Dear Travellers,
Welcome in the many signs of spring, and Mother's Day, of course. Perhaps, you will be spoiled – or celebrate with some other special mothers in your life?
May is the perfect time to start planting the seeds for your next adventure. Sun and sand in Spain? The Azores’ amazing natural wonders? Captivating Croatia? So many options! Remember those “Choose your own adventure” books? I loved the freedom of picking the path the characters took, flipping to page 32, 47, or 114, and following the story depending on which choice they made.
For me, travel is a real-life version of those books. Explore culture-rich Dubrovnik or relax on a beach in Spain’s Costa del Sol? Wander the lush landscapes of São Miguel Island or stroll Barcelona’s bustling La Rambla? With 100+ destinations and 8 tour styles, Senior Discovery Tours has way more choices than those kids’ books ever had!
What’s your next adventure? Download our 2024 brochures to get inspired!
Happy choosing – and happy travels!
Danny Shay, President
Senior Discovery Tours
The Azores: exploring the natural wonders of São Miguel
As soon as you land on this island in the middle of the Atlantic, you’ll know why it’s called “The Green Island of the Azores.” With its dramatic cliffs and rolling green hills, breathtaking crater lakes and picturesque waterfalls, São Miguel is nothing short of paradise. Here are a few of our favourite spots to take in its natural wonders:
Sete Cidades
This volcanic crater is home to breathtaking twin lakes: Lagoa Azul is blue, Lagoa Verde an otherworldly green. Connected but ecologically different, they reflect different colours in the sunlight. According to legend, a green-eyed princess and a blue-eyed shepherd fell in love, but when her father ended their romance, they each cried a lake of tears: one green and one blue.
Don’t miss the King’s viewpoint where King Carlos and Queen Amelia stood in 1901 and declared this spot the most beautiful one in the Azores.
Mosteiros Beach
Azores sunsets are the stuff of legend, and the one you’ll see off the beach in this little fishing village is said to be the best one on the whole island. Sitting on the black sand beach and watching the sun gently set between the rock formations just offshore is truly magical.
Vila Franca do Campo Islet
This tiny, picturesque nature reserve, located a kilometre or so off the coast, is a unique Azores landmark. The crater of an ancient submerged volcano creates a perfectly circular saltwater inlet, with calm, crystal-clear waters rich in marine biodiversity (perfect for snorkelling).
Fun fact: the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Championship was held here in 2019.
Ready to immerse yourself in São Miguel’s natural wonders? Join us on our Azores 2-Island Stay, departing October 19.
Fascinating Facts:
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Gaudi’s iconic basilica may be one of Barcelona’s most famous sites, but how much do you know about this architectural marvel?
It has been under construction for over a century. Yep, they’ve been working on it since 1882, and it’s expected to be finished in 2026. When Gaudi was appointed the chief architect, he said “My client is not in a hurry.” (His client being God, of course.)
It’s one of the tallest religious buildings in Europe. The central tower will be 172.5 m (566 ft) high when completed. Gaudi felt that nothing made by humans should be taller than God’s creations, so the spire was deliberately built to be one metre shorter than nearby Montjuïc mountain.
It’s inspired by nature. Gaudi based his designs on forms abstracted from the natural world. Look up, and you’ll see a view reminiscent of a forest with sunlight shining through the trees.
Not everyone loves the over-the-top design. George Orwell famously called the Sagrada Familia “one of the most hideous buildings in the world.” You can see La Sagrada Familia on our Costa Daurada and Costa Azahar tour, departing September 24. We will spend a full day in Barcelona, exploring the basilica, strolling the city’s vibrant streets and visiting Barceloneta beach.
Croatian Keepsakes
If you’re like us, you like to pick up a little something to help you remember your travel adventures: every time you wear a piece of jewellery or sip a local liqueur, it takes you back. Here are a few of our Croatian favourites.
Konavle earrings. These hoop-style filigree earrings, available in gold or silver, are part of the traditional folk dress in the Konavle region of Croatia, and a popular proposal and wedding gift from grooms to brides. You can find them in jewellery shops in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Hand-embroidered linens. Also from the Konavle region, these napkins, tablecloths and table runners can be found in Dubrovnik’s open-air markets. They are typically embroidered with traditional red, green and black threads.
Coral. Croatians have been trading Adriatic coral for hundreds of years, and if you love the rich orange-red of this beautiful jewellery, this is a great place to find it.
Lace. Croatia has a long tradition of lace making: so much so that the craft has been designated by UNESCO as part of Europe’s cultural heritage. Shop local markets and shops for unique patterns and heirloom pieces you’ll treasure for life.
Lavender. Croatia’s climate is ideal for growing this fragrant plant, and you’ll find it in shops and markets throughout the country. Pick up dried lavender, lavender oil, soaps, lotions and more. Not only does it smell wonderful, it’s great for stress and sleep, too.
Franciscan face cream. The pharmacy of the Franciscan Monastery in Dubrovnik may feel like an unlikely place to buy beauty products, but it’s renowned for its quality home-made creams. Pick up a sample made with age-old (and carefully guarded) recipes using all-natural olive and almond oils, goat milk, lavender, rosemary, honey, lemon and almonds.
Rakija. This brandy-like spirit, unique to the Balkans, is usually made from grapes, but you can also find rakija made from cherries, oranges, plums, walnuts and honey. Start with a sample at a local restaurant, and if you love it, buy some to bring home!
Olive oil. In Croatia, olive oil is produced on family-run farms where the olives are hand-picked and pressed right away: the result is famously high-quality. Istria is particularly celebrated for its extra virgin olive oil: olives have been the region’s symbol for millennia. Stop by an oleoteca (olive oil shop) for a taste and a bottle of the liquid gold to enjoy at home.
You can shop for these items and more on our 2-Centre Holiday in Croatia, departing October 12, where we will immerse ourselves in two wonderful locations: historic Dubrovnik and sunny Split.
Why travel with us? Reason #2:No surprise costs. Ever.
When you travel with Senior Discovery Tours, everything is included: flights, hotels, most meals and excursions, taxes and tips. You get an expert Tour Manager travelling with you, and we’ll even pick you up and drop you off at home! Plus, all prices are guaranteed in Canadian dollars, so the price is the price, period.
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. To see the whole list, check the first few pages of one of our brochures!
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