Dear Travellers,
It may only be November, but here at Senior Discovery Tours, we’re already thinking about spring! While we love a trip any time of year, springtime has an extra-special place in our travel-loving hearts, with the days fresh and warm, the landscapes green, the towns and villages uncrowded.
Right now, as the days get shorter and the temperatures colder, there’s no better time to dream of sunshine and spring blossoms – and make your travel plans for April and May.
We’re offering a number of wonderful tours in early 2025, including incredible experiences in three of Europe’s most beautiful springtime destinations: Provence, Tuscany and Southern England.
Whatever your destination this spring, Senior Discovery Tours has the perfect itinerary for every travel style. Check out our brochure for all the details.
Happy travels!
Danny Shay, President
Senior Discovery Tours
The 5 Towns of Cinque Terre
Literally translated, Cinque Terre means, "five lands but we think a much better description is “five stunning medieval villages nestled into the rugged shores of the Ligurian Sea.” Unique, charming and ridiculously picturesque, each one is a little different – and definitely worth exploring.
Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso has beautiful sandy beaches and tiny, charming streets begging to be explored.
MUST DO: Take some time to wander the town’s lovely back streets: Via Zuecca, Via Gioberti, Via Milite Ignoto and Via Buranco are the perfect routes for a quieter stroll.
Vernazza
Often considered the most picturesque of the five towns, Vernazza has a small, pretty harbour, historic towers, and pastel houses cascading down the cliffs.
MUST DO: Climb up to the top of Doria Castle for breathtaking views of the coast.
Corniglia
This peaceful spot is perched high up on a cliff, unlike the other four towns which are all right on sea. The remote location gives Corniglia a quiet, secluded vibe – and incomparable views!
MUST DO: Climb up Scalinata Lardarina (Corniglia’s steps). If you don’t find the idea of climbing 400 steps too daunting, your reward will be an unforgettable vista.
Manarola
One of the oldest villages in Cinque Terre, Manarola’s colourful houses are perched on a dramatic cliff, looking like they're about to tumble into the sea. The town is famous for its charming streets and the local vineyards that produce the region’s wines.
MUST DO: Choose a cute cafe and order a glass of delicious Sciachetrà wine, grown in nearby vineyards.
Riomaggiore
This southernmost village boasts steep, narrow alleys, vibrant facades, and breathtaking sunsets. Wander the labyrinth of streets, see the sunset from the picturesque port, visit a 13th-century church – or get a table at the Old School cafe with a spritz and the best focaccia you’ve ever tasted.
MUST DO: Hike the 1.4 km Via dell’Amore, a famous lovers' path that connects Riomaggiore to nearby Manarola.
Explore these postcard-perfect towns on our Springtime in Tuscany Stay-Put tour with four departures in April and May – the very best time to see these popular destinations!
Tastes of Provence
In France, food is life, and the southern region of Provence is no exception. With fresh seafood and plenty of locally grown produce, the regional cuisine is as healthy as it is delicious. Here are some dishes to try on our upcoming Springtime in Provence tour!
Salade Niçoise Invented in Nice, this famous salad is topped with tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, potatoes, tuna, olives and anchovies, then dressed with a classic vinaigrette.
Pan Bagnat The delicious sandwich (the name means “bathed bread”) is basically a Salade Niçoise on a bun. Originally a peasant dish which took stale bread and softened it in the oily, juicy sandwich filling, it’s a satisfying, flavourful meal.
Ratatouille This fragrant vegetable casserole has tomatoes, onions, courgettes (zucchini) , aubergines (eggplant), and peppers, seasoned with garlic and herbes de Provence. It can be served on its own with a chunk of bread or as a side dish.
Pissaladiere This caramelized onion and anchovy flatbread is popular across Provence – it’s sweet, salty, doughy, and delicious, and perfect with an aperitif.
Socca A tasty pancake that’s made with chickpea flour and olive oil. It’s baked in a cast iron pan and eaten fresh and hot with lots of seasoning. You can buy socca from street vendors, who cook it in front of you and serve it in traditional paper cones.
Rosé There is no more quintessential Provençal experience than sipping a chilled glass of pale pink rosé on a warm, sunny day. This region’s rosé tends to be dry, crisp, and fruit-forward. It’s lovely on its own, or the perfect pairing for a Salade Niçoise.
Sample these delicious Provençal dishes and more on our Springtime in Provence tour from April 16-29, 2025.
England’s Hever Castle & Gardens:
A Step Back In Time
Fancy a visit to a castle? Our Homes and Gardens of England tour is an opportunity to visit several – including the beautiful Hever Castle, a beautiful place with incredible gardens and a storied history.
Built in the 14th century, Hever was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. It’s a blend of medieval and Tudor styles, with timber-framed buildings, crenelated towers and a picturesque double moat. Inside, you’ll find incredible tapestries and antiques, Tudor portraits, and memorabilia and stories from over 600 turbulent years.
The castle was restored in the early 20th century by American industrialist William Astor. He also redesigned the grounds to what they are today: 125 acres of marshland were transformed into award-winning landscapes.
It took over 1,000 workers four years to complete the grand landscape design, which included digging out a 38-acre lake. And while it was built over a century ago, 2025 is the perfect time to enjoy it: after a hundred years, this ambitious garden is only now reaching its full maturity
Wander through the fragrant (and highly romantic) Rose Garden, which has over 5,000 colourful rose bushes. Don’t miss the Italian Garden, designed to display Astor’s Italian sculptures and a wall from ancient Pompeii. Admire the Loggia fountain, inspired by the Trevi fountain in Rome. See the traditional plants and herbs in the Tudor Garden, check out a giant topiary chess set, explore the water maze, or simply stroll along one of the many picturesque paths.
Join us May 4-18 to explore historic castles and stunning gardens on our Homes and Gardens of Southern England tour. Beauty, history and culture await!
Why travel with us? Reason #6:
100+ destinations worldwide
The choices for your next journey are almost endless! Our carefully crafted itineraries take you to the most beautiful, exciting countries in the world. You can explore Europe’s charming cities and quaint villages, immerse yourself in the many rich cultures of Asia, soak up some sun in the Caribbean…and more. 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 out the first few pages of one of our brochures!
3 Books To Read Before Your
Next Adventure
1) Tuscany: Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
After buying an abandoned villa in Tuscany, Mayes navigates a complicated renovation and gets to know the local community. The book is full of wonderful descriptions of life in Italy – and the transformative power of living a beautiful life. (Bonus: the movie version of this book, starring Diane Lane is wonderful, but be warned: it will leave you wanting a Tuscan villa of your own!)
2) Provence: A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
This witty book chronicles the author’s first year in a small Provençal village. Mayle describes the charming (and sometimes frustrating) experience of adjusting to local customs, food, and the slower pace of life.
3) England: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
Harold, a recently retired man, embarks on an impromptu walk across England to visit a terminally ill friend. Along the way, he reflects on his past, and ultimately gains new insights about life and connection.
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