Dublin, Ireland, package lets you plan your own itinerary

Immerse yourself in Irish history with Sceptre Tours’ “Dublin City Package,” which allows you to plan your own agenda. Rarely have we seen a price this low -- $399, including airfare from New York and four nights’ lodging.

Dates: Nov. 1 through March 31

Price: From $399 per person, double occupancy, including round-trip airfare from New York, four nights at the Regency Hotel and daily breakfasts.

DUBLIN

Footloose in Ireland

Info: Sceptre Tours, Lynbrook, N.Y.; (800) 221-0924, www.sceptretours.com/vacations/dub-cty-pkg-eml?utm_source=PR&utm;_medi um=email&utm;_campaign=PR%2BDub%20Cty%20Pkg%20Jun2.

SOUTHWESTERN CHINA

A dose of nature, culture

See a different side of China on Ritz Tours’ “Yunnan Special.” Included in the itinerary are natural sights, such as Jade Dragon Mountain, and cultural experiences, such as tea tastings.

Itinerary: Hong Kong to Kumming, Dali and Lijiang.

Dates: Multiple nine-day departures between Aug. 19 and Nov. 25

Price: From $1,485 double occupancy, including round-trip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco, fuel surcharge, taxes and fees, lodging, six breakfasts, four lunches and five dinners.

Info: Ritz Tours, Alhambra, Calif.; (888) 345-7489, www.ritztours.com/tour

OREGON

Whitewater and brew

Sample Oregon’s natural and man-made thrills on Rogue Wilderness Adventures’ “Paddles and Pints” trip down the Rogue River Canyon. The whitewater-rafting trip ends each day with beer tasting and a meal hosted by a brew master.

Dates: Aug. 28 to 30

Price: From $899 per person, including rafting, meals and beer, guides, necessary equipment and transportation.

Contact: Rogue Wilderness Adventures, Merlin, Ore.; (800) 336-1647, www.wildrogue.com/rogue-whitewater-rafting-trips.htm

AUSTRALIA

Into the wild

Marvel at southeast Australia’s wondrous wildlife, including penguins and koalas, on Phillip Island -- but only after a relaxing stay in modern Melbourne. Springboard Vacations’ “Melbourne & Phillip Island” package represents a savings of up to 15% over booking all the package’s elements yourself.

Dates: Through March 31; travel October through December to see a colony of penguins on Phillip Island.

Price: From $645 per person, double occupancy, including three nights at Melbourne’s Hotel Lindrum, one night on Phillip Island, guided tours of Melbourne, a Phillip Island Park Pass and an eco-tour to see the penguins.

Info: Springboard Vacations, Los Angeles; (310) 242-9234, www.springboardvacations.com/hip/hip_au_melbourne_phillip_island.html

NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA

Worldly journey

Embark on an excursion worthy of a 16th century explorer aboard Silversea Cruises’ “Grand Inaugural Voyage 2010,” a hemisphere-spanning 91-day cruise. Providing entertainment and enlightenment for certain segments of the itinerary are comedian John Cleese and astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan.

Itinerary: Multiple ports; see Silversea’s website for a complete list. A highlight is arriving in Rio de Janeiro at Carnaval.

Dates: Departs from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Jan. 21; travelers can disembark at their destination of choice or stay onboard for up to 91 days to end in New York on April 22. See website for details.

Price: This trip may be aspirational for many; staying 70 days starts at $31,770. Call or go online for pricing options.

Contact: Silversea Cruises, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; (877) 215-9986, www.silversea.com/silverspirit.aspx?id=1475&page;_id=silverspirit

-- Avital Binshtock

[email protected]