Departure Lounge: Italy by train – Who says first-class comfort can't be affordable?

Plus Easter in Tuscany, Wales by ferry, and your very own chance to dance with the stars

Sat, 28 Mar, 2026 - 01:00

Jillian Bolger

On right track to indulge in Italy

Tropical Sky could help you plan your Italian railway retreat

Italy is a great country to explore by train and Tropical Sky can help with the planning. Comfortable and affordable, you can enjoy first-class tickets to multiple destinations, taking in the beguiling scenery and historic cities, with onboard service and priority access.

This seven-night journey will take you from the ancient wonders of Rome to the creative heart of Florence, with all travel and transfers.

The experience begins with four nights at the four-star hotel The Guardian in Rome, perfectly located for exploring iconic landmarks and offering a rooftop terrace with sweeping city views.

Guests then continue by first-class rail to fabulous Florence for a three-night stay at the Palazzo Lorenzo Hotel Boutique & Spa, a beautifully restored 16th-century residence. The itinerary can be tailored with hotel upgrades, alternative transport, or additional destinations. From €1,019 B&B, return flights from Florence.

tropicalsky.ie

Deal of the Week

Belfast's Titanic Hotel is not one to forget

The Complete Titanic Experience welcomes you to Belfast’s Titanic Hotel, where you will overnight in a beautifully appointed nautical-inspired guest room in the historic Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices, where RMS Titanic was designed. Add in breakfast, two tickets to the Titanic Experience at Titanic Belfast, just across the road, and you’re all set for a fun and immersive visit to the capital of the North. From £239 (approx €276).

titanichotelbelfast.com

Easter in Tuscan ecstasy

Bagni di Pisa's interiors are the heigh of opulent luxury

We swooned when we saw pics of the interiors at Bagni di Pisa, a former spa residence of the grand dukes of Tuscany. Their Easter package invites guests to enjoy the magnificent 18th-century architecture and natural spring waters. Valid from April 4 to 7, the two-night stay includes breakfasts and a traditional Easter lunch at the Dei Lorena Restaurant.

There’s an Italian aperitif at the Shelley Bar and access to the gorgeous thermal spa, including sea-salt pools, a Bioaquam hydromassage, and Turkish bath.

You’ll each enjoy a 50-minute massage with orange blossom and regenerating 20-minute experience in the grand dukes’ thermal grotto cave.

From €580 per person in a double room.

Bagnidipisa.com

Wales by ferry

Did you know?: Swansea is a twin city with Cork

Swansea has such strong ties to Cork that they were approved as twin cities in 1991.

Now you can explore the welcoming Welsh city, travelling by ferry from Rosslare to Pembroke with Irish Ferries. Fares cost €225 each way, for two adults and two kids with a standard car.

The compact city offers lots to see and do, including museums, outdoor adventures, camping, or even a selfie at the Swansea Rhossili Sunflower Fields.

Irishferries.com

Sun, sea, sand... and dance stars

Missing Dancing with the Stars? Why not join dance champions Karen Byrne and Jake Carter for a five-night retreat in the Costa del Sol?

Hosted at the adults-only Hotel Alay in Benalmádena, this fun holiday includes daily dance classes (no experience necessary), entertainment, and relaxation in one of Spain’s most vibrant towns.

Join the couple from May 6 to 11, with return flights from Dublin to Malaga, 20kg checked luggage, live entertainment and activities, an excursion to Malaga, and a farewell breakfast with sea swim, from €1,299.