Departure Lounge: Easter deals to hop on for an unforgettable getaway this year

Some great offers to choose from for your travels

The Galápagos Islands make an appearance on many people’s bucket lists.

Luxury Galápagos with the kids

The Galápagos Islands make an appearance on many people’s bucket lists.

Quasar Expeditions, specialists in high-end adventure travel in South America, have launched a new eight-day Darwin Family Cruise aboard the M/V Evolution. Thirty two guests will cruise the Galápagos Islands in spacious comfort lead by Professor Kenneth Noll, a distinguished microbiologist who brings Darwin’s discoveries to life through storytelling, hands-on science, and an uncanny resemblance to the legendary explorer. 

Dressed as Darwin, he’ll guide your family through the same landscapes that shaped evolutionary history, turning every hike, snorkel, and wildlife encounter into an unforgettable, interactive lesson.

The all-inclusive trip of a lifetime is far from cheap, at $9,500 (approx €8,357) pp before you add in flights.

quasarex.com

Helsinki and Tallinn combo

Uspenski Cathedral, Helsinki.

Every so often, a European itinerary lands that sounds really appealing. This six-night Helsinki and Tallinn combination strikes all the right notes, offering up two lesser visited capitals for exploration. 

The escorted tour includes two nights in the Finnish capital and four in the Estonian capital. Highlights include historic Helsinki, Old Porvoo, Tallinn, and a day trip to Tartu. Return flights from Dublin, airport transfers, four-star hotels, breakfast, one dinner, tours, and excursions with local guides are all included.

September 5-11, from €1,290 per person based on two sharing.

travalue.ie

Rose-coloured India

Jaipur, India’s Pink City, is a dazzling sight to behold with its historic architecture, royal heritage, and vibrant culture.

A Unesco World Heritage site, the Rajasthani capital offers up a glorious introduction to India. Stay at The Leela Palace Jaipur, at the foot of the Aravalli Hills, in eight cooling acres of manicured gardens and you’ll have a luxurious and ornate base to explore the city. 

Decor includes frescoes, domes, and indigenous mirror work. Book two nights and enjoy a complimentary third night at this modern-day royal retreat. From €292.

theleela.com/the-leela-palace-jaipur

Deal of the week

Air Transat is offering reduced fares on direct flights between Dublin and Toronto on select dates until October 31 2025. 

Plan an autumn adventure in Canada with Air Transat’s Easter sale. The award-winning Canadian airline is offering reduced fares on direct flights between Dublin and Toronto on select dates until October 31 2025. 

Book until April 30 2025 for Dublin to Toronto direct from €419 pp return (September and October departures).

airtransat.com

Sip and sail

The partnership with Wine & Beer Supermarket Cherbourg and Irish Ferries sets sail in style aboard the WB Yeats, where onboard dining, cinema, and Club Class Lounge perks for premium cabin bookings are all available. 

Irish Ferries’ new Wine Tasting Mini Cruise sounds like a novel way to spend the day. On May 15, passengers can take a mini cruise from Dublin to Cherbourg combining sea travel with a complimentary onboard wine tasting.

The partnership with Wine & Beer Supermarket Cherbourg and Irish Ferries sets sail in style aboard the WB Yeats, where onboard dining, cinema, and Club Class Lounge perks for premium cabin bookings are all available. 

The wine tasting includes a selection of French, European and New World wines, with expert-led tastings and the option to pre-order wines for collection upon arrival in France. €389 return for two, including a car and inner cabin. 

Additional wine-themed mini cruises are planned for later this year.

Irishferries.com