France Holidays' Presenting Paris vacation package is an affordable option for exploring the City of Lights. Round-trip airfare on Air France and six nights' accommodations at the Comfort Gare de L'Est Hotel are included, with extras such as a Bateaux Mouches river cruise, a city map of Paris, continental breakfast, and hotel taxes and service charges.

The base price of $799 is based on spring departures from New York City between April 1 and May 15, and again from September 8 through October 25. You can customize this package based on your departure city. For example, Philadelphia departures are an extra $30, and Washington, D.C., departures are an extra $70.

2. Live like royalty in a Scottish castle

You'll see a different side of Scotland's famous castles with go-today.com's Edinburgh and Scottish Castle package. Starting at $1,259 per person for April 1 through May 14 departures, the deal includes round-trip airfare from New York City or Newark to Edinburgh and three nights in the city.

After your first two nights in Edinburgh, you'll pick up a Hertz rental car and spend three days exploring the countryside, staying in castles. Options include Culcreuch Castle Hotel in Fintry and Tulloch Castle Hotel in Dingwall. You'll get a final night in Edinburgh before flying home. The rental car includes local tax and unlimited mileage, but rental fees and surcharges are not included.

Like all of go-today's packages, airfare from other cities can be substituted at an additional cost. In this deal, an extra $140 will be charged for Atlanta, $160 for Chicago, and $210 for Seattle.

3. Experience la dolce vita in Italy

Florence and Rome are featured in this five-night vacation package offered by Gate 1 Travel.

Starting at $899 for departures on April 7, 21, and 28, and May 5 and 12, this deal includes round-trip airfare from New York City, three nights in Florence at the Hotel Meridiana and two nights in Rome at the Donatello Hotel, as well as train transportation between the cities. This package can be customized with departures from other airports.

Activities such as guided tours and daytrips are also available from Gate 1 Travel at varying prices. For instance, a city tour of Florence costs an extra $66, while a trip to Naples and Capri from Rome is an additional $169.

4. Sample three destinations in Greece

The Greek Island Hopper package offered by Virgin Vacations is a nice way to sample several of Greece's most popular destinations. You'll fly from New York City (JFK) or Newark to Athens, and spend one night in the capital city. From there, you'll hop a high-speed ferry to Mykonos for three nights before ferrying over to Santorini for another three nights. The trip concludes with a ferry back to Athens for a final night before your return flight to the U.S. Continental breakfast at each hotel is included.