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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.

Start your visual journey at Castello Sforzesco, where towering ramparts, crenellated turrets, and grand courtyards set the stage for dramatic images. You’ll explore the scale and texture of this historic fortress, learning to compose both expansive architectural shots and intimate details, like sculpted portals and weathered stone surfaces.

From there, stroll into the lush expanse of Parco Sempione, tracing shaded pathways along romantic ponds, framed by treetops and classical sculptures. Emanuele encourages you to experiment with natural light, reflections in water, and the contrast between greenery and stone, revealing the park’s serene moments alongside its grandeur.

Your path leads to the Arco della Pace at dusk — when its elegant white marble glows against a darkening sky. By the end, you'll walk away with a cohesive series that blends history, nature, and architecture into a single, unforgettable visual narrative.

What sets this experience apart is the richness of visual contrast: the massive walls and Renaissance courtyards of the Castello Sforzesco give way to open green space, curved paths, and the clean lines of the Arco della Pace. These transitions between eras and materials offer an evolving landscape that challenges your sense of composition and invites you to look more deliberately.

Emanuele, a professional photographer, offers precise guidance on framing and perspective to help you capture the castle’s imposing presence with clarity and depth. As you move through changing light, he encourages subtle adjustments that bring structure and mood into harmony.

At the Arco della Pace, Emanuele assists in adjusting exposure and scale to highlight the monument’s neoclassical beauty — framed by trees, mirrored in puddles, or glowing against the last light. The result is a visual narrative shaped by contrast, rhythm, and spatial relationships.

Photo Walk in Milan from Castello Sforzesco through Parco Sempione to Arco della Pace at sunset.

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

Once Upon a Castle

Expert guidance through the walk, photographic tips, a coffee break. During the experience, you’ll be photographed and receive high-resolution images.

Comfortable shoes, your camera, an extra battery and memory card.

You’ll meet Emanuele in front of the fountain in Piazza Castello.

Emanuele Dello Strologo lives between Genoa and Milan and has been photographing with passion for over 12 years. His journey began as a self-taught photographer and quickly evolved into professional collaborations, first with Corbis and then with Getty Images. Through these experiences, he shaped the visual language that defines his work today. Emanuele focuses on reportage, portraiture, street and black-and-white photography — genres that continue to inspire him deeply. He often carries his camera with him, always on the lookout for meaningful moments in everyday life. His images reflect a keen eye for detail and a deep curiosity about the world around him.

Greece

This immersive, sensorial experience spans two half-days, honoring the ancestral craft of sourdough bread-making. Inspired by the ancient Greek myths of goddess Demeter and her daughter Persephone, it combines bread-making, storytelling and mindful rituals that honor the sacred grain of wheat.

On the first half-day, you’ll learn about the ancestral art of sourdough breadmaking, delving into the significance of wheat in ancient Greece and its connection to Demeter. Through a mindful practice, you’ll prepare the dough, engaging with the wheat, your senses and the land of Athens. The bread is left to ferment overnight.

On the second half-day, you’ll bake the bread and share it in a ritual of togetherness. Paired with curated seasonal local foods, this mindful eating ritual fosters community and gratitude. This transformative workshop combines hands-on learning with cultural, mythological and spiritual elements, offering practical baking skills and a deep connection to ancient tradition.

Demeter taught mortals the art of bread-making. In this ancestral sourdough bread-making workshop, we’ll revisit ancient bread-making traditions and the types of bread the Ancient Greeks created. We’ll connect with our bodies, the ancient land of Athens, and the wheat itself.

Through hands-on learning, you’ll physically engage with ancestral methods of bread-making, deepening your connection to the craft and the stories behind it. The workshop also nurtures mindfulness in eating habits and respect for ingredients, transforming the approach to food in everyday life.

Community is emphasized through collaborative learning. By gathering in a circle to share bread as part of a ritual of togetherness, you’ll experience the timeless sense of community that bread-making represents. This unique blend of cultural, spiritual, and practical elements offers a deeply enriching connection to the past and to yourself.

This workshop lasts two half days, 1st day: 4 pm to 9 pm, 2nd day: 11 am to 4 pm

Bread-Making Class in Athens inspired by Demeter’s myths and ancient Greek rituals of nourishment.

Demeter's Sacred Sourdough

Two-part sourdough bread-making workshop.

Guided traineeship in ancestral bread-making techniques.

Body meditation and mindful preparation practices.

Sensorial food connection and conscious eating rituals.

Herbal teas, home-brewed kombucha, and vegan snacks on day one.

Curated local and seasonal food pairings on day two.

All ingredients and tools for sourdough preparation.

Gift pouch for personal ritual use

Wear comfortable clothing and bring an extra pair of socks, as we will be sitting on cushions on a carpeted floor without shoes.
Come with a free mind and an open heart, ready to fully connect with your body and senses.
Bring respect and gratitude for the space and the energies that will host you.

At a private location especially curated for this workshop - the exact address will be shared via a personal Chat message on Fernwayer after the booking. The location can be easily accessed by metro line 1 _ stop Agios Dimitrios or via taxi/Uber from the center of Athens.

Alexandra Mitsiou is a food creative who uses food as a medium for expression, nourishment, conscious embodiment and healing.

With a background in biology, she expanded her expertise to the science of cooking, completing traineeships in professional kitchens across the Netherlands. She has worked as a food stylist for international brands, blending artistry and technical precision.

As a certified tantra teacher, Alexandra brings a deep understanding of the senses to her work, combining scientific rigor with heartfelt intuition. She explores how our physical, emotional, and energetic bodies interact with food as a vital resource.

Inspired by food's textures, forms, and colours, her work reveals its profound connection to our senses, emotions, and psyche. Through her creative and sensory practices, Alexandra seeks to reconnect modern humans with their bodies and the Earth, fostering a deeper bond with one of life’s most essential resources: food.

Türkiye

Experience a unique professional photoshoot set against the timeless backdrop of Eminönü’s hidden courtyards and historic hans. These forgotten spaces, once a hub for traders visiting Istanbul’s bazaars, now offer a striking blend of weathered stone walls, dramatic archways and rich textures—an ideal setting for moody, cinematic portraits. Some hans remain active with shops, while others are quiet, semi-abandoned and have traces of their artisan or trading past.

Whether you're looking for solo portraits, couple shots, or artistic travel photography, this session captures you within one of Istanbul’s most evocative settings. Your photographer will guide you through carefully chosen angles, utilizing light and shadow to create powerful compositions that intertwine your presence with the city's layered history. Intended to go beyond travel snapshots, these are artistic, thoughtfully crafted portraits that encapsulate unforgettable moments within Istanbul's spaces that still hold memory.

Departing from typical Istanbul photoshoots centered around tourist landmarks, this experience immerses you in intimate, overlooked spaces where the city's past is etched into every surface. The aged textures of stone and metal provide an atmospheric contrast, adding depth and emotion to each shot. You’ll shoot in spaces most pass daily without knowing what’s tucked behind their worn façades.

Your photographer tailors the session to your style—be it elegant, editorial-style portraits or raw, urban storytelling. These courtyards offer a quiet, secluded setting away from the crowds, ensuring a relaxed, immersive experience. The result is not just a collection of beautiful images but a deeper connection to Istanbul’s hidden history, captured in a way that feels both timeless and personal. Within 3–5 days of the experience, you'll receive high-resolution, edited images in an artistic, documentary style. 

Photoshoot in Istanbul’s secret courtyards or "hans", blending history with artistic portraits.

Portraits in the Hidden Hans

A one-hour professional photoshoot in Eminönü’s hidden courtyards and time to get around between locations.

Gentle guidance on posing, framing, and lighting for striking portraits.

10-15 high-resolution, edited images per person/pair in an artistic, documentary style 3-5 days after the experience. 

Coffee and snack stop before or after the session. 

Outfits in earthy tones or monochrome palettes work beautifully against the historic textures. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring different locations.

After booking, Chat with Ilkin for details about meeting point.

İlkin Zeybek is a professional portrait and urban photographer, with a keen eye for blending historical settings with contemporary portraiture. With extensive experience in Istanbul’s most photogenic yet hidden locations, İlkin ensures each shot tells a visual story.

Portugal

Start in the picturesque village of Sesimbra, with its Castle as a testament to the fusion of Portugal's historical and contemporary culture. This captivating journey continues with a scenic drive through dense woodlands, enveloped by ancient oak and cork trees, and sprawling vineyards, reflective of the region's deep-rooted agricultural heritage. Venturing further, the Park unveils its mystical side, inviting an exploration of the Santa Margarida Cave—a geological marvel and spiritual sanctuary in the heart of Arrábida. 
The adventure then leads to Arrábida’s untouched beaches, starting with the stunning Portinho de Arrábida and Creiro Beach, and culminating at Galapos Beach, celebrated as Europe's most beautiful beach for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil ambience. The tour peaks with a guided hike to Galapinhos, lauded as Europe's most exquisite beach by European Best Destinations. The return drive takes you past Serra do Risco, the highest limestone coastal cliff in Europe.

The pick-up will be arranged in a location of your choice. The drive through the natural wonders of Arrábida will happen in a classical 4X4.

This unique “nature safari” unveils the park's diverse landscapes and cultural treasures, combining the thrill of exploration with the tranquility of nature. Distinguished by the mode of travel—a classic Jeep Cabrio 4x4—this journey takes you through Arrábida's secluded and rugged paths. From the prehistoric ruins to the hidden cave and the idyllic Galapinhos beach, the tour is an immersion into the mysteries and beauty of nature. The journey through the park's diverse landscapes is both thrilling and tranquil, offering a blend of natural wonder and cultural exploration.

Enjoy a tasty, local, and fresh meal with the Atlantic Ocean as your companion. 

Lunch at the beach

These beaches, bordered by cliffs and greenery, provide opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, and nature immersion, inviting serene exploration amidst Portugal's coastal splendor.

Nestled within Arrábida Natural Park, Portinho da Arrábida and Creiro Beach embody coastal beauty. Portinho's cove, embraced by cliffs, offers a serene escape, while Creiro Beach boasts sun-kissed sands and secluded coves. 

Delight in the beautiful small Port of Arrábida. 

Portinho da Arrábida e Creiro

Experience a panoramic drive, passing by Christ the King and crossing the iconic 25 April bridge.

Being driven in a comfortable and safe car. 

Pick-up from Lisbon 

Sesimbra, a quaint fishing village, is the first stop of this adventure. This charming town, nestled between the Arrábida mountains and the ocean, offers a picturesque setting with its long sandy beach and historic buildings.

Sesimbra's unique appeal lies in its blend of cultural history and modern-day charm. The town's rich history is evident in its ancient castle and traditional architecture, while its vibrant culinary scene offers a taste of local flavors, especially the freshly caught seafood. 

Visiti the pituresque village of Sesimbra.

Sesimbra Village Visit

Traverse through the heart of Arrábida's dense woodlands, a journey defined by the lush, green canopy of ancient oak and cork trees, symbolic of Portugal's rich natural heritage. These woods are home to a plethora of flora and fauna, offering a glimpse into the region's diverse ecosystem. Amidst this verdant landscape lie historic farms and vineyards, epitomizing the agricultural traditions that have shaped this region for centuries. 

Discover the wilderness and coastal gems of Arrábida on a unique Jeep safari.

The uniqueness of this drive lies in its blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The cork trees are not just a natural wonder but also a testament to Portugal's longstanding position as the world's leading cork producer. The ancient woodlands provide an insight into traditional farming practices and the sustainable use of natural resources, making this drive an educational and enlightening experience.

Dense Woodlands Drive 

Santa Margarida Cave is a hidden gem within Arrábida Natural Park. Rich in geological formations and steeped in historical significance, the cave offers a rare glimpse into the region's past. A short but challenging hike leads you to this enigmatic cave, where the cool interior provides a respite from the warm Portuguese sun.

The cave's combination of natural beauty and cultural relevance sets it apart. Its rich history and the spiritual significance attached to it offer visitors a chance to connect with the past in a unique and intimate setting.

Explore a hidden and magical cave that is connected to the sea. 

Santa Margarida Cave

The hike to Galapinhos Beach, renowned for its unspoiled beauty, leads through the heart of Arrábida Natural Park. This beach once crowned Europe's most beautiful, is a hidden paradise, offering a peaceful retreat with its crystal-clear waters and serene setting. 

Galapinhos Beach stands out for its pristine and untouched beauty. Its remote location ensures a tranquil and secluded experience, away from the crowded tourist spots. The journey to the beach, through dense vegetation and over rocky paths, adds an element of adventure, making it a rewarding experience for those seeking tranquility amidst nature's splendor.

One the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Europe. 

Galapinhos Beach Hike

Serra do Risco, the highest point along Portugal's continental coast, offers an unparalleled view of the Atlantic Ocean. Standing 380 meters above sea level, this clifftop is a testament to the dramatic landscape that characterizes the Arrábida region.

The clifftop's breathtaking views make it a highlight of the tour. The sheer height of the cliff provides a unique perspective of the ocean and the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Highest Limestone Peak in Europe. A scenic road on the way back. 

Serra do Risco Clifftop

Drive back to Lisbon 

4x4 Tour from Lisbon through Arrábida to Galapinhos Beach with cave visit, vineyards, and cliffs.

The adventure starts in the picturesque village of Sesimbra, where with its Castle the past and present of Portuguese culture intertwine​​. This captivating journey continues with a scenic drive through dense woodlands, enveloped by ancient oak and cork trees, and sprawling vineyards, reflective of the region's deep-rooted agricultural heritage​​. As you delve deeper, the Park reveals it’s mystical element, it’s time to explore the Santa Margarida Cave, a geological and spiritual haven nestled in the heart of Arrábida​​. After it we start to see Arrábida’s pristine beaches, notably the mesmerizing Portinho de Arrábida and Creiro Beach, finishing in Galapos Beach, acclaimed as Europe's most beautiful beach for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil ambience​​. The tour reaches a crescendo with a guided hike to Galapinhos, lauded as Europe's most exquisite beach by European Best Destinations. The return drive introduces you to Serra do Risco, the highest limestone coastal cliff in Europe.

A Walking/Driving Safari in Arrábida​​

Guided visit to Sesimbra village and its historic castle.

Scenic drive through the Arrábida Natural Park, with stops in forested and vineyard landscapes.

Exploration of Santa Margarida Cave.

Guided beach visits to Portinho de Arrábida, Creiro, Galapos, and Galapinhos.

Hike to Galapinhos Beach.

Private round-trip transportation from your hotel.

Bottled water and snacks in natural settings.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Sturdy walking shoes.
Weather-appropriate clothing.
Sunscreen.
Swimwear if interested.

Pick up from your hotel in Lisbon. Share via chat with Rui after booking.

The tour is guided by a professional naturalist guide, born and raised in the region, with a background in tourism, history, and geography. The guide brings a deep understanding of the land, its history, and cultural significance, ensuring a rich and enjoyable experience.

This private day trip from Lisbon explores three of Portugal’s most historically significant monasteries. It begins at the Monastery of Alcobaça, a 12th-century Cistercian site tied to the foundation of the Portuguese kingdom and the enduring story of Pedro and Inês. After the visit, there’s time to walk through the riverside town and enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.

The next stop is the Monastery of Coz—one of the country’s few surviving female monasteries—home to both austere chapels and intricate Baroque work that reflects centuries of cloistered life. The day ends at the Monastery of Batalha, built to commemorate Portugal’s victory over Castile in 1385. Its elaborate Gothic design and royal tombs reflect the shift in power that followed.

This tour is paced to give each site its due. With historical framing and cultural context, you’ll explore how these monasteries shaped—and reflected—the emergence of Portugal as a nation.

This route leaves behind Lisbon’s coastal landmarks and focuses on Portugal’s inland history—told through three monasteries that reflect turning points in its political and religious life. Each site brings a distinct perspective. Alcobaça marks the rise of Portugal’s first monarchy and the human drama behind it. Coz, often overlooked, offers a rare record of women’s religious communities—artists, writers, and decision-makers in their own right. And Batalha, Portugal’s defining Gothic structure, celebrates independence and the consolidation of royal power.

With Tiago as your guide, the narrative comes into focus. Drawing from his background in history and the arts, he weaves together architecture, dynastic shifts, and the quieter stories held in stone. The experience balances depth and accessibility—designed for curious travelers who want to understand the stories behind the places they visit, why they mattered then, and how their legacies still shape Portugal today.

Travel directly from your accommodation in Lisbon to Alcobaça by private car. Along the way, it's the perfect opportunity to get to know Tiago. He'll set the stage - providing key historical context about the Monastery of Alcobaça, the cultural, economical and religious principles of the Cistercian Order and their connection with the portuguese monarchy and the birth of the new Kingdom of Portugal.

Tiago will share concise, engaging insights into Alcobaça Monastery importance. Tailored to your interests, the commentary will highlight the Cistercian legacy and foundation of Portugal, connecting you to the day’s exploration.

Private transfer from Lisbon to Alcobaça, start to an exceptional historical private tour.

Lisbon to Alcobaça

Montebelo Mosteiro de Alcobaça Historic Hotel is a five-star property designed by the renowned Portuguese architect Souto Moura, winner of the 2011 Pritzker Prize. It is located in the original setting of the Woodcutting (Rachadouro) Cloister, seamlessly integrated into the former Monastery of Alcobaça.

With a unique historic ambiance, the Montebelo Hotel features rooms and suites facing either the internal cloister or the surrounding city, along with several restored areas once used by the Cistercian monks, such as the famous library.

The concept behind restoring the old building and preserving the spirit that marked this property over the centuries was inspired by minimalism and a respectful detachment from the monastery’s past life—recovering original materials, embracing pre-existing structures, and using natural light, now combined with discreet luxury and contemporary comfort.

Explore a five-star hotel, located in a recently rehabilitated part of the Monastery of Alcobaça.

Hotel Montebelo Alcobaça

Explore the historic center of Alcobaça, built at the confluence of the Alcoa and Baça rivers (hence its name), filled with cobblestone streets, traditional tiled buildings, small squares and gardens, and street art projects scattered along the Alcoa River.

Finally, savor local cuisine and convent-inspired sweets during lunch in a traditional Alcobaça restaurant.


A brief visit to the town of Alcobaça along the Alcoa River (up to its confluence with the Baça River), filled with historical references to the Cistercian presence, the love story of King Pedro and Inês, and the important post-monastic period in the mid-19th century, marked by the rise of a new bourgeois society and the town’s industrial development.

Walk through Alcobaça’s small historic center, and savor local cuisine and pastry.

Alcobaça and Traditional Lunch

The Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory, also known as the Monastery of Batalha (“Battle”), was built in fulfillment of a vow by King John I—the first monarch of the Aviz Dynasty, Portugal’s second royal dynasty—to commemorate the Portuguese victory over the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, which secured Portugal's independence from Spain. It is considered the most significant example of Gothic architecture in Portugal.

Due to its artistic, cultural, and historical importance, the Monastery of Batalha was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built by the Dominican Order, the monastery is a masterpiece of Gothic art in Portugal and reflects the stylistic evolution that took place over the two centuries of its construction. The complex is notable for its striking features of Flamboyant Gothic and Manueline styles. The experience is heightened by the light filtering through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the bare stone walls of the church.

One of the highlights inside is the Chapel of the Founder (“Capela do Fundador”), the first royal pantheon built in Portugal. It houses the grand medieval tomb of King João I and Queen Philippa of Lancaster—depicted holding hands as a symbol of the strong alliance between Portugal and England—as well as the tomb of Prince Henry the Navigator. Adjacent to the church is the half-finished structure known as the “Unfinished Chapels” ("Capelas Imperfeitas"), commissioned by King Duarte of Portugal to serve as his royal mausoleum.

Guided visit of the Monastery of Batalha, a Gothic medieval complex built in late 14th century.

Monastery of Batalha

The Alcobaça Monastery is one of the most important religious buildings in medieval Portugal, closely linked to the birth of the kingdom and the first dynasty of Portuguese monarchs.

The monastery was established in the mid-12th century by Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king, as a gift to the Cistercian Order’s leader, Bernard of Clairvaux—one of the most powerful European figures of the time—in exchange for spiritual, economic, and political support.

Alcobaça was built according to Cistercian principles: simple, austere architectural lines, without interior decoration or images. Nevertheless, by the early 14th century, it had become the richest and most influential monastery in Portugal, largely due to the Cistercians’ innovations in agricultural technology and land management. The church and its surrounding structures are considered the best-preserved example of Cistercian architecture in Europe.

The church and monastery were the first Gothic buildings in Portugal. Construction of the complex was completed in the 13th century, although it received several later artistic additions in the Manueline and Baroque styles—such as the 16th-century cloisters and sacristy, and later, the 18th-century church towers, elaborate altarpieces, sculptures, and tile panels.

Inside the church are the unique Gothic tombs of King Pedro I and his mistress, Inês de Castro—central figures in a tragic love story that culminated in the murder of Inês by Pedro’s father, King Afonso IV.

Its historical and artistic significance was recognized in 1989, when it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guided visit of Monastery of Alcobaça, a Cistercian vast medieval complex built in 12th century.

Monastery of Alcobaça

The 13th-century Monastery of Coz was occupied by Cistercian nuns and was one of the few female monasteries in Portugal, dependent on the nearby Alcobaça Monastery. Mostly destroyed after the extinction of religious orders in Portugal in 1834, the church—originally from the 16th century—is the only part of the monastery that has been preserved. It features rich Baroque decoration, including beautiful blue and white tile panels, gilded altars, a large carved and gilded grille, and painted wooden ceilings.

The first impression of the Monastery of Coz reveals a building that appears to be in ruins—particularly the surrounding cloisters—and the only remaining structure has a simple, austere façade. But once inside the church and sacristy, you'll experience an architectural journey through various artistic styles, materials, and techniques, reflecting what was once a rich and powerful community of nuns who worked with and supported the nearby (male) Monastery of Alcobaça.

The monastery is slowly being restored and remains one of the most overlooked and precious hidden gems in the region.

Be surprised by the little-known female Monastery of Coz, one of the few surviving in Portugal.

Monastery of Coz

Conclude your journey with a comfortable and safe private transfer from Batalha to your Lisbon accommodation. Relax in the car as you reflect on the day’s discoveries, traveling through the picturesque Portuguese countryside. This seamless transfer ensures you return to Lisbon feeling rested and enriched by your experience.

Tiago ensures the return journey is as engaging as the rest of the tour. While you relax, this is a final chance to discuss the history, stories, and cultural insights from the day. 

Private transfer from Batalha to your Lisbon hotel, ensuring a comfortable and seamless journey.

Batalha to Lisboa

Day Trip from Lisbon to Alcobaça, Coz & Batalha Monasteries exploring Portugal’s royal, sacred past.

Monasteries of Power & Legacy

Guided visit to the Monastery of Alcobaça with time to explore the town.

Visit to the Monastery of Coz with historical and cultural context.

Guided visit to the Monastery of Batalha, including royal tombs.

Entry tickets to all three monasteries.

Lunch at a traditional Portuguese restaurant.

Pastry-tasting experience with regional specialties.

Transportation from your hotel in Lisbon to Alcobaça, Coz, and Batalha.

Comfortable walking shoes, camera, and a spirit of exploration!

We will start in Lisbon from your accommodation (chat with Tiago after booking to provide hotel details). A private car from Lisbon to Alcobaça, Coz and then to Batalha and back, is included.

Born and raised in Lisbon, Tiago Neiva has an extensive background in architecture, and a master's degree in the Teaching of Visual Arts. His expertise includes the art and architecture of al-Andalus and the confluence of Arab, Jewish, and Christian medieval cultures. Tiago's guided tours are known for their depth and insight, covering aspects like architectural heritage, cultural and social context, and vivid and engaging descriptions.

Chile

This full-day architectural odyssey takes place in East Santiago. Diego, a professional architect, unravels the capital's modern history by exposing marvels that have shaped the contemporary identity of Chilean architecture. The sites visited are not part of the conventional tourist circuit—these buildings and sites reveal the deeper identity of Chilean architecture and culture at a higher level. 

Now home to some of Santiago’s most developed districts, this eastern zone began to consolidate in the 1960s under the garden city model. You will visit the Benedictine Monastery of Las Condes—a landmark of modern architecture—along with other contemporary works that engage with the natural landscape in energy-efficient ways, such as Vitacura's Tánica complex and the Patricia Ready Art Gallery. The outing includes lunch at Mestizo Restaurant, a walk through the Bicentenario Park, offering panoramic views of the district's skyline, and a viewpoint covering most sites visited during the tour.

This experience is a unique opportunity to access spaces that are not part of the typical tourist trail. By exploring the architectural identity of Las Condes and Vitacura, you are exposed to the modern face of Santiago—by one of those responsible for what stands in this basin between the mountains. 

Rather than focusing solely on individual works, Diego’s tour is conceived as a spatial narrative that unfolds in dialogue with the geographic and cultural landscape of Santiago’s valley. You will gain a rigorous understanding of how Chilean architecture engages with its natural environment, culture, and topography, while addressing contemporary challenges of urban growth and sustainability. Through curated visits, on-site discussions, and guided reflections, you’ll learn how the country’s most remarkable architectural works emerge from the tension between modern ideals and local realities—an approach that makes this journey both intellectually engaging and deeply rooted in place.

Architecture Tour in Santiago: Las Condes, Vitacura, Providencia - full-day with an architect guide.

Schematic of East Santiago

Full-day architecture tour of East Santiago led by a professional architect.

Private round-trip transport from your Santiago hotel.

Buildings include the Benedictine Monastery of Las Condes, Tánica complex in Vitacura, and Patricia Ready Art Gallery. Walk through Bicentenario Park. Panoramic viewpoint stop over the district skyline.

Admission tickets.

Lunch at a restaurant with 1x alcoholic or soft beverage per person.

Comfortable clothes and footwear.
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Small, discreet bag for essentials.
Bottled water.
Passport or other means of identification, such as a driver's licence or cédula de identidad.

Diego and his driver will collect you from your hotel in Santiago and return you there at the end of the day. Please advise the hotel name and address over Fernwayer Chat upon booking the tour. 

Diego Baloian is an architect holding a degree from the Universidad Finis Terrae and a Master's in Cultural Heritage from the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). As the founding partner at DBG Architecture and Massantiago, his work focuses on architectural design, the restoration of heritage buildings, and urban planning. He has led and participated in projects and seminars in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Switzerland, and Hungary. 

Diego has also organized conferences and exhibitions on Latin American architecture in collaboration with Guiding Architects Network, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH). In the academic field, he has worked with communities on research and heritage valorization projects, implementing collaborative methodologies across diverse cultural and territorial contexts.

Japan

This experience is a rare, personal, realistic look into the everyday life of a maiko — a young trainee preparing to become a full-fledged geisha, or geiko as they are known in Kyoto. Maiko train within a highly structured professional system shaped by formal rules, mentorship and etiquette. Rather than watching a performance, you’ll engage in conversation facilitated by an expert guide. The objective? To move past rituals and gain a deeper understanding of the person.

The experience takes place in an elegant bar in central Kyoto. While waiting for the maiko, your host explains how the maiko–geiko world is organized and offers guidance for a meaningful conversation.

When the maiko joins, a cocktail is served as you speak with her about daily routines, training demands, her personal story including the decisions and commitments involved. As the conversation comes to a close, there's time for photographs. After the maiko departs, you stay for a second cocktail and a brief reflection.

Most maiko and geisha encounters center on performance: dance, music, tea ceremony, or formal dinner entertainment. This experience is different in both intent and structure. It is designed as a conversation — an opportunity to understand maiko training as a real, professional path.

Your host, Ayumi, focuses on context and clarity, helping frame questions in culturally appropriate and genuinely open ways. This allows the maiko to speak about her daily routines, discipline, and choices within a demanding system that balances inherited tradition with contemporary life.

There are no performances in this experience. The maiko arrives in formal dress and traditional makeup, but the value lies in the exchange itself: a neutral setting where she is present as a person at a specific stage of training, navigating her professional commitments. The experience offers a grounded understanding of a living practice as it exists today — through dialogue.

Maiko Experience in Kyoto: meet a geisha‑in‑training in a private, guided cultural encounter.

A Conversation With A Maiko

A one hour conversation with a maiko with photo opportunities.

Facilitation and translation by an expert guide knowledgeable about Kyoto's geisha (geiko) traditions.

An elegant bar location where space is specially reserved for this conversation. 

2 cocktails, uniquely themed for the occasion using Japanese ingredients.

Bring thoughtful questions about a maiko’s daily life, training, and the professional path she is following. Your host will help guide or reframe questions to ensure they are appropriate, respectful, and comfortable within the Japanese cultural context.

Your guide Ayumi will meet you in front of the bar entrance, outside Villa Sanjo Muromachi. It is about a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station on the Karasuma (green) Line.

Your host Ayumi is a highly-experienced Kyoto area guide with the deep relationships required to be able to make a rare experience like this possible as a private event. Ayumi is an expert in many of Kyoto's traditions, including Japanese gardens, incense, and food. Having lived for several years in Europe, she has a deep appreciation for European culture and delights in revealing similarities between Japanese and Western cultures that surprise and delight her guests.

Spain

A sensory-rich journey through three of Barcelona's most iconic markets: Sant Antoni, La Boqueria, and Santa Caterina. You’ll begin at Sant Antoni Market, a hub of local produce and diverse culinary offerings, notable for its unique creation from the merger of three markets. Here, you'll encounter an array of local products and the warm hospitality of the vendors. Next, you’ll visit the world-renowned La Boquería, near La Rambla, famous for its exotic fruits, freshly cured meats, and seafood display. You’ll continue to Santa Caterina Market in the historic El Born neighborhood, celebrated for being the city's first covered market and built on the ancient ruins of the Santa Caterina monastery. It's a treasure trove of artisanal and fresh produce, showcasing the essence of local Spanish cuisine. The tour culminates with indulging in sumptuous churros and chocolate at Granja Viader, one of Barcelona's oldest establishments, known for its dairy products and blending tradition with quality.

To reach Sant Antonio Market, you can use the underground. On Line 2 (L2), there is the Sant Antoni station. Close to this station, there are other well-traveled stops with transfers (L1, L3).

Explore the heart of Barcelona's culinary scene through its bustling markets, each with its own unique character and offerings. Sant Antoni Market, with its historic significance and extensive variety of local products, offers a glimpse into the everyday culinary life of Barcelona. La Boquería, a sensory feast and tourist attraction, contrasts with its bustling environment and diverse range. Santa Caterina Market, with its significant history and focus on artisanal goods, provides an authentic local experience. The tour's finale at Granja Viader, a heritage site for churros and chocolate, offers a sweet conclusion to this gastronomic adventure. This is a rare opportunity to do deeper than typical food tours on the tourist trail – you will sample varied foods and experience the soul of the city's culinary traditions - a perfect blend of culinary discovery and cultural immersion, with the backdrop of Barcelona's rich market life.

Market Tour with Tastings in Barcelona through Sant Antoni, La Boqueria, and Santa Caterina Markets.


This route begins at Sant Antoni Market, our meeting point. A guided visit will explain the market's significance in the area. Subsequently, we'll explore La Boqueria Market, one of the city's most renowned, showcasing the variety of products enriching our gastronomy. Finally, we'll visit Santa Caterina Market, the city's first covered market. The experience concludes at La Viadei Farm, where we can savor classic churros with chocolate.

Tasting Historic Markets  

Guided visits to Sant Antoni, La Boqueria, and Santa Caterina markets. 

Tastings of local specialties and fresh produce at select market stalls. 

Cultural insights into Barcelona’s market history and culinary traditions. 

Tour ends with churros and chocolate at historic Granja Viader.

Comfortable walking shoes for the market tour.
An appetite for discovery and tasting local flavors.
A camera to capture the vibrant market scenes and culinary delights.


Rda. de Sant Antoni, 24, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona To reach Sant Antonio Market, you can use the underground. On Line 2 (L2), there is the Sant Antoni station. Close to this station, there are other well-traveled stops with transfers (L1, L3).

Guided by a local culinary expert, the tour offers insights into each market's history, the significance of local produce in Spanish cuisine, and tips on selecting the best ingredients. The host is well-versed in the culinary and cultural heritage of Barcelona, ensuring an informative and enjoyable experience.

To get a full refund, cancellation must be no less than 46 days before the local start time of the experience.

If traveler cancels their booking from 45 to 0 days before the local start time of the experience, no refund is provided.

This is a private, exclusive invitation into centuries-old Andalusian culture and the world of the Toro Bravo—the noble breed known for its strength, presence, and place in Spanish heritage. Hosted on a family-run finca, an estate steeped in ancestral tradition, this experience offers rare insight into the animals’ care, behavior, and enduring cultural symbolism across Iberian pasturelands.

With the finca’s owner as your guide, you’ll witness a graceful, non-violent demonstration of traditional bull handling—where rhythm, training, and mutual respect come through clearly. This isn’t a show, and it’s not a group tour. It’s a personal visit built around learning, reflection, and conversation.

The experience includes an intimate conversation with a seasoned maestro who will share stories and reflections on the long and layered bond between bull and human—a relationship shaped by history, ritual, livelihood, and debate.

Seville is well connected by air, rail and road. 

This cultural tour offers a deeper perspective on one of Andalusia’s most storied and iconic traditions—set in an environment that long predates the modern corrida. Held on a private Andalusian finca, it’s a reflective encounter with the Spanish bull—an animal raised not for spectacle, but for ritual, livelihood and cultural continuity. The experience weaves together history, artistry and the ecological roots of Andalusian bull culture.

The conversations—with both the finca’s owner and a seasoned maestro—are revealing and layered. Their lived experiences offer insight into the courage, humanity, discipline, and deep dedication behind traditional bull-rearing and handling.

The finca itself is as much a part of the story as the bulls—a living archive of family heritage, with rooms that honor tradition and landscapes that hold centuries of memory. The day concludes with a gourmet lunch and local wine—an offering of Andalusian hospitality that complements the depth of the encounter.

Day Trip from Seville to a historic bull ranch with Toro Bravo heritage, cultural insights, stories.

Pick up from hotel
Visit the finca and museum
Meet bullfighter
Lunch

Legacy of the Toro Bravo

Immersive exploration of Andalusian bull culture on a historic, family-run finca.

Guided visit with finca’s owner, offering insight into Toro Bravo heritage & traditions.

Live, non-violent demonstration of traditional bull handling.

Conversation with a seasoned maestro on the cultural significance of the bull in Spain.

Gourmet lunch: premium local cuisine & regional wines.

Round-trip private transportation from Seville.

** This is a fixed price experience of €2800 for up to 8 people.

Wear comfortable shoes—this visit takes you across the varied landscape of the finca, from open pasture to historic plaza. You’ll want to move with ease and take it all in.

Good to Know: This is a cultural experience centered on heritage, land, and community. While no harm comes to animals, it explores Andalusia’s centuries-old bull-rearing traditions. It may not be for everyone. We recommend it for travelers open to perspective and conversation.

You will be picked up and dropped back at your Seville hotel. After the booking, Chat with Reyes to provide hotel details and finalize exact meeting point. 

Your experience will be led by the finca owner, an experienced ranch guide and a veteran maestro, each offering a personal lens into the traditions and rhythms of bull-rearing in Andalusia. Their knowledge and stories will ground the visit in lived experience. María Reyes will introduce you to your host/s and share final details closer to the date.

A 3-hour walking food tour through the bustling Centro Storico for first-time visitors to Rome or those seeking to uncover the authentic side of an iconic area over-shadowed by tourism. Despite being overwhelmed by the tourist mob, locals still live and work in the historic center of town and they won’t settle for tacky checkered-tablecloth restaurants and overpriced, fluorescent-colored gelato. The important thing is to know where to go. 

We’ll savor traditional Italian coffee and breakfast pizza at a traditional bakery, visit the oldest running food market in Rome, a vibrant hub of local produce and traditional flavors to taste traditional treats — both sweet and savory — from local pastry shops, and explore the former Jewish Ghetto to understand how the ancient Jewish population of Rome helped define what Roman cuisine is today. 

This tour offers an intimate glimpse into the daily life and culinary traditions of the Centro Storico's residents, away from the typical tourist paths. The Italian- and English-speaking guide, deeply connected with the community, brings an insider's perspective, highlighting hidden culinary treasures and narrating the area's rich history. You'll engage with local vendors and taste traditional delicacies. 

This private and customizable tour ensures a personalized experience, adapting to your culinary preferences. It's an opportunity to see and taste the "lived-in" side of Centro Storico and immerse yourself in the strong sense of place and cultural immersion it offers. The guide will also point out tips to avoid the tourist traps going forward.


Food Tour in Rome, tasting coffee, pizza, and local treats while exploring the historic center.

The Heart of Centro Storico 

Private walking food tour through Rome’s Centro Storico, led by a local expert revealing authentic local life, insider access, cultural context, and personalized recommendations.

Guided visits to a historic 15th-century food market and exploration of the former Jewish Ghetto.

Tastings include Italian coffee, pastries, breakfast pizza, sweet and savory treats, plus wine or artisanal gelato.

Comfortable shoes for a walking tour.
An appetite for exploring Rome’s diverse culinary scene.


You'll meet your guide in front of the Caffè Camerino on Largo Arenula 30, near the Roman ruins in Largo Argentina. Walking distance from most parts of Rome.

The tour is hosted by a local Italian guide, an expert in Rome's culinary scene and familiar with the Centro Storico's history. Their deep connection with local food venues ensures an authentic and insightful experience.

Tokyo is a city that reinvents itself in every light. Centuries of history unfold beside glowing screens and restless streets. This three-day journey moves through time and texture — from temples and textile ateliers to neon alleys and quiet shrines — revealing how the city’s rhythm shifts from reflection to motion. Guided by local storytellers, you’ll experience Tokyo through its architecture, artistry, and everyday encounters, finding a balance between discovery and moments to breathe and wander at your own pace.

DAY 1 – TOKYO THROUGH TIME | Begin your journey with a full-day guided tour tracing Tokyo’s evolution through centuries of change. From the Edo Castle grounds and ancient temples of Asakusa to the Western architecture of the Meiji era, the day reveals how each period has reshaped the city’s skyline and spirit. Along the Sumida River, the modern towers rise above preserved gardens where the rhythm of ritual endures. Between shrines and civic landmarks, you’ll see how Tokyo’s neighborhoods carry forward the legacy of power, renewal, and quiet resilience. A day that begins in stillness ends in movement, with time for a reflective walk or early evening meal near the water.

DAY 2 – FROM OLD STREETS TO MODERN DESIGN | The morning opens with a guided photo walk through one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. In Disappearing Tokyo, photographer Lee Chapman leads you into alleys where Showa-era signs fade under new facades and locals pause for coffee or conversation. It’s an intimate portrait of a city in transition — fleeting, honest, and human. After a light meal and coffee break, continue into Ginza’s Architectural Icons, where journalist Toshiko Sakurai unravels the design stories behind Tokyo’s most polished district. Here, façades reflect light like art pieces and every corner reveals a conversation between history and innovation. The day bridges Tokyo’s two faces: the nostalgic and the refined.

DAY 3 – CRAFT AND CONTRAST | The final day begins quietly, inside the private home of kimono scholar Sheila Cliffe. In A Kimono Connoisseur’s Closet, you’ll step into a collection that tells Japan’s history in silk — patterns, textures, and techniques passed through generations. Surrounded by colors and fabric, the morning moves at a slower pace, connecting tradition with artistry. In the afternoon, join filmmaker Edgin Ticzon for Tokyo, Cut to Scene, a guided journey through the city’s cinematic layers. From forest shrines to the neon scramble of Shibuya, each stop plays out like a shift in light and rhythm. The day ends as the city comes alive — narrow streets glowing with paper lanterns, where conversations flow as easily as the evening breeze.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO | Stay in Shibuya if you want to be at the heart of the action — a lively hub of shopping, nightlife, and energy that defines modern Tokyo. Shinjuku is ideal for travelers who value convenience, with endless dining options and quick train links across the city. For a slower rhythm, Asakusa offers a glimpse of traditional Tokyo with temples and quiet streets, while Ginza brings sophistication, elegant hotels, and polished calm after dark. For a more local balance, Kichijōji sits just outside the center, combining creative cafés, green parks, and an easygoing neighborhood feel.

PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH FERNWAYER | We believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration in between. 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.

Cityscapes of Tokyo

3 days in Tokyo exploring temples, culture, neighborhoods, local food, architecture, and nightlife.

United States

This 14-day journey across Morocco begins in Fes and flows through the Middle Atlas Mountains, into Berber villages, along the Atlantic coast, and into the heart of Marrakesh. With curated experiences led by chefs, artists, and storytellers, the itinerary blends deep culture and daily rhythm. You’ll travel from intricate medinas to wide mountain trails, from spiritual rituals to rooftop views, experiencing Morocco as both a guest and a participant.

DAYS 1-3 FES – STORIES, SPIRIT & EXPRESSION | Begin your journey in Fes, a city of spiritual depth and living tradition. Ease in with a reflective evening of Sufi music and dinner during In the Company of Sufis. On Day 2, join Chennafi for Tradition + Modernity, a guided walk through the medina’s creative contrasts, followed by a calligraphy workshop that invites you into the Moroccan art of eloquence. Day 3 begins with time for self-guided discovery. Start your morning at Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century masterpiece of Marinid-era architecture, then deepen your understanding of cultural traditions and hospitality through Cross-Cultural Exchange in Fes—a guided experience that opens conversations, connections, and new perspectives.

DAY 4 MIDDLE ATLAS TRANSFER | Today is a full day of travel into the mountains. Journey from Fes to Imlil with stops in Ifrane or Azrou. Expect a shift in pace and scenery, with cedar forests, high passes, and winding roads leading you deep into the Atlas. Settle into your stay in the valley.

DAYS 5-7 ATLAS MOUNTAINS – COOKING, TREKKING & VILLAGE LIFE | On Day 5, head to Ouirgane for What’s Cooking in the Atlas, a hands-on culinary experience with Chef Amanda, surrounded by garden air and spice. The next day, trek with a local guide through Imlil’s surrounding trails, past Berber villages and almond trees during The Quintessential High Atlas. Day 7 offers three options: a gentle village walk along The Mule Tracks of Aremd, a nature-focused hike on The Salt Route of Marigha, or a full-day climb to Toubkal Refuge for mountain lovers.

DAY 8 TRANSFER TO ESSAOUIRA – FROM PEAKS TO SEA | Drive from the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic coast—olive groves, argan trees, and plains stretch toward the medina of Essaouira. Arrive with time to unwind.

DAYS 9-10 IN ESSAOUIRA – PHOTOGRAPHY, MUSIC & CRAFT | Start with Mirroring Essaouira’s Soul, a photo walk led by a local photographer that captures street life in black and white. In the evening, immerse yourself in An Evening of Gnawa Music—a cultural dinner performance full of rhythm and spirit. The next day, explore the creative soul of the city through Jewelry Makers of Essaouira, visiting master artisans and learning their techniques in intimate studios.

DAY 11 TRANSFER TO MARRAKESH – RETURN TO RHYTHM | A 3-hour journey brings you to Marrakesh. Arrive in time for Tasting Morocco at Amal Center, where social impact meets culinary delight.

DAYS 12-14 IN MARRAKESH – CRAFT, ART & ROOFTOPS | Begin with A Thousand and One Crafts, a private walking tour through the artisan corners of the medina. In the evening, rise for Skyline Stories of Marrakesh, a rooftop experience of storytelling and views. On Day 13, meet contemporary Marrakesh through Art Beyond Borders, then explore the YSL Museum and Jardin Majorelle. Day 14 ends with The Grand Medina Quest, a treasure-hunt experience through the city’s symbols and stories—closing your two-week journey on a note of wonder.

PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH FERNWAYER | We believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration in between. 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.

Morocco

A Passage Through Morocco

A Morocco 2 week itinerary from Fes to Marrakesh with culture, coast, and Atlas Mountains.

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 WITH FERNWAYER | We believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration in between. 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 Valparaíso

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

A city that moves through stories as much as streets, Buenos Aires invites travelers into its layered identity—through architecture, ritual, and rhythm. This three-day journey is designed for those who want more than a snapshot, weaving together curated experiences that unfold the city’s emotional and historical heart. From grand avenues and tango classes to quiet moments of mate and cultural evenings, each day offers a full immersion into the spirit of the Argentine capital.
DAY 1 – LANDMARKS AND FIRST STEPS | Begin with a guided city tour by car through Recoleta, San Telmo, and the Historic Quarter. Your host brings to life both the architecture and the lesser-known stories behind the plazas, statues, and neighborhoods that shaped the city. After a midday break, head to a tango studio for a class with a local dancer. Learn the basic steps, sip mate or wine, and connect to the emotional roots of this iconic movement.
DAY 2 – POLITICS, RITUAL, AND THEATER | Spend the morning on a walking tour exploring the city’s political legacy through Recoleta Cemetery, public monuments, and symbols of Peronism. In the afternoon, join a local host for a mate tasting session in her home, where you’ll prepare and share the traditional drink while learning its meaning in Argentine daily life. The day ends on Avenida Corrientes, where a cultural walk takes you through the city’s theater district, with bookstores, street food, and stories of the stage.
DAY 3 – FLAVOR AND EXPRESSION | A guided food tour leads you through the tastes of Palermo Soho, with stops for empanadas, choripán, asado, and sweet bites along the way. The experience weaves together local flavor and neighborhood energy, perfect for a slower-paced final day. In the early evening, step inside a historic tango house in San Telmo for a unique photography experience. Lights, shadows, and movement tell their own story as you enjoy a dinner immersed in the visual world of tango.
WHERE TO STAY IN BUENOS AIRES | Base yourself in Palermo Soho for stylish boutique hotels, creative energy, and easy access to the day’s starting points. Recoleta offers a quieter pace and tree-lined elegance, with cafés, architecture, and green spaces ideal for walking. Both neighborhoods work well for this itinerary, and each gives you a distinct view of the city’s rhythm.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH FERNWAYER | We believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration in between. 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.

Argentina

Icons to Stage in Buenos Aires

3 days in Buenos Aires with Argentina’s icons, mate rituals, tango nights, and local flavors.

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 WITH FERNWAYER | We believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration in between. 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.

The Douro Valley reveals itself slowly—through the rhythm of its hands, its vines, and its landscapes. Over three days, trace the threads that connect craftsmanship, heritage, and nature. Guided by artisans, winemakers, and naturalists, you’ll experience the valley’s heritage through craft, taste, and time — with space to pause, breathe, and take in its enduring beauty.
DAY 1 – CRAFT AND HERITAGE IN VILA REAL | Begin in the mountain village of Bisalhães, where black pottery has been shaped by hand and smoked for centuries. In this guided workshop, meet the last artisans still practicing this UNESCO-listed craft and learn how local clay and pine smoke create its distinctive matte finish. Later, continue to Casa de Mateus for a private visit through its baroque halls, chapel, and gardens, before sitting down to a relaxed wine lunch in the palace’s original kitchen — a warm space of stone walls, copper tools, and timeless flavors.
DAY 2 – THE BOTANICAL QUINTA | Spend the day exploring the valley’s heart with Carlos and Paulo. Begin with a silent cruise along the Douro aboard a solar-powered boat, then ride in a restored vintage Bedford van up the terraced hills to a working vineyard and botanical estate. Walk among citrus trees and vines, visit the estate’s small museum, and taste their own Port Tonic and gin made from local herbs. A picnic lunch beneath the olive trees and an afternoon tasting at a nearby olive oil and wine producer round out a day of slow rhythm and vineyard life.
DAY 3 – THE WILD NORTHEAST | Travel north to Terra de Miranda, a land of forests, stone villages, and old customs. Guided by naturalist and photographer Alexandra Melo, explore chestnut groves and mountain viewpoints near Bragança, where wildlife and rural traditions coexist. Visit local artisans and dancers who keep alive the folk rituals and wooden masks of the mirandesa culture, a heritage recognized for its uniqueness in Portugal. It’s a day of stories, photography, and quiet connection with nature before returning through the valley at sunset.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH FERNWAYER | We believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration in between. 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.

Craft and Vine in the Douro

3 days in Douro Valley exploring pottery, vineyards, and the wild landscapes of the Northeast.

Athens is a place where ancient history and everyday life meet at every corner. From marble ruins to modern murals, the city is layered with memory, myth, and movement. This three-day itinerary invites you to experience Athens not as a checklist of monuments, but as a living conversation between past and present. Through guided encounters, sensory discoveries, and sacred pauses, each day opens a different door to the city’s many lives.

DAY 1 – HISTORY IN GRAFFITI AND STONE | Begin in Kerameikos, Gazi, and Psyrri, where the streets pulse with creativity and protest. The Urban Canvas of Athens takes you through layers of mural, message, and meaning, ending with a hands-on workshop and a piece of your own to carry home. Then head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art to explore bold works that question the narratives of history. End the day at the Acropolis, but from a different angle: walking the lesser-seen paths of the hill that shaped the Western world. As the sun sets, dine at Point A with the Parthenon glowing above.

DAY 2 – MEALS, HILLS, AND MOONLIGHT | Start your morning at the Varvakeios Market for a cooking class with a Greek local, learning to craft gyros and taste your way through spices, olives, and cheese. After lunch, wander through the hidden village of Anafiotika and climb Filopappou Hill for sweeping views of the city. Let the evening unfold with Under the Athenian Sky, an open-air cinema experience filled with conversation, food, and the quiet glow of Athens by night.

DAY 3 – RITUALS AND REVERENCE | Your final day brings you into rhythm with something older. In Ilioupoli, Cultivating Gratitude offers a guided ritual rooted in Demeter’s myth, the harvest, and the practice of reflection. Later, pause in the shade of the National Garden and witness the changing of the guards at Syntagma Square. End in Piraeus with Rebetiko, Red Lights, and the echo of old sailor songs. Between bites and melodies, you’ll feel the weight of memory, celebration, and time.

This journey is not about rushing ruins. It’s a curated immersion, shaped by texture, taste, silence, and spark. You’ll leave Athens not just with photos, but with a piece of the city imprinted on your pace, your palate, and your way of seeing. Three days in Athens. One city. Countless echoes.

WHERE TO STAY IN ATHENS | When it comes to where to stay, Athens offers neighborhoods for every travel style. Plaka is charming and close to ancient sites, while Psyrri and Exarchia are full of life, street art, and cafés. For a quieter stay with Acropolis views, Koukaki is a great base. And if you’re looking for sea breeze and space, consider Piraeus for a local feel near the coast. Choose what fits your rhythm.

PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH FERNWAYER | We believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration in between. 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.

Athens in Three Acts

3 days in Athens exploring art, cuisine, the acropolis of Athens, Greek traditions, and rebetiko.

This 7-day itinerary offers a deep and personal exploration of Lisbon and its surrounding landscapes—curated by architect, artist, and local guide Tiago Miranda Neiva. You’ll move between Lisbon, Mafra, Ericeira, Setúbal, Évora, and Alqueva, using Lisbon as your hub for the first five days before transitioning into the open spaces of Alentejo. Each experience reflects Tiago’s belief that Lisbon—and Portugal more broadly—reveals its truth only when you engage with it slowly, sensitively, and through all your senses.
✧ In Lisbon, you’ll begin with immersive walking tours of the historic center and the Alfama district, including a soulful evening of live Fado. You’ll explore lush botanical gardens, secret city vantage points, and meet with local elders to hear lived histories.
✧ In the Setúbal Peninsula, you’ll sip and savor the natural and culinary abundance of the region, from coastal wines to Arrábida’s dramatic cliffs.
✧ In Ericeira and Mafra, the focus shifts to surf, light, and rhythm—along with time to admire the monumental beauty of Mafra Palace.
✧ The final days take you east, into Évora, Monsaraz, and Alqueva—where you’ll find silence, sweeping views, and stories rooted in the Alentejo earth.
This itinerary balances movement and stillness, city and countryside, design and tradition. It's a route shaped not only by places, but by one person's deep relationship to them.
𝘛𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘰 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢 𝘕𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘣𝘰𝘯-𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦-𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺. 𝘏𝘦 𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦, 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘣𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥. 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺.
When asked about his love for Lisbon, Tiago’s enthusiasm is immediate: “I love my city! I really love the historic center of Lisbon!” Though he didn’t always feel that way. Growing up on the city’s outskirts, it wasn’t until returning after time abroad that he saw it anew. “It was as a young and independent adult with an arts and architecture degree, and with the enthusiasm to explore — that I realized how beautiful, diverse, and interesting my city is.”
For Tiago, connecting with a culture means full immersion. “You have to experience it with open eyes, heart, and mind,” he says. That means talking to locals, walking unfamiliar routes, listening more than looking. “Lisbon isn’t just to be seen, but touched, smelled, and tasted.” It’s not a checklist—it’s a presence.
He also names two challenges: First, Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods are deeply distinct—each like its own mini-city. “Lisbon is multidimensional. It cannot—and should not—be rushed.” Second, mass tourism threatens the local character he cherishes. Responsible travel, he says, is essential to preserve the culture.
As tourism evolves, Tiago points toward Lisbon’s under-known strengths. “Gastronomy, street art, tiles, contemporary architecture… there’s so much more to discover!”
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.

Lisbon and the Roads Out

7-day itinerary in Portugal exploring history & culture in Lisbon, Mafra, Ericeira, Setúbal, Évora.

This Milan itinerary is sleek, elegant, and curated — the perfect expression of Milanese sophistication across architecture, design, fashion, and food. It’s about Milan as it’s truly lived: designed, composed, and always in conversation with its past and future.

Milan is precision with personality—a city where modern lines meet Renaissance texture, and where fashion, architecture, and food are expressions of the same pursuit: style with substance. This three-day itinerary moves through that balance with intent, beginning in the geometry and vision of Gio Ponti’s architectural legacy. From the Pirelli Tower to lesser-known gems, the morning reveals how Milan’s skyline was shaped not just by ambition, but by design thinking.

The afternoon shifts to the Navigli District—Leonardo da Vinci’s hand in its canals, but today, the flow belongs to artists, gallery owners, and baristas. You’ll wander cobbled paths, stop for an aperitivo, and settle into a slow dinner at Osteria Conchetta, where Milanese cuisine is served without pretense but full of detail.

Day two leaves the city for the lakes. A curated visit to Lake Como weaves together water, stone, and stillness. At Villa del Balbianello and through the towns of Como and Bellagio, nature is never separate from design—it’s framed by it. This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s about atmosphere. Scale, silence, villas on cliffs. Beauty at rest.

On your final day, the focus returns to Milan with a walk through Brera. Here, art meets appetite—small galleries, curated boutiques, and a lunch scene that respects tradition while playing with it. The afternoon brings you to Castello Sforzesco and its layered museums, followed by a pause in Sempione Park—green space as counterbalance. And finally: dinner at Tartufotto, where truffle meets elegance in the heart of the city.

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.

Milan in Form and Flair

3-day itinerary in Milan with Gio Ponti's landmarks, Lake Como villas, Brera art, truffle-laced food

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.

In Kyoto, time slows down but never stands still. Over three days, this journey weaves together the city’s delicate layers — paper, stone, scent, and taste — to reveal a Japan of quiet mastery and daily grace. From handmade washi to temple gardens, from incense rituals to standing bars, you’ll see how centuries of craft and contemplation still shape life today. Each day balances guided encounters with moments to wander, leaving space for reflection and discovery in your own rhythm.

DAY 1 – PAPER AND PEOPLE | Begin in the calm of the Kyoto Botanical Gardens for Washi, The Texture of Kyoto, a guided tour led by craft researcher Emilie Even. You’ll trace the journey of handmade paper from plant to page, meeting artisans whose quiet skills hold a thousand years of continuity. In the evening, shift from tradition to conviviality with The Social World of Tachinomi, a bar-hopping experience that opens Kyoto’s after-dark culture. Guided by Eric Luong, you’ll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, tasting small plates and sake in the city’s most authentic tachinomi bars — a reminder that craftsmanship lives as much in the art of conversation as in the handmade.

DAY 2 – STONE AND TEA | Head west to Arashiyama for The Kyoto of Small Things, a meditative cultural walk with Edgin Ticzon. Amid moss temples, folk sculptures, and family craft shops, you’ll feel Kyoto’s humility and humor, where beauty is found in imperfection and the stories of everyday life. In the late afternoon, join Eric Luong again for Zen & the Art of Tea in Kyoto, an encounter that begins at the Jotenkaku Museum and continues to a machiya townhouse for a private tea ceremony. Through art, ritual, and conversation, you’ll glimpse the profound simplicity at the heart of Zen.

DAY 3 – SCENT AND FLAVOR | Your final day explores the sensory traditions that define Kyoto’s refinement. Begin with Dashi: Japan’s Hidden Elixir led by Chef Toshihiko Yamamoto, a cooking experience revealing the delicate broth that anchors Japanese cuisine. In his intimate kitchen, you’ll prepare and taste your own dashi, discovering how one essence can hold centuries of culinary philosophy. In the afternoon, continue with The Kyoto Way of Kōdō & Chadō guided by Ayumi Ikushima — a dialogue between scent and tea, where incense, aroma, and taste merge into a single art form. It’s a graceful conclusion to Kyoto: a city that speaks softly through its senses.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO | Stay in Higashiyama if you want to walk between temples and teahouses, wrapped in Kyoto’s historical calm. Choose Downtown or Kawaramachi for easy dining and transport connections after evening tours. For slower mornings and garden views, Arashiyama offers serenity at the city’s edge — a place where the rhythm of Kyoto still feels timeless.

PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH FERNWAYER | We believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration in between. 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.

Taste and Tradition in Kyoto

3 days in Kyoto exploring crafts, rituals, and cuisine rooted in centuries of flavor and tradition.

This 7-day itinerary through Portugal’s western Algarve invites you to experience the region through the lens of João Ministro—Fernwayer experience-maker, expert in responsible tourism and regional development, and a lifelong student of the land. 
You'll begin in Faro, then move inland through Loulé, São Brás de Alportel, and Alte, before curving west toward Lagos, Monchique, Silves, and Olhão. This is a route shaped by local knowledge, seasonal rhythms, and hands-on experience. Along the way, you’ll meet the people who carry the Algarve’s quieter heritage: cork workers, carob farmers, weavers, bakers, and storytellers. You’ll walk the terraced hills of Monchique, visit regional markets, and take part in craft workshops that preserve time-honored techniques. At every turn, you’ll find sensory connections—fresh herbs, grilled sardines, almond cakes—woven into daily life. João sees this kind of travel as essential to understanding the Algarve. 
For most visitors, the Algarve conjures images of beaches and seafood. But João’s Algarve is more textured—what he calls the “poetic Algarve.” He cites writers like Sofia de Melo Breyner Andresen and José Saramago, who captured the soul of the region in images of sunsets, fruit, wind, and silence. For João, the true essence of the Algarve lies in its sensory landscape and the stories attached to it.
“In my youth,” he recalls, “many people came here, to the Algarve, and my family—like many others—had small farms. I spent a lot of time working on these farms growing carob, figs, almonds, and olives.” These daily rituals shaped his relationship to the land. “Everybody knows the Algarve for its oranges,” he adds, 
remembering his family’s orchard. “I have good memories of my mother and my sister making lots of cakes—almond cakes, and sometimes orange cakes too.”
What João wants travelers to experience is that same connection: the gestures and flavors that tie people to place. “We still recognize these things—the tradition of fishing, the dry fruits, the rituals of picking and preparing. This is what I want travelers to connect with.”
Still, he knows it's not always simple. “The Algarve is quite diverse. It’s not just one story. A good connection to the people here is important. Travelers are interested in how we live, how we spend the day, what we do.” This itinerary is João’s answer to that challenge: an immersive route where nature, food, craft, and memory guide the pace.
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.

West Algarve: Wild & Crafted

7-day Algarve itinerary of craft, land, cuisine, tradition in Loulé, Alte, Lagos, Monchique, Olhão.

Siurana is a stunning medieval village perched atop a cliff in Catalonia, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This tiny village is a haven for history buffs, climbers, and anyone seeking a serene escape.
1. The narrow cobblestone streets and stone buildings retain the village’s medieval charm.
2. Views from the cliffside are breathtaking, overlooking the Siurana Reservoir.
3. The village’s small church, Santa Maria de Siurana, is a beautiful historic landmark.
4. Siurana is also famous for its rock climbing, with world-class climbing routes nearby.
5. The surrounding countryside offers hiking trails and opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Visitor Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the incredible views and charming streets.

Photo: David Herraez Calzada

Medieval Village of Siurana

Croatia

Marjan Hill, a symbol of Split, Croatia, is a verdant oasis that offers tranquility, panoramic views, and recreational activities. Why visit:

1: Just steps away from the bustling city, Marjan Hill provides a serene natural environment, with dense pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

2: Hike or bike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of Split, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands. The vantage points from Marjan Hill are among the best in the region, offering spectacular photo opportunities.

3: With its network of trails, Marjan Hill is perfect for hiking, jogging, cycling, and rock climbing. Its natural terrain and scenic paths cater to outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.

4: Along its slopes, discover historic chapels, hermitages carved into the rock, and the 15th-century Church of St. Nicholas, providing a glimpse into the area's rich religious heritage.

5: The hill’s base is lined with beautiful pebble beaches and secluded coves, offering a refreshing swim or a quiet place to relax away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

6: With playgrounds, picnic areas, and the Split Zoo, Marjan Hill is also a family-friendly destination, offering activities and spaces suitable for visitors of all ages.

7: The hill is not only a place for physical activities but also a source of inspiration for artists, with art installations and galleries scattered around, as well as cozy cafés where you can unwind after a day of exploration.

Marjan Hill is a multifaceted jewel in Split’s crown, providing a perfect blend of nature, history, and recreation. It's an essential visit for those looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural depth of Split beyond its urban core.

Photo: Gurjit Sandhu 


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Once Upon a Castle

Demeter's Sacred Sourdough

Portraits in the Hidden Hans

A Walking/Driving Safari in Arrábida​​

A Walking/Driving Safari in Arrábida