Tours & cruises: Dublin, Ireland, package lets you plan your own itinerary

DUBLIN Footloose in Ireland 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 P...

DUBLIN

Footloose in Ireland

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.

Info: Sceptre Tours, Lynbrook, N.Y.; (800) 221-0924, www.sceptretours.com/vacations/dub-cty-pkg-eml?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=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