Dear Travellers,
With summer now in the rear view and the weather getting cooler, there are so many trips ahead to look forward to. Whether you’re a warm-weather lover chasing the sun, a history buff looking to step into the past, a foodie on the hunt for new flavours, or an adventurer in search of exciting new places, we’ve got you covered.
This month, we’re featuring three very different trips: a jaunt to China, a tour of Colombia, and a couple of weeks in Spain’s sunny Costa Blanca. Which travel style piques your interest?
For a slower-paced holiday in stunning southern Spain, there’s soaking up the sun in Costa Blanca. This 14-day stay-put holiday is an easygoing itinerary where you have one home base, a beautiful beachfront hotel in Benidorm and a chance to explore the area with regular guided trips. But don’t worry, this trip leaves plenty of time to kick back and enjoy beautiful Spanish beaches – maybe even with a refreshing local vino tinto in hand.
For culture and history lovers, China is an incredible place to explore. Our 16-day Grand China & The Yangtze River Cruise tour takes you through this fascinating country, exploring vibrant cities like Beijing and Shanghai, walking along the Great Wall, exploring the Forbidden City, seeing Giant Pandas, and more!
And if nature is your happy place, you’ll love our Colours of Colombia tour. From vibrant Bogotá to coastal Cartagena to the lush Coffee Zone and so much more, it’s a chance to see the soul of Colombia in all its dazzling diversity.
Did you get our latest brochure?
Our 2026 Volume 1- Winter Tours & Winter/Spring Cruises brochure has lots of options for your next travel adventures, with trips of all styles and activity levels to Central and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean!
Didn’t get your brochure? You can find the current digital versions here – as well as a link for requesting copy by mail.
And remember, Senior Discovery Tours is 100% Canadian owned and operated: prices are always guaranteed in Canadian dollars – plus you get the peace of mind of supporting a local business.
Happy travels,
Danny Shay, President
Senior Discovery Tours
Soaking Up the Sun in Costa Blanca
Craving sunshine, sea views, and a slower pace? This stay-put holiday in Spain’s stunning Costa Blanca (White Coast) is the perfect blend of discovery and downtime.
Your home base on this 18-day tour will be the lovely seaside city of Benidorm – we’ll stay at a 4-star beachfront hotel where each day is yours to explore and enjoy. The trip includes guided day trips that showcase the beauty, history, and culture of the region. But don’t worry, it’s not all go-go-go. There’s plenty of time built in for rest, relaxation and enjoying delicious local meals (most of which are included).
Our travellers love our stay-put holidays
These easygoing itineraries are all about comfort, convenience, and a deeper connection with the place you’re visiting. You unpack once and settle in – there’s no packing and unpacking, no hopping from hotel to hotel. It’s a style of travel where you’ll really get to know the destination while still enjoying the highlights nearby. With a balanced mix of activity and relaxation, it’s travel at a gentler pace.
In addition to quiet days in Benidorm, the tour includes visits to:
Valencia, a city known for its vibrant old town, beautiful bridges, and world-famous paella.
Guadalest, a medieval hilltop village with gorgeous views, a fascinating old town and the wonderfully unique Museo Microgigante, which houses miniatures so small, you have to view some of them through a microscope!
Altea, a pretty coastal town that’s home to artists and musicians. Wander through charming cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches, and take in the beautiful views of the sea.
Alicante, with highlights including the impressive Santa Bárbara Castle, the palm-lined Explanada de España, with free time to check out the collections at the Alicante Museum of Contemporary Art.
Bodega Winery, with a tour and tasting of local Alicante wine. Optional excursions and free days to rest, shop, or explore at your own pace.
Join us for our Costa Blanca Stay-Put Holiday this winter! We have spots open for two departure dates: February 18 - March 7, 2026 and March 9 - 26, 2026. It’s a chance to escape the cold, immerse yourself in coastal charm, and enjoy a thoughtfully paced, carefree experience that’ll have you coming back for more!
Exploring Colombia’s Coffee Trail
Venture into Colombia’s Andean highlands and you’ll get right to the source of your morning latte: the country’s UNESCO-designated Coffee Region, which is a mix of lush plantations, misty cloud forests, charming colonial towns, and what may well be the best coffee you’ve ever had.
If you’re a caffeine aficionado or just someone who’s interested in the history of coffee, here are a few ways to really immerse yourself in Colombia’s coffee culture:
Visit a traditional coffee finca
A coffee finca is a coffee farm where coffee is cultivated, harvested, and processed. In Colombia, fincas are typically family-run and make up the heart of the local economy and culture.If you’re looking to understand the full bean‑to‑cup process, this is the place to learn how coffee is cultivated, hand-picked, dried and roasted. And tours always end with the best part: a taste of freshly-brewed local coffee. As you sip, you’ll learn to distinguish aroma, acidity, body, and finish, and discover how terroir shapes the taste of every cup.
Make the most of your tasting
Start by smelling the dry grounds – notice any fruity, floral or caramel notes? Sip slowly, letting the warm liquid coat your palate. Observe the acidity: is it bright and citrusy or something more subtle? Note the body light and crisp? Or maybe medium with a syrupy feel? And finally, savour the finish, is it lingering fruit? Or perhaps you sense a hint of caramel. Most importantly, take your time. Most tours encourage pacing through multiple small tastings: espresso, filtered, or even cold brew prepared from freshly roasted local beans. You’ll come to appreciate how subtle differences in process – washed vs. natural, roast level, grind size, etc. shape flavour.
Embrace local coffee-town life
Experience day-to-day life in a coffee town like Filandia. Stroll the colourful streets, take in panoramic viewpoints over Los Nevados National Park, and browse workshops where local artisans craft traditional wicker goods. Stop at a cozy spot to try a pour-over or espresso paired with a regional treat like coffee arequipe or guava-filled patacón.
Breathe in the beauty of the landscape
Visit the Cocora Valley, where towering wax palms rise from misty green hills. Walk or jeep through cloud forests and rolling valleys for a glimpse into the rural rhythms that have shaped the region for generations.
Our Colours of Colombia tour spends several days exploring the iconic coffee region. But this 14-day journey goes well beyond their most famous export. Join us February 23 to March 8, 2026 to experience a mosaic of culture, history, and nature – visiting Bogotá and Cartagena, seeing the mystical Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, stepping back in time into the historic streets of Barichara, and more.
6 Secrets of Beijing’s Forbidden City
In the heart of bustling Beijing is a breathtaking symbol of China’s imperial past. For over 500 years, the Forbidden City was the centre of political power – one that was completely off-limits to common folk. Today, its grand halls host visitors from all over the world, but they still guard many secrets. Here are seven fascinating facts about the world’s largest palace complex.
1) There are exactly 9,999.5 rooms Legend has it that the Forbidden City is just half a room short of 10,000. In ancient Chinese mythology, only the heavens could have 10,000 rooms, so the emperor, considered the “Son of Heaven,” kept his place just shy of divine perfection.
2) It’s all about cosmic harmony
The entire complex is aligned on a north-south axis, following principles of Feng Shui and Confucian hierarchy. And everything from the red and yellow colour scheme to the placement of gates, halls, and courtyards reflects order in the universe.
3)The main courtyards have no trees
Unlike European palaces, which often boast lush gardens, the main courtyards of the Forbidden City are stark and open. This was intentional – it eliminated potential hiding spots for assassins and emphasized the emperor’s dominance by making him the undisputed focal point.
4)The roof statues were an ancient security system
The small figures along the rooftops aren’t just decorative: they symbolize protection. The number of animals signifies the building’s importance: the more creatures, the more significant the structure.
5) Secret tunnels and hidden rooms
While most of the Forbidden City is above ground, rumours have long swirled about underground passageways used by eunuchs, guards, and even the emperor himself to move discreetly through the complex.
6) It’s a masterpiece of fire prevention
Built mostly of wood, the Forbidden City has always been at risk of fire. That’s why massive bronze vats filled with water were stationed throughout the grounds. In winter, coal fires were lit beneath them to keep the water from freezing. The stone paths and courtyards also served as firebreaks. Thanks to these measures, much of the original architecture survives today.
7) The Forbidden City isn’t just a historical site – it’s an unmissable cultural treasure. You can see it and many other incredible places on our 16-day Grand China & The Yangtze River Cruise tour, departing May 13, 2026. Contact us today to ask questions or book.
Travel Inspo: Forbidden City pre-reads
Want to learn more about Beijing’s Forbidden City and maybe even inspire a Chinese travel adventure? Here are 5 books set in the historical place, each offering a unique lens on China’s imperial past:
The Last Empress: A Novel Anchee Min
The story of Empress Dowager Cixi, one of the most powerful and controversial women in Chinese history. Set largely within the Forbidden City, it offers a dramatic, character-driven view of palace life, court politics, and the fall of imperial China.
Twilight in the Forbidden City Reginald F. Johnston
Written by the Scottish tutor to China’s last emperor, Puyi, this memoir offers a rare firsthand account of life inside the Forbidden City during its final years.
Empress Orchid Anchee Min
This novel follows the young concubine Orchid (later Empress Dowager Cixi) as she navigates the rigid and dangerous world of the Qing imperial court.
The Palace of Eternal Youth Hong Sheng
A 17th-century play rooted in Chinese opera tradition, it blends romance, tragedy, and politics, some of which are set against the backdrop of the imperial court.
The Forbidden City William Bell
A Canadian teen visiting Beijing with his father finds himself caught in the middle of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. While not set entirely inside the Forbidden City, the novel uses its proximity and symbolism to explore themes of authority, tradition, and political awakening.
Why Travel With Us? Reason #7
Over 100 destinations worldwide: With Senior Discovery Tours, travellers truly are spoiled for choice. Immerse yourself in Sicily’s incredible history, cruise down China’s Yangtze River, check Egypt’s ancient wonders off your bucket list, or choose a sun holiday in an under-the-radar destination like Cyprus or Tunisia. Our thoughtfully crafted itineraries take you to the most beautiful and fascinating places on the planet.
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