Autumn’s Beauty, Winter’s Warmth: Your Sunny Escape Awaits

Dear Traveller,

Welcome to the golden month of October! Isn’t it wonderful to watch nature transform itself from summer into autumn? That glorious burst of colour in the foliage. The sweet anticipation of Thanksgiving, Halloween, and so many warm family gatherings! Interestingly, the name ‘October’ stems from the Latin octo, “eight,” because this was the eighth month of the early Roman calendar. When the Romans changed the start of the New Year from March to January, the name October stuck despite the fact that it became the 10th month.

In this issue, we have some wonderful winter tours to warm places: Florida, Mexico, and the country of Panama. Whether you’re drawn to the sun-kissed shores of Gulf Coast Florida, the vibrant culture of Mexico, or the beautiful and diverse country of Panama, we have some specially curated winter adventures to whet your wanderlust. These enticing destinations promise more than an escape from the cold and snow: hop aboard to enjoy a tapestry of cultural experiences and natural delights to warm your heart.

Join us now as we take you there… through the words and images below!

Florida’s Gulf Coast: A Winter Escape Beloved by Snowbirds

Embrace the allure of Florida’s Gulf Coast this winter where the laid-back pace and seaside delights of Indian Rocks, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg await. Do you love birds? The Gulf Coast is a haven for birdwatchers who flock here to watch brown pelicans, herons, and piping plovers dive for fish along the sunny shores. It’s also a culinary paradise. You’ll want to try some local favourites like stone crabs, rock shrimp, and the world-famous Florida key lime pie. Or dare your tastebuds and try some deep-fried “gator” if you’re game!

Florida’s Gulf Coast is renowned worldwide as a region of beautiful parks, nature reserves, and miles upon miles of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. With its beautiful shorelines and charming coastal towns, Florida promises a perfect balance of serenity and adventure – an ideal retreat for those seeking warmth, nature, and a relaxed pace.

Travel To Florida In Good Company

Escape winter with us on a sun-filled journey to Indian Rocks Beach, Florida’s Gulf Coast bliss. This leisurely, 15-day Gulf Coast of Florida adventure will place you in the heart of the Gulf, with captivating excursions to the best the Coast has to offer. Soak up the warm Florida sun as you enjoy custom tours to the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, and to Tampa, with its Latin Quarter, Ybor City, and the Florida Aquarium. We also take you to picturesque Tarpon Springs, the famous Sunken Gardens, and charming Sarasota to visit the Ringling Circus Museum. With great camaraderie and so many adventures in store, it’s the perfect winter escape. Choose from two departure dates – January 30 and February 14, 2024. Learn more here.

Mexico’s Yucatan: From Powdery Beaches to Mayan Marvels

Envision wild, windswept beaches, pristine turquoise waters, salsa-drenched tacos, and dense tropical jungles hiding centuries-old ruins. Yes, this is the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico. It’s not only stunningly beautiful and tropical, but it also ranks as one of the safest destinations to explore in the country.

Everyone knows the popular resort town of Cancun, with its sun-bleached sands and azure waters. Its intoxicating blend of gorgeous beaches and lively nightlife draws revelers of all ages from around the globe. But, for those who want more, venture farther south and inland, and explore the many awe-inspiring archaeological sites—those fascinating vestiges of Mayan civilization—such as Chichen Itza, Ek Balam and Tulum, to name a few.

The “White City of Mérida”

Mérida is the cultural heart of Yucatan. This picturesque colonial city, steeped in centuries of history, served as an important stronghold for both the Mayan people and the Spanish who built atop many ancient Mayan sites. Today, Mérida hums with lively cantinas, upscale cafes, Mariachi bands, and the rhythmic beats of Jarana music. It’s no wonder this has become one of the most desirable cities in Mexico not just to visit, but to buy property and set down roots.

A Fascinating Immersion Into Mayan Culture

The famous sites of Chichen Itza and Tulum attract millions of tourists each year, and with good reason – they are stunning. But for curious-minded travellers, exploring further afield and visiting some of the smaller, less touristed Mayan sites like Ek Balam, Dzibilchaltun, and Uxmal can be exciting and rewarding. Uxmal, an ancient Mayan city dating from the classical period of this civilization (5th century CE), showcases the distinctive Puuc architectural style, characterized by beautifully carved facades unique to the region. Its famous “Pyramid of the Magician” is a wonder not to be missed. Read more about Uxmal here.

Come Explore Yucatan With Us This Winter!

From February 19 to March 4, 2024, we’re offering an enriching journey through Mexico’s Yucatan. Book your seat on this unique tour that combines serene beach relaxation with captivating adventures into archaeology and history. Bask in the sun, surf, and sandy beaches before venturing inland to explore the awe-inspiring Mayan site of Chichen Itza, one of the new “Seven Wonders of the World”. From there, we’ll continue on to Mérida, to explore its cultural treasures, and go in-depth into Mayan history with fascinating excursions to off-the-beaten track archaeological sites and museums. It’s a one-of-a-kind journey for beach and history-culture lovers alike. Learn more here.

Panama: The Canal, Coastline, and a Truly Cosmopolitan City

Idyllic islands, rolling surf, untamed nature, and thriving wildlife all help to make Panama an irresistible destination. It’s an especially great place to winter, boasting a lovely temperate climate all year round.

Panama lies at the crossroads of the Americas, connecting two oceans. Although known for its legendary canal and its vibrant capital city, Panama is also a biodiversity hotspot with one of the most pristine and well-protected ecosystems on the planet. Dense tropical rainforests are home to a bounty of amazing species such as the iconic Harpy Eagle and the Scarlet Macaw, along with sloths, jaguars, and tapirs. On top of that, there are a wide range of amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates — not to mention more bird species than can be found anywhere else in Central America! Abundant nature awaits you in Panama.

The Panama Canal: A Man-made Wonder of the World

The Panama Canal, an awe-inspiring engineering triumph, has ignited the imagination of travellers for more than a century. This marvel of human ingenuity, unveiled in 1914, seamlessly links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, transforming global trade. This intricate passageway spans more than 50 miles and is graced with colossal locks and a string of artificial lakes. Each passage through this iconic waterway brims with history, cutting travel time and distance for ships while providing a thrilling voyage through the heart of Central America. A cruise along the canal is a breathtaking experience. You’ll witness mammoth ships navigating intricate locks, journey through lush rainforests, and traverse from one vast ocean to another in an unforgettable journey of discovery and wonder.

Panama’s capital: three cosmopolitan cities in one!

The capital of Panama is one of the most dynamic and attractive cities in Central America. It is actually three cities in one: the old, the reconstructed, and the strikingly modern.

In La Vieja (the old town) also known as ‘Casco Antiguo’ you’ll find picturesque ruins and a fascinating museum chock full of archaeological treasures. Here, you’ll encounter a delightful blend of architectural styles from Art Deco and Colonial to Caribbean, juxtaposed with remnants of the original Spanish colony. On the flip side, towering skyscrapers dominate the modern cityscape, stretching towards the heavens, while miles of pristine shoreline hug its boundaries.

Panama has a vibrant and diverse food scene and has been recognized as an UNESCO creative city for gastronomy led by world-class chefs. When there, be sure to try the local ceviche (a dish of marinated raw fish), arroz con mariscos (a rice dish made with fresh seafood), and sancocho, (a hearty soup made with chicken or beef and vegetables).

Is Panama calling?

Next February, we are offering a 16-day tour: Panama: the Canal, the Culture and the Coast that will captivate your soul. You will spend a glorious 10 days exploring the rich sights and sounds of the gorgeous capital city and then six days luxuriating on the Pacific coast at a beautiful seaside resort. Yes, we also include a partial transit of the famous canal itself so you can witness its wonder. Learn more here.

Plan Your Future Journeys with Our New Brochure!

As autumn paints the world with its warm hues, may we all be dreaming of a winter escape to a warm destination. Whether you’re drawn to Florida’s sunny beaches, the cultural tapestry of the Yucatan, or the wonders of Panama, we hope you may join one of our exciting tours next year.

Also, a friendly reminder that we take pride in our partnership with CARP (the Canadian Association of Retired Persons). Are you a CARP member? If so, you can enjoy an exclusive $100 discount per person on any new tours booked in 2023! Just use the promo code: CARP at the time of booking and provide your membership number and you’re set! Learn more here.

Peruse our 2024 Volume 2 Spring and Summer Tours Brochure

Our newly released 2024 Volume 2 Spring and Summer Tours brochure is now available online and will soon arrive on your doorstep. Inside, you’ll find thrilling new adventures, from cruising the St. Lawrence to exploring the waterways of Holland and Belgium. If you’re a fan of walking adventures, don’t miss our new destinations, including the Isle of Wight and Sardinia!

We wish you a cozy and joyful autumn, and we look forward to welcoming you on your next unforgettable journey.

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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