Tours & Traveling

The Council on Aging provides monthly trips or outings to local points of interest as well as vacation packages to places in other countries. These extended escorted travel trips are offered throughout the year. Any revenue made by these trips, help fund other programs and services. Please call (231) 873-4461 for more information or contact us online.

Beautiful Vermont

October 13 – October 19, 2024 (7 Days)

 

Highlights: Motorcoach transportation, lodging, 10 meals, Vermont Maple Farm, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory, Dinner Cruise on Lake Champlain, Vermont Teddy Bear Factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Rock of Ages Granite Quarry, Stowe Village

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

October 13, 2024: Departure

Board your spacious, video and restroom equipped Motorcoach and set off for beautiful Vermont! Tonight, check into an en route hotel for a good night's rest.

October 14, 2024: Arrival in Vermont

Today after enjoying Continental Breakfast, you'll arrive in the beautiful state of Vermont! Dine at a local restaurant tonight before returning to your hotel for a four night stay.

October 15, 2024: Vermont Teddy Bear Factory & Dinner Cruise

After enjoying a Continental Breakfast, you'll depart for a tour of the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory to see where these world-famous Teddy Bears are born! The Vermont Teddy Bear Company is the largest maker of handcrafted American-made Teddy Bears. Next, you'll head to downtown Burlington's Church Street Marketplace. This award-winning open air mall is a hub of activity where you'll find architecture and over 100 places to shop and dine. This evening, enjoy a scenic Dinner Cruise on beautiful Lake Champlain, complete with entertainment and dance floor.

October 16, 2024: Rock of Ages Granite Quarry & Montpelier

Today, you'll have a Continental Breakfast followed by a Guided Tour of the spectacular Rock of Ages Granite Quarry - the world's largest granite quarry. The scenery at this attraction is stunning! At the Craftsmen Center, you will watch talented sculptors transform granite into lifelike statuary. Then visit Montpelier, the State Capitol of Vermont. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a visit to the Vermont History Museum. This afternoon, you'll enjoy a tour of an authentic Vermont Maple Farm. With a history dating back hundreds of years, you'll learn how generations of tradition has gone into making real Vermont Maple Syrup from the tree to your table. This evening, you'll enjoy a Dinner Party with Entertainment.

October 17, 2024: Cold Hollow Cider Mill & Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory

After enjoying a Continental Breakfast, you'll take a scenic drive to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, one of the leading New England producers of fresh apple cider. Today, the mill produces more than one million gallons of cider every year. You'll also enjoy a taste of fresh apple cider while learning how it's made. Then you will visit Stowe Village, a charming New England village. Later, you will take a tour of the world-famous Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory. Nestled in Vermont's Green Mountains, this fully guided factory tour will show you the complete ice cream making process. After your tour, you'll be able to try a sample of their freshly made ice cream. This evening, dine at a local restaurant.

October 18, 2024: 1000 Islands Skydeck & heading home

Enjoy a Continental Breakfast before leaving for the 1000 Islands Skydeck in Lansdowne, ON. This evening, relax at your en route hotel.

October 19, 2024: Back home

Today after enjoying a Continental Breakfast, you depart for home... A perfect time to chat with your friends about all the fun things you've done, the great sights you've seen and where your next group trip will take you!


New Orleans

February 22 – March 2, 2024 (9 Days)

 

Highlights: Guided Tour of New Orleans, Admission to the National World War II Museum, Admission to Mardi Gras World, Relaxing Riverboat Cruise on Mississippi Rive, Enjoy Historic New Orleans French Quarter, Gaming at fabulous New Orleans' Casino

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

March 11 — March 25, 2025 (15 Days)

 

Highlights: Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Pilanesberg National Park, 8 Wildlife Safaris, Choice on Tour: Chobe Game Viewing by 4x4 or by Cruise, Cape Winelands, Cape Town, Table Mountain

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

You’re on your way to southern Africa, where incredible landscapes lead the way to a blend of cultural diversity, an abundance of wildlife, and a remarkable history. From urban centers to wild safaris, Africa takes you by surprise, delighting you again and again until its unique spirit claims you, heart and soul.

Your adventure starts in Johannesburg – a vibrant city that revolves around modernity and a gold-mining history. As South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg is home to a wide collection of cultures, museums, and attractions. Enjoy time to get settled on your own before tomorrow’s exploration into the wild.

Fly to Victoria Falls today – an awe-inspiring Natural Wonder of the World. When you arrive, check in to your lodge – an authentic African tent camp with all the amenities of a luxury resort. This afternoon, when rainbows are at their best, witness the awesome power of Victoria Falls.

Embark on an experience of a lifetime. Greet African elephants, spend some quality time interacting with them in their own habitat, and witness some of their unique behaviors. Then, experience an impact moment during our visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust and learn how their programs are having a positive impact in the local communities and animals. After you’ve worked up an appetite, travel to a township where you will join a local family for a simple home-hosted lunch. Your evening continues with dinner on the shores of the Zambezi River overlooking Victoria Falls.

Start your day with a visit to a traditional rural homestead, meet the village chief, and come to understand more about traditional ways of living in this part of the world. Cross the border into Botswana and arrive in Chobe – an untamed national park whose namesake river twists its way throughout the area. During a captivating safari cruise along the Chobe River, spot elephants and hippos that linger along the shores, and crocodiles basking in the sun.

On a game drive through Chobe National Park, take in diverse ecosystems and unparalleled biodiversity. After lunch, it’s your choice! Continue the wildlife search by land on an afternoon game drive -OR- venture down the river again for a different perspective on a safari cruise. Tonight, gather by the river for an unforgettable dinner. Learn the secret to cooking a traditional braai, complete with some local favorites and delicacies.

This morning transfer to Victoria Falls Airport where you will fly to Johannesburg. On arrival at Johannesburg transfer to Pilanesberg National Park, a game reserve set within an ancient crater and where the lions reign as kings. This is the wild Africa you’ve always dreamt of – now laid out before you just waiting to be discovered. Venture out in a 4x4 in search of the “Big 5” across vast marshlands and craggy landscapes, and while you’re out there, enjoy a traditional African sundowner with a drink and watch as the sun disappears behind the mountain.

Before sunrise, in the open expanse of Pilanesberg, drive out in your 4x4 on a search for the elusive “Big 5.” Later on, an afternoon game drive could take you past the big cats preparing for the hunt. Back at the lodge tonight, indulge in a bush dinner.

Discover the wildlife around you with another full day in Pilanesberg. On morning and afternoon game drives, continue your search for the “Big 5” and other local animals, such as giraffes or cheetahs.

The winelands of the Western Cape await. See for yourself why this area boasts a reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful wine countries. Head to Johannesburg and board your flight to Cape Town, South Africa. A short drive takes you to the town of Somerset West – located in South Africa’s most famous wine region and overlooking the majestic False Bay. Settle in for a two-night stay among rolling vineyards and historic Cape Dutch architecture.

Sip the South African specialties with a full day exploring the country’s winelands. Start in the Stellenbosch Valley and enjoy a tasting at your first winery of the day. Perhaps you’ll try the local favorite, crossed between a Pinot Noir and a Cinsaut, the Pinotage is a specialty of South Africa. Travel to the charming village of Franschhoek for lunch. Take advantage of time at leisure before visiting a second winery in the afternoon. Cap the evening off with a dinner featuring locally-sourced ingredients.

Say hello to Cape Town, South Africa’s electric cultural mecca that captivates you at every turn. Explore Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a Cape Town hotspot. From heritage sites to historic landmarks, markets, shops, and restaurants, the waterfront is one of South Africa’s most compelling destinations. On arrival, rise gently over the South African landscape in a cable car to Table Mountain,* taking in views of Cape Town, Lions Head, and historic Robben Island. Return to the city via Table Bay. Pass through the Moorish Malay Quarter and pause at Milnerton Lighthouse.

Travel to Cape Point, the southwestern tip of Africa. Marvel at the vibrant green foliage blanketing the rocky outcrops, set as a contrast to the bright blue waves below. Set out on an easy hike down the mountain, wandering by diverse patches of native flowers. Stop at Boulders Beach for the rarest of black-tie events – a rendezvous with endangered African penguins! Tonight, you’re an honored guest in a Capetonian family’s home. Over dinner, exchange stories and get to know what everyday life is like here in Cape Town.

Enjoy your final day at leisure before gathering with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner to taste the country’s beloved flavors, starring a host of South African specialties and delicacies.

Today you bid farewell to your fellow travelers when you leave beautiful Cape Town. Depending on your departure flight time, you will have access to a day room.


Reflections of Italy

September 15 — September 24, 2025 (10 Days)

 

Highlights: Rome, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Assisi, Perugia, Cortona, Florence, Chianti Winery & Cooking Class, Venice, Murano Island, Lake Como

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Day-by-Day Itinerary