The Other Side of the Road - A Brief History Lesson

In honor of travel to a few of our favorite places - England, Scotland and Ireland - we thought we'd take a moment out of the day to discuss the whole "other side of the road thing." It's always something that makes a foreigner nervous - driving on the other side of the road. And, on the other side of the car. But because most of us don't travel across the Atlantic everyday, we don't really ever take a lot of time to think about why it is that Americans and 3/4 of the world drives on the right side of the road while the other quarter sticks to the left. So what happened? Why the difference and where did it originate from?

The most common theory about all this, and probably the most realistic, is one that involves power struggles and colonialism. Early history shows that the British have always driven on the left side of the road. Back in Roman times, carts kept to the left. In the Middle Ages it was used because an attack on the road was best taken from the right as the driver would be better able to quickly pull out his sword. This practice continued throughout Europe, until the French got their hands on it. During the French Revolution it was said that everything was changed to the opposite in an act of rebellion. Napoleon saw it as a display of absolute power. During the American Revolution, the same act of rebellion happened. Throughout the centuries as the main forces of power held colonies in other parts of the world, those colonies followed suit and adopted the driving practices of their motherlands.

In the beginning of the 20th century, actual standardized law of road directions took place with the popularization of Ford cars. Since the cars were made with controls on the left side of the vehicle, the car was suitable for right-handed driving and the right-handed standard thus became the norm for much of the world.

Quite interesting how a struggle over power and independence has shaped something so trivial as the side of the road we drive on. Well, our hats are off to Great Britain to sticking to your roots. If you are interested in driving the other side of the road, check out our Britain vacation packages!

Charming Tuscan Splendor in Lucca

At Sceptre Tours we have a few great travel packages that take you right into the heart of Tuscany. What a beautiful and dreamy place. On many of our Tuscany vacation packages, we put you up in an elegant estate in the hills of Tuscany - La Fattoria degli Usignoli. Situated right in the middle of the region, you have easy access to explore many of the quaint towns in the surrounding areas. One of these towns that you absolutely cannot miss is Lucca. Cute, happy Lucca - where life is good.

Lucca's scenery is out of a storybook. From the orange-red tiled rooftops, to the earth-toned buildings, to the landscape of green cypress trees and mountains - this place is sure to put your mind in a creative and peaceful mood. In the springtime, the town has got to be the most romantic place in Italy. The surrounding meadows are full of wildflowers, the town is bustling with quaint, village-like activity, the skies are bluer than you've ever seen them before. And in the spring, remember there are less people there than during the summer so it's not as crowded nor as expensive.

While you're there, make sure to take a moment to observe to city walls. They span two and a half miles so you can't miss them. From the top of them, you can take in some of the most beautiful vantage points. Also, make sure to visit the Parco Villa Reale. Once a home to Napoleon's sister, Villa Reale is closed to the public, but you can visit it's 17th century gardens which are amazing.

A trip to Lucca is not to be missed.

$3,039 - French River Cruise!!

Setting sail up the Rhone and Saone Rivers? What a phenomenal way to see France! This European river cruise package we have for you starts at $3,039 and takes you right through the heart of beautiful Burgundy and Provence. You'll start the trip off staying in Nice at the gorgeous Fairmont Monte Carlo. Next you're off to Arles in Provence to board your ship and sail north, up through Avignon, charming Viviers, medieval Tournon, Vienne, France's gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as many other small and charming towns along the way. On this 7 night deluxe river cruise you will enjoy prestigious accommodations in an outside viewing stateroom. Your vacation ends in Paris where you will spend two nights at Le Meridien Montparnesse.

Other perks of this package include:
• 23 meals (10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners)
• Complimentary champagne with breakfast
• Unlimited wine & beer with dinners
• Evening entertainment
• Shore excursions per itinerary
• Services of a cruise director throughout
• Guaranteed departures

This is a great deal. Check it out on Sceptre Tours' website today!

$899 Venice & Tuscany Dream Package

Hey mambo, mambo Italiano.... Oh hi sorry, we were just busy dreaming of our new Italian vacation package we've come up with for you. And guess what? We think you'll love the great price we came up with!

Introducing....drumroll please... our 6-Night Tuscany-Venice Package, including airfare and car rental all for only $899.

Experience Italy's history, culture and charm with this amazing package. You'll spend two nights in Venice at the 4-star Park Hotel Bolognese and four nights in Tuscany at La Fattoria degli Usignoli. Venture through the romantic canals of Venice and roam the narrow sidewalks for famous hand-blown glass and medieval phantom-of-the-opera-like masks. Explore Tuscany's breathtaking countryside and take in magnificent views of vineyards and fields of sunflowers. Visit nearby cities like Forence, Siena, San Gimignano, Certaldo, Pisa, Lucca and Arezzo.

The Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese is a majestic 4-star hotel dating back to the 800's. Located along the Terraglio, it's a great home base for exploring Venice. La Fattorua degli Usignoli is a 14th century estate in the hills of Tuscany. It's situated only 25 miles from magnificent Florence.

Seriously, don't pass up this opportunity.

Travel Agents Listen Up!

Ok travel agents out there, we want you to help you! Everyone knows that the best way to sell someone something is by experiencing whatever that is, first-hand. Well, we are taking that advice and helping you learn more about Ireland!

In an effort to help travel agents sell more Ireland in 2011, Sceptre Tours has announced a special spring fam trip which will run March 30 to April 4 and is priced from $599 per person exclusive of taxes and fees.

According to Chris Accomando, President, "The best way for travel agents to sell their clients on a vacation in the Emerald Isle is to experience it themselves.  We've designed a great intro to Ireland just for travel agents that includes stays throughout the East of Ireland as well as an educational seminar, and more."

Sceptre's March 30th Fam Trip includes the following:

• Accommodations for four nights as follows:  1 night at the Four-Star Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny, 2 nights at the Four-Star Killarney Towers in Killarney, and 1 night at the Four-Star Maldron Cardiff Lane in Dublin;
• Round-trip airfare to Ireland from JFK, Boston, or Chicago;
• Private luxury motor coach with services of a professional driver/guide;
• Full Irish breakfast daily;
• 4 dinners including dinner and traditional entertainment at Dublin's Taylor's Three Rock;
• Admission to:  Kilkenny Castle; Blarney Castle; Trinity College and The Book of Kells;
• Comprehensive sightseeing including the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Woolen Mills, and Dublin City Tour.
• Sceptre Tours Educational Seminar with cocktail hour;
• All local taxes, hotel service charges, and handling of one suitcase per person

Space is limited for this fam trip and it is priced from $599 per person from New York and Boston and from $649 from Chicago (exclusive of taxes and fees).  Rates are per person based on double occupancy.  Single supplement is $110 and has limited availability.  All agents must have a valid IATAN card.  Additional taxes are approximately $127 per person.

Pretty cool, huh? Take your fam, jet off to the land of luck and learn all there is to know about this wonderful country.

Scotland Luxury Vacation Package

Sleep like kings and queens while enjoying this phenomenal Scotland vacation package. Book today for $799 and up and you will be in Scotland by springtime. This six night package includes a one-night stay in Edinburgh, four nights in your choice of a B&B and one night in the beautiful and historic Atholl Palace in Pitlochry, deep in the Scottish Highlands. You will also get round-trip airfare to Edinburgh from one of four major US cities and manual car rental for the week. Awesome….

With this package, you’ll get to explore the country, seeing top sights like Edinbugh, Glasgow, Inverness and many small towns and villages. Part of the package lets you choose a B&B to stay in. We have over 300 in the country to choose from! And then, on your final night you will rest like royalty in the Atholl Palace located in the Highlands. The epitome of Scottish Baronial splendour, the Palace stands overlooking wooded parkland grounds and the town of Pitlochry to the surrounding hills. Originally opened as the Athole Hydropathic in Victorian times, the hotel retains many features of the traditional large country house, with bedroom facilities and standards which often exceed expectations and complement spacious, relaxing public areas.

In addition to all this, there are some great upgrades that you can partake in for only a small price. Seriously, jump on this deal today!

The Luck of the Irish

When I was a little girl, I used to watch this wonderful, old movie that brought me into a great world of magic and folklore. Parts of it frightened me, the ghost-like banshee most of all. But other parts fascinated me. What am I talking about? What I am talking about folks is the famous Disney classic, Darby O’Gill and The Little People. Set in a small village in Ireland, the movie is about an old man, Darby, who discovers an underground world of leprechauns and ends up catching one.

But what of this legend of the leprechauns? Where did it come from? And why is it now one of the most iconic images associated with the country of Ireland? Leprechauns are mythical small fairies of Ireland, said to bring mischief to anyone who comes across them. They spend most of their time hidden away and collect mounds of gold, which they hide in enormous pots. If ever captured, they can grant three wishes to the human in exchange for their release. But sometimes, those wishes can go awry, as they adore causing trouble. The name leprechaun is derived from the Irish word leipreachán, defined as "a pigmy or sprite". The earliest known reference to the leprechaun appears in the medieval tale known as the Echtra Fergus mac Léti (Adventure of Fergus son of Léti). The text contains an episode in which Fergus mac Léti, King of Ulster, falls asleep on the beach and wakes to find himself being dragged into the sea by three lúchorpáin (a deviation of leprechaun). He captures his abductors, who grant him three wishes in exchange for release.

The appearance of the leprechaun depends on what part of the country you are in. Prior to the 20^th century, the leprechaun adorned a red suit as opposed to the famous green suit of today. They are small creatures, small enough to sit on one’s shoulder. Legend says that they inhabited the Isle of Ireland long before the arrival of the Celts. They are also said to be great musicians, adept at playing the fiddle, whistles and the harp. I am reminded here of the iconic scene when Darby comes upon their lair, gold flowing everywhere and the sounds of Irish musicians whimsically playing their instruments.

Who knows exactly who invented the idea of the leprechaun. Throughout the years however, it has blossomed into a wonderful legend for all ages and a distinct icon for Ireland.

A Kiss of Popularity - Ireland's Famed Blarney Stone

You know, if I had the opportunity to make myself more eloquent and popular, I think I’d take it. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy being liked? But would I kiss a dirty, old stone that millions of lips have touched throughout the years? Maybe not. I value my health. Thousands of people would disagree with me though. The famous Stone of Eloquence at Ireland’s Blarney Castle has been receiving hearty smooches for hundreds of years. There are many theories as to how the stone arrived at the Castle but one thing is certain, believers are sure that a kiss to the stone will bring them the “gift of gab.”

So, how did this legend come to be? Some say it was Jacob’s Pillow, brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah. Here it became the Lia Fail or ‘Fatal Stone’, used as an oracular throne of Irish kings. It was also believed to be the deathbed pillow of St Columba on the island of Iona. Legend has it that it was relocated to mainland Scotland, where it served as the prophetic power of royal succession. King of Munster and builder of Blarney Castle, Cormac MacCarthy, sent five thousand men to support Robert the Bruce in his defeat of the English at Bannockburn in 1314. In return, a portion of the magical stone was given to him and placed in the castle.

It is believed that a witch who was saved from drowning was the one to reveal the magical powers of the stone to Cormac MacCarthy, saying that “There is a stone that whoever kisses, oh! he never misses to grow eloquent ‘tis he may clamber to a lady’s chamber, or become a member of parliament.” Since then, visitors have been coming to the stone to receive its powers. Back in the day, visitors had to be held by the ankles and lowered head first over the battlements. It has since been made more accessible. All you have to do is climb the castle, lie on your rear, arch your head back into a deep crevice and kiss the stone upside down while gripping two iron railings.

So, any of you readers out there who have been to see the Blarney Stone, have its powers worked on you? Please, do share!

Awesome Family Vacation This Summer in Ireland

Summertime is only a few months away now and that means it’s time to plan your next family getaway. Instead of shelling out a fortune for a house at the beach, we have got a deal for you! For only $899 per person, you and three others can enjoy our six night Ireland 5-Star Resort in Summer Package. Have we got your attention yet?

This awesome deal includes 6 nights in a deluxe villa at The Heritage 5-Star Golf and Spa Resort in the quaint village of Killenard, round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin, weekly manual full-size car rental, and a tour of the famous Belleek China Factory. The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort is located just outside Dublin and offers luxury living and a wide array of activities. Your accommodations will be a two bedroom villa, fully equipped with a living room, dining room, kitchen and all the amenities you would expect from a luxury resort. You also have access to golf, spa treatmets and a host of free family-fun activities, including arts and crafts, basketball, table tennis, dance classes, movies and lots more.

This package is priced from $899 from New York, Boston, or Chicago from July 1 to August 31, 2011 and from $599 from March 12 through March 31.  All rates are per person based on four people sharing and exclude government taxes/fees/facility charges of up to $180 per person and the September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 for US enplanements.  This package is also available from September 1 through October 31, 2011 from $699.  

Seriously, check out this awesome Ireland travel deal now!

The Ultimate Celebration - St. Patty's Day in Ireland

We all love Saint Patrick’s Day. It’s a fun excuse for us Americans to wear green, drink Irish whiskey and embrace a side of us that many have. But do many of us actually know anything about the holiday? In Ireland it is a national public holiday. There are festivals all over the country celebrating it, the biggest being the official Saint Patrick’s Day Festival celebrated March 16^th through the 20^th. Since we love Ireland, and in honor of one of our greatest Ireland vacation deals yet (yes, check it out now and book soon!), we thought we’d pay tribute to the holiday that many of us hold so dear.

Named after Saint Patrick, the most commonly recognized patron saint of Ireland, the holiday originated as a Catholic celebration and later became more secular. Born in Roman Britain in the 4^th century A.D., Saint Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders and held captive by them at the age of 16. He later fled and returned to Britain. In 432 he returned to Ireland as a bishop, on a mission to bring Christianity to the Irish. Folklore tells us that one of his teaching methods included using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish people. After teaching for nearly 30 years, he died on March 17^th, 461. The original color associated with Saint Patrick was blue. I bet many of you didn’t know that. Over the years the color green and the image of the shamrock became associated with him.

In 1903, Saint Patrick’s Day became an officially declared holiday in Ireland. In the mid 1990s, the Irish government began a campaign to use Saint Patrick’s Day to showcase Ireland and its culture. This blossomed into the national Saint Patrick’s Day Festival, the first of which was held in 1996. Now it is a four-day event and we have to say, it’s pretty spectacular.

Feel like seeing this holiday in its natural environment? Sceptre Tours has a number of Ireland vacation packages for you, the best deal of which puts you right in the action for only $599. Check it out and see Saint Patrick’s Day in its full glory.

Things We Love About Paris

Traveling to Paris is bound to impress you no matter what you do while you’re there. But there are some top spots that you absolutely cannot miss. We are sure you will agree:

1.     Eiffel Tower. Of course, perhaps the biggest tourist attraction in the city and the place with the longest lines. But the wait is worth it. The views from the top are amazing. If you’re not a good line patron, go at night. The lines are shorter.

2.     Musée d'Orsay. A wonderful museum on the Seine waterfront, the Musée d'Orsay is located in a former train station and shows off an incomparable display of impressionist and post-impressionist art.

3.     Jardin du Luxembourg. A trip to Paris would not be complete without a visit to the one of the city’s most beloved parks, dedicated to the children of Paris by Napoleon.

4.     The Seine. You must take in the views of the Seine and life around it. Sit on its banks or take a relaxing evening cruise.

5.     Montmartre. Say hello to the famous Moulin Rouge while touring Montmartre, the home of cancans and cabaret.

6.     Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris. Perhaps one of the most beloved sights of Paris, the Cathedral brings in 10 million visitors a year.

7.     Centre Pompidou. A famous and successful art and culture center, visit here to enjoy fabulous collections, unique gifts and a phenomenal view from the roof.

8.     Musée du Louvre. There is no museum as famous as the Louvre and it's for good reason. The collections of work from all over Europe as well as Assyrian, Etruscan, Greek, Coptic and Islam art and antiquities give this iconic museum its due bragging rights.

9.     Macarons from Ladurée. A luxury cake and pastry maker, Ladurée serves up the most scrumptious treats.

10.  Vintage shopping at Aspasie & Mathieu. Your best bet for decently priced, vintage accessories, like gentlemen’s pocket watches, ladies’ hats and walking canes, Aspasie & Mathieu is located in the Latin Quarter.

In Love With Provence

Recently I’ve been on this Provence kick. I don’t know exactly what it is but the culture and beauty of this wondrous region has made me fall in love. Be it the peaceful one-lane roads lined with olive trees, the colorful and delicious smelling lavender fields, or just the laid-back, enjoy-life type of lifestyle the locals live – everything has got me wanting more Provence. You know what’s awesome about Sceptre Tours? They’ve got some packages that are perfect for the Provence lover – European river cruise packages that take you straight into the heart of the region. But more on that later.

Ahhh Provence… how I adore thee. As Lonely Planet puts it, “There is no more sun-and-celebrity-rich part of southern France than this iconic wedge of glittering coast, mountain retreat, Roman temple and gastronomic art de vivre.” And I couldn’t have said it any better. Sensual experiences abound, Provence is the place to really feel life. Sights and smells are aplenty. Provence is the place to hunt for truffles, pick fresh lavender and chestnuts, hunt through bustling markets, and just sit back at a leisurely café and sip a café au lait. Provence stretches to the glorious Côte d'Azur, where tanned celebrities grace white sand beaches and red carpets. It’s where alfresco dining becomes the main way to eat and riding a bike, the main way to get around. To counteract all this zen, Marseille sits on the Côte d'Azur, and its hustle and bustle and urban art scene will wake you up a bit. There is also Monte Carlo, with its skyscrapers towering over the Mediterranean and glitz and glamour are aplenty. Safe to say, Provence has it all. And I love it all. I wish I was there right now!

Party Like a Rockstar at Nice's Carnaval

So recently we talked about Venice’s world-famous Carnevale. We thought we’d take a sec to talk about another great Mardi Gras destination in Europe. And we would like to point out that many of our French river cruises frequent here. We are talking about Nice. France’s little jewel on the Côte d'Azur. With it’s shimmering turquoise blue waters, white sands and vibrant nightlife, who wouldn’t want to come here? It’s great anytime of the year, but since Carnival is coming up, it’s imperative that we brag about Nice’s Carnaval.

It’s safe to say that if you come to Nice for Carnival, you are there to party in style. Held between Febraury 18^th and March 8^th this year, just like Venice’s Carnevale, it is one of the world’s greatest carnivals. Nice turns into a vast pleasure land. Parades, parties, costumes, color – festivities explode all over the city, while spectacular fireworks displays explode over the Mediterranean. This year’s theme is Le Roi de la Méditerranée (King of the Mediterranean) and it’s sure to be a cultural adventure.

Many of the festivities during Nice’s Carnaval are free, but some events and the parades charge a fee. And the fees are worth it, trust us. If any of you get to go this year, let us know! We would love to hear what you thought of it.

Ten Free Must-Sees in London

It’s no doubt that London can be a very pricey city but that doesn’t mean you have to shell out your life’s savings while you’re there. London has a ton of free activities and attractions for you to immerse yourself in. Here’s our top picks:

1.     British Museum: Not only is this one of London’s top attractions, but it is also totally free. You can see cool exhibits like the Rosetta Stone, the Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead, and beautiful Aztec mosaic masks.

2.     Borough Market: South of the river, this food-lover’s paradise has been around since the 13^th century. Open Thursday to Saturday. Don’t miss it.

3.     St. Paul’s Church: While St. Paul’s Cathedral may charge a ticket price to get in, this church on the western flank of Covent Garden Piazza is known as the actor’s church and is home to memorials for Charlie Chaplin and Vivien Leigh.

4.     Whitechapel Gallery: First opened in 1899, this art nouveau building is home to 10 different galleries. Picasso’s Guernica was first displayed here in 1939. On Thursdays and some Fridays you can enjoy music and readings. There is also a really cool café here.

5.     Temple Church: Having a key role in the DaVinci Code, this is a must see. Built by crusading monks, this church is immersed in historical mystery.

6.     Science Museum: Seven floor of exhibits, the Science Museum offers such cool displays as flight simulators, hot-air balloons and steam locomotives.

7.     Photographer’s Gallery: Located in the West End, this is an amazing contemporary photo exhibition.

8.     National Maritime Museum: Located in Greenwich, this great museum features topics on Britain’s seafaring past.

9.     National Gallery: Housing 2,000 Western European classics by Van Gogh, Renoir, daVinci and Michelangelo, this place has it all and it’s all for free. Located on Trafalger Square, over 5 million people visit each year.

10.  Houses of Parliament: Reserve ahead and you can sit in on sessions. But more than that, the neo-gothic houses will amaze you.

If you're interested in travel to London, check out our British vacation deals!

A CARNEVALE OGNI SCHERZO VALE

Roughly translated, anything goes at carnevale. A great way to celebrate the coming of Lent is Mardi Gras, and an amazing place to experience all the festivities and grandiosity that come along with lavish celebrations such as this is at Venice’s Carnevale. For almost two weeks every February before Lent, Venice celebrates with ornate parties, luxuriant masquerade balls and spontaneous parties in the streets. All the madness begins two Fridays before Ash Wednesday and finishes on Fat Tuesday.

Carnevale is literally the world’s best-known baroque fancy-dress party. You spend 12 days running around in Phantom of the Opera like masks, sampling some amazing cuisine and partaking in events left and right. Venetians themselves have been celebrating this great holiday since at least the 15^th century. Back then, private clubs organized masked balls and bull-baiting. In the 18^th century, Venice became known as a very hedonistic place and the indulgent festivities of Carnevale lasted nearly two months! When the city was taken over by Napoleon in 1797, the event fell by the wayside and was completely abandoned when Mussolini banned the wearing of masks. It wasn’t until 1979 that the event was once again brought alive, rightly taking its place among the world’s finest festivities.

Perhaps the most iconic image of Carnevale and of Venice itself is the mask. You will need one to attend the festival’s high point, the Gran Ballo delle Maschere (Grand Masked Ball), which takes place in a different location each year, usually at a very fitting grand palace. As long as you have a mask and a proper costume, you are welcome to join the festivities. A couple of notable mask makers in Venice are Ca’Macana and L’Arlecchino. If you are interested in attending the masked ball, you can make reservations on the Carnevale website. An Italian vacation would certainly not be complete without a trip to Venice, to see the home of this amazing festival. And certainly if you are in Europe during February, you must stop by to see the wonder of Carnevale.

B&Bing It Up In Italy

Waking up in a quaint little casetta overlooking the Tuscan countryside, while sipping coffee and eating a fantastic breakfast. Doesn’t that sound like such an awesome way to see Italy? We think so. Did you know we offer an excellent Italian B&B program at Sceptre Tours? If not, then listen up.

Our B&B’s range from simple and charming apartments in Italy’s great cities, like Rome and Venice, to luxurious and lavishisly decorated villas in the Italian countryside. We have a program right now that starts at $1,239 and gives you 6 nights accommodation in your choice of standard B&B’s throughout Lazio, Tuscany, Umbria, Campania, Venice and Sicily. You’ll also enjoy a manual shift car rental for the week and your airfare is included. Once you’ve purchased the package, you are free to design the trip that you want, choosing from a number of different B&B’s throughout the country. You also choose which one of four gateway cities you want to fly into.

Many of the B&B’s will be situated near city center attractions, like the Trevi Fountain in Rome, or near the Chianti region in the country. Each features rich and lavish décor and furnishings. You might find antique furniture, artisan craftsmanship and the superior quality comforts that will make your stay truly memorable. For an extra $200 per person, you can upgrade to the Platinum Package, in which you will get private baths ensuite as opposed to shared bathrooms, as well as an automatic car rental for all you non-stick drivers out there. If you are dying to see some of the B&B options, go to Sceptre Tours website to view all the inns.

The Perfect Scotland Sampler Package

Spring is approaching my friends and we have got a great deal for you. Introducing our Deluxe Scotland Vacation in Spring package, offering a convenient and affordable way to explore Scotland’s most famous cities, as well as its charming small towns and villages.  Priced from $799 per person, the 6-night package includes round-trip air, accommodations and rental car for the week. This package will allow you to enjoy a blend of accommodations including the Baronial splendor of Atholl Palace, your choice of Bed & Breakfasts, and a city hotel in Edinburgh’s best shopping area. If you were to put this package together by yourself, it would add up to nearly $1,150! That's a total savings of over $700 per person! See, we knew you’d be interested…

Gorgeous and pristine Scotland. From the rugged beauty of the Highlands to the heather-clad hillside and medieval alleys of Edinburgh's Old Town to the pubs and designer shops of Glasgow, Scotland is filled with romance, history and legends amidst gorgeous landscapes. Experience it all and easily explore Scotland's famous cites of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness, plus the charming villages and towns along its countryside and coast.

You see, Scotland may be a small country, but it comes packed with a little bit of something for everyone. History buffs will love Edinburgh and Glasgow, food lovers will enjoy trying famous haggis or delicious smoked salmon from Dumfries and Galloway, outdoor types will marvel in the vast beauty of the Highlands. Since our package is only $799 including airfare, it’s a great way to learn about a new country and see all the top sites in one trip.

The Legend of Saint Valentine

In honor of the upcoming holiday, we wanted to give a shoutout to Saint Valentine himself. Did you know that some of Saint Valentine’s relics now live at the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland? Kind of cool, huh?

Saint Valentine is actually the name of several martyred saints of ancient Rome. The name “Valentine” was very popular and it derives from the word valens, meaning worthy, strong and powerful. Of the Saint Valentine of legend, the one we celebrate on February 14^th, not much is known about him apart from the fact that he was buried at the Via Flaminia north of Rome on Feb. 14^th. The day that has become known as Valentine’s Day derived from the idea of a feast that occurred on Feb. 14^th but it is widely unknown as to which Saint Valentine exactly the feast was for. This feast was first established in 496 by Pope Gelasius I.

The first representation of Saint Valentine appeared in the Nuremberg Chronicle in 1493. In it is a portrait of Valentine alongside some text that states he was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius II. It says he was arrested and imprisoned upon being caught marrying Christian couples and otherwise aiding Christians who were at the time being persecuted by Claudius in Rome. He was shortly thereafter sentenced to death. Many of the current legends surrounding Valentine’s Day were invented in the 14^th century in England, when the feast of Feb. 14^th first became associated with romantic love. There is still nothing that indicates a connection of the Saint to the idea of love.

If you want to see the famous relics of Saint Valentine (or shall we say, one of the Saint Valentines) you can take a trip to the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin. Ireland is a beautiful place, and for Valentine’s Day, it couldn’t be a more romantic destination. Check out our Ireland vacations online at Sceptre Tours!

So You Hail From Dublin, Huh?

Who doesn’t love a good Irish accent? Or any accent in general for that matter. In the spirit of Irish travel and some of our fabulous Ireland vacation packages we thought we’d take a moment to talk about some of our favorite Dubliners. From music legends to famous writers, plenty of awesome people come from this fantastic city. Maybe it’s the luck of the Irish…

First up there’s legendary godfather of the brewing world, Arthur Guinness. Born in Dublin in 1725, Guinness was the son of a land steward to the archbishop of Cashel and brewed beers regularly for workers on the estate. Beer was already in his blood. He took over a brewery at St. James Gate in Dublin in 1759 and within eight years was master of the Dublin Corporation of Brewers. In 1778 he began to brew porter, which would later become the beer synonymous with the Guinness name.

But a good porter in Ireland would not be complete without a great band to listen to and Dublin is a mecca for talented artists. In the 1970s in a little high school in Dublin a few friends joined together to form a band. Their names were Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton, Paul Hewson and Dave Evans. Not ringing any bells? Perhaps you know them better for their stage name, U2.  Yeah, we thought that would wake you up.

Dublin is not all about rock bands and beer though. A number of other talents like playwright George Bernard Shaw, writer and poet Oscar Wilde, actor Colin Farrell and golf pros Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington all hail from this luck-filled city.

Take a trip to Dublin and visit where they come from. Who knows, maybe some of their Irish luck will rub off on you while you’re there.

The Art of Travel

Saint Augustine once said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” And that is exactly how I feel. I imagine lots of people share this feeling with me. However I have come across a few people in my lifetime, a select, rare few, who unfortunately have not shared this viewpoint. And I can’t begin to imagine what my life would be like if I thought as they did.

My love for travel developed early on. As a young child, I was blessed to have parents that took me all over the country. They both loved to take trips and learn about new places. Before I was even five years old, I had already been all across the Northwestern states, into two Canadian provinces and to two Hawaiian islands.  Throughout my childhood, my mother and I would take road trips all over the country.  When my father remarried, I lucked out with a stepmother who was not only amazing, but who also worked for Alaska Airlines. Because of her, I got to travel on any Alaska Airlines flight for free.  In college I studied abroad twice and almost didn’t come back after the second time. It’s safe to say, I love to travel.

But like I said, I have met a few people in my lifetime that hate to travel. That think that their little corner in the U.S. is the best place on earth and they never want to experience anything else. Now, I know it’s not my place to judge but I can’t help but think of all they’re missing out on – experiences, cultures, people. Travel is how I changed my perspective on life; it’s how I developed compassion and empathy. How can people know what’s really out there, what life is really about, without experiencing the world first hand?

There are so many great travel deals out there all the time, making it so easy to see the world. I know that airplane travel is not as glamorous as it used to be, what with all the extra screening and waiting at the airports. But the cool thing is, that once you’ve reached your destination, it makes it all worth it. In my opinion, travel is the only way to have a full life. I know without it, I would not be who I am today.