21 March 2011

Italian Breeze

So lately we've been on this Italy kick and can't seem to get the lovely country off our minds. Whether it's the romantic and majestic streets of Rome, dripping of history and intrigue, or the quiet and quaint streets of Tuscany, full of whimsy and relaxation. Have you ever wanted to see where Juliet stood awaiting her Romeo? Or taken a trip down the Venetian canals?

Well, there's a way to do all that flawlessly and easily. At Sceptre Tours we offer these great escorted Italy tours that will take you all across beautiful Italy and you won't have to worry about a thing. Check out our Italy Great Cities package. Rates start at $1,549 for an 8-day tour, including all accommodations, private motorcoach travel all throughout the country and transfers to and from the airport.

You can sit back and let someone else worry about the planning with this trip. Sightseeing programs will be arranged for you. And you will love the itinerary - Rome, Pisa, Florence, Verona and Venice. All the top cities of Italy. All at your fingertips. All arranged for you. It makes taking a vacation, really be a breeze.

18 March 2011

Italian Sampler

Take a moment to take a deep breath and close your eyes. Actually, hold off on that last part. You won't be able to read what we have to say-- and you're going to like it. So just imagine they're closed and you're sitting at an outdoor cafe, dining al fresco in St. Peter's Square. Water is lapping at the seawall as the melody of dueling orchestras spills onto the streets. Aromas from countless entrees are in the air as Italian waiters hustle by. You open your eyes to a unique combination: modern style set against ancient architecture. You pay your tab and go for a walk. The line into St. Peter's Basilica has waned, so you walk inside and stand in awe of its magnificence.

It suddenly hits you, you want to totally immerse yourself in the Italian experience – culture, cuisine and countryside! This can’t be your only stop. You want to see more, do more, explore! Well, you’re in luck. With our A Taste of Italy package, you’ll get to experience not just one city, but three: Venice, Rome and Florence! Starting at $1,499 (travel included), you’ll rack up a week’s worth of experiences. That’s plenty of time to explore the canals of Venice on a Gondola (to the tune of O Sole Mio), tour the historic landmarks of Rome (Colosseum, anyone?), and sip your favorite varietal under a Tuscan sunset (grapes are certainly our favorite fruit!).

Deals like these will have you saying Arrivederci to home and on Italian soil in no time.

16 March 2011

Take a Roman Holiday

Rome is one of Hollywood’s most beloved backdrops— whether you prefer romance, adventure or mystery, this timeless city has a storyline anyone can follow. Consider creating your own movie tour and reenacting your favorite scenes with one of our Italian vacation packages.

Roman Holiday. Released in 1953, this classic starred Audrey Hepburn opposite Gregory Peck. When crowned princess, Ann (Hepburn), visits Italy on state business, she feigns illness to sneak away from her security detail and experience Rome on her own. She falls asleep on a park bench and is discovered by an unsuspecting American reporter, Joe Bradley (Peck). A series of romantic interludes ensue, and they soon fall in love— regardless of the consequences.

Saddle up with your favorite travel companion for a Vespa ride, climb the Spanish Steps (just don’t have lunch on them, it’s forbidden by Roman law), then dare to stick your hand in the Mouth of Truth.

Looking for something a little more modern?

Eat Pray Love. With amazing and endless choices of cuisine available in Italy, it’s no wonder Elizabeth Gilbert decided to experience the eat portion of her journey here. Julia Roberts plays the role of Gilbert, a woman who realizes she’s ill-suited for her life in New York and sets out on an international adventure of self discovery.

Follow in her footsteps by taking a stroll along Via Condotti, Rome’s most famous and fashionable street. Find time for peaceful contemplation in Borghese Gardens. Make a wish in the Four Rivers Fountain in the middle of Piazza Navona. Browse and sample the offerings of Campo de Fiori’s picturesque open-air market. Then end the day with a scoop of gelato. Take a cue from the story’s heroine and learn to eat like an Italian— slow and purposefully. Savor every moment!

History and intrigue more your speed?

Angels & Demons. This Dan Brown best-seller turned blockbuster highlights some of the most recognizable sites in this ancient city. Many scenes were shot of Vatican City, the tiny sovereign state the Pope calls home, which includes St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica. These are a few of many: Castel Sant' Angelo, Il Passetto, Piazza del Popolo, Santa Maria della Vittoria Church, and the Pantheon, which was originally built as a temple to the gods of Ancient Rome, and is still used for mass and other ceremonies.

If you’re really into Dan Brown novels, make sure to consult a tour guide (to decipher fact from fiction) and pack a camera. You’re sure to leave Rome with a few stories of your own!

02 March 2011

Stress-Free Scotland

My bonnie Scotland... a term of endearment towards the country that you will be sharing for years to come after your vacation there. Especially after taking your journey with us on this incredible Scotland escorted vacation. With rates starting at $1,379 this dream trip is really a steal. You'll start off by flying into Glasgow and spending a night there. Then, you're off to mysterious Loch Lomond where you'll take a ferry to the romantic Isle of Skye. You'll spend the night there at the Dunollie at Broadford. You'll then travel through the historical Scottish Highlands and make your way to Inverness where you will enjoy a sheepdog display, visit a whisky distillery, and the mountain resort of Pitlochry. You'll also see St. Andrews and Scone Palace where you'll hear the fantastic histories of the crowning of Scottish kings. Then lastly, off to vibrant Edinburgh to visit sites enveloped in history.

The thing that's wonderful about Sceptre Tours' escorted vacations is that we take care of all your transfers, all your transportation, almost all of your meals - many of which are quite luxurious, and all the sightseeing adventures you need. You really don't have to worry about anything. So, if you're someone who likes a stress free vacation, this is really the way to go for you.

Check out all our escorted vacation packages, and more specifically this Scotland escorted vacation today!

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