Dear Travellers,
We’re offering a fantastic Canadian travel giveaway: you can Win a Trip for 2 to the Maritimes, Newfoundland & Labrador, or Canadian Rockies & Beautiful BC! Entering is easy – just scroll down for the details.
This month, we’re also featuring some great tours in Canada and around the world, all offered, of course, by a 100% Canadian company! What better way to celebrate Canada Day than by booking a tour with us?
Take in the majestic west coast on our Canada’s Rockies and Beautiful B.C. tour. From Vancouver’s bustling streets to Jasper’s peaceful vistas, snow-capped peaks to turquoise lakes, Western Canada is truly one of the most beautiful places on the planet – and it’s in our very own backyard.
Experience tulip season in Holland on our Tulip Time River Cruise. Glide along picturesque waterways on the luxurious AMADEUS Riva – there’s no better vantage point for experiencing the riot of colour gracing the landscape.
Relax Under the Spanish Sun on our Murcia Stay-Put holiday. Discover everything this under-the-radar region has to offer, from Baroque cathedrals to stunning beaches, sampling local tapas and immersing yourself in history.
Explore untouched Calabria on our Southern Italy tour – a region of remote hilltop villages and secluded valleys, Roman ruins and robust wines. Our home base will be in Siderno, in a lovely hotel overlooking the Ionian Sea.
Our latest brochure is on its way!
Watch your mailbox for the Volume 1, 2026 Winter Tours & Winter/Spring Cruises brochure. You’ll find dozens of additional “choose your own adventure” options ranging from sunny Caribbean holidays to amazing cruises to tours through Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Senior Discovery Tour is 100% Canadian owned and operated: we’ve been a proudly Canadian company since we opened our doors in 1975. When you travel with us, prices are guaranteed in Canadian dollars and you always know you’re supporting a homegrown business.
Are you ready to choose your adventure?
Happy travels!
Danny Shay, President
Senior Discovery Tours
Canada Day Giveaway!
Win a trip for two on your choice of 3 unforgettable Canadian adventures — The Maritimes, Canadian Rockies & Beautiful BC, or Newfoundland & Labrador!
✨📸 It’s easy to enter:
1️⃣ Post a picture of yourself in your favourite place in Canada on social media
2️⃣ Tag us @SeniorDiscoveryTours and use #SeniorDiscoveryTours50th
3️⃣ Enter your contact information here
Contest closes July 31, 2025 — winner announced early August!
*Terms & conditions apply
Lake Louise: The Jewel of the Canadian Rockies
Deep in the heart of Alberta’s beautiful Banff National Park is a lake that will take your breath away. With otherworldly emerald waters framed by towering peaks and ancient glaciers, Lake Louise is rugged and tranquil, wild and beautiful – it’s no surprise people from all over the world come to see this iconic Canadian destination.
Visiting Lake Louise in summer will have you seeing the lake at its most vivid, while a fall trip gives you the chance to witness the magic as autumn colours transform the landscape. From mid-September to early October, the alpine larch trees turn bright yellow, igniting the hillsides in fiery contrast to the lake’s turquoise waters.
For walkers and hikers, Lake Louise is a gateway to a variety of scenic trails. The hike to Lake Agnes Tea House is a popular choice in summer, winding through lush forests to a cozy, historic tea house overlooking a small mountain lake. Trails like Larch Valley and Saddleback Pass become vibrant corridors of colour in September and October, boasting some of the best autumn scenery in the Rockies.
Lake Louise is one of the most photographed spots in Canada all year round, but photographers are especially drawn there in the fall. The soft morning light, the reflective quality of the water, and the vivid colours create stunning compositions that capture the season’s fleeting beauty.
Whatever the time of year, it’s a remarkable place to connect with nature and its soul-stirring beauty. Lake Louise is a stop on our popular Canada’s Rockies and Beautiful BC tour, departing July 24 and September 18. Join us as we visit Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper National Parks, Vancouver, and Victoria.
Tulip Season in Holland: Blooming Beautiful
Every spring, the windmill-dotted landscapes of the Netherlands burst into colour. From mid-March to mid-May, they are home to dazzling flower displays that draw travellers, photographers, and nature lovers from around the globe to see a country in full bloom.
A little tulip history
When tulips were originally brought to Europe from Central Asia, they were a symbol of wealth and prestige. At the height of their popularity in the 17th century, a single bulb could sell for more than a house! Over time, these iconic flowers became deeply rooted in Dutch culture and the country’s economy.
Tulips, tulips, as far as the eye can see
The epicentre of tulip season is the Bollenstreek (bulb region), located between Amsterdam and The Hague. Vast fields of tulips stretch toward the horizon in stripes of red, yellow, pink, purple, and white. The most famous spot to see blooms is Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, one of the largest flower gardens in the world. They plant over seven million bulbs there each year, crafting stunning floral displays, art installations, and themed gardens. Many flower-lovers rent bikes to cycle the Bloemen Route, a 40 km stretch between Haarlem and Leiden that winds its way past flower farms and through quaint villages, offering amazing views and photo ops.
A season of celebration
The Bloemencorso (flower parade) is a highlight of tulip season: flower-covered floats travel from Noordwijk to Haarlem, and local markets, tulip festivals, and garden shows add to the festive atmosphere.
Tips for tulip travellers
- Timing is key: While the season runs from March to May, the best time to see tulips in full bloom is mid-April.
- Dress for the weather: Spring in the Netherlands can be unpredictable, so layers and a raincoat are a smart choice.
Grab your camera and join us on our Tulip Time River Cruise in April 2026. Our home for the week will be the AMADEUS Riva, a deluxe floating hotel – and the perfect vantage point for taking in the flowering countryside.
Under the Spanish Sun: Highlights of Murcia, Spain
Tucked away in Spain’s sunny southeast, the region of Murcia is one of the country's best-kept secrets. Often overshadowed by its flashier neighbours Andalusia and Valencia, Murcia is authentic Spain without the crowds, a place where the slow pace of Mediterranean life invites you to linger.
Murcia City is a lively university town with an old quarter full of narrow streets and bustling plazas, all centred around a majestic Baroque cathedral. Don’t miss the bustling Mercado de Verónicas or the Real Casino de Murcia, a 19th-century social club with lavish interiors.
Mar Menor is Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, with calm waters and five picturesque islands that have drawn visitors since Roman times. It’s a tranquil setting beloved by birdwatchers, photographers, and travellers looking for a quiet day in a beautiful natural setting.
On the western shore of Mar Menor, you’ll find Los Alcázares, which has a long history as a Roman and Moorish spa town. Today, it’s a hotspot for windsurfing and kayaking, with vibrant local markets and inviting beachside promenades.
At the northern edge of Mar Menor lies Salinas de San Pedro del Pinatar, a protected park with salt flats, dunes, wetlands, and a bird population that includes flamingos. Nearby, you’ll find the famous mud baths of Las Charcas de lo Pagán, where you can slather yourself in mineral-rich clay believed to benefit the skin and joints.
Caravaca de la Cruz is one of only five official holy cities in the Catholic world. It boasts well-preserved medieval architecture and the beautiful Sanctuary of Vera Cruz, which houses a relic believed to be a piece of the True Cross. Every seven years, thousands of pilgrims gather here for the Jubilee Year (the next one is in 2027).
Nearby Lorca is also worth exploring. Dotted with elegant baroque churches, stately palaces, and vibrant plazas, the city’s highlight is the impressive Lorca Castle, a sprawling medieval fortress with sweeping panoramic views.
Discover Murcia’s charms on our relaxed Under the Spanish Sun Murcia Stay-Put tour, which includes a 12-night stay in the coastal town of Los Alcázares. We will stay at the stylish 4-star Hotel Ibersol Atrio del Mar resort, located steps from the beach and the perfect base for exploring this under-the-radar region.
Liquid Gold: Tasting Olive Oil in Calabria
Located in the sun-drenched hills of southern Italy, Calabria is a region known for producing some of the finest extra virgin olive oils in the world. So when you find yourself in Calabria, you’re going to want to taste some oil. The best place to do that is at the source: a local farm.
From tree to table
Family-owned estates have been harvesting olives for generations, using time-honoured methods to produce oil with quality and character. Visiting a Calabrian olive farm is like stepping back in time: guests are greeted with sweeping views of silvery olive groves kissed by the warm Mediterranean sun.
The tasting begins with a guided tour of the groves, where farmers show you how they grow their crops. You’ll get a peek inside the mill, where olives are cold-pressed within hours of harvesting, and the aroma is a prelude to the sensory experience ahead.
In the tasting room
First, you’ll warm a small glass of olive oil in your hands to release the aroma, then taste it slowly. Start by inhaling its scent, then sip enough to coat the palate. A high-quality Calabrian oil might offer notes of artichoke, green almond, or freshly-cut grass, with a peppery finish that lingers in the throat – an indicator of its antioxidant-rich freshness.
The oils are paired with rustic Calabrian bread, local cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and cured meats for a tasty culinary snapshot of the region. You’ll probably want to bring a few bottles home as a reminder of the region’s warm hospitality and unparalleled flavours.
Our Southern Italy - Calabria tour includes a Calabrian farm visit where you’ll sample the region's best olive oils and wines – and experience their warm hospitality. Join us to taste amazing cuisines, shop vibrant markets, visit remote hilltop villages, explore Roman ruins, and more!
Why Travel With Us? Reason #5
Roundtrip transport from your doorstep: We want to make travel easy for you. That's why we include roundtrip transportation right from your doorstep to the airport and safely back home again (from most Canadian cities). Just sit back, relax, and focus on the adventures that await.
We Have A Winner!
Congratulations to Christine Webb from Calgary, AB, the lucky winner of our Vision TV: Show Me London - Watch & Win Contest!
We can’t wait to have Christine and her daughter join us on this fan favourite tour to London! Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to make SDT a part of their travel journey!❤️
We're celebrating our 50th anniversary all year long so stay tuned for more contests!
Sips of Calabria: 6 local wines to sample
Calabria has a rich wine tradition: sampling these local wine varietals will give you a good taste of this sunny Mediterranean destination:
Greco Bianco (white). Aromatic, with notes of honey, apricot, and almonds.
Pecorello (white). A fresh, crisp, mineral-driven wine with citrus and floral notes.
Mantonico (white). Used for both dry and dessert wines, it has good acidity and rich flavours of dried fruit and herbs.
Gaglioppo (red). Calabria's flagship grape produces robust, earthy reds with notes of cherry, dried herbs, and spice.
Magliocco (red). A dark-skinned grape with bold tannins, high alcohol, and complex flavours of black fruit, tobacco, and liquorice.
Nerello Cappuccio (red). Sippable wine with soft tannins and bright red fruit.
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