Where are you headed this winter?
Dear Travellers,
What’s your perfect winter holiday? Lounging in a beach chair, cocktail in hand? Taking long, scenic walks? Discovering traditions in a country you’ve never been to before?
Whatever style of warm-weather vacation you’re looking for this winter, we’ve got an itinerary that checks all your boxes.
Kick back on a relaxing beach vacation in sunny Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, with a fascinating day trip into the island’s most historic city. See here for details.
Explore the lush, mountainous island of Madeira, Portugal with a luxurious stay at a 5-star oceanfront resort. Try delicious food and sample famous local wines, wander picturesque cobblestone streets, and take in the spectacular scenery that surrounds you wherever you go.
Ride camels and explore bustling bazaars in magnificent Morocco, an ancient land rich in culture, tradition, and unforgettable experiences.
No matter what destination you have in mind, Senior Discovery Tours has wonderful itineraries to suit every travel style, from laid-back to adventurous. Read through our brochure for all the details. If you haven’t received it, you can download a digital version here and sign up to get printed brochures mailed to your home.
Happy travels,
Danny Shay, President
Senior Discovery Tours
Navigating a Moroccan bazaar
From the lively calls of sellers to the narrow, crowded passageways, the aromas of slow-cooked tagines to the sharp tang of new leather, a busy Moroccan bazaar is a riot of colours, smells and sounds – and a feast for the senses. It can feel a little overwhelming at first, but with these tips, you’ll soon be navigating like a pro!
5 tips for a safe, fun, memorable experience.
- Do your research. If you’re there to shop, certain items have an international reputation for quality. Soft Moroccan leather and intricately woven rugs, both made using centuries-old techniques, are must-buys for many visitors. Decide what you want to see before you go – bazaars are usually organized into areas for rugs, leather goods, spices, and other items.
- Don’t be afraid to haggle. Bargaining is expected, to get the best deal, read our “Tips for successful haggling” below.
- Exude confidence. Vendors will try all kinds of tactics to get you to come into their shops. It’s okay to say a firm no – or not interact at all. But also don’t be afraid to go check out a shop if you’re interested.
- Keep your eyes (and ears) open. Like any major city, pickpockets can take advantage of tourists distracted by the sights and sounds. Secure your belongings, and if you hear the words “Balek!” or “Andak!”, move out of the way quickly to avoid an oncoming vehicle or cart.
- Embrace the chaos. Enjoy the energy…it’s all part of the experience!
If exploring a vibrant Moroccan bazaar sounds like fun, book our 16-day tour to Morocco from March 4 - 19, 2025. We will explore bazaars and historic sites, see Roman ruins and travel to Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez and other fascinating cities. Find out more on here.
Magnificent Madeira
This stunning island is the perfect mix of sun and scenery, history and culture.
You’ve probably heard of Madeira wine: a distinctive fortified beverage enjoyed the world over. It’s named for the Portuguese island that has produced it for centuries – a remote, beautiful place in the Atlantic, located about 1,000 km from Lisbon, off the Moroccan coast.
The island is a favourite with hikers and nature lovers, with breathtaking trails through the island’s lush, mountainous interior. It boasts inviting black and gold sand beaches that are perfect for relaxing, swimming in the surf – and even spotting a whale or dolphin splashing around in the distance. It’s no wonder Madeira has been voted the world’s best island destination for six years in a row!
Funchal, the capital city, was founded in 1421 and is an inviting place with charming cobblestone streets and pretty whitewashed buildings. Wander down Rua de Santa Maria to see its colourful painted doors and pop into lively restaurants to sample delicious Madeiran dishes. There’s lots to explore, from a centuries-old cathedral to the lively Mercado dos Lavradores. You can ride a scenic cable car, enjoy beautiful gardens, and even visit a museum dedicated to the island’s most famous son, football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Our tour includes a stay at a wonderful oceanfront resort, guided tours of the island, plus a 2-night stay in Lisbon. You’ll find more information, including details of included excursions and events, here.
A guided tour of Puerto Plata
This colonial city has a rich history that’s worth a visit.
This Dominican hot spot offers plenty to explore beyond the incredible local beaches and sun-soaked resorts. Our trip to Puerto Plata includes a guided tour that includes these key attractions:
Plaza Independencia: Puerto Plata’s picturesque central square is a lively gathering place surrounded by gracious colonial buildings, with a lovely Victorian gazebo that provides the perfect photo op.
Fortaleza San Felipe: The 16th-century fortress was built to protect the Spanish city from foreign invaders, pirates, and privateers. It is one of the oldest European structures in the Caribbean, and the only remaining building from the era in Puerto Plata. Today, it houses an interesting museum with military artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries – and offers excellent views of the coast.
Macorix House of Rum: This venerable rum producer has a rich history of distilling the island’s signature drink, with premium rum based on centuries-old recipes handed down through generations.
Amber Museum: Learn all about amber and how it’s mined, see fascinating fossils, and browse lovely artisan-crafted jewellery.
Cable car ride: We will take a thrilling ride on the only cable car in the Caribbean, going up to Mount Isabel de Torres for breathtaking views of the city and lush landscapes below.
Join us on our all-inclusive tour to the Dominican Republic February 5-19 and February 26 to March 12, 2025, to experience local culture, kayak, snorkel and swim – and enjoy long, sunny days relaxing at our all-inclusive resort. Find out more on here.
Why travel with us? Reason #6:
Comprehensive insurance is included
Yes, we take care of that, too! Our mission is to provide you with a truly worry-free travel experience. And that means the price you pay includes health coverage while you’re outside Canada, and trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance – an offering that’s truly unique in Canada.
Need a great reason to book your next SDT tour? How about 10? Every month, we’ll highlight one of the many benefits of travelling with us. To see the whole list, check out the first few pages of one of our brochures!
Tips for successful bargaining
As Westerners, we’re used to paying the sticker price…and then some. So haggling can seem daunting, and maybe a little awkward. But don’t worry, in many parts of the world – like Morocco – it’s expected, and can actually be pretty fun.
Act like you’re not interested. Keep your demeanour cool and appear to always be ready to walk away, even if it’s something you really want. If you act too interested, the seller will take advantage of it.
Start with an offer that’s a quarter of the original price. Yes, they will laugh at you, but that’s part of the game. That’s when the negotiation begins. A good goal is roughly a third to half of the initial price. Remember, though: the right price is the one you are happy to pay.
Bring cash. Cash is the norm in markets. Carry smaller bills – it’s the best way to show them “that’s all you can pay.”
Only haggle if you’re serious about buying. The understanding is that if you start the process, you intend to finish if you get to a price you’re comfortable with. If the seller offers you a glass of mint tea and you accept, it means you are serious about buying.
Be prepared to walk away. If you can’t agree on a price, simply leave. It can be a good way to get them to agree to your price, but remember, they may not.
