Dear Traveller,
Spring is in the air, and so is Mother’s Day! Whether you're spending time with the amazing moms in your life or treating yourself to a getaway, it’s a great time to celebrate and plan your next travel adventure!
There are so many reasons to love travelling. Every trip is a chance to explore, relax, meet new people, have new experiences, broaden your mind (and your palate!), and just have the chance to step away from the everyday.
This month’s newsletter is all about counting the ways we love travel, with:
3 enchanting villages in the South of France
6 memorable stops on a Princess Cruise to Fiji and New Zealand
2 amazing days on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train
These featured “numbers” are part of three wonderful upcoming trips:
Is a train trip through the Rockies on your bucket list? Take Canada’s most iconic train trip on our Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver to Banff by Rail tour for a chance to really experience our country’s majesty. Plus, you’ll be travelling with Senior Discovery Tours, a company that’s been proudly Canadian owned and operated for 50 years!
Always dreamed of exploring paradise? Our Fiji and New Zealand Cruise hits all the highlights of these stunning tropical islands. We start in Sydney, Australia, which is our departure point for a 15-day cruise on the luxurious Crown Princess.
If you’re looking for warm weather, amazing food, charming villages, and photogenic landscapes, our Autumn in Provence plus Marseille tour is the perfect fall getaway. We’ll stay in lively, lovely Avignon, using it as a central base for exploring fishing towns and lavender fields, medieval villages and charming markets, seeing wild Camargue horses, and even trying our hands at truffle hunting.
Remember, no matter where you go, when you travel with Senior Discovery Tours, you can always count on an exceptional trip where the only surprises are good ones.
Happy travels!
Danny Shay, President
Senior Discovery Tours
A Journey Through The Clouds
with Rocky Mountaineer
Canada’s most iconic train journey is a moving celebration of our country’s incredible natural beauty.
The day begins early, with passengers welcomed by friendly hosts and the promise of breathtaking scenery ahead. Whether you’re riding in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service, the experience is all about comfort, hospitality – and truly awe-inspiring views.
SilverLeaf passengers enjoy a single-level dome coach with oversized windows. GoldLeaf passengers travel in bi-level glass-dome coaches with full panoramic windows upstairs and an elegant dining area below. Both levels of service include attentive hosts, fascinating commentary, and delicious cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
As the train glides along western Canada’s historic railways, the day begins with a gourmet breakfast (think eggs Benedict or cinnamon French toast) all freshly prepared onboard and served seat-side for SilverLeaf and in the lower-level dining room for GoldLeaf.
Spend the rest of your morning watching spectacular scenery unfold: glacial rivers, towering peaks, unspoiled landscapes, and plenty of wildlife. Your hosts share fascinating stories of the land’s Indigenous heritage, the building of the railway, and the natural wonders that define this route.
Lunch is another delight. For SilverLeaf, delicious hot entrees are served to passengers at their seats, with options like wild Pacific salmon or Alberta beef with seasonal vegetables, accompanied by regional wines and craft beers. For GoldLeaf passengers, it’s a multi-course plated meal paired with fine Okanagan wine.
After lunch, it’s time to stretch your legs, chat with fellow travellers, and take in the fresh mountain air from the outdoor viewing areas: SilverLeaf has windows that open for photos and GoldLeaf has an outdoor platform.
By late afternoon, the train approaches the day’s destination (places like Kamloops or Jasper) where guests disembark for dinner and an overnight stay in a local hotel. The Rocky Mountaineer doesn't travel at night, allowing passengers to truly savour every scenic mile during daylight hours.
Whether you're in SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf, a day on the Rocky Mountaineer isn’t just a rain trip. It’s an unforgettable journey through Canada’s majestic Rockies, with no shortage of stories and spectacular views.
Join us for the ultimate Canadian experience on our Rocky Mountaineer Vancouver to Banff by Rail tour. Choose one of four departures in July, August, and September 2025 – and come see the best of what our beautiful country has to offer.
6 Stops in Paradise
A few highlights from our upcoming Fiji and New Zealand Cruise includes 15 days aboard the Crown Princess plus Sydney, Australia.
Nouméa, New Caledonia
This French overseas territory is a fascinating fusion of French and Melanesian cultures, with sigh-inducing white-sand beaches, crystal-blue lagoons, and vibrant markets. Relax on the beach or snorkel the clear waters: the nearby UNESCO-listed New Caledonian Barrier Reef is one of the largest and most pristine reef systems in the world. Explore the city, sample delicious bites in French-inspired cafes, or visit the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, which showcases the art, history, and traditions of the indigenous Kanak people.
Mystery Island, Vanuatu
This tiny, uninhabited island is one of the most secluded and picturesque places in the Pacific. Accessible exclusively to cruise ship passengers, it’s a serene escape with no electricity, running water, roads, or shops – just plenty of unspoiled natural beauty. Splash around in the clear waters, relax on the sandy beach, explore the colourful coral reef, or browse handmade crafts, coconut oil, and kava from vendors from nearby Tanna Island.
Suva, Fiji
Fiji’s capital city is rich in culture, with an inviting blend of colonial history and Pacific charm. Wander through bustling markets, stroll the lush paths of Thurston Gardens, or check out the Fiji Museum for fascinating insights into Fiji’s indigenous cultures and its colonial past. Explore Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, which has picturesque hiking trails, swimming holes and waterfalls, and is an amazing location for birdwatching.
Dravuni Island, Fiji
You’ll love this serene volcanic island for its untouched beauty, rich cultural heritage, and friendly people. This beautiful spot is known for incredible beaches, inviting lagoons, and rich marine life, where snorkelers can explore the Great Astrolabe Reef (the fourth-largest barrier reef in the world!) and see colourful fish and sea turtles. Spanning less than one square kilometre, the island is home to only about 125 residents. Visitors can stroll through the village to experience authentic Fijian culture, visit the local school, browse handmade crafts, and buy fresh tropical fruits and coconut water from the villagers.
Tauranga, New Zealand
Hike up Mount Maunganui for spectacular views of the surrounding area or take a scenic boat tour around the Bay of Plenty. Or head to nearby Rotorua, where the dramatic geothermal landscape features bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, vividly coloured hot springs, and geysers. Wander through towering redwood forests, soak in a hot pool, or learn more about the Māori culture.
Auckland, New Zealand
This cosmopolitan hub boasts a stunning harbour, lush parks, and tons of great dining and shopping options. Ascend the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city, wander through the Auckland Domain and its historic gardens, or explore the nearby islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, take in a traditional Maori cultural performance, or head to Waiheke Island for a wine tasting. Known as the "Island of Wine," Waiheke has over 30 wineries, many of which specialize in Bordeaux-style reds and crisp Chardonnays.
Join us for a trip to paradise! Our Fiji and New Zealand Cruise, departing April 21, 2026, includes three nights in Sydney, Australia, and a 15-day cruise that stops at these incredible ports.
3 Enchanting Villages of the
Luberon in France
The Luberon region in the heart of Provence is all rolling vineyards, lavender fields, and storybook villages. Exploring the Luberon is like stepping into a painting, with each village offering its own unique slice of French country life.
Roussillon is one of the loveliest villages in Provence, with striking ochre cliffs and earth-hued buildings. Perched on a hilltop, it glows in warm shades of red, orange, and gold, a palette that comes from the region’s rich deposits of ochre pigment, once mined in the area. Roussillon is on the official list of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France), with winding cobblestone streets, cozy cafés and galleries, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Gordes is one of the most photographed villages in France, and a long-time favourite spot for artists. And that’s no surprise: perched high on a rocky hilltop, the medieval town seems to rise organically from the landscape. Honey-colored stone buildings are stacked against the cliffside, with a backdrop of olive groves and vineyards completing the beautiful vista.
Winding streets, narrow alleys, and stone archways add to the mystique. A 16th-century castle that towers over the village is worth a visit for its panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
Coustellet, smaller and less known than its hilltop neighbours, is a hidden gem for those looking to experience an authentic slice of Provençal life. This lively village is home to one of the best farmers' markets in Provence, bursting with local produce, cheeses, honey, and handmade goods.
The main highlight is the Musée de la Lavande, where visitors can explore the fragrant history of lavender through antique distillation tools, interactive exhibits, and sensory experiences.
Bonnieux is a peaceful village set against the Petit Luberon mountains, with a picturesque church perched high above its terraced rooftops. The village has a rich heritage, with remnants of Roman structures and ancient architecture tucked away throughout. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, inviting visitors to linger and soak in the quiet beauty of Provence.
Lourmarin is the most cosmopolitan of the Luberon villages, with chic boutiques and bustling cafés. Its biggest claim to fame is the elegant Château de Lourmarin, a Renaissance-era castle that offers a storied glimpse into the region’s past. You can also visit the local market, a lively spot to pick up fresh produce and artisan goods. Each village in the Luberon tells its own story, letting visitors experience the slow, sun-drenched rhythm of Provençal life.
Experience this quiet charm on our Autumn in Provence plus Marseilles tour, departing October 1, 2025. Our home base is Avignon, with memorable excursions to Arles, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, and several of the beautiful villages in the Luberon region.
Why Travel With Us?
Reason #3: Most Meals Are Covered
There’s nothing like sampling local foods to really get a sense of a place. When you travel with Senior Discovery Tours, you can enjoy the very best in local cuisine in the company of your fellow travellers. Wine is included with every dinner on most of our European getaways.
Congratulations to Rita C. from Calgary!
We're thrilled to announce our very first grand prize winner, Rita from Calgary, who has won a trip for 2 on SDT's special 50th Anniversary Cruise departing this upcoming November! When we notified Rita to give her the fantastic news, we could sense her excitement! Rita is a longtime SDT traveller who has discovered the world with us and shared this incredible image from her trip with us to Austria. Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to make Senior Discovery Tours a part of their travel journey. 🍁 We're celebrating our 50th anniversary all year long so stay tuned for more contests! Plus, don't forget you can also enter to win our London Show Tour with Zoomer/Vision TV here.
4 Films to Watch for a Taste of Provence
Want a preview of Provence's stunning landscapes? See the rolling vineyards, lavender fields and sun-drenched villages with these movies set in the south of France.
Jean de Florette (1986)This poignant drama follows a hunchbacked tax collector who inherits a farm in rural Provence, only to face betrayal and hardship. Filmed in Mirabeau, Vaugines, and Riboux, it really showcases the region's rustic charm.
A Good Year (2006)Ridley Scott's romantic comedy-drama stars Russell Crowe as a London banker who inherits a vineyard in Provence, leading to self-discovery and romance. The film beautifully captures the Luberon region's landscapes.
To Catch a Thief (1955)Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller features Cary Grant as a retired jewel thief and Grace Kelly as a wealthy tourist, both navigating the French Riviera's glamorous settings, with scenes set in Antibes and Cannes.
The Horseman on the Roof (1995)Set during a cholera outbreak in 1830s France, this epic adventure with Olivier Martinez and Juliette Binoche showcases the rugged beauty of the Provençal countryside.
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