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Italy

To get a full refund, cancellation must be no less than 8 days before the local start time of the experience.

If traveler cancels their booking from 7 to 0 days before the local start time of the experience, no refund is provided.

This experience invites you to explore Venice like an urban game — to slow down, follow your instincts, and let curiosity guide your steps. Each walk becomes a quest: you notice odd signs, trace secret patterns, and uncover stories hidden in corners and cracks of Venice.

There’s no fixed route. Instead, you’ll receive creative missions that transform wandering into play. Each one nudges you to look closer, interpret what you see, and collect your own version of Venice — made of fragments, gestures, and impressions. It’s a blend of observation, intuition, and imagination that turns walking into a deeper relationship with the city.

Along the way, you’ll come across unusual places, notice spontaneous art, and discover curious bits urban furniture and traces of biodiversity blooming between cracks and walls. Rather than ticking off sights, Kimberly helps you connect with Venice as a living system — uncovering stories, building meaning, and seeing familiar places through a different lens.

Flânerie is the art of wandering with intention — a way of exploring that embraces slowness, curiosity, and the pleasure of getting lost. Kimberly, who has long worked with psychogeography and urban exploration, brings this tradition into the present through a playful method: creative missions and open-ended prompts spark curiosity and lateral thinking, turning you into a co-author of the experience.

You’re invited to observe signs, sounds, and traces of biodiversity that emerge at the edges of perception. Exploration turns into a multisensory, imaginative act. Rather than classical tourism, this is a relational encounter, weaving together places, stories, and people in ongoing dialogue.

Participants use simple tools provided by Kimberly — game kits, notebooks, small objects — to engage with the landscape in tangible, surprising ways. It’s about building an active relationship with Venice, imagined as a giant game board.

Urban Game in Venice with creative missions to explore the city through a different perspective.

The per person price of this experience assumes a minimum number of participants to cover base costs and logistics. The supplemental fee enables us to maintain quality and exclusivity for your smaller than minimum group

The Venetian Flâneur

Immersive urban game designed for an intentional exploration of Venice. 

Game kit to be completed during the experience, including paper-based activities, pencil or pen, notebook, and a small keepsake. 

Two stops to enjoy an espresso and taste a cicchetto.

** Note: Additional tools provided to complete the activities — along with the clipboard used as a writing surface — must be returned at the end of the experience. 

Comfortable walking shoes, a bottle of water or reusable flask, a passion for learning, a curious eye, and a willingness to play along. Travel journals, cameras, and — for the more creative — colors and materials of your choice are always welcome.

In case of rain, bring an umbrella. If high water (acqua alta) occurs in Venice, check the tide forecast, use the walkways provided by the city, and, if needed, wear rubber boots.

You’ll meet Kimberly in front of Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station, a strategic location easily accessible by train, car, or water transport.

After booking, contact Kimberly via Chat and share the name of your accommodation. This will help her provide useful directions to the meeting point and, if needed, adjust the start time.

Kimberly McKean is an art director, creative adventurer, and passionate urban explorer. She is dedicated to atypical tourism — a form of travel that steps off the beaten path and beyond popular destinations to offer original, personalized experiences rooted in authentic place discovery.

In her experiences, she invites participants to slow down, follow their intuition, and transform each walk into a personal journey — blending flânerie, psychogeography, and creative missions.

During her explorations, she guides travelers in tuning into the soundscape, noticing curious details like urban furniture, observing spontaneous art and traces of biodiversity hidden in cracks, walls, and forgotten corners.

Her walks are an invitation to play, invent, interact, and read the city as an atlas of stories and possibilities. For her, tourism is not consumption but connection: a serious kind of play that encourages us to observe, interpret, and reinvent places with new eyes.

Spain

This full-day experience traces Madrid’s noble heart — from royal facades and aristocratic residences to gardens, craftsmanship, and elegance. You’ll visit palaces, parks, and tucked-away landmarks that reveal how beauty, status, and design have defined the city across centuries.

Start with an orientation through iconic urban anchors like Puerta del Sol, before the geometric calm of Sabatini Gardens. Explore two of Madrid’s great palaces: the refined Liria Palace and opulent Palacio de Santoña, both filled with art and living heritage.

Lunch is an elegant pause at the Madrid Hippodrome, a modernist gem few visitors know. In early spring, there’s a seasonal stop at Quinta de los Molinos to see almond blossoms in bloom. Next, a visit to the Royal Tapestry Factory — where Spain’s royal commissions are still woven by hand — and a century-old shop for Madrid’s emblematic violet candies. The final touch is the Crystal Palace in El Retiro: a glass pavilion glowing with light and history.

This is a curated, high-end encounter with Madrid’s noble soul — designed for travelers - couples, culture-seekers and families - who value history, elegance, and room to breathe. Rather than ticking off the usual landmarks, you explore a rarer layer of the city: shaped by dynasties, designed for quiet pleasure, and alive with artistic legacy.

You’ll see where Madrid’s nobility lived — aristocratic residences still rich with chandelier-lit salons, portraits, tapestries, and stories — and how they designed their world. Noble passions come alive — equestrian flair at the Madrid Hippodrome, royal patronage at the Tapestry Factory, and botanical beauty in gardens shaped for both structured formality and romantic escape. Everything from violet-scented sweets to the seasonal bloom of almond trees (in Feb–Mar) is place-rooted and sensorial.

With insider access, private transport, and specialist guide, you’ll experience Madrid through the lens of refinement.

Stroll past Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Cibeles Fountain, and Puerta de Alcalá, as your expert guide introduces Madrid’s symbolic heart.

With your host, you'll learn how these iconic points stitch together the city’s political, historical, and cultural topography.

Start with an orientation walk through the grand axis of central Madrid.

Intro to Madrid’s Urban Heart

Tucked inside pine forests, this 1940s racing venue now houses elegant dining. Expect fresh seasonal fare — like jamón, grilled fish, or garden vegetables — in a space that’s at once exclusive and grounded. Locals love it, but few travelers know it. It’s a bridge between elite Madrid and today’s laid-back lifestyle.

From mid-Feb to mid-Mar, afterwards you'll make a stop at Quinta de los Molinos Park. Here, 1,900 almond trees bloom in a spectacular seasonal display.

The Madrid Hippodrome is a modernist architectural icon and Spain’s premier horse-racing venue. Opened in 1941, it blends striking design with a living equestrian tradition. It was constructed to revive and modernize Spain’s equestrian traditions, providing a dedicated venue for horse racing, a sport historically linked to the monarchy and aristocracy, while showcasing contemporary architectural innovation.

A modernist venue with country club grace. Seasonal visit to an almonld tree orchard.

Hippodrome Lunch

Founded in 1720, this working atelier continues to weave tapestries for state commissions and museums. You’ll see looms, wool-dyeing, and designs that trace from Goya to today.

It’s rare to find a royal institution that still practices its original craft — and rarer still to be allowed inside. This visit will put the tapestries you've seen earlier in the day in context of the skill and craft that goes into producing them.

Centuries of craftsmanship, still practiced by hand.

Royal Tapestry Factory

Behind the Royal Palace you'll find neoclassical balance in a tiered garden laid out in 1933. Fountains, hedges, and staircases create symmetry, and the garden also boasts open views to the palace façade. Sabatini’s orderly geometry contrasts with the bustling city. It is a place for stillness in the shadow of power.

The Sabatini Gardens were built on former royal stables. It contains statues of Spanish kings and elegant fountains which highlight royal heritage. Once exclusive, now public, they embody Madrid’s shift from monarchy to modern city, blending history, beauty, and legacy.

Sabatini Gardens, Palace Vista

Explore the Palacio de Liria, home of the House of Alba, with its painting-lined galleries and Goya portraits. Then visit Palacio de Santoña, a 19th-century gem with chandeliers, tapestries, and a grand ballroom. Include a coffee stop. 


Perfect for those seeking Madrid’s hidden heritage, these palaces offer visitors a rare glimpse into noble life, cultural patronage, and the city’s transformation as aristocratic residences evolved into civic and cultural landmarks. Frescoed ceilings, gilded salons, and intricate woodwork highlight Spanish craftsmanship, while the collections reflect centuries of aristocratic taste, cultural patronage, and Madrid’s artistic grandeur.

Step into aristocratic Madrid through two preserved residences.

Palaces of Madrid Nobility

Visit a century-old shop near Plaza de Canalejas to taste the city’s most emblematic sweet: violet caramels, traditionally gifted by aristocratic ladies and still wrapped in purple glass jars. This ia a memory preserved in sugar and scent, paired with a sip of dessert wine, which is delicate, and deeply rooted in Madrid lore.

From there you'll make your way to Retiro Park, originally owned by the Spanish monarchy until from the 14th century until 1868. Here, you'll stop at the Crystal Palace. Designed in 1887 for the Philippine Exhibition, this wrought-iron and glass pavilion reflects Madrid’s 19th-century fascination with exoticism and botany. Today it hosts contemporary art under a floating canopy of light. Set beside a pond and framed by Retiro’s trees, it feels ethereal — a fairytale ending to the day.

These last stops add a touch of romance and pleasure to your day exploring Spanish aristocratic monuments. While the caramels bring a sweetness to your time in the historic city center, the photo-perfect framing offered by the Cyrstal Palace will act as a perfect closing to this day in noble Madrid.

From Madrid’s most elegant candy to a romantic conclusion in the Retiro Park.

Caramelos and Crystal 

Palaces & Gardens Tour in Madrid: aristocratic history, tapestry factory, architectural elegance.

Madrid: Nobility in Bloom

Prviate official guide and transportation throughout the day. 

Tickets to attractions where needed. 

Guided walk through the historic center, Sabatini Gardens at the Royal Palace, and Retiro Park.

Guided tour through the Palacio de Liria and Palacio de Santoña.

Extensive lunch with drinks. Later on, a taste of classic caramels.

February to March only, a stop at Quinta de los Molinos Park.

Private visit to the Royal Tapestry Factory.

Comfortable walking shoes.
Weather-appropriate layers.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen).
Phone or camera.

You will get picked up from your accommodation in Madrid. Chat with Reyes post booking to confirm the meeting point. 

Your host is a licensed guide and cultural historian with expertise in Madrid’s aristocratic past. With a deep knowledge of Spanish culture, royal architecture, decorative arts, and city history, they offer context beyond the guidebook — bringing clarity, insight, and connection. Post your booking, Reyes will introduce you to the host. 

This experience is centered on the historic workshops that still give life to Testaccio, a district shaped by labor and craftsmanship. At its heart is a rare encounter inside a restoration atelier founded in 1987, where antique dolls are brought to life. Your host Irene will introduce you to her parents Gianni and Eliana - the founders - who share the delicate process of repairing porcelain faces and preserving the memories these objects carry.

The walk continues through the neighborhood and the stories that influenced its identity: the old slaughterhouse complex, the amphora-stacked hill known as Monte dei Cocci, and the covered market that still anchors local life. Irene brings a deep knowledge of Testaccio’s social history, showing how her family’s workshop grew out of the same working-class fabric that defines the district.

The experience ends with a stop at a historic pastry shop where you’ll taste a maritozzo con panna and learn the story behind its name — and generous filling.

This experience offers an extraordinary intimacy as the restoration atelier closes temporarily to the public to welcome you, offering a moment of full attention and focus. Inside this tiny space, just 20 square meters, antique dolls, tin toys, puppets, and carillons are gently brought back to life—a rare craft that survives in only a handful of places in Rome. Watching these delicate repairs unfold in front of you feels like stepping into a bygone era, a moment that evokes childhood memories and long-forgotten stories.

Through Irene’s guidance, you’ll also gain insight into Testaccio's layered identity: from its industrial roots to its current role as a site of creative reinvention and urban tension. Irene is among the most respected voices on the history of Rome’s working-class neighborhoods and the rise of the city's industrial core in the late 1800s. Her perspective adds depth to contemporary issues of gentrification, regeneration, and the balance between preservation and change.

Walking Tour in Rome exploring Testaccio’s rare Historic Shops including a doll restoration atelier.

A Doll Atelier in Testaccio

Walking tour with a local urban sociologist. 

Exclusive visit to antique doll restoration workshop.

Tasting of traditional Roman pastries.

You'll meet Irene at 1 Piazza Orazio Giustiniani.

Irene Ranaldi is an urban sociologist and independent researcher based in Rome. She was the first in Italy to publish a study on gentrification comparing her own neighborhood, Testaccio, with Astoria in New York. Her work draws from historical archives and years of field research, focusing on the social transformations of urban districts and the shifting boundaries between city centers and peripheries.

Türkiye

Discover the intricate world of Ottoman style Miniature Art painting, a centuries-old art form rich in symbolism and storytelling. Originating from Persian and Ottoman traditions, miniature art was used to depict historical events, literature, and royal life with striking detail and vibrant colors. This immersive workshop, held in a private studio in the Fatih District, provides a rare opportunity to learn these traditional techniques under the guidance of a miniature art master.

Led by Şeyma Çınar, a certified expert in miniature and illumination arts, you will learn the essential techniques of Ottoman miniature painting, including fine detailing, color layering, and the traditional stylization of figures and landscapes. In this three-hour session, you will create your own miniature artwork, exploring the time-honored methods used in palace ateliers. Complemented by Turkish tea and snacks, this experience offers a deep cultural connection to Istanbul’s creative scene.

This workshop is one of the few short-format sessions that introduces Ottoman miniature painting in an accessible yet authentic way. Typically, mastering this art requires years of dedicated training, but this session provides a step-by-step introduction, designed to allow participants to complete a full artwork within three hours.

Miniature painting offers stillness through focus, tradition, and craft. Guided by a master, each brushstroke is an act of patience—rooting attention, quieting thought, and connecting past to present in a deeply enriching way.

Şeyma Çınar is a master artist with official recognition from Türkiye’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The setting within a community-centered space further enhances its authenticity, allowing for a more immersive and meaningful artistic journey. Whether you are an art enthusiast or a curious traveler, this workshop offers an exclusive glimpse into an art form that has shaped Ottoman cultural identity for centuries.

Miniature Painting Workshop in Istanbul: Ottoman art, traditional techniques, and expert guidance.

Miniature Art by Şeyma

Guided introduction to Ottoman miniature painting.

Master artist led hands-on workshop with all necessary materials.

Turkish tea and traditional snacks.

Your finished miniature artwork to take home.

A camera to capture your creative process and comfortable clothing suitable for painting. No experience required.

This experience will take place at a studio inside the Fatih District Municipality Center. The address is marked on the map. Contact Şeyma via Chat after you book this experience if you have questions about how to reach the address from your hotel.

The host, Şeyma Çınar, is a master artist specializing in miniature art, Tezhip (Islamic illumination), and floral designs since 1998. With formal certification from Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, she has dedicated over 25 years to studying and teaching the intricate techniques of Ottoman miniature painting. Having participated in multiple exhibitions and published work on Islamic art, she brings both technical expertise and cultural depth to the workshop, ensuring participants leave with a rich understanding of this ancient craft. She will be accompanied by a translator, allowing everyone to fully engage with her insights and expertise.

Portugal

This half-day Douro tour is built for travelers already in the region — or visiting briefly — who want a meaningful overview without committing to a full-day itinerary. Led by local hosts, the experience offers a compact yet immersive look at what defines the valley’s identity.

The journey begins at a panoramic viewpoint where the Douro reveals itself in full: terraced hillsides, vine-covered slopes, and the river winding through it all. 

Next, you’ll step aboard a traditional rabelo boat — the vessel once used to transport barrels downriver — for a quiet cruise accompanied by a glass of local Moscatel. 

The final stop is a guided tasting at a respected estate, where you’ll walk through the vineyard and sample wines that reflect the region’s growing focus on still varieties alongside its Port tradition. This is also where you have lunch.

In just a few hours, you’ll move through landscape, history, and flavor — a concentrated introduction to the Douro’s ongoing story.

This experience was designed for those short on time but seeking real insight into the Douro Valley. Every stop has been handpicked by Carlos and Paulo, two lifelong locals with deep roots in the region. Their knowledge ensures you skip the crowded, commercial routes and instead step into places with meaning: a panoramic viewpoint that locals quietly revere, a private boat cruise with space to take in the valley’s scale, and a tasting at a respected estate that showcases how Douro wine is evolving beyond Port.

What makes this different is the balance it strikes. It’s short, but not rushed. It’s curated. You’ll move through views, river, and vineyard in a way that connects them — placing each part of the experience in the broader rhythm of Douro life. It’s a rare chance to touch on the landscape, the winemaking, and the local way of life — all in one intimate, thoughtfully paced experience.

Half-Day Tour in Douro Valley: Scenic views, private rabelo boat cruise and wine tasting with lunch.

Douro in Three Movements

Guided visit to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Douro River and terraced vineyards.

Private cruise on a traditional rabelo boat with a glass of local Moscatel wine.

Guided visit to a Douro wine estate with vineyard walk.

Wine tasting featuring still wines and Port, paired with regional lunch.

Local host-led experience offering cultural and historical insights.

Private pick-up and drop-off within the Douro Valley.


Light, comfortable clothing, a hat for sun protection, and sunscreen to ensure you enjoy the experience safely and comfortably.

Carlos and Paulo can pick you up at your hotel in the Douro or one of the train stations (Pinhão/Régua). After booking, chat with them to arrange a meeting point.

Carlos de Oliveira and Paulo Baptista are lifelong Douro residents and eco-conscious storytellers. With backgrounds in environmental culture and hospitality, they offer insider access and connections to local producers. Their compact half-day tour is curated for reflection and authenticity, perfect for travelers seeking a memorable time in the Douro.

Uncover the revolutionary spirit of Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s most distinctive neighborhoods, on this private walking tour. Once an independent town, Gràcia was the site of numerous uprisings throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Your journey begins at Plaça Lesseps, where you’ll explore one of Barcelona’s most significant revolts: La Setmana Tràgica. From there, you’ll follow your host through Gràcia’s charming plazas, hearing stories of key uprisings like the 1870 Revolta de les Quintes and visiting the very sites where these armed conflicts took place.

At the legendary Plaça del Diamant, Josep will share insights into the devastating impact of the Spanish Civil War on the neighborhood, along with the literature it inspired. The scars of history are still visible in this square today. To end the tour, you'll indulge in fresh oysters and wine at a top-tier fish bar loved by locals. Join us for a walk through revolution and resilience—right into the heart of Gràcia.

Your host Josep was born and raised in Gràcia and brings a rare, personal perspective to the neighborhood’s layered history. He shares its past with the insight and presence of someone who has lived its evolution. His deep roots in Gràcia and active involvement in Barcelona's cultural scene give him unique insight into the neighborhood's revolutionary history and contemporary artistic landscape. You'll walk through plazas where uprisings took place, trace the impact of war and resistance, and hear stories rarely found in guidebooks.

While Gràcia is now one of Barcelona’s most visited areas, its radical past is often overlooked. This tour reveals the spirit of resistance that shaped the neighborhood. Josep connects the dots between uprisings, literature, memory, and place, drawing on his background in Barcelona’s cultural life.

The tour ends as it should—at a beloved local spot over oysters and wine, where the present-day pulse of Gràcia comes into focus.

Walking Tour of Gràcia in Barcelona exploring uprisings, civil war sites & oysters with local wine.

The Radical Heart of Gràcia

Private guided walking tour through the Gràcia neighborhood, focused on its revolutionary history.

Visits to key historical sites, including Plaça Lesseps and Plaça del Diamant.

Insightful storytelling on local uprisings and the Spanish Civil War.

Aperitif at a top-tier seafood bar with oysters, a glass of wine, water, and a shared plate.

Outside the metro station on Plaça Lesseps.

Barcelona-born Josep Magrinyà is a multidisciplinary creative whose career began in the 1980s. Over the decades he's played in numerous bands and also worked on various audiovisual projects in Catalonia and Scotland. Among other things he has worked in sound design, advertising, and audiovisual production. Since 2023, Magrinyà has focused on podcast production, working on projects like Otra Vida for Novamont and Barcelona Walk the Walk, with Stephen Burgen (The Guardian's Barcelona correspondent) and betevé, Barcelona's local broadcaster. The latter explores routes around Barcelona, delving into the city’s history, gastronomy, and culture. His experience in language, audio, and storytelling makes him a strong force in the podcasting and translation industries. With a love of his city and an expertise in its history and cultural currents, Josep in the perfect Barcelona insider.

Croatia

A 3-hour tour that intertwines the fascinating history of Dubrovnik with its exquisite culinary culture. This tour offers a distinctive way to understand the city by tracing its social evolution through food. Starting in the spirit of the 10th century as a commoner, you'll gradually move through the medieval times of citizens to the era of noblemen.

At each of the three historical stages, you'll visit different locations, each offering a dish and wine reflective of that period. The journey begins with simple, yet flavorful commoner fare, progresses to the more refined tastes of the city's citizens, and culminates with a nobleman's plate, featuring some of the oldest and most cherished traditional recipes. 

Join us on this Experience for an unforgettable exploration of the city’s past, presented through its rich and varied culinary traditions. It’s a vivid storytelling session that brings to life the rich tapestry of Dubrovnik's past.

Pile Gate is meeting point and it is situated in the western wall of Dubrovnik's Old Town, and most city buses stop here and taxi as well.

What sets this tour apart is its novel approach to exploring history through gastronomy. Each dish and wine pairing is carefully selected to reflect the social and historical context of Dubrovnik's past eras, making history both accessible and delicious. As you move through the city, you'll not only indulge in its culinary delights but also absorb the most intriguing stories of its evolution.

The tour is made even more special by your local host, Mariana, a passionate storyteller with extensive knowledge of local cuisine, history, and city lifestyle. Her insights and anecdotes provide depth to the experience, making you feel connected to the centuries-old traditions and customs of Dubrovnik. This tour is a celebration of the city's heritage, offering a taste of its historical journey in the most literal sense.

Walking Tour in Dubrovnik exploring culinary traditions, local sights, flavors and curiosities.

One of the most important parts of one’s culture is surely its gastronomy. How better to know Dubrovnik then to follow the story of its development in the city tour while tasting the story as well. In the ancient republic the society was divided into three classes: commoners, citizens and noblemen. We will start the tour in the spirit of the 10th century, a commoner at the beginning. Then we will evoke the spirit of a medieval citizen’s day life. At the end you will taste a noblemen’s plate, one of the oldest and most favorite traditional recipe. Each of the three locations we visit will offer a tasting dish and different wine, matching the story. The tour lasts three hours and combines the tale of food with the most interesting stories of our town.



Taste of Dubrovnik's History

This experience accommodates a minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 participants to make the base costs and logistics work. Fewer people can book but will be charged a supplemental fee to achieve the minimum. What's Included: Food and wine tasting at three distinct locations, each reflecting a different historical period. A comprehensive exploration of Dubrovnik's history through its gastronomy.


Comfortable walking shoes.
A curious palate ready to experience the flavors of Dubrovnik's past.
A camera to capture the scenic beauty and culinary delights.


We will meet at Pile Gate, situated in the western wall of Dubrovnik's Old Town. You can get here by city bus or taxi. Pile Gate is meeting point and it is situated in the western wall of Dubrovnik's Old Town, and most city buses stop here and taxi as well.

Mariana, your guide for this experience, is passionate about her job and loves sharing the city's secrets. Her background in local cuisine and history ensures an informative and engaging experience. She strives to make every visitor feel welcome and immersed in Dubrovnik's unique charm.

Morocco

This is a gentle 3-hour guided trek through the picturesque Ouirgane Valley, beginning and ending in the tranquil village of Ouirgane. This scenic walk meanders through olive and almond groves, wildflower-lined paths, and the historic village of Marigha, where traditional mud-brick homes and the ruins of a Kasbah reflect the region’s deep Berber roots. 

The trail leads to the Marigha Salt Mines, where salt has been harvested by hand for generations using time-honored techniques unchanged for centuries. Along the way, you may witness villagers transporting salt by mule or women gathering firewood and chatting under the sun. 

The return journey follows a peaceful route along ancient irrigation channels still in use today. Guided by a local expert, this experience offers a deep immersion into nature, tradition, and the enduring rhythms of Atlas village life. In summer, the walk is best in early morning or late afternoon, when the light is golden and the air cooler.

This gentle walk offers an intimate glimpse into some enduring traditions of the High Atlas. Visiting the Marigha Salt Mines typically just takes about 20 minutes. This allows ample time to observe the traditional salt harvesting methods, where salt is drawn from shallow earth basins, sun-dried, and gathered using simple tools—a practice unchanged for generations.

Your local guide, deeply connected with the community, shares personal insights into the seasonal rhythms and the significance of this craft. The journey culminates in a warm welcome at a Berber home, where you'll be invited to partake in a traditional mint tea ceremony, accompanied by homemade sweets or nuts. This hospitality offers a window into daily life, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region's rich cultural tapestry. 

This experience helps you understand how people live with the land here, relying on it, respecting it, and continuing practices that have quietly sustained mountain life for centuries.

Hiking Trek through Marigha's salt region and groves in Ouirgane's Atlas Mountains near Marrakesh.

The Salt Route of Marigha

Guided trek through the Ouirgane Valley and Marigha village.

Visit to the traditional salt mines of Marigha.

Tea and local snacks in a Berber home.

Bottled water provided throughout the walk.

All gratuities for guide and local hosts included.

Dress for mountain conditions: sturdy boots, waterproof jacket, warm layers, gloves, sun protection (hat, cream), fleece/anorak for winter

Refillable water bottle and day pack for essentials.

If you need a trekking pole, let Ahmed know in advance. Also inform him of any medical conditions or physical limitations.

Be prepared for altitude, and respect Berber customs in the villages you pass. 

Travelers should arrange their own travel insurance for peace of mind in case of illness or accident.

The meeting point in Ouirgane will be confirmed by Ahmed after the booking via Chat. 

The excursion begins in Ouirgane, about 1.5 hours by car from Marrakesh. If you’re staying in Marrakesh, Ourika, Asni or similar, please arrange round-trip transportation with your hotel.

An experienced guide well-versed in the region’s geography and the cultural nuances of the Berber communities. The guide offers not only navigational expertise but also insights into the local traditions and natural history of the area. They will ensure that you feel safe, welcomed, and well-informed.

Weather Safety Precaution: If the weather turns bad, Ahmed and his team may adjust the trek route to prioritize safety. Trek cancellations are rare and only occur in severe weather conditions, and only after all alternative routes for a similar experience have been evaluated. Your safety is always the top priority.

A personalized photoshoot experience set in the enchanting city of Venice. Renowned for its beauty and romance, Venice provides the perfect canvas for your portrait session. The experience, led by accomplished photographers like Marco, Luca or Sandra, includes lifestyle portraits in one picturesque location for 30 minutes, followed by portraits captured on a 30-minute gondola-ride. Embrace the Venetian charm as you're skillfully photographed, ensuring each shot reflects your personal style and the captivating surroundings. Capture your moments in one of the world's most picturesque and romantic cities, creating lasting memories and stunning photographs that reflect both the soul of Venice and your own.

Get to Venice via water, air or rail. After booking, chat to share where in Venice you're staying so we can coordinate the pick-up/meeting point.

Your photographer will bring their expertise to create stunning portraits of you, leveraging Venice's natural light and architecture. The 30-minute gondola ride is special, capturing stunning images in the lagoon. The photographer will shoot from the gondola and at various bridges for diverse perspectives - and will provide expert editing afterwards to ensure your portraits capture the natural beauty of Venice and your individuality.

Photoshoot in Venice, capturing the romantic charm of the city through a unique portrait session.

30 minute photoshoot walk followed by 30-minute gondola ride with photoshoot

Silhouettes in the Lagoon

Personalized photoshoot in Venice with a professional local photographer.

30-minute photoshoot walk through one picturesque Venetian location.

30-minute gondola ride with lifestyle portraits on board.

Professional photos sent within 2-3 days with expert editing and post-processing.

Comfortable shoes for outdoor walking. 
Attire and accessories to enhance your individual style.


After booking, chat with Marco to share your hotel and he will determine pick up point or meeting location.  

Conducted by a local experienced portrait photographer familiar with the nuances of Venetian architecture, culture, lagoon and light, the session promises not only professional-quality portraits but also an insightful glimpse into Venice's illustrious past.

Japan

Step inside a working Buddhist temple in Osaka and spend several hours following the rhythms of a monk’s day. You’ll meet your hosts - a practicing monk who also works as an architect, and Zane, who has spent ten years in Japan studying religious and cultural traditions. Then you’ll change into the traditional robes of a monk and begin a series of mindful rituals.

First, a guided meditation and the practice of shakyo: hand-copying sutras in the form of kanji characters using brush and ink. This is a daily ritual for monks, intended to steady the mind before service. Outside, you’ll assist in sweeping the temple grounds - a brief, meaningful act of service and discipline.

Midday, you’ll share a shojin ryori meal: a simple, seasonal vegetarian lunch prepared in the Buddhist tradition. Zane provides translation, insights and context throughout.

At the end of the day, you’ll receive either a goshuin (temple stamp) or omamori (amulet)—a small marker of your day as a monk in Osaka.

Most introductions to monastic life in Japan take place in rural retreats. This temple is an active religious site in the grid of central Osaka. You’ll speak with the monks about their lives, explore the overlaps and tensions between secular and spiritual paths, and observe how Buddhist tradition is preserved and adapted in a modern context.

The monk who leads the experience also works as an architect. His approach integrates design with ritual. His wife prepares the mid-day meal using principles of shojin ryori passed down through temple tradition. Zane, who has spent a decade in Japan, helps translate both language and context, offering interpretation that clarifies without interrupting the cadence of the day.

This experience exists because of their friendship. The access comes through trust and invitation. Their hospitality and passion for sharing Japanese culture are generous. You’ll come away with insight and understanding of a world that usually stays closed to outsiders.

Cultural Workshop on Buddhist life in Osaka with meditation, sutra copying, and a vegan temple meal.

In a Monk's Robes

Access inside a working temple in Osaka.

A monk's robes for the duration of the experience. 

A meditation session and sutra copying session.

A shojin ryori traditional Buddhist meal.

A souvenir goshuin (temple stamp) OR omamori (protection amulet).

A bottle of water, especially on hot days
Burning questions you have about life as a monk in Japan

Your host, Zane, will meet you at Tanimachi 9-chome Subway Station (Exit 3) and walk with you to the temple grounds.

The experience is co-led by a temple monk who also works as an architect. He is passionate about blending modern design with tradition and along with his wife, who was born into a temple family, works to promote Japanese culture by creating various events such as tea ceremonies. 

Your co-host is Zane, a resident of Japan for 10 years originally from New York. His passion for learning about traditional Japanese culture and sharing it with overseas visitors has led him to close collaborations with Japanese people to share unique experiences for visitors to Japan. Zane also practices Japanese calligraphy and has a workshop in Kyoto.

A luminous journey across water and stone, this five-day itinerary invites you to slow down and savor Venice through the lens of art, history, and quiet beauty. Blending guided tours with self-led explorations, it’s designed for the traveler who seeks meaning in details — reflections on the canals, the hush of palazzos, the rhythm of walking, and the stories behind each façade. From golden mornings in Dorsoduro to early light in Burano, this itinerary balances movement and stillness, guiding you through the city’s most evocative moments.

DAY 1 – PIAZZA AND PALACES | The journey begins with a private photoshoot guided by a local photographer, capturing your silhouette against the soft light of bridges and canals. In the afternoon, you’ll step into Piazza San Marco and explore the Basilica at your own pace before heading to the Doge’s Palace for a self-led visit through grand chambers and secret passages. The city’s layered history sets the tone for a slow, immersive arrival.

DAY 2 – ART AND WATERLINES | You’ll start the day with a guided walking tour of Dorsoduro, a neighborhood where artists’ studios and gondola yards share quiet lanes with shaded piazzas. In the afternoon, a self-led visit to the Gallerie dell’Accademia invites contemplation among Venetian masters. As the sun dips low, a guided boat tour leads you into the lagoon, where the colors of the city shift and settle into still water and sky.

DAY 3 – HIDDEN ISLANDS | The morning opens with a guided boat tour to far reaches of the lagoon, where wild gardens, quiet docks, and local stories unfold beyond the well-trodden paths. After returning to Venice, the afternoon brings a visit to Ca’ d’Oro, whose lacy Gothic façade still hints at its gilded past. This is a day shaped by contrasts: untouched nature and ornate palaces, silence and shimmer.

DAY 4 – EARLY VENICE | You’ll rise early to join a local photographer for a guided photo walk through Venice in its quietest hours — when soft light filters through the city. After a long break, the evening continues with a self-led visit to Teatro La Fenice, where velvet seats and golden balconies hold centuries of drama and renewal. It’s a day for observing beauty in quiet, fleeting moments.

DAY 5 – BURANO AND THE VINEYARD | The final day takes you beyond Venice to Burano. With a fisherman as your guide, you’ll explore hidden corners of the lagoon by boat before reaching a secluded vineyard island for an experience shaped by tradition, salt air, and handmade wine. It’s a gentle farewell to the floating world — where time bends around water, craft, and conversation.

WHERE TO STAY IN VENICE | For a balance of calm and character, Dorsoduro is an ideal base — less crowded than San Marco, yet central enough to walk everywhere. Travelers seeking an artistic, design-forward atmosphere will appreciate hotels along the Zattere or near Campo San Barnaba. For early morning views and slow starts, canal-facing stays in Castello or Giudecca offer space to breathe, with the city always within reach by foot or vaporetto.

PLAN YOUR TRIP | At Fernwayer, we believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration. You can book experiences directly from the itinerary and arrange your own hotels and restaurants. Download the Fernwayer iOS app to edit your trip and make it your own.

Seen and Lived in Venice

5 days in Venice exploring palaces, canals, island vineyards, and the golden light of the lagoon.

United States

Seville in Shadow and Light is a five-day journey into the city’s most enduring expressions of faith, artistry, and tradition. From the soaring vaults of its Gothic cathedral and the archives that shaped an empire to Andalusian crafts, flamenco’s living pulse, and the quiet elegance of noble palaces, each day moves deeper into Seville’s character. Guided tours and workshops are paired with flexible explorations, inviting travelers to experience the city not as a checklist but as a rhythm of devotion, creativity, and daily life.
DAY 1 – ARCHIVES AND CATHEDRALS | Begin with a guided tour of Andalusia’s sacred crafts, where devotion and artistry meet in unexpected forms. In the afternoon, visit the General Archive of the Indies before stepping into Seville Cathedral. End the day climbing the Giralda tower at your own pace for sweeping views across the city.
DAY 2 – MUSEUMS AND DANCE | Spend the morning at the Museum of Popular Arts, a Neo-Mudéjar pavilion in Maria Luisa Park that preserves Andalusian traditions in costume, craft, and design. Later, join a Sevillanas class with a dancer who introduces the rhythms and gestures of this joyful tradition.
DAY 3 – ART AND FLAMENCO STYLE | Start the day at the Museo de Bellas Artes, where Spain’s second most important art collection unfolds from Murillo to Zurbarán. In the afternoon, take part in a flamenco styling workshop in Triana, as a designer reveals how fabric, form, and movement shape this iconic art.
DAY 4 – PALACES AND ALCÁZAR | Begin with a walk through Seville’s noble residences, from the courtyards of Casa Pilatos to the halls of Palacio de las Dueñas, once home to the Duchess of Alba. After a pause, join a guided after-hours visit to the Alcázar, entering its gardens and chambers once the crowds have gone.
DAY 5 – BULLS, TRIANA, AND THE RIVER | Travel into the countryside on a day trip to a historic ranch that preserves the heritage of the toro bravo, with insights into Spain’s most emblematic animal. Back in the city, spend the afternoon wandering the streets of Triana before continuing along the Guadalquivir promenade.
WHERE TO STAY IN SEVILLE | Seville’s historic center, around the Cathedral and Santa Cruz, is ideal for travelers who want to be immersed in monuments, gardens, and winding alleys. Triana, across the river, offers a more local rhythm, with tapas bars, flamenco studios, and a neighborhood feel. Both areas are walkable and well connected, letting you choose between the intimacy of the old city and the vibrancy of daily life.
PLAN YOUR TRIP | At Fernwayer, we believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for exploration at your own rhythm. You can book experiences directly from the itinerary and arrange your own hotels and restaurants. Download the Fernwayer iOS app to edit your trip and make it your own.

Seville in Shadow and Light

5 days in Seville exploring flamenco, palaces, toro bravo heritage, Triana, and the Cathedral.

This 7-day itinerary offers a layered introduction to Catalonia, curated by Fernwayer experience-maker and collaborator Manila DiMaira. A native of Sicily and longtime resident of Barcelona, Manila blends insight with a deep curiosity. Her suggested route balances the bold energy of the city with the slower rhythm of the countryside — from Barcelona’s cultural core to the vineyards of Priorat, the wetlands of the Ebro Delta, and the historic charm of Girona.
Begin with three days in Barcelona, where Manila recommends focusing not on checklists but on rhythm: explore historic neighborhoods, check out design ateliers, sample Catalan cuisine, and seek out the quieter corners still alive with local tradition. | Head south into the wine country of Priorat, a lesser-known region with rolling hills and medieval villages. Stay in Siurana, a cliffside hamlet with sweeping views and access to local winemakers. | Continue to the Ebro Delta, one of Spain’s richest ecological regions. Here, you can bike through rice paddies, watch migratory birds, and experience a side of Catalonia rarely included in mainstream itineraries. | End in Girona, a city of ancient walls, celebrated chefs, and architectural quiet. It offers a slower, more introspective contrast to the pulse of Barcelona.
This itinerary reflects what Manila calls the “true essence of Catalonia” — a place of cultural pride, natural beauty, and distinct local identity. Manila first arrived in Barcelona more than two decades ago, while finishing her studies in Rome. She needed an internship for her thesis and chose Barcelona without expecting how quickly she’d feel at home.“Barcelona, 22 years ago, was a different place,” she says. “It was less cosmopolitan, more local. I remember wandering through narrow streets and finding tiny bars with real flamenco. It felt genuinely lived in.”
 “Tourism has definitely changed things,” she admits. “Places like La Rambla are overcrowded. Many locals have been pushed out by the rise in tourist rentals. But Catalans are proud of their traditions. They’ve started resisting these changes to preserve the city’s character.” That character is what Manila has grown to love. “I chose Barcelona because I felt an immediate connection. The Mediterranean lifestyle, the weather, the proximity to mountains and sea — it feels like home but also stretches me outside my comfort zone.” She relishes the contrast to her native Sicily. “I can take a train and be skiing in the Pyrenees in just over an hour. Where else do you get that?”
What keeps her in Barcelona is the balance of tradition and openness. “The cuisine, the olive groves, the vineyards — they remind me of southern Italy, but they’re uniquely Catalan.” And the city’s connectivity has made it easy to stay rooted while maintaining close ties to Italy. She speaks with admiration about the people: “Catalans are proud, resilient, and united. They have a strong sense of identity and community. Whether through demonstrations or cultural festivals, they come together. They’re efficient and organized, but also keep that relaxed Mediterranean vibe. It’s a unique combination.”
𝘈𝘵 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘋𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘖𝘚 𝘢𝘱𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

Catalonia: Barcelona & Beyond

7-day itinerary in Catalonia through Barcelona, Priorat, Siurana, Ebro Delta, Girona, and Cadaqués.

Even with just one day, Madrid’s intensity can still be felt — its rhythm, flavors, and stories all within reach when the day is thoughtfully designed. This curated itinerary is crafted for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the spirit of the city through its streets, storytellers, and night scenes. From image to word to taste, this is Madrid distilled.
DAY 1 – FRAMES, WORDS, AND TAPAS | The day begins with a black-and-white photo walk through Madrid’s morning light, guided by a professional photographer who shows how to frame shadows, textures, and urban contrasts. In the afternoon, a local writer leads you through the Barrio de las Letras — once home to literary legends — sharing how Madrid’s stories live on in stone and street. As the sun sets, two local hosts take you deep into the city’s nightlife, where conversation, tapas, and culture flow through the bars of Chueca and Malasaña. It’s a vivid blend of reflection and revelry — a full portrait of Madrid in a single day.
WHERE TO STAY IN MADRID | Stay in Centro for quick access to morning and afternoon walks, or opt for Malasaña to finish your evening just steps from your hotel.
PLAN YOUR TRIP | At Fernwayer, we believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration. You can book experiences directly from the itinerary and arrange your own hotels and restaurants. Download the Fernwayer iOS app to edit your trip and make it your own.

One Day in Madrid

Fernwayer’s perfect one day in Madrid moves from photo walks to Barrio de las Letras to tapas bars.

The Algarve reveals itself through art and craft, hands in the soil, stories passed between generations, and the rhythm of coastal life. This four-day itinerary begins in Aljezur, where an organic farm visit offers more than a look at local agriculture—it grounds you in the region’s values. In Monchique, traditional crafts and social impact initiatives highlight efforts to preserve cultural identity while building economic resilience. Along the coast, the Benagil Caves and salt flats of Castro Marim offer natural beauty shaped by time and use. Throughout the journey, you’ll meet artisans, farmers, and changemakers whose work ties heritage to the present. With space for reflection and unhurried connection, this is travel that leaves something behind—understanding, respect, and a deeper sense of place.

𝘈𝘵 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳, 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘋𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘖𝘚 𝘢𝘱𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

Algarve’s Crafts, Land and Sea

4-day itinerary in Algarve merging social impact with craft, coastal beauty, and living traditions.

Even with just one day, Valparaíso’s creative energy can still be felt. This journey is designed for travelers passing through with limited time who want to understand the city’s pulse through its art, stories, and street life. With guided access to working studios and street-level culture, it offers a layered portrait of Valparaíso in motion.
DAY 1 – ART STUDIOS AND STREET LIFE | Begin with a guided visit to a printmaking studio where local artists share their creative process, from tools to finished works. In this intimate setting, you’ll see how contemporary art is shaped by the city’s spirit. After a lunch break, spend the afternoon walking through Valparaíso’s hills and alleyways with a local guide. Along the way, you’ll explore murals, staircases, and markets that reveal both history and everyday rhythms. Together, these two experiences trace how creativity lives and breathes across generations.
WHERE TO STAY IN VALPARAÍSO | Cerro Alegre and Cerro Concepción offer quick access to both studio visits and afternoon walks, with a central location and walkable charm.
PLAN YOUR TRIP | At Fernwayer, we believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration. You can book experiences directly from the itinerary and arrange your own hotels and restaurants. Download the Fernwayer iOS app to edit your trip and make it your own.

Chile

One Day in Valparaíso

Fernwayer’s perfect one day in Valparaíso blends street art, studios, and a hillside guided walk.

Hub Cities: Venice, Bologna, Milan

Duration: 10 days — 3 days in Venice, 2 days in Bologna (via Ravenna), 5 days in Milan (via Parma)

Trip Highlights:

Venice: Begin your adventure with a blend of history, culture, and culinary experiences. Explore the light and shadows of Venice, visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia, enjoy a gondola ride after dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, and discover the charm of the Dorsoduro district.

Bologna (via Ravenna): Stop to admire the stunning Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna, then delve into Bologna’s rich culture with visits to churches, museums, and markets, enjoying traditional Bolognese cuisine along the way.

Milan (via Parma): Indulge in a Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese tasting tour in Parma before arriving in Milan. Explore the city’s architectural gems, iconic districts, and luxury shopping while experiencing local craftsmanship and gastronomy. End with a full day at Lake Como, taking in the stunning villas and landscapes.

Trip Notes: Travel by train between cities for an easy and scenic journey.

𝘈𝘵 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘋𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘖𝘚 𝘢𝘱𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

La Serenissima to Modern Milan

10-day itinerary in Italy through Venice, Bologna, Milan, a mix of culture, cuisine, scenic beauty.

Few cities offer so much color, culture, and character in just three days. This 3-day journey invites you into the textures of Valparaíso, from its murals and flavors to its rhythms and views. With a thoughtful mix of guided encounters and unhurried moments, it is designed for travelers who value creativity, connection, and depth.
DAY 1 – STREET ART AND CERAMICS | The day begins with a guided street art walk that weaves together mural stories, cultural memory, and local tastings. From bold facades to vibrant flavors, you explore the city’s history through both image and palate. In the afternoon, take time to rest or explore the viewpoints of Cerro Alegre before heading to Concón. There, a ceramic workshop invites you to create your own lucky clay pig in a bright studio facing the coast. After the session, stay for a seafood dinner by the ocean and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this quiet beach town.
DAY 2 – COOKING AND CITY SPACES | Spend the morning in the kitchen of a local chef learning traditional South American recipes in an engaging cooking class. After the shared meal, continue the day with a guided architecture walk through ten public spaces shaped by Valparaíso’s unique topography and social rhythms. From plazas and staircases to hillside viewpoints, the tour brings the city’s built environment into focus through design, memory, and daily use. Together, the experiences offer an intimate look at how people live, gather, and create in this layered urban landscape.
DAY 3 – PHOTOS AND FLAVORS BY NIGHT | Start your final day with a photography walk in Playa Ancha led by a local artist. The session offers both visual guidance and personal stories as you capture the neighborhood’s layered textures and views. After a break, close the journey with a guided golden-hour experience through Valparaíso’s bars and gathering spots. As day fades into evening, conversation, music and movement bring the spirit of the city to life one last time.
WHERE TO STAY IN VALPARAÍSO | Choose Cerro Alegre or Cerro Concepción for easy access to morning walks, cafes, street art, and guided tours. These central hills are where most travelers stay and offer a safe, vibrant atmosphere. For a quieter rhythm with a more local feel, Playa Ancha offers charm and calm just a short ride from the center.
PLAN YOUR TRIP | At Fernwayer, we believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration. You can book experiences directly from the itinerary and arrange your own hotels and restaurants. Download the Fernwayer iOS app to edit your trip and make it your own.

Art to Coast in Valparaíso

3 days in Valparaíso blending street art, food, architecture, and coastal craft with local guides.

Living the Pulse of Porto means tasting its traditions, stepping inside centuries-old landmarks, and letting the Douro set the rhythm of your days. In three days you’ll move from taverns filled with petiscos to valley vineyards, riverside boat decks, and cathedral steps that have anchored the city for generations. Designed for travelers who want immersion over checklists, this journey blends guided encounters with moments of quiet discovery, letting Porto’s pulse carry you.
DAY 1 – PETISCOS AND VIEWS | Begin with a guided food tour that introduces Porto through its flavors and stories. Tasting petiscos and Port wine becomes a path through the São Bento station murals, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and corners of daily life. In the evening, climb Torre dos Clérigos, where the Baroque tower rises above the old city and the river glimmers below. The day closes over dinner in the heart of Porto, where the atmosphere feels as local as the wine.
DAY 2 – DOURO HERITAGE AND CHURCHES | Leave the city for a guided day in the Douro Valley, where family-run wineries share the generations-long craft of winemaking and lunch is prepared at the table of a local vintner. Back in Porto, the evening turns toward Igreja de São Francisco, a space where Gothic bones and Baroque gold reveal the layers of faith and power. Dinner follows along the riverfront, with seafood and wine echoing the Douro’s abundance.
DAY 3 – RIVER JOURNEYS AND CATHEDRALS | The final day carries you onto the Douro with a guided boat experience that blends water, wine, and the flavors of a traditional sardine lunch. Returning to the city, step into Porto Cathedral, a landmark that has shaped the skyline and spirit of the city across centuries. Evening is left to reflection, with Porto’s rhythm accompanying the close of your journey.
WHERE TO STAY IN PORTO | Porto invites you to choose your base according to your rhythm. Ribeira puts you directly on the riverfront, with sweeping views and easy access to landmarks, though the nights are lively. Cedofeita offers a more local feel, with art galleries, cafés, and quieter streets just beyond the center. For those who prefer evenings by the sea, Foz provides Atlantic calm while keeping Porto close at hand.
PLAN YOUR TRIP | At Fernwayer, we believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration. You can book experiences directly from the itinerary and arrange your own hotels and restaurants. Download the Fernwayer iOS app to edit your trip and make it your own.

Living the Pulse of Porto

3 days in Porto with food tours, Douro Valley wineries, river cruises, and historic landmarks.

Istanbul is a city best experienced slowly, not rushed. It invites you to walk its streets, savor its flavors, and absorb its atmosphere without rushing through. This five-day itinerary offers an immersive exploration of Istanbul through its food, history, art, and daily life. Each day thoughtfully combines two guided experiences with ample time to explore on your own. From iconic landmarks to bustling local markets and engaging workshops, you’ll see Istanbul from different angles, including its history, creativity, and daily culture.

DAY 1 – GRAND BAZAAR, SULTANAHMET, AND GOLD LEAF ART | Begin your day with a guided breakfast tour around the Grand Bazaar, just as the city stirs to life. Taste traditional Turkish pastries and street foods while learning about local culinary traditions and merchant life. Afterward, head to Sultan Ahmet Park to admire the iconic views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the delicate art of tezhip by joining a gold leaf workshop with a local artist.

DAY 2 – THE OLD CITY AND TURKISH WINE | Start with a walking tour through the historic center of Constantinople. You’ll visit ancient cisterns, churches, and hear stories that shaped the city. After lunch, enjoy a slower pace. In the early evening, take part in a wine tasting and learn about the different wine regions and grapes of Türkiye.

DAY 3 – CITY LEGENDS AND A RAKI NIGHT | Today’s tour focuses on myths and legends. You’ll hear about saints, sultans, rebels, and writers as you walk through neighborhoods rich in stories. The afternoon is free to explore. At night, sit down to a rakı dinner in a local tavern, where food and conversation come together in a lively setting.

DAY 4 – FOOD, BOATS, AND SHADOW PUPPETS | Spend the day discovering Istanbul through its food. Visit the Spice Bazaar, then take a ferry to the Asian side, where you’ll continue by minibus and taste dishes in local markets. In the afternoon, join a traditional Karagöz shadow puppetry workshop and learn about this centuries-old art form.

DAY 5 – SUNRISE VIEWS AND A SPICE-FILLED FAREWELL | Start your day with a sunrise photography walk along Galata Bridge. As the city begins to stir, you’ll capture fishermen, ferries, and minarets in the morning light. After the walk, enjoy a quiet coffee or light bite nearby and soak in your final hours in Istanbul. In the early afternoon, take part in a guided tasting experience focused on Turkey’s spice culture. Through blind tastings, mezze pairings, and regional wines, you’ll explore the rich flavors that shaped the country’s cuisine and close your trip on a delicious note.

WHERE TO STAY IN ISTANBUL | Stay in Karaköy or Cihangir if you want to be central and close to cafés and galleries. For walking access to the monuments, choose Sultanahmet. If you prefer a quieter, local vibe, Moda on the Asian side is a great option.

PLAN YOUR TRIP | At Fernwayer, we believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration. You can book experiences directly from the itinerary and arrange your own hotels and restaurants. Download the Fernwayer iOS app to edit your trip and make it your own.

Istanbul Through the Senses

5 days in Istanbul with guided tours, unique activities to do, local markets, and art workshops.

A rhythm of sand, salt, and sky unfolds across three elemental days in the Atacama Desert. This journey takes you from grounded, hands-on moments to vast desert panoramas — from the intimacy of a ceramics workshop to the stillness of floating lagoons and the dazzling clarity of the high-altitude night. Designed for travelers drawn to light, texture, and time, it pairs immersive photography with meditative moments of pause. You’ll begin slowly, then ascend into the surreal landscapes of the altiplano before closing among geysers, wetlands, and warm springs.
DAY 1 – CLAY, FLOATING, AND STARS | The journey begins gently in the Salt Mountain Range, where you’ll be welcomed into the adobe studio of a local ceramic artist. Using a clay unique to the region, shaped by ancestral Licarantai traditions, you’ll create your own piece while learning how reverence for Pachamama lives on through craft. In the afternoon, take time on your own to visit nearby Laguna Cejar — a salt-rich lagoon where the water suspends you weightlessly in its mineral grip.
DAY 2 – FLAMINGOS AND THE ALTIPLANO | Wake early to head deep into the Chilean altiplano. This is a day of altitude and scale, where pastel lagoons stretch beneath volcanoes and flamingos lift off from mirror-still water. As you travel across remote salt flats and highland valleys, your guide helps shape the light into story through photography. There’s time to pause, to breathe thinner air, to notice shadow and color shift by the hour. After returning to town, the evening invites rest and reflection after a day spent far above sea level.
DAY 3 – GEYSERS AND WATERS | Before sunrise, set out north toward El Tatio, where steam rises from the earth in silence. As the first light filters across the geysers, capture the raw power of fire meeting water at 4,000 meters. Descend slowly through villages and wetlands, where llamas and flamingos move between grasses and mineral pools. The day ends in thermal springs tucked inside a desert canyon. Let your body ease back into warmth as your time in the Atacama comes to a close.
WHERE TO STAY IN SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA | Most travelers base themselves in San Pedro, a walkable adobe town that serves as the region’s gateway. For easy access to experiences, stay near the center where pickups and drop-offs are seamless. If you prefer quiet evenings, choose a boutique lodge just outside the plaza. Accommodations range from rustic guesthouses to high-end eco-hotels, many designed with local materials and open-air courtyards perfect for desert stargazing.
GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO ARRIVE | The desert rewards those who arrive slowly. Because much of this journey takes place at altitude, we recommend arriving in San Pedro at least one or two days before your first experience. This extra time helps you adjust to the dry air, shifting light, and elevation changes that define the Atacama. It also offers space to settle into the desert’s rhythm — walk the quiet streets, explore the artisan market, and watch the color drain from the sky in the evenings. Let the landscape meet you gradually.
PLAN YOUR TRIP | At Fernwayer, we believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration. You can book experiences directly from the itinerary and arrange your own hotels and restaurants. Download the Fernwayer iOS app to edit your trip and make it your own.

Sand, Salt & Stars in Atacama

3 days in the Atacama Desert exploring clay, salt flats, flamingos, stars, geysers, and springs.

Hub cities: Rome, Naples, Palermo, Taormina, Catania
Duration: 14 days — 4 days in Rome, 2 days in Naples, 8 days in Sicily (Palermo, Erice, Marsala, Cefalù, Taormina, Catania)
Trip Highlights:
Rome: Begin your journey by exploring ancient history with visits to the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and the Roman countryside. Savor traditional Roman cuisine and enjoy a wine masterclass.
Naples: Experience the energy of Naples with visits to Pompeii and Spaccanapoli, and indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Palermo: Discover Sicily’s rich history with a visit to the Norman Palace, Palermo Cathedral, and vibrant street markets, followed by an excursion to the medieval town of Erice.
Marsala: Enjoy the stunning coastal landscapes and visit local wineries, salt flats, and windmills.
Cefalù: Relax on the beach, explore the charming town, and visit the historic Museo Mandralisca.
Taormina and Mount Etna: Explore the Teatro Greco in Taormina, enjoy breathtaking views from Mount Etna, and conclude your trip in Catania with its striking Baroque architecture and bustling markets.
Trip Notes: Travel by train and ferry between towns for a seamless experience through Italy’s cultural and natural wonders.
𝘈𝘵 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘋𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘖𝘚 𝘢𝘱𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

Ruins & Mediterranean Shores

14-day journey through Southern Italy & Sicily exploring history, culture, and stunning landscapes.

Rising from the desert plains like a vision from another time, Aït Benhaddou is one of Morocco’s most iconic and well-preserved ksars (fortified villages). Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning earthen settlement along the former trans-Saharan trade route has been a backdrop for countless films and TV series, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. With its towering mudbrick kasbahs, labyrinthine alleys, and breathtaking mountain views, Aït Benhaddou is a must-visit for history lovers, photographers, and culture enthusiasts.

1. A walk through the ancient ksar winds past traditional mudbrick homes, narrow alleyways, and merchant stalls, offering a glimpse into centuries-old Moroccan architecture and way of life.

2. A steep climb to the granary at the top rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding desert and the winding Ounila River, making it a perfect spot for photography.

3. A visit to a family home inside the ksar provides an intimate look at how locals maintain and preserve these historic structures, keeping Berber traditions alive.

4. A crossing over the shallow river on foot or by donkey adds to the adventure, especially in spring when the water level rises and the kasbah reflects beautifully in the water.

5. A golden-hour glow at sunset bathes the mudbrick walls in warm hues, creating an unforgettable scene that makes Aït Benhaddou one of the most photogenic spots in Morocco.

Tips for Visiting
The best time to visit is spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) for pleasant temperatures. Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon helps avoid crowds and offers the best lighting for photos. Wearing sturdy shoes is recommended for climbing the steep paths. Bringing cash is useful for small entry fees, souvenirs, and local cafés, as card payments are rarely accepted.

Photo: Ondrej Bucek

Aït Benhaddou

Step into the enchanting Park Güell in Barcelona, a vibrant and imaginative creation by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Initially conceptualized as a residential estate for wealthy families, this space has evolved into one of the city's most iconic public parks, with its unique blend of natural and architectural elements. Opened as a public park in 1926, Park Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that epitomizes the artistic and innovative spirit of Gaudí. Top 5 highlights:
1. Gaudí's Creative Genius: Experience the imaginative world of Gaudí as you wander through the park. From the dragon stairway at the entrance to the undulating mosaic-covered bench of the Greek Theatre, his signature Modernist style is on full display, blending organic shapes with vibrant colors.
2. Breathtaking Views: The park's location on Carmel Hill provides stunning views of Barcelona. The park features a network of pathways, viaducts, and the famous Hypostyle Room, showcasing Gaudí's mastery in integrating architecture with the natural landscape.
3. The Dragon Stairway: The main entrance of Park Güell is adorned with the iconic dragon sculpture, covered in colorful mosaic. The entrance pavilions, with their whimsical and fairy-tale-like design, set the tone for the magical experience within.
4. The Greek Theatre or Nature Square: This large open space, bordered by the famous serpentine bench, offers a fantastic viewpoint of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. It's a perfect spot for relaxation and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the park.
5. Lush Greenery: The Austria Gardens and the various plant species throughout the park create a serene and refreshing environment amidst the urban setting of Barcelona.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the park is situated on a hillside and involves some walking. Purchase tickets in advance [online.](https://parkguell.barcelona/en/)
Photo: Dorian D1

Whimsical: Park Guell

Tanzania

We spend nearly four amazing hours in the Sand River Circuit in the midst of a spectacular head of grunting wildebeest. Led by “collective intelligence”, these animals complete a 1000 mile loop over the course of a year, and most survive for several seasons of this tough journey! 

When we arrive in the Grumeti Reserves, further south, we find the last few hundred thousand or so wildebeest. Here they are extremely purposeful and move in a single-file. Perhaps they have realized that they are late and will miss out on all the new green grass in the northern plains. They kick up a storm of dust as they move forward with determination - though it is not unusual to see the whole herd running swiftly back if something ahead spooks them. 

It is here that we see the consequences of the ‘battle’ - injured animals or those too weary to complete the journey. This is sad to watch as they will soon become easy prey to the predators. 

Such is the ⭕️ of life.

One Million Wildebeest

The historic city of Silves, located in Portugal’s Algarve region, offers a blend of rich heritage, stunning architecture, and delicious local sweets. Once the thriving capital of the Moorish Algarve, Silves is steeped in history, with landmarks that tell stories from centuries past. 

1. Silves Castle, a red sandstone fortress that towers over the city, is one of Portugal’s best-preserved Moorish castles. Dating back to the 8th century, its thick walls and towers offer incredible views of the surrounding countryside. Inside, you can explore ancient cisterns, arched pathways, and beautifully landscaped courtyards that make the history come alive.

2. The Silves Cathedral, located near the castle, is a remarkable Gothic structure built on the site of a former mosque. Step inside to admire its vaulted ceilings, ornate carvings, and tombs of local nobility. The cathedral’s unique blend of architectural styles reflects the city’s complex history of Moorish and Christian influences.

3. Silves is renowned for its traditional Algarvean sweets, especially treats made from almonds, figs, and carob. Pastry shops throughout the city offer a taste of classics like “Dom Rodrigo,” a delicate almond-and-egg-yolk dessert, and “Morgado,” an almond cake often filled with sweet egg cream.

4. The city’s Arade River waterfront is lined with picturesque cafes and offers a peaceful place to relax. Once a vital trading route, the river now provides a scenic backdrop as you stroll through Silves’ cobbled streets.

5. Annual events like the Silves Medieval Fair, held each summer, transform the city with reenactments, traditional markets, and street performances. It’s an immersive experience that brings Silves’ storied past to life in a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.

To make the most of your visit, wear comfortable shoes for exploring the hilly streets, bring a camera for the views, and don’t miss the chance to sample some local sweets!

Photo: Sam Tanno 

Historic City of Silves

You can't spend holidays in Barcelona without also visiting the Sagrada Familia. It's probably the city's biggest attraction – and for a good reason. 

La Sagrada, a Roman Catholic church, dates back to the 19th century but is still under construction (some expect it to be finished by 2026, but in my view, 2030 is a safer bet). We opted for a walking tour to the monumental building with high pinnacles, numerous squiggles, and 3-dimensional interior design. Later, during the tour, we discovered the works of art by Sagrada’s architect Gaudi, including Casa Batllo and Casa Mila (La Pedrera). 

The Sagrada Familia is located a little northeast of the city center and is easily reached by metro, bus, or cab. We stayed about 5 hours in this part of the city – as we visited not only the church but also the surrounding area and had some fresh fish to eat in the nearby restaurants. You’ll also find many souvenirs – including miniature La Sagradas, a great gift to bring home!

Walking Tour: Sagrada Familia

Botswana

“But in the Kalahari, it's always Tuesday, or Thursday if you like. Or Sunday. No clocks or calendars tell you to do this or that.” - The Gods Must be Crazy

Walking with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen of the Makgadikgadi Plains in the Central Kalahari, quintessential hunter-gatherers, I learned several things that I hope never to have to use - how to pronounce first names that are laden with clicks, collect plants for medicinal recipes, dig for scorpions, and make a fire with twigs and leaves.

Makgadikgadi means 'dry, dry', but the bush men and women know how to live in harmony with the land. Family and cultural ties are strong.

Thanks to Jack’s Camp for organizing this visit, they have longstanding connections with the local people.

Walking with Zu/’hoasi

Cagliari’s Historic Center, the heart of Sardinia’s capital, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and stunning views. Known as Castello, this hilltop district dates back to medieval times and is home to centuries-old architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and panoramic vistas of the Gulf of Cagliari. Packed with historic landmarks, lively squares, and charming cafes, the historic center offers a glimpse into Sardinia’s rich past while remaining a bustling part of the modern city. 
1. The Bastione di Saint Remy, with its grand staircase and terrace, offers breathtaking views of the city, the port, and the surrounding area, especially magical at sunset. 
2. The Cagliari Cathedral, a stunning Romanesque-Gothic structure, is a must-see for its ornate interior and crypts, housing relics of Sardinian martyrs. 
3. The Torre dell’Elefante and Torre di San Pancrazio, medieval towers that once defended the city, provide incredible views and insight into Cagliari’s fortifications. 
4. Wander through the Piazza Palazzo, where historic buildings like the Archbishop’s Palace and the Royal Palace reflect the city’s political and religious history. 
5. The district’s narrow streets and alleys, lined with colorful houses, artisan shops, and traditional trattorias, make exploring on foot a delight. 
Visitor Tip: Allow 2–3 hours to explore the historic center. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets and steep climbs, and visit in the late afternoon to enjoy cooler weather and evening lights. 
Photo: Yu Xichao

Cagliari’s Historic Center

Australia

Kakadu National Park is half the size of Switzerland and a real adventure. If you rent a car, you could drive along the road for weeks, camping in different places and experiencing nature in a way you can't anywhere else.

After leaving Darwin in a rented 4x4 jeep, we made the long drive to Kakadu National Park. Take plenty of drinks and snacks with you, as there aren't many stops on the road. Along the way, we visited several refreshing waterholes and waterfalls, had an open-air barbecue, and saw many birds, snakes, anthills, and farmland along the way.

At night we mostly stayed at campsites that provided tents, and the beauty of the night is incomparable. You can hear, smell, and see countless species of animals, from alligators swimming in lakes at night to dingoes howling, to weirdly chirping insects.

We hiked to a hidden waterfall and discovered some hundreds-of-years-old wooden paintings done by the ancestors of Australia's indigenous people. A must-see in Australia for sure!

Camping: Kakadu National Park

The historical Tavira, a captivating town in the Algarve region of Portugal, was one of the first Phoenician settlements in the Iberian West. Tavira's unique blend of historical influences, from its Moorish occupation to the Christian reconquest, has left a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Top 5 highlights:
- Tavira was a significant Moorish stronghold from the 8th to the 13th centuries. The town still reflects this era with its whitewashed buildings, distinctive Moorish-style doors, and rooftops. Visit the Tavira Castle, originally built by the Moors, and the historic Roman bridge, which was later determined to be a Moorish bridge from the 12th century.
- Discover the dramatic history of Tavira's reconquest in 1242 by Dom Paio Peres Correia. This pivotal event marked the town's transition from Moorish to Christian rule. Explore the Santa Maria do Castelo Church, built on the site of a former mosque, which now houses the tombs of Dom Paio and his knights.
- Learn about the devastating impact of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake on Tavira. The town, like much of the Algarve, was significantly damaged, leading to a rebuilding effort that resulted in many of the fine 18th-century buildings you see today.
- Tavira boasts an array of architectural treasures, including 37 churches. The Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, with its Gothic origins and Manueline additions, and the Renaissance-style Igreja da Misericórdia are notable examples of the town's diverse architectural heritage.
- Enjoy the serene beauty of Tavira's natural surroundings. The town is located along the River Gilão and near the Ria Formosa natural park. 
Tavira's historic center is best explored on foot. The town's economy has shifted from fishing to tourism, but it has maintained its traditional charm, avoiding the high-rise development seen in other parts of the Algarve.
Photo by Tanguy Sauvin


Timeless Charm: Tavira

Faroe Islands

I’m seduced by the untouched beauty and drama of the Faroe Islands. Driving into Tórshavn, I witness a rare Faroese sight.

The ocean is bright red. The beach is packed with onlookers. It’s a grindadráp, a pilot whale hunt. Heavily regulated, it’s being carried out with process perfected over millennia. A local couple points out their son to me, he is on one of the boats — “unless we send a boat, we won’t get our share of the whale meat.”

When a school of pilot whales is sighted, boats gather around and slowly drive them towards the chosen bay or beach, for it’s illegal to kill the whales in the open sea. This time, there are about two hundred of them. Every bit of them will be consumed or used — and none can be sold.

I’m shocked, outraged, fascinated, caught up in the excitement and terribly conflicted. As a traveler, I respect — and seek to understand — culture and tradition. And the Faroese are holding on to this one — as it symbolizes for them their relationship with the sea.

Culture Shock

What does the southern end of the world look like? After five and a half l-o-n-g hours from Punta Arenas, out of the blue appears Hotel Explora Salto Chico - and it’s breathtaking. With a stunning, modern countenance, views-to-die-for of Torres del Paine (the Towers) and Cuernos del Paine (the Horns), and the sound of the Salto Chico waterfall as we linger over amazing food and excellent Chilean wine. 
🦙
The Explora guides ensure they get us out of bed. My favorite experience - a day-long hike to Grey glacier. And when we get really close, our guides hop into a little boat to fetch thousand-year-old ice from the glacier for little drinks of Pisco Sour! 

Patagonia’s Parc Nacional Torres del Paine has picture postcard views everywhere. If you are a keen hiker, try the Circuit or the W. I stick to day hikes as a rule - if you are like me, try Grey Glacier, French Valley Glacier or Base of the Paine Towers.

Going to Extremes

Located in southern Morocco near Ouarzazate, the Skoura Palm Grove is a lush oasis that stretches across the arid landscape, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding desert. Known for its vast date palm plantations, ancient kasbahs, and traditional Berber villages, Skoura is a peaceful retreat filled with history and natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a scenic drive, a cultural experience, or a place to unwind, this palm grove is a hidden gem worth exploring.

1. A vast sea of palm trees stretches across the valley, interspersed with olive and almond orchards. The lush greenery provides a refreshing escape from the dry desert surroundings.

2. A 17th-century fortress called Kasbah Amridil stands as the most famous kasbah in Skoura. It offers a glimpse into Morocco’s past with its well-preserved mudbrick architecture, historical artifacts, and rooftop views of the oasis.

3. Peaceful walking and biking trails weave through the palm groves, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace while enjoying the shade of towering date palms.

4. Local Berber villages offer a warm welcome, with opportunities to sip traditional Moroccan tea, browse small souks, and learn about the centuries-old practice of date farming.

5. A scenic drive through the palm grove reveals breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains, making it an ideal stop for photographers and nature lovers.

Tips for Visiting:
The best time to visit is October to April, when the weather is mild and the palm groves are at their most vibrant. Renting a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for exploring off-the-beaten-path areas. Staying in a guesthouse or kasbah hotel offers an authentic experience, while bringing a camera is a must to capture the oasis’s stunning scenery.

Photo: BTWImages

Featured (564)

The Venetian Flâneur

Madrid: Nobility in Bloom

A Doll Atelier in Testaccio

Miniature Art by Şeyma