The bike shop was being honest with you. $1500 is pretty much the least expensive you can get through a bike shop, and even online when it comes to touring bikes. Bikes Direct though does offer bikes cheaper, but you will have to do some assembly yourself, or take it to someone to get it done. Their prices a good though, so you could probably pay a local bike shop to do the work and still save money.
Try the Windsor Tourist.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ke-tourist.htm