Spring Into Fall Travel Planning!

Dear Travellers,

Ah, spring. The crocuses are popping up, the days are getting longer, the temperatures warmer…and there’s no better time to plan the perfect fall trip!

We’ve got some spectacular new itineraries coming up in September, October and November. Channel your inner Maria Von Trapp on a walking tour in the Alps. Or stay in two lovely Austrian towns, with excursions into neighbouring Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Slovenia.

Looking to go a little farther afield? Take a trip to Asia! Book our unforgettable Bali, Java and Singapore – Pearl of the Orient Tour for incredible temples, remarkable traditions and paradise-worthy beaches.

Or try our amazing itinerary through Japan and South Korea, taking in the beauty and rich culture of both countries. Travel on the bullet train from bustling Tokyo to Kyoto, to explore ancient temples, shrines and be immersed in Japanese history and tradition. Then it’s off to South Korea by jet ferry to see Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju, one of the world’s most historic cities and a treasure trove of ancient sites and priceless artifacts.

I hope you enjoy the warm spring days ahead – along with some fun fall travel planning. Our new 2024 Fall & Holiday Season brochure is on its way, with some amazing Stay-Put and 2-Centre tours to choose from. Watch your mailbox for some great fall travel inspiration!

Happy travels!

Danny Shay, President
Senior Discovery Tours

Wildlife Spotting In The Alps

Bask in nature as you wander along incredible mountain paths.  Gorgeous mountain vistas and serene lakes. The freshest air you’ve ever breathed into your lungs – and, wait, is that a lynx?

The Alps are some of the wildest, most undeveloped areas in France and Italy – our exhilarating 12-day walking tour in the Alps is the perfect opportunity to explore, take in the scenery, and spot some magnificent local wildlife.

Here are a few of the animals you might spot on the tour:

Chamois: These goat-like creatures are mountain climbers of the highest order – they’re used to living in rugged, rocky terrain, and can be found at high elevations of at least 3,600 m. And they’re fast and nimble, too: they can reach speeds up to 50 km an hour and jump 2 m into the air!

Ibex: You’ll recognize these large mountain goats by their ridged, backwards-curving horns. Like the chamois, they’re excellent climbers, at home along the snow line above alpine forests, in steep, rough terrain.

Roe deer: Well-adapted to cold environments, these small deer are agile and graceful. They live in woodland areas, eating mostly grass, leaves and berries. When they are frightened, they bark like dogs and flash their white rump patches.

Eurasian lynx: This wildcat was sadly hunted out of the area in the 1930s, and while they have been spotted in the recent past, they are very solitary animals, so sightings remain rare. If you do have the good fortune to see one, they are beautiful, with massive, padded paws for walking in snow and distinctive black tufting on their ears.

Golden eagles: These beautiful raptors are among the fastest-moving animals on earth, and can reach incredible speeds of up to 300 km per hour when diving after prey. To identify them, look for dark brown colouring, with lighter golden-brown plumage on the nape. Younger Golden eagles typically have white on their tail and wings.

Got your walking shoes and binoculars ready? Join us for the amazing 12-day Walking in the Italian & French Alps Tour, departing September 18, 2024.

Small Country, Big Experience

Our upcoming Fall in Austria 2-Centre Tour offers all kinds of great experiences, including an excursion that takes us to three countries in a single day: Austria, Switzerland and the tiny principality of Liechtenstein.

You’ve probably heard of Liechtenstein, located in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland. But how much do you know about the sixth-smallest country in the world? Here’s why these 160 square kilometres are fascinating – and totally worth a visit.

There’s A LOT of wealth there. Liechtenstein is one of the world’s richest countries per capita and is a global financial centre. Thanks to low corporate taxes and laws favourable to businesses, it’s home to a large number of financial holding companies. In fact, Liechtenstein has more registered companies than citizens! The small Alpine nation of 39,000 makes much of its money managing the wealth of some of the world’s richest people.

It’s one of the few remaining hereditary monarchies. Unlike other monarchs, however, the Prince of Liechtenstein doesn’t just hold a ceremonial role. He runs the country in partnership with parliament: power is balanced between the people and the Prince.

It’s home to Europe’s richest royal family. Prince Hans-Adam II is the wealthiest monarch in Europe – even richer than King Charles! The centuries-old Schloss Vaduz Castle, strategically (and stunningly) located on a hilltop overlooking the capital city of Vaduz, is his official residence.

There’s no airport. Due to space limitations and the mountainous setting, you can’t actually fly into Liechtenstein. The closest airport is in Zürich, about 120 km away.

Looking for a chance to explore Liechtenstein, with plenty of time in Austria and Switzerland? Join us on the Fall in Austria 2-Centre Tour, October 1-16, 2024.

A Taste of Indonesia

Whether it’s a roadside stand serving simple fare or a Michelin-starred hotspot, sampling local foods is an essential (and wonderful) part of experiencing a culture. Our tour to Bali, Java and Singapore this October is the perfect opportunity to try delicious Indonesian cuisine.

Here’s a sampling of some typical Balinese and Javanese dishes:

Nasi Goreng: Bali has its own take on this typical Indonesian fried rice, often including shrimp paste, shallots, and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) for a distinct flavour.  It’s typically served with a fried egg on top and accompanied by prawn crackers.

Sate Lilit: Juicy, flavourful and very tasty right off the grill, Balinese fish satay is made of minced fish mixed with coconut, lime leaves, shallots, garlic, and chili. The mixture is wrapped around bamboo skewers and grilled over charcoal, then served with rice and tasty dipping sauces.

Pisang Goreng: This fried banana dish is a popular snack in Bali. Ripe bananas are coated in a batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Delicious on its own or with a drizzle of palm sugar syrup.

Gudeg: Sweet and savoury, Gudeng is a Javanese comfort food made with unripened jackfruit cooked with palm sugar, coconut milk, and spices. It’s served with rice, chicken, hard-boiled egg, and krecek (spicy cow skin).

Soto Ayam: A clear chicken soup with turmeric, lemongrass, and lime leaves, shredded chicken, vermicelli noodles, hard-boiled egg, and toppings including fried shallots, celery, and lime wedges. It’s typically eaten for breakfast or lunch and is served with steamed rice or lontong (compressed rice cake).

Enjoy these flavours and more on our Bali, Java and Singapore – Pearl of the Orient Tour. Spend an wonderful 20 days visiting temples and fascinating historic sites, swimming in crystal seas – and sampling plenty of mouthwatering local fare. Departs October 3, 2024.

Why travel with Senior Discovery Tours?

Reason #1: We’ve got HUNDREDS of amazing tours to choose from!

Whether it’s a European adventure, a chance to explore Asia, or some sun and sand in the Caribbean, we’ve got a carefully curated itinerary you’ll love. There’s a huge selection, with tours and cruises to 100+ destinations worldwide and new additions every year.

Need a great reason to book your next SDT tour? How about 10? Every month, we’ll highlight one of the many benefits of travelling with us. If you want to see the whole list, you’ll find it in the first few pages of every brochure we send you!

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Call to book 1.800.268.3492 or visit SeniorDiscoveryTours.ca

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