.jpg)
It’s been a long winter, and I know we’re all getting tired of the cold and the snow. But spring and summer are just around the corner – and having a trip to look forward to is our favourite strategy for chasing those winter blues away.
Whether it’s a train trip through the Alps, a visit to a Scottish castle, or camping in the wild steppes of Mongolia, there’s nothing like a little anticipation to add some joy to our days.
This month, we’re featuring some wonderful ideas to help you banish thoughts of ice and snow. How about an early fall trip to Scotland and Ireland to help get you through the cold months? Gentle September weather, incredible history, beautiful green landscapes, and plenty of warm hospitality await!
On our Grand Rail Tour of Switzerland, see incredible landscapes from panoramic train cars, ride the famous Glacier Express, visit Europe’s highest railway station, and enjoy a chocolate tasting aboard the famous Belle Epoque Chocolate Train!
And if you’re looking for something really different, we have a brand new trip to Mongolia coming up! Immerse yourself in their traditional nomadic lifestyle with stays in traditional ger (yurt) camps, experience a trip on the Trans-Siberian railway, and see wild horses in their natural habitat.
In celebration of our 50th Anniversary, we have an incredible contest in store! You could win a trip for two on our SDT's 50th Anniversary Cruise sailing November 13, 2025 (details below).
Stay warm – and happy travel planning!
Danny Shay, President
Senior Discovery Tours
Win a Trip for Two -
SDT's 50th Anniversary Cruise!
Senior Discovery Tours turns 50 this year, and we’re celebrating in style! We’re setting sail for an 11-day anniversary party in the Eastern Caribbean, with exclusive SDT including themed cocktail parties, elegant high tea, wine tastings and more.Enter to win a trip for two by March 31st, 2025 All you have to do is post a photo of yourself from any Senior Discovery Tours trip you've taken on Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn, use #SeniorDiscoveryTours50th and tag us @seniordiscoverytours. Also, don't forget to add the tour destination and date travelled in the caption!
Then, fill in your contact information here to enter!
Visiting Edinburgh Castle
Perched atop picturesque Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline and offers a deep, fascinating dive into Scottish history. One of its claims to fame? It has never been taken by force – thanks to a formidable location and strong defenses. The castle is a wonderful place to learn, explore, and maybe even discover a few centuries-old secrets.
A few things to look for on your visit:
The Crown Jewels
Scotland’s Crown Jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland, are the oldest surviving regalia in the British Isles and a must-see for history lovers. The crown, sceptre, and sword of state have witnessed countless coronations, political struggles, and have even been hidden away in times of war.
The Stone of Destiny
Believed to be a sacred relic that confers divine right and legitimacy to the King, this ancient sandstone block has been used in the coronations of Scottish kings since time immemorial. In 1296, King Edward I of England seized the stone and took it to Westminster Abbey, where he had it built into a special throne (called the "coronation chair”) to symbolize England’s dominance over Scotland. It was returned to Scotland in 1996 and has only left Edinburgh once since then: for the coronation of King Charles.
St. Margaret’s Chapel
Tucked away on the castle grounds, this chapel is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. Built in the early 12th century by King David I in honour of his mother, Queen Margaret (later Saint Margaret), the thick stone walls and simple stained-glass windows offer visitors a glimpse into medieval Scotland.
Mons Meg
No visit to Edinburgh Castle is complete without marveling at Mons Meg, a colossal medieval cannon that could fire giant stone cannonballs over two miles.
The One O’Clock Gun
Fired daily at exactly 1 p.m., this beloved tradition dates back to the 1800s, when it was used as a time signal for local ships to set their clocks. Though no longer needed for navigation, the tradition continues, delighting visitors who gather to witness the powerful blast.
The National War Museum
The castle is also home to a fascinating collection of artifacts, uniforms, and weapons that highlight Scotland’s military history and give visitors a look into everything from medieval battles to modern warfare and the nation’s role in global conflicts.
Want to explore Scotland and its history? Join us on our 16-day tour to Scotland and Ireland. In the first half, we explore Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands, then head to Ireland to see Belfast, Dublin and beyond, experiencing even more rich history and warm hospitality.
A Beginner's Guide to Swiss Chocolate
Known for its smooth texture, rich flavour, and meticulous craftsmanship, Swiss chocolate is widely considered the world’s finest. Which makes it a must-buy for any trip to Switzerland! If you’re new to the wonders of Swiss chocolate, here’s a rundown on the country’s most famous brands and how to fully appreciate them.
Lindt. This internationally-recognized chocolate brand is known for its creamy truffles and signature smooth texture.
Toblerone. You probably already love the classic triangular shape with chewy bits of honey-almond nougat. (Toblerone is a very popular choice in Canadian holiday stockings!)
Frey. A popular brand among Swiss locals, Frey offers a wide range of high-quality chocolates at a reasonable price.
Läderach. Handcrafted, premium chocolates are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, making it a favourite for chocolate connoisseurs.
Sprüngli. A luxury chocolate brand best known for its exquisite pralines and truffles.
Cailler. The oldest Swiss chocolate brand still uses traditional methods and fresh Alpine milk for a rich, authentic taste.
Tips on chocolate tasting (and buying):
Look: High-quality chocolate should have a smooth, glossy finish with no cracks or white streaks.
Smell: The aroma should be rich and inviting, with notes of cocoa, nuts, or vanilla, depending on the variety.
Listen: Break a piece of chocolate and listen for a clean, crisp snap, which indicates good tempering.
Taste: Let the chocolate melt slowly on your tongue instead of chewing it right away. Pay attention to the texture and the depth of flavours as they unfold.
Join us in the land of chocolate on our Grand Rail Tour of Switzerland! One of our rail journeys is on the famous Chocolate Train, where we will enjoy a gourmet tasting aboard timeless Belle Époque fin de siècle coaches. The train takes us to the Maison Cailler chocolate factory in Broc, where their famous chocolate has been produced since 1898.
Staying in a Traditional Ger Campin Mongolia
Mongolian nomads live in gers – round, portable dwellings made from wood, felt, and canvas. One of the most distinctive travel experiences you can have is staying in a traditional ger camp…which you can do on our brand new tour to Mongolia this coming September.
Here’s the rundown on this incredible experience.
An authentic stay
In a ger camp, you’ll interact directly with locals and get a deeper understanding of Mongolia's rich nomadic traditions.
Camping in comfort
Designed to stay warm in winter and cool in summer, gers are cozy spaces furnished with beds, a stove, and traditional rugs.
Incredible settings
Often set up in remote locations, the camps have stunning views of Mongolia's vast landscapes. Expect star-filled skies, vistas of snow-capped mountains, expansive steppes – and the peaceful sight of wild horses grazing in the distance.
Traditional Mongolian cuisine
One of the highlights of staying in a ger camp is the food. Mongolian cuisine is hearty – after all, it has to sustain people through long, cold winters. You’ll enjoy simple, flavourful meals made with local ingredients such as goat, beef, yogurt, cheese, and airag (fermented mare’s milk), with most dishes offering a tasty combination of meat, vegetables, and grains.
Get to know the culture
A stay in a ger camp is more than just a place to sleep – it's an immersive cultural experience, with traditional activities like archery, horseback riding, and hearing music played on the morin khuur (a Mongolian fiddle).
Ready for a trip that goes beyond the ordinary? We can’t wait to show you the wonders of Mongolia! Join us for this unforgettable experience from September 4-18, 2025.
Why travel with us?
Reason #1: No surprise costs
All flights, hotels, and most excursions are included, not to mention all transfers, taxes and gratuities. Our travellers love the built-in extras we offer, like home pick-up and drop-off, health and cancellation insurance, and more!
Cullen skink
This comforting, easy-to-make Scottish haddock soup is just the thing to keep you warm this winter!
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion
• 2 medium potatoes cut into 1cm cubes
• 250 g smoked haddock
•250 ml whole milk
•300 ml water
• parsley or chives, finely chopped
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the onion and fry for 5-8 mins until translucent. Add the potatoes and water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
As the pot simmers, put the haddock in another pan, cover with milk and cook for 5 minutes. Remove the haddock with a slotted spoon (reserving the milk), transfer to a plate, and leave to cool slightly. When cool enough to touch, flake into large pieces, removing any bones.
Mix the reserved milk and flaked haddock with the potato mixture, sprinkle with parsley or chives, and serve with some crusty bread.
.png)
.jpg)