Italian Flavors & Fashion

Italy is known for its world-renowned cuisine and its first class fashion. What better way to experience the finest food and fashion than to spend 7 days in the wonderful cities of Milan and Bologna? Start with 3 nights at the beautiful Hotel Sanpi in Milan, which is located in the heart of the city center, and is only a short stroll from the Montenapoleone fashion district.

Take some time out from shopping to visit some of Milan’s historic sites such as The Duomo and the Museum of Ancient Art. After 3 wonderful nights in the impressive city of Milan, you will travel by train to the lively city of Bologna. During your time in this great city, make sure to try all of the great restaurants that Bologna is famous for. After indulging in great food and fun, you will spend your 3 nights in Bologna at the Hotel Regina.

Via Montenapoleone is an elegant and the most expensive street in Milan and Italy, famous for fashion and jewelry shops. It is the most important street of the Milan Fashion District (Italian Quadrilatero della moda) where many well-known fashion designers have their high-end boutiques and stores from Italian designers to all the world famous brands. Via Montenapoleone is also regarded as the most important 'street in fashion', as Milan is recognized as the absolute capital of fashion in the world.

Its name dates back to 1804, and the height of the Napoleonic era. In those days Milan was teeming with foreigners who crowded into the city, not only for business reasons, but more often than not because - as Stendhal, himself a lover of Milan, pointed out - the city was "a wealthy republic dedicated to art and pleasure".

The splendid extravagance of those times are in some ways reflected today in what is called the 'Quadrilatero', that is Via Sant'Andrea, Via Spiga, Via Borgospesso and - alas - Via Monte Napoleone itself. In these streets and their environs one can find the greatest concentration of famous fashion designers outlets, both Italian and foreign, as well as jewelers, furriers and antique dealers.

Sceptre Tours is your #1 source for escorted vacation packages to Italy. They have the background and experience to ensure that the time you spend in Italy will be a memorable one! Choose Sceptre Tours for all your Italy vacation needs!

Venice and Northern Pearls

This unique itinerary will take you through Italy’s beautiful Veneto region, home to some of Europe’s greatest cultural, artistic, and architectural treasures. Your vacation starts at the Villa Pace Park Hotel Bolognese, an oasis of tranquility and refinement, only 20 minutes from Venice. In the evening you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner featuring the sumptuous cuisine and wine of the region. Then enjoy a comprehensive walking tour of Venice including stops at Piazza San Marco, The Doge’s Palace, and the magical Bridge of Sighs. Other highlights include a glass blowing exhibition and time to explore on your own, a must in this magical city of picturesque canals, balconied palazzi, and winding lanes.

Piazza San Marco is the principal square of Venice! The Piazza originated in the 9th century as a small area in front of the original St Mark's Basilica. It was enlarged to its present size and shape in 1177, when the Rio Batario, which had bounded it to the west, and a dock, which had isolated the Doge's Palace from the square, were filled in. The rearrangement was for the meeting of Pope Alexander III and the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.

The Piazza has always been seen as the centre of Venice. It was the location of all the important offices of the Venetian state, and has been the seat of the archbishopric since the 19th century. It was also the focus for many of Venice's festivals. It is a greatly popular place in Italy even today.

With Sceptre Tours you will enjoy escourted walking tours of Venice and will witness the magnificance of Piazza San Marco! Sceptre Tours gives you the lowest prices on Italian vacation packages and European vacation packages! Choose Sceptre Tours for your next trip to Venice!