2025- 26 Travel Program
Travel News - September 2025
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A second date has been added for the Seine River Cruise, featuring stops in Paris and Normandy. The trip is set for both June 26, 2026, or October 26, 2026. • We host a bi-annual Travel Show that highlights all upcoming trips.
Some of the great benefits you will receive by traveling with the Fitchburg Senior Center Friends are:
• Two weeks before your departure, you will be invited to a pre-travel meeting where you can connect with fellow travelers and have your questions answered by a REAL person. This personal touch ensures you have a clear understanding of your upcoming adventure.
• Depending on the number of travelers from our location, a comfortable coach will pick you up from the Senior Center and transport you to the airport.
• A representative may be present at the airport to facilitate a smooth drop-off.
• Once you arrive at your destination, your luggage will be transported to your accommodation alongside you.
Another very significant benefit, is that Mayflower donates to us, 10% of the land portion of every trip booked through the Senior Center, at no extra cost to you. This funding helps sponsor many events at the Center. Here are the sponsored trips for 2026 that will be featured at our Fall Travel Show on November 5, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates right here and in the flyers displayed in the Senior Center lobby.
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Hawaiian Cruise in Paradise February 12-22
Croatia - Slovenia (includes Austria) April 12-24
Seine River Cruise (includes Paris & Normandy June 26 - July 6 and Oct. 26 - Nov. 5,
Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Parks July 16 - 23 Colorful Canyons & Balloon Festival (visiting 6 National Parks) Sept. 24 - Oct. 5
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One traveler's enthusiastic remarks about her recent Mayflower cruise truly resonate with all types of travel experiences. She said:
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“The cruise staff was outstanding! They went above and beyond, from assisting passengers who lost their luggage by arranging laundry services and helping with new clothing purchases, to locating and retrieving a lost hearing aid.
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I enjoyed a goose down pillow infused with vitamin E from the ‘pillow menu,’ leaving me with a wonderfully refreshed complexion in the morning.
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Delightful treats were delivered to our room multiple times a day, along with a bedtime chocolate placed on our pillow.
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Staying in one of the mid-priced rooms also allowed us a complimentary laundered piece of clothing each day, and our water bottle was always replenished.
Once again, I can’t emphasize enough how exceptional the staff was. Their friendliness and helpfulness contributed significantly to the experience. Mealtime became a cherished part of the day, featuring delicious food and an abundance of wine. I have the photos to prove how enjoyable it was!
The optional tours were remarkable, though not even necessary due to the educational excursions included with our ticket.
Regarding our accommodations, everything was well organized. If sleep was elusive, the room-darkening drapes separated the room from the balcony, where one could relax while the other slept.
I’m ready to embark on another adventure and could share even more. What I will say is this: I highly recommend cruising and traveling with Mayflower.”
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The Friends have had a travel program for over 20 years and a partnership with Mayflower Cruises and Tours for over 10 years. Each year the Friends work with them to select an assortment of travel options which we will promote and coordinate. Most trips start and end at the Fitchburg Senior Center, where parking is free. Mayflower provides end-to-end transportation and baggage handling services. You travel with your friends and neighbors at the same cost as offered to the public, but a percentage of the fare goes to the funding of Friends activities. ​If you choose to participate in any of the dozens of Mayflower tours not selected by the Friends, you can still benefit the Friends by contacting Mayflower directly and mentioning that you were referred to them by the Fitchburg Senior Center Friends.
​For more information call Kayla at Mayflower 800 728-0724‬ or email Rita Thomas: travel@fscfriends.org or pick up a flyer and a registration form at the Senior Center.
Autumn in French Canada
September 12 - 19, 2025
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The colors of French Canada's Laurentian Mountain range during autumn foliage are the backdrop for the majesty of Quebec's sacred Shrines and historic Cathedrals. Featuring Montreal, Quebec and the Scenic Eastern Townships. For more information contact Group Sales Dept. 1-800-728-0724 x201
https://www.mayflowercruisesandtours.com/tour/autumn-in-french-canada/
Discovery of Croatia and Slovenia, including Austria
April 12- 24, 2026
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Experience the history, culture, food, and architecture of old-world Europe. Take in ‘the Pearl of the Adriatic,’ Dubrovnik, and explore the picturesque cities along the Adriatic Coastline in Croatia and Montenegro. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Krka and Plitvice Lakes National Parks before traveling to the quaint cities of Slovenia. Your 13-day journey concludes in the stunning capital city of Vienna, Austria. You’ll experience it all on this remarkable journey through four countries.
https://www.mayflowercruisesandtours.com/tour/discovery-of-croatia-and-slovenia-2/
Hawaiian Cruising in Paradise Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the “Big Island”
February 12 - 22, 2026
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Only a few rooms left.
https://www.mayflowercruisesandtours.com/tour/hawaiian-cruising-in-paradise/
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Seine River Cruise including Paris and the Normandy-American Cemetery
June 26 and Oct. 26, 2026
Free airfare and $200 pp if booked by Aug. 31
The Seine River flows through the center of Paris and is the main artery of the ‘City of Light’. Spend two nights in Paris before boarding a luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Cruise down one of Europe’s most enchanting rivers through storybook landscapes of vineyards, historic abbeys, Norman castles, tranquil orchards and medieval towns. Enjoy escorted shore excursions in some of France’s most beautiful cities including Rouen, Honfleur, Vernon and pay tribute to our war heroes at the Normandy-American Cemetery. https://www.mayflowercruisesandtours.com/cruise/splendor-of-the-seine-river-cruise-2/
Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks
including Tacoma, Seattle and Victoria
July 16 - 23 2026
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Explore the Pacific Northwest from Seattle’s vibrant waterfront to the English charm of British Columbia’s capital, Victoria. Along the way, see the deep, dark waters of Puget Sound, the majesty of Mount Rainier and the beauty of Olympic National Park.
https://www.mayflowercruisesandtours.com/tour/mount-rainier-and-olympic-national-parks/
Colorful Canyons and Beautiful Balloons
Visit Six National Parks
Sept. 24 - Oct. 5 2026
This holiday is the perfect blend of the beauty of the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque and the amazing National Parks in the Southwest. Explore six National Parks on this incredible journey, enjoy a float trip on the Colorado River, and take a scenic cruise on Lake Powell.
https://www.mayflowercruisesandtours.com/tour/colorful-canyons-and-beautiful-balloons/
Fitchburg Senior Center Friends Contact:
Rita Thomas travel@fscfriends.org
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