Tributes to the Past, Journeys of the Future

Dear Traveller,

The frenzy of fall has subsided. You’ve carved pumpkins, handed out treats, and pulled out your cozy sweaters. Now you get to take a deep breath of crisp air and settle into November — the very best month of autumn — especially for avid travellers. Are you trekking in far-flung lands… or anticipating wonderful expeditions ahead?

As November arrives, we also become reflective. This is the month we mark Remembrance Day, a time for honouring those who’ve served Canada and countries around the world. Perhaps, you have a father or grandfather who served? Maybe you were a child during the war years?

In this issue, we’re excited to present some enticing spring tours to Europe, including the sunny Canary Islands and a wonderful coach tour through Croatia and Slovenia to Venice. We’re also thrilled to feature our Poppy Trail Historic Battlefields Tour to England, France, and Belgium, scheduled for May 2024.

Whether you’re in search of sun-drenched shores, cultural exploration, or a reflective, historic journey, now is the time to consider tours for next year. Join us as we roll out some enticing travel opportunities for early 2024.

Croatia, Slovenia, and Venice: Adriatic Gems and Alpine Awe

They are two of the most scenic and rewarding tour destinations in Europe today: Croatia and Slovenia on the Adriatic coast. These neighbouring countries have long been the unsung heroes of European travel, and with Croatia’s new border status, it’s easier than ever to explore their natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Have you been yet? If not, it should be towards the top of your bucket list.

From crystal blue waters and lush forests to cliffside castles and charming villages, a tour through this region is an enchanting adventure. Both countries offer easy access to the Adriatic Sea and the Alps, boasting a treasure trove of natural wonders, delectable cuisine, and deep-rooted traditions.

Here are three things you must experience in Croatia:

1. Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic
This jewel in Croatia’s crown, Dubrovnik, juts dramatically into the sea ringed with its medieval walls. Take your time strolling the polished limestone streets of the Old Town as it is lined with ornate palaces, churches, and bustling squares, all worthy of exploration. Don’t miss the Renaissance-Gothic style Rector’s Palace, home to the Museum of Dubrovnik, and the Sponza Palace, an architectural gem. For panoramic vistas, take a cable car ride to Mount Srđ, which offers sweeping views of the city and sea.  If you are fit and adventurous, be sure to climb up and walk Dubrovnik’s 14th-century city walls. A two-hour meander will reward you with breathtaking views of the sparkling Adriatic and extensive panoramas of the rooftops and the beautiful city below, rolled out beneath you like a colourful Turkish carpet.

2. Diocletian’s Palace in Split
Located in the heart of Split, you can’t miss the sprawling 4th-century palace, an architectural marvel that was built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. It’s more than a Roman ruin — it’s a thriving city within palace walls. Be sure to explore its labyrinthine streets where you’ll encounter charming squares, busy markets, and historical sites that showcase the city’s evolution from Roman times to the present. It’s a living testament to Split’s rich heritage and an essential stop for history enthusiasts and curious travellers.

3. Zagreb: Croatia’s Colourful Capital
From friendly coffee culture and rich history to surprising outdoor art, a visit to Zagreb is a thrilling experience. The whole city is a gallery with its modern art and time-worn architectural treasures. Croatia’s vibrant capital has something for every visitor. The Upper Town, known for its medieval architecture, is home to historic sites, including St. Mark’s Church and Lotrščak Tower, as well as cobblestone streets that evoke a sense of a bygone era. In contrast, the Lower Town is a hub of contemporary culture, with world-class museums, galleries, and vivid streets lined with trendy cafes and restaurants.

Journey with us from Dubrovnik to Venice!

Join us for an Adriatic experience by coach that begins in Dubrovnik and ends in breathtaking Venice. Hop aboard our 15-day coach adventure: Croatia and Slovenia from Dubrovnik to Venice, with two departures: April 23 and May 7 in 2024.

We begin with three days in the stunning city of Dubrovnik. From there we’ll venture into the region of Konavle to tour the quaint mountain village of Gruda. Then, we’ll whisk you away to historic Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina, where you’ll absorb the Turkish atmosphere and see the famous old bridge. Next, seaside charm awaits us in Split where we explore Diocletian’s sprawling palace and then visit Trogir, the best-preserved medieval town in central Europe. In Slovenia, we’ll experience the beauties of Ljubljana, take a peaceful boat ride on Lake Bled, and see the 1000-year-old castle. We’ll wrap up our journey in the enchanting city of Venice. Won’t you join us? Learn more.

Poppy Fields & Battle Sites: England, Belgium & Normandy

The two great wars are arguably the most defining events of the 20th century. You may not have been born by the end of World War II. If you were, you were very young indeed. No doubt you grew up with moving stories from your parents and grandparents. Perhaps they served? Maybe you have relatives, close or distant, who lost their lives in one of the great battles?

One of the most meaningful journeys that we travellers of “a certain age” can make is a pilgrimage to the great World War battlefield sites of England, France, and Belgium. Have you done this yet? 2024 may be the year for you.

To cross the English Channel from Portsmouth Harbour to Caen, Normandy, where the Canadian and British regiments landed in 1944 is a profound and transformative affair. Imagine visiting Flanders Fields, where, as Canadian soldier and poet John McCrae once wrote, “the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row.”

Picture yourself touring the famous D-Day landing beaches with their white pebbles like the bones of fallen soldiers. Think of experiencing the famous Vimy Ridge and seeing the Somme, with its vestiges of trenches and mine holes, now over a century old.

Spring 2024 will mark 80 years since the famous D-Day landings in Normandy, and early May is a superb time to visit England, France, and Belgium. The air is crisp, but it is warm enough to tour with a light sweater and take in all the wonderful sites.

Normandy’s Timeless Charm: Battlefields, Chateaux, and Culinary Delights

When you visit Normandy, of course, there is a great deal more than war cemeteries, and cenotaphs. This is a land of historic chateaux, crumbling medieval cathedrals, and delicious Norman cuisine. A true gourmet treasure trove, Normandy is famous for its fresh dairy and apple dishes: emblematic cheeses like Camembert, Livarot, Neufchâtel, Pont-l’Évêque along with apple-based drinks such as calvados, cider, and Pommeau must be tasted while there. Seafood is also delicious (like the fish stew “Marmite Dieppoise” with scallops, prawns, and mussels) as are meat dishes like roasted lamb from the salt meadows around Mont-Saint-Michel. Are you salivating yet?

The Story Behind the Remembrance Day Poppy

The red poppy, a native plant along much of the Western Front during the First World War, has become a powerful symbol of remembrance. It is the principal emblem of the Royal Canadian Legion, which distributes several million each year to be worn by Canadians on Remembrance Day. Curious about the full story of the Remembrance Day poppy? You can learn it and see an informative video by clicking here.

Come with Us to Tour the Great Battlefields of England, France, and Belgium

Join us next Spring for The Poppy Trail Historic Battlefield Tour from May 5 to 20, 2024, a journey through England, France, and Belgium, tracing the poignant sites of WWI and WWII. This very special and in-depth escorted tour begins in London, where we will ride in a vintage double-decker bus, visit Windsor, and then Portsmouth Harbour where we will cross the English Channel to Normandy. There, we will explore D-Day Landing beaches, Arras, and Ypres — along with the Somme and Vimy Ridge. We conclude the tour in Paris, the city of lights, experiencing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and a bateau-mouche ride on the Seine. Don’t miss this immersive and evocative historical adventure. Learn more here.

Canary Islands: Spain’s Enchanted Archipelago

Flung 100 kilometres off the Northwest African coast is a necklace of eight beautiful isles that make up the Canary Islands archipelago. Legend has it that a monk named Saint Brendan, journeying across the Atlantic, encountered a giant fish who carried him to a ninth island, but it has long since disappeared.

If you are in search of scented pine forests, haunting volcanoes, lunar-like landscapes, Sahara-style dunes and idyllic beach resorts, this is the place for you. There is so much beauty to discover in the diverse and alluring Canary Islands, it’s hard to know where to start.

The Canary Islands are rugged and volcanic, known for their black-and-white sand beaches. They are owned by Spain, but sit far out in the Atlantic Ocean, Tenerife, the largest island, is dominated by the sometimes-snowy active volcano Mt. Teide, which has its own astronomical observatory and is part of Teide National Park. Tenerife hosts a huge pre-Lent Carnival in the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The islands were created by a series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. As each island originated from separate volcanoes on the ocean floor, their landscapes are very unique — all worth experiencing to see which one you love most.

Beautiful temperature year-round

The climate of the Canaries is a tough act to follow, boasting 365 days of sunshine annually. Tenerife is nicknamed the “Island of Eternal Spring”. In fact, all the Canary Islands enjoy a temperate climate, with average temperatures in the delightful 70s °F year-round. Refreshing trade winds consistently sweep in from the northeast ensuring this pleasant and never-too-hot climate.

Are the Canary Islands singing to you?

Escape the winter chill and experience the wonders of the Canary Islands on our 20-day Winter Holiday in 2024. This unique journey explores the diverse landscapes of Tenerife, where you’ll encounter dramatic volcanoes, sandy beaches, and lush pine forests. Our base will be the lovely Hotel Best Semiramis on the north coast of Tenerife, and from there we will explore the island and soak in the sunshine and exotic Spanish-African culture. Learn more here.

Wishing You A Happy & Reflective November!

As November settles in, we wish you a pleasant month of remembrance and reflection but also joy with warm harvest feasts and hayrides with grandchildren. May we all pay tribute to the sacrifices of the past while enjoying life and looking forward to new adventures.

If our featured destinations have ignited your wanderlust, consider hopping aboard one of our upcoming tours to discover the wonders of Europe next year.

At Senior Discovery Tours, our mission is to make it easy and exhilarating to travel the world. Come with us to discover exotic cultures, delicious cuisine, and striking landscapes — all in good company. Whether it’s the dramatic coastlines and historic towns of Croatia and Slovenia, the beaches and battle sites of Normandy, or the diverse natural beauty of the Canary Islands, we hope you will join us on a life-changing adventure soon.

Until then, happy November and hope to see you on a future 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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