July Heat, Winter Retreats: Where Will You Travel Next?
Dear Travellers,
Welcome to our newsletter for July! We hope you enjoyed the July 1st festivities and took part in celebrating our beautiful nation. July is one of the best months to enjoy all Canada has to offer. If you’re not touring with us now, chances are you’re at home enjoying your garden, patio, or nearby parks. With the flowers blooming and the grandkids off school, we can all fully embrace the warmth of the season with family barbecues, nature walks, and quality time spent soaking up the sun.
Just like all good things, summer won’t last. You may be already looking ahead to exciting travel opportunities in the late fall and the holiday season. As these hazy days stretch on and temperatures rise, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next adventure.
With this issue, we invite you to virtually travel with us to exciting destinations like the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, where vibrant rainforests and golden beaches await. We’ll also take you to the toe of Italy’s boot to explore exquisite Calabria, a place where untouched landscapes and ancient ruins transport you to another time. You may yearn for a pampered voyage on the turquoise seas, so we’ll tempt you to embark on an Eastern Caribbean cruise touching down on special ports of call. All aboard?
Eastern Caribbean Cruise: Sail into Sun-Kissed Serenity
Early December is an ideal time to get away. The rush up to the holidays in December can be a stressful one. Everybody is shopping, crowding the malls to get everything done. Drizzly cold weather too. Wouldn’t you rather be sailing through the Caribbean on a beautiful luxury cruise ship?
The Eastern Caribbean is dotted with glorious, sun-drenched islands, rich in natural beauty. Imagine cruising in comfort through azure waters past lush, mountainous shorelines fringed with inviting white sand beaches. For an authentic and less crowded experience, make sure to visit the smaller, less touristy ports like St. Thomas, the capital of the Virgin Islands. This tropical paradise boasts a treasure trove of colonial jewels, a picture-perfect harbour, and some of the prettiest beaches in the world. Another gem is the idyllic island of Dominica, renowned for its lush rainforests, waterfalls, and black sand beaches.
Sail With Us On The Enchanted Princess
On December 8, 2023, we have arranged a luxurious 11-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise Aboard the Enchanted Princess. The cruise begins in Fort Lauderdale, and first docks in the tranquil beauty of Princess Cays, a private paradise in the Bahamas. Join our convivial group as you sail through the shimmering sea stopping in St. Thomas, Dominica – and also on vibrant islands like Martinique, St. Lucia, and historic Antigua. You will also have three days at sea to just relax and enjoy the beautiful Princess ship. Hope to see you there!
Captivating Costa Rica: Land of Volcanos & Virgin Rainforests
Abundant wildlife, mystical cloud forests, and golden sand beaches. Sound enticing? If so, Costa Rica may be the destination for you this November. Come explore the rich and diverse natural wonders of this small, safe Central American country — the one that everyone is raving about these days. Although tiny, Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s flora and fauna. That means it is green, green, green… with an abundance of monkeys, sloths, and exotic birdlife.
Did you know that Costa Rica is also one of the happiest countries in the world? According to the Happy Planet Index, Costa Ricans enjoy what is among the highest life satisfaction levels in the world. The “Ticos” as they are called enjoy “Pura Vida” the pure and simple life! Spending time with family, and enjoying good meals. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
Here Are Three More Delightful Things About Costa Rica:
1. Great coffee!
Did you know this country is one of the world’s biggest exporters of coffee? And for good reason: the coffee is absolutely delicious! In Costa Rica, it’s against the law to produce any coffee other than 100% Arabica, one of the highest standards for coffee in the world. Bet you could use a cup just about now.
2. Lots of Monkeys, Hummingbirds… and Sloths too
Animal lovers take note: Costa Rica is teaming with wildlife. Four species of monkeys, including howlers and white-faced can be spotted swinging through the trees. Also, around 50 species of hummingbirds thrive here, two of them native (the mangrove and the coppery-headed emerald). It’s also wonderful to know that the sloth, both two-toed and three-told varieties is not only plentiful in number across the country but has become the national animal of Costa Rica. Like the “Ticos”, sloths are known for their peaceful attitude, slow-paced life, and lack of stress.
3. Green and Protected – With Renewable Energy
If you are an eco-conscious traveller, you may also appreciate Costa Rica’s commitment to renewable energy. Almost 95% of Costa Rica’s energy is derived from renewable resources- either geothermal or hydroelectric means. In short, this beautiful country is safe, protected, and very green.
A Costa Rica Beach and Rainforest Tour this November
Eager to travel to Costa Rica? Come with us! This November, we have two departures on an exhilarating Costa Rica tour that combines the best of the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. We begin in San Jose, the humming capital city with its markets, colonial architecture, and thriving arts and culture scene. From there, we venture up to the mighty Arenal Volcano, a majestic force of nature surrounded by lush rainforests and rejuvenating hot springs. Finally, you’ll spend a glorious week at an all-inclusive resort on Tamarindo beach, where golden sands and turquoise waters beckon you to unwind and embrace that laid-back Costa Rican “Pura Vida!”
Imagine spending this holiday season in Italy’s far south. Enjoying hearty ‘Nduja spread on freshly baked crusty bread, succulent swordfish Involtini, and sweet cannoli bursting with sweet ricotta.
Discovering Norman Castles, Byzantine Churches & Miles of Pristine Coastline
Wandering through cobblestone street markets adorned with colorful lights, the joyous sound of lively Tarantella dances in the air. If this sounds delightful, consider a December-January vacation in Calabria. Calabria is a magical place with many incredible beaches, dramatic landscapes, bountiful museums, and a relaxed way of life. It’s a beautiful destination for any snowbird or gastronome looking to feast on seafood and delicious local cuisine while enjoying some sun, sand, and traditional Italian culture over the holiday months.
An Underappreciated Region of Italy
Calabria should be more popular than it is… with its stunning 500 miles of coastline. It’s an ancient land nestled between two seas —the Ionian and Tyrrhenian. Perhaps, the crowing jewel of Calabria is Tropea with its dramatically situated rock formation. Few might attempt the 300-step walk to the Benedictine Sanctuary at the top for the reward of incredible views across the Strait of Messina to the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli. Once known as Magna Graecia (“Great Greece” in Latin) for the Greek settlements on these shores thousands of years ago, Calabria has a fascinating history! Read a little about it here.
Celebrate The Holidays In Calabria
Ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting culture of Calabria over the holiday season? We have a wonderful Southern Italy Special Value Holiday from December 18 to January 4 in Calabria. You will stay at a seaside hotel in Siderno owned by a local family and celebrate the holidays with lights, cheer, and good company. We would love to show you the wonders of this beautiful region, so hope you may join!
Proud Sponsor of 55+ BC Senior Games
There was a time when getting older meant an end to athletic competition. No longer – with the advent of the BC Senior Games showcasing the sports skills and competitive spirit of adults 55+. The BC Senior Games brings together participants from across the province to celebrate healthy living, camaraderie, and friendly competition.
This year, Senior Discovery Tours is delighted to be the sponsor of the 55+ BC Senior Games. As a proud supporter of active and engaged senior communities, we are thrilled to be part of this exciting event. The games take place in Abbotsford, BC from Tuesday, August 22 to Saturday, August 26, 2023. During the festivities, we invite you to visit us at our booth, where we will be sharing information about our specially curated travel experiences. Learn more about the BC Senior Games here.
Our New Winter Tours & Cruises 2024 Brochure has Arrived!
Welcome to our beautiful, newly released brochure “Volume 1 2024 Winter Tours and Cruises” in which we unveil a cornucopia of exciting winter tours and cruises with something to please everyone’s travel palette! The brochure should arrive on your doorstep soon but in the meantime, you may view/download the digital version here. Brace yourself for an extraordinary journey through captivating destinations and travel experiences, all carefully curated for you. So… get ready to embark on a winter journey that will ignite your spirit in 2024. Please read on, find your next exciting trip in the pages to come, and start booking!
As we continue to embrace the joys of July, we extend our warmest wishes for a delightful summer filled with wanderlust and the anticipation of early winter-late fall escapes. Whether you’re embarking on an unforgettable Eastern Caribbean cruise, immersing yourself in the natural wonders of Costa Rica, or discovering the festive traditions of Calabria, may your adventures be a tapestry of enchantment, discovery, and cherished memories.
I hope our discussion of these remarkable destinations has captivated your sense of adventure. As we revel in the delights of July, let us also dream of those travel journeys we will take tomorrow. We sincerely hope your upcoming escapes are nothing short of spectacular – and that we can perhaps share them with you. Happy July to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Danny Shay
President, Senior Discovery Tours
Ready to travel? Let us save your seat!
Call to book 1.800.268.3492 or visit SeniorDiscoveryTours.ca
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.
