Sceptre Tours Offers Italy Air, Lodging and Car Packages from $1,299

Instead of the hassle of shopping for presents in overcrowded malls this year, trade in your usual holiday routines with a trip overseas, where you and your family can live a fairytale dream in one of Tuscany’s stunning castles.

Italy’s Montegufoni Castle, once host to famous kings, world-renowned writers and coveted works of art, is now accommodating guests with impressive deals for both the Christmas and New Year’s holiday.

Starting on the 20^th of December, the "Christmas at Montegufoni Castle" package will include a six-night stay in a rustic one-bedroom apartment, along with buffets featuring culinary specialties from the area and a fancy castle gala. In addition to the roundtrip flight and castle accommodations, weekly manual shift car rentals will be available to explore nearby cities and the lush, unending countryside.

The low rate for the complete package with departure from Boston begins at $1299 per person. Other gateway departure cities in the United States are available, but for higher rates.

For families wanting to start off the New Year abroad, the New Years at Montegufoni Castle Package offers all the same plus a seven-course gala New Year’s Eve dinner with live entertainment.

Departing on the 26^th of December, guests will want to book early for the special package price of $1,599 per person. Rates for both packages are based on double occupancy and vary on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Snow-lovers will turn into sun-lovers as they relax in the beautiful gardens of the Castello Di Montefugoni, learn its rich history and stroll through the ground’s vineyards and olive trees. Save the wrapping paper this year – a cultural experience awaits.

For information on these package deals and more, check out the Sceptre Tours website. To learn more about Tuscany itself, read Bethany Kandel's journal of her Tuscany Tour With Teens or visit the Discover Tuscany website.