Fall Travel Ideas are Beginning to Bloom!

Dear Travellers,

What do April showers bring? May flowers! As we say hello to the merry month of May, we welcome in the many signs of spring. May is the perfect time to start planting the seeds for your next adventure this fall. Read on for some exciting travel destinations to lend inspiration.

So, what is on your travel list for the near future? Does your heart yearn for culture, grand museums, and cosmopolitan cities?  Do you crave the pastoral beauty of Italian hillside villages, forgotten by time?  Or, would you like to experience healing waters at some beautiful, old-world spas in historic Hungary?

We have all three of these exhilarating travel experiences for you to consider this coming autumn. So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and let’s jump aboard!

Paris and London: Two Cities, One Unforgettable Travel Adventure

London and Paris are two of Europe’s most iconic and vibrant cities, both with their own rich history and special appeal. London, of course, has been in the spotlight as the world’s rich and famous flocked to Westminster Abbey to witness the Coronation of King Charles, the first royal celebration of this kind in 70 years.  From storied Westminster and Buckingham Palace to the British Museum, the Tower of London, and the vibrant West End theatre district, London is positively brimming with famous sites. There’s something for everyone – and a special ‘royal magic’ in the air this year.

City of Love and Light

Meanwhile, Paris is the city of love and light. Those grand Haussmann boulevards dotted with quaint cafes, the majestic Arc de Triomphe, the palatial Louvre Museum, and the Eiffel Tower are among the highlights that draw millions of lovers, foodies, fashionistas, and enthusiastic travellers every year.
Whether you’re strolling along the Seine River or exploring the charming neighbourhoods of Montmartre or the Marais, Paris has a romantic and timeless allure that is hard to resist. A visit to both cities promises an unforgettable European experience.

This October, we have an exciting Tale of Two Cities – London and Paris tour that includes all these must-see sites in the company of a convivial group of travellers. In addition to London and Paris, the tour also includes wonderful rural side trips to the Cotswolds and Monet’s gardens at Giverny. Why not join our tour during this important coronation year – but in the quieter fall shoulder season after the crowds have gone?

Discover Umbria – The Hidden Gem of Italy’s Green Heart

Umbria is a beautiful and often overlooked region in central Italy, famous for its verdant hills, rolling vineyards, and unique and flavourful cuisine. It’s also home to some of Italy’s most picturesque cities, and Perugia simply oozes charm and character, with its stunning medieval architecture, rich cultural scene, and delicious local cuisine- including porchetta, pecorino, and truffles!  Explore the town’s winding alleys and charming medieval churches, enjoy stunning panoramic views from the hilltops – and be sure to indulge in the famous chocolate of the region.

Did you know? Umbria is called the “Land of Water” due to its abundant rivers, mineral springs, and lakes – including the largest lake in central Italy. It’s also the location of the world’s highest man-made waterfall, the “horribly beautiful” (as the poet Byron described it) Marmore Falls, constructed by the Romans more than two thousand years ago.

Visit the Town of St. Francis: The Patron Saint of Animals
The town of Assisi is a peaceful and spiritual destination, famous for its association with St. Francis, the patron saint of nature and animals. The town is home to the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis, which contains some of the finest frescoes of the Italian Renaissance, as well as the tranquil hermitage of Eremo delle Carceri, where St. Francis retreated for prayer and contemplation.

Whether you’re seeking a cultural, spiritual, or scenic getaway, Perugia and Assisi are two gems in the beautiful region of Umbria not to be missed. This October, you can discover both of these cities on our special two-week tour, Umbria – Off the Beaten Path in Central Italy. We have many wonderful surprises for our travellers too, including a cruise on Lake Trasimeno – and special truffle and chocolate-tasting experiences!

Budapest Spa Holiday:  The Healing Powers of Hungary’s Natural Springs

“The Queen of the Danube” – Budapest – is Hungary’s capital and a grand old city spread out on two sides of the river. It is known for its belle epoque buildings, palatial bridges, and cosmopolitan style.

With more than 100 thermal springs beneath the city, Budapest has rightfully earned its reputation as the “City of Spas.” From traditional Turkish hammams to Art Nouveau bathhouses, Budapest offers an exciting array of options for visitors seeking relaxation, wellness, and rejuvenation.

A City of Roman Baths
Did you know that the tradition of bathing in Budapest goes back to Roman times? Read more about the fascinating history of Budapest bathing culture. This October, why not experience Budapest’s baths for yourself? We have curated a Budapest Spa and Wellness Holiday, centred on the thermal bath and wellness experience. You will spend three blissful days in Heviz, a beautiful spa town in Hungary’s lake and wine district. Then, the tour continues to Budapest with a glorious 11-night stay at the Ensana Thermal Margitsziget Hotel, located on Margit Island, in the middle of the Danube. With special holistic spa treatments, wine tastings, historic site tours, theatre, and more, this Budapest Spa Holiday promises to be an uplifting adventure for mind, body, and soul!

Our New Fall & Holiday Season 2023 Brochure is Here!

We hope that this newsletter has provided you with some inspiration for your next adventure – and your garden too.  Our new Vol 4- Fall & Holiday Season brochure is now available featuring spectacular destinations, cruises, and tour experiences for late 2023 and early 2024. This new brochure should arrive on your doorstep soon. In the meantime, you can view/download the digital version here.

One more piece of news! Senior Discovery Tours is pleased to inform you that our COVID response protocol will be changing, commencing with tours departing after July 1st, 2023.  For all tours departing after July 1st, 2023, the wearing of masks on our coaches will be strongly recommended and no longer mandatory. We have now broadened and enhanced our protocol so that it is more consistent with domestic and international regulations and includes illnesses other than COVID.

As industry leaders, we go above and beyond most other tour companies to ensure your health and safety is the top priority.

Our group of fellow seniors who share the same passion for exploration and discovery would be delighted to have you aboard. We can assure you that the journey will be nothing short of unforgettable.  Wherever you wander next, we hope you may stay safe, healthy, and enjoy this beautiful spring season.

Sincerely,

Danny Shay
President, Senior Discovery Tours

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Ready to travel? Let us save your seat!
Call to book 1.800.268.3492 or visit SeniorDiscoveryTours.ca

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CARP Members: Book your spot on any tours booked in 2023 and receive $100 off per person, per booking. Use promotion code: CARP at the time of booking. The discount must be applied at time of booking, is not valid on existing bookings, is not combinable with any other offer, and has no cash value.

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