Love is definitely in the air this month – and we’ve got lots of wonderful travel experiences in store that’ll have you saying “I do!”
If you’re already sweet on the country of pasteis de nata & port, you won’t want to miss our Hidden Gems of Portugal tour – it’ll have you falling even more in love with this amazing place! We stay in two beautiful and slightly off-the-radar places, Évora and Figueira de Foz, which will be our bases for exploring a country filled with character and charm.
Looking to spice things up with a new travel destination? Our tour to Southern India and Sri Lanka should set your heart a-flutter! Discover stunning temples and lush plantations, shop for silks in a bustling bazaar and visit spice gardens.
And if an active vacation in an unforgettable place is the kind of travel closest to your heart, check out our Walking in Greece: Peloponnese Peninsula tour. With scenic walks, mythical sites and plenty of warm Greek hospitality, it’s an experience that you will love!
Happy Valentine’s Day – and happy travel planning!
Danny Shay, President
Senior Discovery Tours
Exploring Évora,
Portugal’s “museum town”
When you’re ready to explore more of Portugal than Lisbon and Porto, this stunning walled city does not disappoint.
Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site: is an ancient awe-inspiring place that dates back to Roman times, with historical and architectural wonders at every turn. Known for its Roman ruins, Gothic structures and beautifully preserved medieval streets, this is a city worth exploring.
Here are some highlights:
Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones)
The walls and pillars of this macabre chapel are adorned with thousands of human bones taken from overcrowded cemeteries and arranged in intricate patterns. Built in the 16th century by Franciscan monks, it was created as a memento mori – a reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of death. An inscription at the chapel entrance reads, Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos: “We bones that are here, await yours.”
Aqueduct of Água de Prata
This impressive 16th-century aqueduct stretches into Évora’s ancient centre, disappearing into its charming streets. Over the years, residents have incorporated it into the city’s architecture in charming ways, building houses and shops into its arches.
Roman Temple of Évora
Also known as the Temple of Diana, this well-preserved Roman structure dates back to the 1st century CE, built during the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. It features Corinthian columns made of granite and marble and was originally part of a larger Roman forum.
Praça do Giraldo (Giraldo Square)
The bustling main square of Évora is a great spot to relax, have lunch, enjoy a coffee and some people watching. Filled with charming arcades, cafes, and historic buildings, including the Church of Santo Antão, it’s a wonderful setting for soaking up Évora’s history and charm.
Sé de Évora (Évora Cathedral)
A striking combination of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, this massive cathedral features a unique rooftop area with panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alentejo countryside – don’t miss a trip up to the roof!
To experience Évora and other under-the-radar locations across Portugal, book our Hidden Gems of Portugal tour from October 4-19, 2025. The trip also includes visits to Estremoz, Vila Viçosa, Oporto, Coimbra, Aveiro (the “Portuguese Venice”), and more!
A Taste of Ceylon Tea in Sri Lanka
A tea plantation is a picturesque place to sip a delicious cuppa – and learn the fascinating history of how it's grown.
Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, is renowned for its Ceylon tea. It has the perfect climate and altitude for cultivating high-quality tea, with regions like Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Uva producing distinct flavours and aromas.
A tasting at a tea plantation is a must if you’re visiting Sri Lanka. You’ll see hills covered in neat green rows, inhale the earthy aroma of fresh leaves, and learn the history of tea, a legacy dating back to British colonial times, when the country was called Ceylon.
On a tour of the plantation, you’ll learn about the intricate tea production process, which includes everything from plucking the tender leaves to sorting, drying, and packaging. Skilled tea pluckers dressed in colourful saris harvest the finest leaves by hand, a practice that has remained largely unchanged for generations.
At the factory, you’ll witness the transformation of these leaves into various grades of tea, and sample a freshly brewed cup of rich, robust Ceylon while enjoying the sweeping views of the lush plantation.
Want to taste the world’s best tea for yourself? Book our Southern India and Sri Lanka tour from November 1-19, 2025, and you’ll have a chance to experience a tea plantation first-hand – and see many more of the cultural riches these vibrant countries have to offer.
5 Reasons to Take Walking Toursin Greece
Greece is a spectacular destination for an active vacation. In fact, it’s a must for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike but did you know it's also a great location for hiking adventures?
Walking in Greece feels like stepping back in time. Every part of this country is rich with history, something you can experience slowly and fully as you walk through historic towns, explore Byzantine churches, and experience ancient sites like Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Olympia. And unlike more tourist-heavy destinations, many of Greece’s hiking paths remain tranquil and unspoiled, allowing you to enjoy the solitude and a sense of connection with nature.
Diverse natural landscapes. Greece is a treasure trove of terrains, offering a constantly changing backdrop for your adventures. Walk past rugged mountains and along serene coastal trails. Wonder at waterfalls and incredible views out to sea, olive groves and village farms. Walk through wildflower meadows and beside peaceful rivers. There’s so much to experience.
The weather is wonderful. The Mediterranean climate makes Greece an excellent destination for hiking. Mild winters and warm, sunny springs and autumns make it ideal for walking nearly year-round.
Charming villages. Walking in Greece is a wonderful chance to connect with authentic Greek culture. You’ll pass through local villages rich in history and hospitality. Then, after a long walk, you can relax in a traditional taverna, sampling local delicacies and experiencing warm local hospitality.
The Menalon Trail is a hiker’s paradise. Famous for being one of the top hiking experiences in all of Europe, this epic hiking trail takes you along the ancient paths once used to get people and mules between villages and monasteries. The well-marked trail is 75 km long, with plenty to see along the way, including stunning landscapes, dense forests, dramatic gorges, picturesque historic villages and ancient ruins.
Join us on our Walking in Greece: Peloponnese Peninsula tour from October 7-18, 2025. Together, we’ll hike the Menalon and other scenic trails, explore charming mountain villages, and experience real Greek hospitality away from the tourist crowds.
Discover Your Fall 2025 Adventure!
Our Volume 3-2025 Fall Tours & Cruises brochure is here, giving you a taste of some of the exciting travel you can experience in our anniversary year! This brochure features a wonderful variety of fall destinations. Plus, celebrate 50 years with Senior Discovery Tours on an unforgettable Caribbean cruise with special pricing from Princess Cruises! We’re setting sail for an 11-day anniversary party on Nov 13-23, 2025 in the Eastern Caribbean, with exclusive SDT including themed cocktail parties, elegant high tea, wine tastings and more. Spots for this popular cruise are booking up fast – reserve yours today by calling 1-800-268-3492. View full itinerary here.
Why travel with us? Reason #10
Share the Joy of Travel & Earn Savings
We love it when you tell others about Senior Discovery Tours! While we know you might want to keep us your little secret, sharing the love shows us you trust us to provide the same high level of service to your friends and family. Now, with our BlueSky Referrals program referring friends is even more rewarding: sharing the joy of travel can earn you savings on future trips! Learn more.
Make The Perfect Kir Royale
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s, Galentines, or just the end of a busy week, this classic French champagne cocktail makes the perfect aperitif. It’s a little bit sweet, a little bit sparkly – and always perfectly delicious. Just pour a splash of crème de cassis (black currant liqueur) into a champagne flute, top with champagne (or any other sparkling wine), garnish with a fresh raspberry, and you’re all set – it’s like a little trip to France in a glass! Salut.
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