Search immersive, experiential travel and best travel experiences with Fernwayer. Discover unique tours by location, interest, or dates.

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.

A 6-hour photographic journey led by the acclaimed photographer Marco Secchi or his associates Luca or Sandra, exploring the vibrant yet lesser-known locales of Venice's North Lagoon. "Serena" conveys calmness, tranquility, and a sense of serene history, reflecting the slow, peaceful, and historically rich ambiance of the Northern Lagoon, a place where the rich heritage of Venice has been nurtured and preserved. 

This photo adventure takes you through the heart of Burano, Torcello, San Francesco del Deserto, and other hidden islands. You'll experience the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of these enchanting areas. Secchi's deep knowledge and photographic prowess will guide you in capturing the unique essence of these landscapes and communities. From the colorful vibrancy of Burano to the ancient serenity of Torcello, and the spiritual tranquility of San Francesco del Deserto, this workshop offers a diverse range of photographic experiences. 

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.

This expedition is distinct due to its focus on lesser-known islands, providing an intimate look into Venice's hidden beauty. You'll be guided by Marco Secchi, an award-winning photographer known for his editorial and travel photography. His workshops are renowned for combining technical skill-building with creative exploration, suitable for photographers at all levels. Whether you're an amateur or a professional, you'll find valuable learning and growth opportunities in capturing landscapes, architecture, and cultural elements. The workshop emphasizes storytelling through imagery, allowing you to capture not just photos but the stories and memories of Venice's less-explored areas.

Conclude your photographic journey with a return trip to Venice via vaporetto.

Capture any final shots during the scenic Vaporetto ride, and discuss reflections and learnings.

Return to Venice

Explore Burano's brightly colored houses and lace-making tradition. 

Get there by Vaporetto. Wander the island on foot.

Capture the vivid hues and intricate patterns, and challenge your perspective with both color and monochrome photography.

Burano: A Palette of Colors

Start your expedition with a Vaporetto ride from Venice to Burano.

Chat after completing the booking to confirm pickup/meeting location. 

You'll get to see the lagoon in the morning light. It's a 40-minute public vaporetto ride to Burano. The ride is an adventure in itself as you pass by the many islands in the Northern Lagoon. 

Departure from Venice 

Travel to Torcello, an island known for its rich history and tranquil atmosphere. 

Explore Torcello's ancient sites and rustic charm. Capture the contrast between its historical significance and the vibrancy of Burano.

Torcello: Capturing History

A short boat ride takes you to the tranquil San Francesco del Deserto, an island steeped in spiritual heritage. This segment is a bit more challenging, as San Francesco del Deserto is not directly connected by regular vaporetto lines. We'll arrange for this part of the trip in advance,  through a private boat service and by contacting the monks at San Francesco del Deserto.

Immerse in the serenity of San Francesco del Deserto. Photograph the ancient monastery and the island's serene landscapes. 

San Francesco del Deserto: Peaceful Reflections

San Francesco del Deserto

Photo Tour in Venice, cruising the lagoon to Burano, Torcello, and San Francesco del Deserto.

Venice - Burano - Torcello - San Francisco del Deserto

Applies when fewer than the minimum participants book. This ensures the experience runs at its required minimum price.

Serena | The Northern Lagoon

Guided private photo tour with a professional photographer for a fixed group of 2 participants (with or without camera). Children under 12 may join free in addition.

Personalized photography guidance for all levels, covering camera settings, lighting, composition, creative exposure, artistic expression, and storytelling.

Transportation between islands; using mostly public vaporetto.

Refreshments and coffee throughout the tour.

Camera equipment.
Comfortable attire and walking shoes.
Enthusiasm for photography.


After booking, chat with Marco to share hotel details - so he can confirm where to meet / pickup location. 

Marco Secchi is an award-winning photographer and Getty Images contributor and is renowned for his expertise in storytelling through photography. His associates, Luca, and Nicola, also bring their unique perspectives and skills to the tours, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive learning experience. Depending on the day of your tour, you will be accompanied by Marco, Luca, or Nicola.

Morocco

This is an immersive Moroccan cooking experience in a family home in  Essaouira, guided by Latifa, a local expert with over 10 years of culinary expertise. Your journey begins with a visit to the bustling souks (markets) of the ancient medina, where you’ll choose the freshest ingredients—fragrant spices, halal meat, fish, and farm-fresh vegetables—needed to prepare your meal. Latifa will introduce you to traditional Moroccan cooking techniques and the deep-rooted cultural significance behind them. In her family home kitchen, you’ll take part in every step of the process, from chopping vegetables to plating traditional dishes. You’ll craft delicacies like couscous, tagine, or a hearty harira soup, while learning about the rich history of Moroccan cuisine, shaped by African, Berber, Mediterranean, and Andalusian influences. The experience lasts approximately 4 hours and ends with enjoying the fruits of your labor in the warmth of Latifa's family dining room.

This culinary experience stands out for its intimate setting and authentic local connections. From the moment you meet Latifa, you'll dive into the heart of Moroccan daily life, beginning with a guided stroll through the bustling market. Here, Latifa introduces you to the history, flavors, and uses of each spice and ingredient, allowing you to select fresh, local produce with confidence. In her family kitchen, you’ll take part in a fully hands-on cooking session, creating an entire meal from start to finish, with Latifa’s expert guidance. You will learn the secrets of authentic Moroccan dishes that go beyond the typical tourist fare and see how you can recreate them back home. The session concludes with a shared meal around a traditional Moroccan round table, allowing you to experience the cultural significance of Moroccan dining customs. It is an ideal experience for those seeking an immersive connection with Morocco's culinary heritage and a warm introduction to its vibrant culture.

Cooking Class in Essaouira: Shop markets & cook Moroccan dishes in a local family home kitchen.

Latifa’s Essaouira Kitchen

Guided tour of Essaouira’s medina and souk to source fresh ingredients.

Hands-on cooking session in Latifa’s family home kitchen.

All ingredients for a full traditional Moroccan menu (starter, main, dessert).

Traditional meal shared in a warm, family setting.

Comfortable walking shoes for the market tour
A camera to capture the vibrant market and cooking moments
An appetite for adventure and learning

This experience is located in the heart of Essaouira. After booking, chat with Latifa to get details of the exact meeting point.

Latifa is a passionate cook and teacher with over 10 years of experience sharing her family’s culinary heritage. She grew up in Essaouira, learning the art of Moroccan cooking from her mother and grandmother. With her warm personality and patience, Latifa excels at guiding guests through the complexities of Moroccan cuisine, making each step accessible and enjoyable. Her knowledge of local ingredients and deep connection to Moroccan culture make her an invaluable resource for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of the region.

Portugal

A full-day expedition from Lisbon to Évora and back in the tradition of a “grand tour”. Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in Roman, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture is a living museum that encapsulates over twenty centuries of Portuguese history. The city blossomed into its golden age as the residence of Portuguese kings during the 15th and 16th centuries and is a showcase of portuguese architectural evolution. Here, you can traverse time, from the enigmatic prehistoric cromlech to the imposing Roman Temple, medieval Évora Cathedral, and the contemplative Bones Chapel. The city harmoniously blends its architecture, with low whitewashed houses adorned with azulejos and wrought-iron balconies, set in narrow medieval streets. This architectural coherence, deeply influenced by significant historical events, makes Évora the Alentejo’s capital and a distinct representation of Portugal's cultural and architectural journey.

Private car from Lisbon to Évora and return. 

Évora's uniqueness stems from its rich tapestry of cultural and architectural influences spanning several eras, each leaving an indelible mark on the cityscape. The Roman Temple, a testament to ancient grandeur, coexists with medieval and Renaissance marvels, symbolizing the city's evolution through time. This city, remarkably untouched by the 1755 earthquake, has maintained its historical integrity, offering a window into the past where you can witness the convergence of various architectural styles and urban planning. Évora’s gastronomical excellence and wine offerings add another layer of uniqueness as a top culinary destination. Tiago's expertise brings to life Évora's history, architectural heritage and cultural significance along with authentic local experiences. The tour includes hidden gems like the Painted Houses and the Aqueduto da Água de Prata. Tiago narrates the tour with vivid descriptions and unique insights, engaging you in Évora's rich history and culture. 

The Roman Temple, a well-preserved 1st-century structure, offers a window into Évora's ancient Roman past. This temple, often mistakenly associated with the goddess Diana, is a significant symbol of Roman influence in the region. Its Corinthian-style columns and the architectural design reflect the city's historical importance and one of the few archeological remains of that period. Surrounding the Roman Temple there are several Palaces from different periods, a small romantic garden with a great view and several cultural institutions, such Évora Museum, the Public Library, the Enoteca and Eugénio de Almeida Foundation.

The Square of Condes de Vila Flor is a time capsule regarding different historic-artistic periods. In the center of the square, there's one of the iconic images of Évora -  the Roman Temple, from 1st century BCE. Surrounding it, some preserved medieval walls from the old castle area, but also, the Cadaval Palace, the Lóios Palace, the Vimioso Palace and the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation -  former Inquisition Palace.

The 1st century Roman Temple, dedicated to Emperor Augustus, reminds of Évora’s antiquity.

Roman Temple and Palaces

The Palácio Dom Manuel I, originally a convent transformed also into a royal palace, showcases a blend of Gothic, Manueline, Mudéjar, and Renaissance styles. It's known for its elegant Manueline porch and Mudéjar-style loggia. Today host the Évora interpretive center, exploring the city rich history through distinct chronological periods.

The palace, a significant late medieval and renaissance structure, played a vital role during the 15th-16th century Portuguese Discoveries Age, hosting cultural and political activities, when Évora was one of the Kingdom main city. It's a living testament to the vibrant intellectual life of Évora during its golden age.

Palace Dom Manuel is inside Évora Public Garden, also with neo-moorish Bandstand and "Fake Ruins" 

Renaissance King Manuel Palace

The Church of Misericórdia founded in early 16th century by the King D. Manuel I, will be rebuilt and enlarged in1554, as we can see today. The church, with a single nave and sober proportions, features a majestic set of baroque decoration, with tiles and gilded carvings from the 17th and 18th centuries, making it one of the most beautiful churches in the city of Évora.

The white church appears austere and simple from the outside, but inside, it's covered in magnificent tile decoration designed by the Lisbon workshop of master António de Oliveira Bernardes, one of the most famous of that time period.  Seven panels of tiles with blue cobalt and white decoration represents the Works of Mercy  and Spiritual Qualities.

The nave has a group of seven baroque paintings by the Eborense painter Francisco Xavier de Castro. On the main altar, we can see one of the largest set of gilded altarpiece in Évora.

The Misericórdia Church has a simple exterior design, but an immensely rich interior decoration.

Baroque Church of Misericórdia

Giraldo Square, the heart of Évora, is surrounded by medieval arches, a historic fountain, and 19th-century elite houses. The square's Renaissance white marble fountain, built in 1571, and S. Antão Church symbolizes the once city's richness and political relevance. Giraldo Square has been a focal point for social and cultural activities for centuries, offering a glimpse into the daily life of Évora throughout history, connecting the present to its past.

Praça do Giraldo is an icon of homage to the medieval christian warrior Geraldo Geraldes, the Fearless, who conquered Évora from the Moors in 1167 and became its ruler. The square has architectural references from numerous historical periods: the arcades that adorn it on the side are from the medieval period, the beautiful marble fountain and the Church of Santo Antão, from the 16th century, and the neoclassical and romantic mansions of the Eborense elite are from the 19th century. Nowadays, it's the vibrant center of the city, with its restaurants, cafes, terraces and comercial, religious and cultural activities.

Giraldo Square is the social and commercial heart of Évora, where all the streets converge!

Giraldo Square

The Évora Cathedral, a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, is the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal. It stands as a symbol of the Christian reconquest and showcases the architectural transitions of the time. Featuring a huge gothic cloister and a unique rooftop walk, the cathedral showcases the blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. 

The Medieval Évora Cathedral was built entirely with austere dark granite- including the  Cloister, but will be  altered in different historical periods - from the 12th to the 18th century, resulting in immensely rich and heterogenic colorful decorated interiors.

The Cathedral terrace is the highest point in the city. From there you can see the entire city, whether the historic city within the walls, with all its heritage, or the new city made up of several neighborhoods all around. Furthermore, there is a vast horizon where you can see the extensive plain and some other historical locations.

The Évora Cathedral is one of the oldest and biggest in Portugal, hosting a spectacular Cloister.

Medieval Évora Cathedral

The University of Évora was founded in 1559 by Cardinal D. Henrique - last portuguese king of 2nd dinasty, being the second university to be founded in Portugal,  after the University of Coimbra (1537). The university - established by the Jesuits, as the nearby Espírito Santo Church, once positioned Évora as Portugal's second city in terms of intellectual prominence. The university's architecture and the church's design reflect the city's academic, religious and artistic significance during different historical periods.

The spectacular building of the Old University of Évora is based on a quadrangular plan that surrounds a grand cloister, also known as Pátio dos Gerais. In the center there's a fountain, surrounded by colonnaded galleries, with the beautiful facade of the former chapel of the Colégio do Espírito Santo rising in the center. The various class-rooms of the school were covered with beautiful baroque tiles alluding to the subjects taught there – Mathematics, Astronomy, Physics and Fine Arts – forming one of the most important Baroque sets with secular themes found in Portugal. But there's also other decorative themes and techniques, such as paintings, inlaid stones and sculptures around the different rooms.

The Old University of Évora hosts a magnificent mannerist cloister and rooms with baroque tiles 

Mannerist Old University

Travel in comfort and safety from the historic center of Évora to your accommodation hotel in Lisbon. 

During the journey between Évora and Lisbon, we will observe the Alentejo landscape, with its particular ecosystem called "montado": Iberian Mediterranean forest, consisting of vast grassland, herbaceous species used for grazing cattle, goats, and sheep, and several types of oaks, such the famous cork-tree. The landscape changes during the different seasons of the year.

Évora - Lisbon

Travel in comfort and safety from your accommodation hotel in Lisbon to the historic center of Évora.

During the journey between Lisbon and Évora, we will observe the Alentejo landscape, with its particular ecosystem called "montado": Iberian Mediterranean forest, consisting of vast grassland, herbaceous species used for grazing cattle, goats, and sheep, and several types of oaks, such the famous cork-tree. The landscape changes during the different seasons of the year.

Lisbon - Évora 

The Convent of São Francisco de Évora,  founded in the 12th century, was the first house of the Franciscan Order in Portugal. In the 15th century it received the title of "Convent of Gold", due to the wealth with which it was decorated by the Royal Family and its proximity to the Royal Palace. In the 17th century, reliving a period of otherness and introspection, the Chapel of Bones is built with the aim of transmitting the message of transience and fragility of human life.

The Bones Chapel, with its interior lined with the bones of monks and common people brought from neighboring cemeteries, offers a contemplative space on human existence. The chapel's design, based on the ossuary of San Bernadino all'Ossa in Milan, leaves visitors in awe with its intricate arrangement of bones and skulls, reflecting on the historical and cultural aspects of mortality and religion. The chapel symbolizes Évora's historical depth and the Franciscans' desire to provide a space for spiritual reflection.

Inside a 12th century Franciscan Convent there's a magnificent Church and the austere Bones Chapel 

Franciscan Chappel with Bones

Day Trip from Lisbon to Évora, Alentejo’s capital, with Roman temple, Chapel of Bones, and old town.

1. Lisbon-Évora: 8:00-10:00 AM
2. Palácio Dom Manuel I – Damsels Gallery (10:00 AM – 10:45 AM)
3. Bones Chapel (11:00 AM – 11:45 AM)
4. Church of Misericórdia (12:00 PM – 12:30 PM)
5. Giraldo Square (12:45 PM – 1:15 PM)
6. Lunch in a Typical Restaurant (1:15 PM – 2:15 PM)
7. Roman Temple (2:30 PM – 3:15 PM)
8. Medieval Cathedral + Wine Tasting (3:30 PM – 4:15 PM)
9. Mannerist-Baroque Old University (4:30 PM – 5:00 PM)
10. Évora-Lisbon (5:00 PM-7:00 PM)

Echoes of Evora

Full-day private excursion from Lisbon to Évora and back.

Guided historical walking tour through Évora’s Roman, medieval, and Renaissance landmarks.

Visits to major sites including the Roman Temple, Cathedral, Bones Chapel, and cromlech.

Lunch featuring regional cuisine.

Wine tasting experience in the Alentejo region.

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

Tiago will pick you from your Lisbon hotel - share your hotel details via Fernwayer chat after booking.

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.

Greece

Welcome to a charming traditional Greek family farmhouse in the scenic Peloponnese. Located just a 30-minute drive from Nafplio or Mycenae, this experience immerses you in nature and rich Greek culture.

Start with a delightful Greek aperitivo before touring the storerooms filled with aromatic herbs and premium olive oil. You’ll explore the family’s art of soap-making, guided by their dedication to natural ingredients and recipes passed down through generations: craft natural soaps using their grandmother’s timeless recipe, enriched with honey and olive oil.

Then stroll through the olive grove, and learn how olives are transformed into exquisite olive oil. Watch as a delicious meal is baked in the courtyard’s wood-fired oven, filling the air with the aromas and flavors of Greece. Gather around the table to savor the meal, sharing stories and laughter. End your day with a lively Sirtaki dance, creating unforgettable memories of Greek hospitality and tradition.

This experience is a rare blend of tradition, creativity, and heartfelt Greek hospitality, offering an authentic connection to life in the Peloponnese. Guided by Gerasimos, Tina, and Stelios, you’ll explore their family’s time-honored traditions, from soap-making with their grandmother’s olive oil recipe to preparing a meal in a wood-fired oven.

You’ll harvest fresh vegetables from the family garden, gather olives from the grove, and learn how they transform their extra virgin olive oil into handcrafted soap. Each activity is enriched by the family’s dedication to sustainability and their passion for preserving local culture.

The day culminates in a communal dinner featuring specialties like moussaka and tzatziki, where laughter and stories flow freely. And as the sun sets, you’ll join in a lively Sirtaki dance, celebrating the spirit of Greek togetherness. This sensory journey into the heart of Greek traditions will leave you with cherished memories and a true sense of belonging.

Farm Experience in the Peloponnese with soap-making, local food and rural traditions near Nafplio.


A Farmhouse in the Peloponnese

Welcome drink and tastings of local products, including olive oil and herbs.

Hands-on soap-making workshop using a traditional family recipe.

Guided walk through the olive grove with insights into olive oil production.

Traditional Greek meal cooked in a wood-fired oven and shared in the courtyard.

Conversation, cultural storytelling, and a Sirtaki dance to end the day.

All ingredients, utensils, and dinner included.

Your curiosity and appetite. 
Comfortable clothes.

At Gerasimos' farmhouse, located in Lyrkeia. 

Drive 30 minutes by road from either Nafplio or Mycenae; 90+ minutes from Athens. The house is located 100 meters from the old town hall, on the main street of the village. Τhere is a sign. There is plenty of space for parking. 

Gerasimos, Tina, and Stelios live in a traditional Greek farmhouse, and they are passionate about sharing their love for authentic Greek culture, regional cuisine, and the timeless art of handmade soap-making, following an old family recipe.

On their farm, they cultivate a vegetable garden and an olive grove, from which they produce a delicious extra virgin olive oil that is one of the key ingredients in their handmade soap.

Participating in their activities means creating an authentic connection with a true Greek family, culminating in a hearty meal prepared in a traditional wood-fired oven, enjoying the warmth of family and the rich flavors of their heritage.

Experience Athens like a true local with this unique experience designed for spring and summer evenings. Start your journey by visiting the home of an Athenian host, where you’ll dive into the warmth of Greek hospitality. Share stories, discover everyday life in the city, and enjoy the intimate charm of an authentic Athenian household.

Next, step into the magic of a neighborhood open-air cinema, a quintessentially Greek experience. Surrounded by blooming jasmine and under a starlit sky, you’ll enjoy a hand-picked film in a relaxed, laid-back setting. This cherished local tradition blends nostalgia with the city’s vibrant cultural life, offering a glimpse into how Athenians unwind during the warmer months.

Whether you’re a film lover, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this experience promises to connect you with Athens in an unforgettable way. Ready to create memories you’ll treasure forever?

You’ll start your evening in the warm embrace of an Athenian home, sharing a delicious meal and meaningful conversations that reveal the heart of Greek contemporary culture.

From there, the adventure continues with a stroll to one of Athens’ beloved open-air cinemas—a quintessential experience that blends nostalgia with modern charm. Unlike mainstream tourist attractions, these neighborhood cinemas are treasured by locals for their relaxed atmosphere, blooming gardens, and enchanting under-the-stars screenings. Notably, Athens boasts over 60 such venues, making it one of the cities with the highest number of open-air cinemas per capita worldwide.

What sets this apart is the seamless blend of authentic human connection, local tradition, and cultural immersion. You won’t just see Athens; you’ll feel it, taste it, and live it in a way that few visitors ever do. This is your chance to step into the rhythm of Athenian life and make memories that are as unique as the city itself.

Walking Tour in Athens with cultural storytelling, a Greek home-cooked dinner and open-air cinema.

Under the Athenian Sky

Home-cooked dinner at an Athenian host’s home with authentic Greek dishes.

Guided stroll through a local neighborhood with insights from your host.

Admission to a neighborhood open-air cinema in an outdoor setting.

Personalized tips and recommendations from your host to enhance your Athens experience.

Comfortable walking shoes for the stroll to the cinema
A light jacket or shawl for cooler spring or summer evenings
An open mind and curiosity to fully embrace this local experience!


The meeting point will be communicated after the reservation. Please chat with Roberto after you complete your booking. 

Your hosts will be either Vivì or Orestis, two Athenians whose lives and stories perfectly embody the vibrant diversity of the city.

Vivì has spent her entire life in Kypseli, one of Athens’ most culturally rich neighborhoods. Her deep roots in the area mean she knows every corner, hidden gem, and local story. With her vivid storytelling, she brings Kypseli to life, sharing its history, transformation over the years, and the lively multicultural vibe that defines it today.

Orestis hails from Nea Smyrni, a neighborhood shaped by its fascinating history as a settlement for refugees from Asia Minor. Born and raised here, Orestis is passionate about sharing the unique character of his community, from its immigrant roots to its modern-day charm.

Once a nameless patch between Via Prenestina and Via Casilina, Pigneto only began appearing on maps in the early 2000s, following a wave of street art, pedestrian renewal, and urban transformation. But its roots go back much further.

Born in the late 19th century as housing for railway workers and artisans employed in nearby factories, tram depots, and waste facilities, the neighborhood soon became a backdrop for Italian neorealist cinema.

Walking through its early workers’ blocks and the charming “villini” district—small villas built by a railway cooperative between 1921 and 1924—you’ll uncover traces of a layered past.

Gardens and Art Nouveau façades tell a different story from the one often associated with Pigneto today. Now a hub of nightlife and alternative culture, the neighborhood blends its working-class origins with a bohemian spirit. Along the way, a cappuccino and cornetto in a local café will offer a moment to take in the neighborhood’s everyday rhythm.

What sets this experience apart is the chance to explore Pigneto with Irene, a Phd Urban sociologist and researcher who has spent years studying the evolution of Rome’s urban fabric, with a special focus on the city’s first industrial settlements from the late 19th century.

Her deep knowledge offers a sharp lens through which to read the transformations of a neighborhood that, over the past decade, has become a symbol of regeneration and contradiction. Once a working-class district, Pigneto is now a hotspot for creativity, street art, and nightlife, but also a place where friction sometimes arises between long-time residents and new arrivals or short-term visitors.

As you walk together, you’ll uncover the underlying layers of these dynamics and reflect on how local policies—or their absence—shape everyday life.

Walking Tour in Rome uncovering the layered history of Pigneto and its early 20th-century villini.

The Villini of Pigneto

Full guidance by a PhD urban sociologist specializing in the evolution of Rome’s industrial-era neighborhoods. 

Walking tour of Pigneto, exploring early 20th-century workers’ blocks, Art Nouveau “villini,” and the neighborhood’s vibrant street art and cultural transformation.

Breakfast snack at a local café, including cappuccino and cornetto.

You'll meet Irene in Via del Pigneto 22, Rome

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.

Join professional photographer Gianmario on an immersive photo journey through one of Sardinia’s most surreal landscapes. Set around Monte Pulchiana, Europe’s largest granite monolith and a designated natural monument, this experience leads you across a terrain shaped by wind, water and time. Sculpted granite takes the form of dragons, witches, faces and creatures that seem to emerge from legend or fantasy. 

Along the route, you’ll photograph lunar panoramas and astonishing rock formations, and visit a private home carved entirely inside the rock — a whimsical, Smurf-like refuge nestled in the granite, located on private property accessible only with Gianmario’s special permission.

You’ll learn how to frame and shoot these unusual natural subjects, mastering light and composition in open-air settings that feel otherworldly. Whether you’re experienced or just passionate about photography, you’ll walk away with powerful images — and a new way of seeing Sardinia’s untamed heart.

This experience offers exclusive access to a natural world shaped by wind, water, and time. Set near the dramatic granite formations of Monte Pulchiana — the largest granite monolith in Europe and a true geological wonder — the setting alone is extraordinary.

But what makes this journey unique is how it blends access and interpretation. Gianmario, a professional photographer specialized in landscape, provides the tools to understand and capture this surreal terrain. You learn how to read the land, work with light and shadow, and transform rugged shapes into striking compositions.

As part of the experience, you also enter a private property with a home carved directly into the granite — a site not open to the public and accessible only through Gianmario’s personal connection. Whether you're interested in rare access or photographic insight, this offers a perspective on Sardinia that goes far beyond what’s usually possible.

Photo Walk around Monte Pulchiana, in Sardinia, capturing surreal granite shapes and formations.

Granite Creatures

Photograph surreal granite formations around Monte Pulchiana with a professional photographer.

Learn composition, lighting, and landscape photo techniques while exploring Europe’s largest granite monolith.

Visit a private home carved into the rock — accessible only through Gianmario’s connections/special permission.

Guided walk through this otherworldly landscape shaped by wind, water, and time.

Snack featuring traditional Sardinian delicacies.

Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes, 1 liter of water per person during summer, DSLR or mirrorless camera or equivalent, with lenses and zoom, extra memory card and batteries.

Chat with Gianmario after booking to get details of the exact meeting point.

Gianmario Pedroni is a Sardinia-born professional photographer. After honing his skills in England, he specialized in advertising, fashion, and design, collaborating with prominent photographers and brands. In 2009, he returned to Sardinia to establish his studio, focusing on the island's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. A passionate hiker, he has been exploring these mountains since childhood.

Chile

Round off a day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valparaíso by experiencing an authentic asado chileno with a local guide and grill master born and raised in the seaport. This three-hour barbecue experience is a personal invitation to partake in a beloved food experience rooted in convivencia (togetherness). Upon arrival at Juan Víctor’s family residence, you will be greeted with homemade empanadas and a pisco sour (Chile’s national cocktail). Chorizo sausages and premium cuts of beef are slowly cooked over an open flame, allowing plenty of time to chat with Juan Víctor over a glass of Carménère wine. 

In the sprit of convivencia, you are likely to be joined by some of Juan Víctor's relatives, friends, and neighbors. Together, you will bite into sizzling choripanes (chorizo sausages served on crusty marraqueta bread) and strips of meat fresh from the grill. The conversation will flow and you will return to your hotel with a full stomach and a happy heart. 

This experience invites you to partake in a traditional Chilean barbecue with a porteño and his family in Valparaíso. Juan Víctor’s mission is to introduce you to the highest-quality meat (or plant-based alternatives) in the relaxed, intimate environment of a local household. This is a cultural exchange whereby every item is shared, all questions are welcome, and the conversation has no boundaries. As a passionate asador (grill master), Juan Víctor is thrilled to share tidbits about Chilean food and wine. But he will also use this time to chat about the wider aspect of Chilean culture and his lived experience as porteño. On most occasions, some of Juan Víctor's relatives, friends, and neighbors will join the asado — making this a thoroughly sociable affair.

As the guest of honor, you are invited to participate in the cooking as much or as little as you wish. You may assist with preparing pebre (salsa) and tending to the grill, or simply sit back and unwind with your new friends. 

Chilean Asado in Valparaíso: Evening BBQ at local grill master's family home with cultural exchange.

Friendship Forged in Fire

Private asado chileno at a grill master's family home.

Private transportation to/from your hotel in Valparaíso (or a central location).

All food items from a traditional Chilean asado: choripanes (chorizo sausages), carne (selection of red meats), pebre (salsa), side dishes, and confectionary. 

Substitutions are available for vegetarians/vegans: please inform Juan Víctor when booking. 

Wine (equivalent of half a bottle per person).

x1 pisco sour cocktail per person.

Soft drinks. 

Layers for the evening. Valparaíso experiences cool evenings in all seasons, including summer — tropical nights are a rare exception!

*Please advise Juan Víctor of any allergies/dietary requirements at the time of booking. 

Juan Víctor will collect you from your hotel in Valparaíso, Chile. Please advise the name and address upon booking the experience. Travelers staying in Viña del Mar will be required to make their own way to Valparaíso by car or Uber — a meeting point will be confirmed via Fernwayer Chat.

Juan Víctor was born and raised in Valparaíso. He has worked as a professional guide for over 12 years, offering highly-personalized travel experiences in Chile and Argentina. Juan Víctor is passionate about history, art, the outdoors, and meeting new people. He has a particular fondness for barbecues and sharing this unique aspect of Chilean life with overseas visitors.

Besides showing you his beloved Valparaíso with the thoroughness and depth only a true local can provide, Juan Víctor offers himself as a friend. As a avid traveler, he is able to impart tips and inspiration for further exploration of Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and beyond.

Mexico

Oaxaca is famous for printmaking, one of the oldest forms of image reproduction. Gráfica Zanate, an etching studio that works exclusively with professional artists, is among the city's most prestigious. In this private art tour, Gráfica Zanate's expert team will guide you through the process, techniques, and history of etching and printmaking, showing how each engraved line serves as a lasting imprint of its maker.

At the workshop, located in a beautiful, quieter part of Oaxaca, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how professional etched prints are made. You’ll learn about the history of graphic arts and see the tools and materials used by an artist currently working on-site. This is not a walk-in studio—access is arranged by invitation, making the experience more personal and focused.

Your hosts will share selections from the workshop's extensive collection—built over 20 years of collaboration with more than 70 artists—featuring the finest examples of printmaking in the region.

Gráfica Zanate’s owner/founder and team offer a rare experience centered on the art of printmaking in an inspiring and beautiful workshop. You’ll discover its history, techniques, and creative process directly from the artists who have been dedicated to this medium for years.

You’ll gain a close-up look at a world that’s rarely seen: the world of graphic art. During this exclusive visit, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the origins and processes of artistic printmaking
- Explore a collection of works created in the workshop over nearly 20 years
- See a live demonstration of parts of the etching and printing process

What’s more, your hosts are longtime residents of Oaxaca and will be able to discuss their work in the broader context of Oaxacan and Mexican artistic traditions.

Gráfica Zanate is not typically open to the public—this private printmaking experience is a rare and immersive opportunity to get to know this space and its makers.

Art Tour at Oaxaca’s Top Printmaking Studio to explore techniques, history & meet the owner.

The Traces of Etching

Private visit to Gráfica Zanate, a professional printmaking studio in Oaxaca.

Guided demonstration of the etching process by expert printmakers.

Insight into the history and techniques of printmaking in Oaxaca and beyond.

Viewing of selected works from the studio’s extensive artist collection.

Opportunity to meet an artist currently working on-site.

Coffee or refreshment with a light snack included.

Guests will meet directly at the studio located in Jalatlaco—a picturesque neighborhood in the city of Oaxaca, close to the historic center and a 10-minute walk from the Santo Domingo Temple. 

The exact location will be shared after the booking is confirmed via Fernwayer's Chat. If needed, a team member can meet guests at the Santo Domingo Temple and walk together to the studio.

Daniel Flores is a Mexican artist and the director of the Producción Gráfica Zanate printmaking workshop. He specializes in graphic arts and printmaking and has participated in numerous group exhibitions throughout Mexico and internationally. He has also received several grants for projects focused on graphic and plastic arts production within various communities across the state of Oaxaca. Daniel has been working professionally in the Mexican art world since 2002.

He founded Gráfica Zanate in 2007, and the studio continues to produce annual printmaking portfolios in collaboration with artists from Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico City, and abroad.

Alongside Daniel, the "maestro" of Gráfica Zanate, you’ll meet the studio’s team of experienced local artists: Viridiana Carmona, Marco Patiño, and Marco Antonio Santos.

Spain

A calçotada is a seasonal Catalan ritual (November–April) centered on the communal roasting and eating of calçots - sweeter, elongated onion-like shoot cultivated in trenches.  

You’ll depart Barcelona in private car, into the Catalan countryside. Your destination: a working garden where calçots (pronounced kal-sotz) are grown, harvested and prepared over open fire. 

Along the way, you’ll stop at the Royal Monastery of Santes Creus, a medieval Cistercian abbey built in 12th century, with Gothic cloisters, royal tombs and austere architectural purity.  

At the garden, you’ll meet the farming family and learn about the cultivation of calçots. Then comes the feast: calçots grilled until the outer layers blacken, wrapped in newspaper to steam and eaten by hand — peeling away charred exteriors and dipping each stalk into romesco (or a similar sauce). Expect to get your fingers messy, and partake in what is, by design, a convivial, generous meal. This is as farm-to-table fresh as it gets.

A calçotada is a food experience that is sociable, traditional, delicious, and playful. It’s about ritual, regional identity, rural air, fire, laughter, wine, and the earth that grew your food. The ritual of gathering friends for a gluttonous afternoon to eat them defines Catalan winter life in rural areas. While many gastronomic experiences offer tasting or cooking classes to visitors, few immerse you in a tradition still rooted in community and seasonality. 

In this private gathering, the owners will share how calçots are planted and harvested as leafless stalks. Ask them about the origin story of the calçotada, how it started in the Catalan town of Valls at the end of the 19th century, and about the farmer who experimented with planting onion shoots under soil and discovered their sweet, tender interior.  

The inclusion of Santes Creus brings in further cultural weight: this abbey served as a royal pantheon for Aragonese kings and houses tombs of monarchs in Gothic sanctuaries.

Seasonal Food Tour from Barcelona with countryside calçot feast & Santes Creus Monastery visit.

A Winter Feast in Catalonia

Private round-trip transport from Barcelona into the Catalan countryside.

Guided visit to the 12th-century Royal Monastery of Santes Creus.

Private farm visit with insight into calçot cultivation and local traditions.

Rustic calçotada meal prepared over open fire with a local farming family.

Seasonal Catalan dishes served with local wine pairings.

Hands-on, communal dining experience rooted in regional ritual.

Keep an eye on the weather. It is likely that you will need clothes that keep you cosy, and shoes that are appropriate for the countryside.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Barcelona. Chat with Reyes post booking to confirm meeting point. 

You’ll be hosted by María Reyes’s colleague in Barcelona, a local insider and cultural expert based in Barcelona. She has a lot of experience hosting visitors from all around the world, and is passionate about welcoming you to enjoy local culture, food, history, and hospitality.

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.

United States

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Passage Through Morocco

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

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.

Rovinj invites slowness. It’s a town best explored on fork or glass in hand, with time to stop—often. This three-day itinerary offers a thoughtful pace through its stone-lined alleys, seaside kitchens, and sun-drenched vineyards, where each experience feels close to the land, and closer still to the people who live by it.

Your journey begins in Rovinj’s Old Town, a maze of worn steps and cascading homes perched above the Adriatic. Mornings are for wandering the harbor and watching the rhythms of the fishing boats; midday leads you to the local market, where seasonal produce and handmade cheeses speak to Istria’s generous soil. In the afternoon, a boat ride through Lim Fjord adds contrast—quiet water, steep cliffs, and stillness that settles in.

Day two is dedicated to flavor and touch. “A Kitchen Among Olive Trees” is more than a cooking class—it’s a full-sensory dive into Istrian culinary culture, hosted by locals with deep knowledge of land, oil, and tradition. The afternoon brings you to St. Euphemia Church, where a climb to the bell tower reveals sweeping views of sea, rooftops, and sky—a quiet reward before another intimate dinner.

The final day pulls you inland. A full-day wine experience takes you to Rovinj’s vineyards, where crisp whites and deep reds are poured beside vineyard paths and old cellars. It’s a generous and slow-moving day, designed for both learning and tasting. You’ll close with one last look at the fjord, a soft light setting over the water as you reflect on days well spent.

This is an invitation to pause, cook, sip, and look closely. Rovinj rewards travelers who resist the rush.

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.

Croatia

Slow Days in Rovinj

3-day itinerary in Rovinj exploring coastal streets, Istrian cuisine, olive groves, and local wines.

This 3-day Santorini itinerary invites you to experience the island slowly, through light, taste and texture. From quiet swims along the Aegean coast to hands-on Greek cooking, artisan visits, winery tours and a sunset boat trip, each day is crafted for travelers who value intention over itinerary. You’ll move between volcanic landscapes and village kitchens, caldera views and underground wine cellars, with time to pause, savor and connect. It’s a journey rooted in the senses — perfect for those drawn to authenticity, beauty and the quiet charm of the Cyclades.

DAY 1 – MONOLITHOS TO MEGALOCHORI | The first morning begins on the island’s eastern coast, where Monolithos Beach offers a quiet start beside calm waters and soft black sand. It’s a gentle stretch of coast, ideal for slowing down after arrival. By late morning, you’ll head inland to the village of Megalochori for a guided cooking class held in a cave kitchen. The afternoon unfolds in rhythm with local flavors, stories, and shared plates, all crafted by hand. As the sun fades, the caldera becomes the backdrop to a peaceful evening along the island’s edge.

DAY 2 – VLYCHADA TO THE CALDERA | Morning light casts long shadows over the sculpted cliffs of Vlychada Beach, a place known for its otherworldly rock formations and stillness. After time by the water, the late morning brings a quiet brunch with sea views before the guided experience begins. The rest of the day is a curated passage through Santorini’s villages and outlooks, led by a local expert who knows how to read the island’s moods. It all culminates on the water, with a private sunset cruise along the caldera where cliffs glow gold and the sea softens to silence.

DAY 3 – EXO GONIA TO MESARIA | The final day begins in Exo Gonia with a creative experience that blends art and landscape. You’ll visit local studios and a volcanic winery, meeting artists and winemakers whose work is rooted in the geology and stories of the island. A hands-on creative session invites you to slow down and make something of your own before the journey continues. In the late afternoon, a visit to the Santorini Wine Museum leads you underground into the history of vine-growing on this volcanic land. A quiet close to a day shaped by color and craft.

WHERE TO STAY IN SANTORINI | Fira is a convenient and dynamic base, with easy access to transport, guided experiences, and caldera views. For travelers seeking a quieter rhythm, Imerovigli offers serenity just above the sea, while Pyrgos and Exo Gonia provide a slower village atmosphere closer to the creative heart of the itinerary. Choose your stay based on how much you’d like to move — and how much you’d like to stay still.

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.

Santorini in Quiet Rhythm

3 days in Santorini with Aegean coast swims, Greek cooking, winery visits and a sunset boat tour.

Mexico City unfolds in layers, where murals and markets, pyramids and plazas reveal both its ancient roots and its dynamic present. This three-day journey blends guided encounters with artists, historians, and food experts, while leaving space to take in the rhythm of the neighborhoods. It is designed for travelers who want to understand the city through its art, flavors, and living culture, not just to see its landmarks.
DAY 1 – MURALS AND MEXICAN FLAVORS | Begin your journey with a guided tour of Mexico City’s revolutionary murals, where each wall tells the story of politics, identity, and art in motion. The works of Rivera, Orozco, and Siqueiros set the stage for a day immersed in color and meaning. After a pause in the afternoon, step into a hands-on food workshop where you learn the process of making tortillas, taste tacos hot off the griddle, and sip mezcal while hearing about its traditions. It is a full day that balances art with flavor, giving you a first taste of Mexico City’s creative pulse.
DAY 2 – FRIDA, DIEGO AND UNAM | Spend the day in Coyoacán with a guided cultural tour devoted to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Visit their iconic houses and museums, and walk through the leafy streets that shaped their art and daily lives. In the late afternoon, continue to the campus of UNAM, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a local photographer as guide, you will discover the vast murals that adorn its buildings, and capture the mix of modernist architecture, student life, and quiet corners that make this campus a city of its own. The day moves from intimate artistic legacies to monumental spaces of learning.
DAY 3 – TEOTIHUACAN AND POLANQUITO | The final day takes you out of the city on a guided day trip to Teotihuacan, where the pyramids of the Sun and Moon rise against the horizon. Walking alongside a historian, you will uncover the stories of this ancient site and imagine the scale of life in the first great city of the Americas. Returning to Mexico City, the evening is a celebration of modern flavors in Polanco. A guided food tour introduces you to elegant streets, neighborhood history, and a sequence of dishes that bring the day to a satisfying close. It is the perfect balance of past and present, ending the journey with both wonder and warmth.
WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO CITY | Centro Histórico offers a classic stay close to the Zócalo and major landmarks, surrounded by history at every turn. Roma and Condesa bring a creative rhythm with leafy streets, cafés, and nightlife that feel distinctly local. Polanco is refined and central, with museums, dining, and parks at your doorstep. Each neighborhood offers its own atmosphere, all well connected for exploring the city.
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.

Mexico City Roots and Stories

3 days in Mexico City reveal murals, Frida and Diego, Teotihuacan, and food tours across the city.

This 10-day Morocco journey begins and ends in Marrakesh, unfolding through coastal Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains in between. From artistic neighborhoods and sensory rituals to ocean air and mountain trails, this itinerary invites you to see Morocco not just as a destination but as a series of living moments, each led by chefs, photographers, artisans, and storytellers.

You will take part in Sufi evenings, hands-on cooking, contemporary gallery visits, and village walks. Every stop balances exploration and stillness, allowing time to absorb, connect, and be moved by Morocco’s many layers, from rooftop views to mountain paths, from hammam steam to handcrafted silver.

DAYS 1-2 – MARRAKESH | Ease into the journey with Amanda’s Courtyard Kitchen, a warm welcome into Moroccan cooking set in a private home. Visit El Badi Palace on your own before an immersive evening of Sufi presence with live Hadra music and shared dinner. The next day focuses on the city’s creative energy. Begin with a guided art tour and curator-led meet-up at Comptoir des Mines Galerie. Spend the afternoon in Gueliz, Marrakesh’s modern district, to visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Jardin Majorelle, spaces that blend color, fashion, and legacy.

DAY 3 – MARRAKESH TO ESSAOUIRA | Begin the morning with A Thousand and One Crafts, a guided walk through the artisan medina of Marrakesh. After lunch, travel west through argan country toward the coast. Essaouira is directly west of Marrakesh, a 2.5 to 3 hour drive, a straight shot to the Atlantic. It offers a gentle and relaxed pause after the intensity of Marrakesh. Arrive before sunset and take in the sea breeze.

DAYS 4-5 – ESSAOUIRA | Capture the spirit of Essaouira with Framed Essaouira, a full-day photography tour that reveals the city’s light, rhythm, and intimate angles. On the following day, dive deeper into craftsmanship with Jewelry Makers of Essaouira, a quiet and inspiring look into workshops that keep Moroccan silversmithing alive.

DAY 6 – ESSAOUIRA TO ATLAS MOUNTAINS | Today is a long but beautiful transfer from the Atlantic coast to Imlil in the High Atlas Mountains. As the terrain shifts, so does the pace. By sunset, you will be surrounded by peaks and valleys, far from city sounds.

DAYS 7-8 – ATLAS MOUNTAINS | Walk the Mule Tracks of Aremd, a soft yet panoramic hike that threads through the hills and villages near Imlil. The following day, go deeper with The Quintessential High Atlas, a guided trek that brings you into the life and rhythm of the mountains.

DAY 9 – ATLAS TO MARRAKESH | Begin your day with The Salt Route of Marigha, a scenic walk through argan groves and salt flats. Then, return to Marrakesh for your final evening. The shift from mountain quiet to city color makes this arrival feel like a reawakening.

DAY 10 – MARRAKESH | Close your journey with Art Beyond Borders, a guided look at contemporary art in Marrakesh. Enjoy one last rooftop, one last mint tea, and one last story before heading toward your next chapter, carrying Morocco’s echoes with you.

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.

An Escape to Morocco

10 days in Morocco through Marrakesh, Essaouira, and the Atlas Mountains with art, food, and nature.

This 10-day itinerary moves through Andalusia’s most expressive cities—Seville, Cádiz, Ronda, Málaga, and Granada—balancing guided experiences with time to wander. You’ll follow a one-way route from Seville to Málaga to minimize travel and deepen your experience. From Moorish palaces to Roman ruins and vibrant markets, this trip is an invitation to engage with Andalusia as a living culture. Along the way, you’ll find curated experiences, hotel and dining recommendations, and insights from two locals who know this region intimately.

Seville is your entry point—fly in and settle into a city where architecture, energy, and rhythm shape the streets. Visit the Alcázar, take a masterclass in flamenco’s quieter meanings, and explore hidden workshops in Triana. | Cádiz follows, and with it, the feeling of arrival into a deeper past. Here, you’ll walk seaside ramparts, taste freshly caught fish in local markets, and join locals for a casual tapas crawl. Don’t miss the Carnival, if your timing aligns. | Ronda offers slower breath and cliffside drama. With its sweeping views and old-world charm, this is the perfect place for a horseback ride, a visit to a family-run bodega, or a hike into the surrounding countryside. | Málaga, long overlooked, now leads with contemporary art and bold cuisine. | Granada, your final stop, gathers everything—Islamic architecture, Jewish heritage, Spanish tradition. The Alhambra is a must, but so are the Albaicín’s narrow alleys and the city’s soulful street corners.

Trains run between some major cities, but not all. To follow this route with ease, we recommend car rentals or arranged transfers between accommodations. Begin in Seville and fly out from Málaga.

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪́𝘢 𝘑𝘰𝘴𝘦́ 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦, 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘦𝘱𝘢 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘢, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘪́𝘢 𝘕𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘰, 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

Cádiz as a place of convergence: María José was born and raised in Cádiz, and her eyes sparkle with pride and nostalgia as she describes this ancient city where history, culture, and the sea converge. It’s a place where stories of Phoenician sailors, Roman conquerors, and Moorish poets are continually retold. Reflecting on her childhood, she recalls the close-knit neighborhood where people relied on one another. Carnival—an annual February tradition—was central. Lucía remembers it too; her grandmother was a seamstress who hand-stitched elaborate costumes each year. 

The essence of Andalusia, María José says, is best experienced not through spectacles, but through shared moments. Conversations in taverns. Crafts passed down through generations. Hospitality that’s unforced and real. Strangers are often welcomed like friends—invited into homes, kitchens, or village fiestas. Here, you’re never just an observer.

There’s growing interest in pairing cultural travel with nature, wellness, and gastronomy. Think horseback safaris, slow treks, and olive oil tastings under ancient trees. For María José and Lucía, true luxury is about access to spaces and stories that are otherwise closed to tourists: a private sherry tasting in a centuries-old bodega, a sunset boat ride in Doñana, or a morning spent with artisans in a whitewashed village. This is the Andalusia they want travelers to know. 

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.

Andalusia: Seville to Granada

Andalusia itinerary 10 days with Seville, Cádiz, Ronda, Málaga, Granada, heritage and cuisine.

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

Svalbard & Jan Mayen

We arrive by RIB boat from Longyearbyen, dressed in survival suits, across a choppy Arctic Sea, with puffins and seals for company.

Isfjord Radio on Cape Linné, is an abandoned strategic communications station, with a decidedly interesting past, now converted into a stylish expedition lodge. 

Nothing could have prepared me for the extreme sense of isolation and wilderness. 

Imagine sitting all alone at latitude 79 degrees north and watching polar bears prowling outside the kitchen window. Two days ago, that is exactly what the staff at Isfjord Radio did.  After all, Svalbard’s travel slogan reads: “3000 polar bears, 2500 humans”. 

Hiking into the middle of nowhere, or along the coast looking for 1500-kilo walruses, is done with licensed guides, a couple of mandatory rifles for protection and huskies for company. It is a beautiful, stark landscape, filled with mystery and a sense of the unknown. 

Which direction should we head? Anywhere you want to go, comes the reply.

Extreme Wilderness

Vlychada Beach on Santorini is a unique and serene destination, known for its dramatic lunar-like landscape and tranquil atmosphere. Located on the southern coast of the island, this beach is framed by towering white volcanic cliffs carved by the wind and sea, creating an otherworldly backdrop. Its soft gray sand and clear waters make it an ideal spot for relaxation, far from the bustling crowds of Santorini’s more famous beaches. 
1. The beach’s volcanic cliffs, sculpted into surreal shapes, are its defining feature, making it one of the most photogenic locations on the island. 
2. The soft gray volcanic sand and pebbles contrast beautifully with the azure waters of the Aegean Sea, offering a peaceful and natural setting for sunbathing. 
3. Calm and uncrowded, Vlychada Beach is perfect for those seeking a more tranquil experience compared to other Santorini beaches. 
4. A nearby marina with traditional fishing boats adds to the charm of the area and offers a glimpse into the island’s maritime culture. 
5. The beach is located close to the Santorini Arts Factory, a cultural hub with exhibitions and events celebrating local creativity and history. 
Visitor Tip: Plan to spend 2–3 hours at Vlychada Beach. Bring your own beach essentials, as amenities are limited, and consider staying for the sunset, which paints the cliffs in golden hues. 
Photo: Shutterstock

Vlychada Beach

Immerse yourself in Portugal’s culinary heritage with a hands-on Cataplana in Faro cooking class, where you’ll learn to craft one of the Algarve’s most cherished dishes. The cataplana is both a traditional dish and the name of the clam-shaped copper pan in which it’s prepared, with roots that trace back to Moorish influences in Portugal. This seafood-centered stew combines fresh shellfish, fish, aromatic herbs, and vegetables, cooked together in the cataplana pan to lock in flavors and create a beautifully layered dish.

These workshops aren’t just about cooking; they’re a chance to dive into the heart of Portuguese culture, connect with local traditions, and enjoy delicious flavors along the way.

Highlights:

1. Discover the story behind the cataplana pan, a unique cooking vessel that originated with the Moors and has become a symbol of Algarve cuisine. Learn about its function and why it’s ideal for creating intensely flavorful dishes.

2. Begin with a trip to a local market or receive an overview of the region’s finest produce. You’ll choose from a spread of fresh seafood, such as clams, shrimp, and fish, as well as locally grown vegetables and aromatic herbs to enhance the dish.

3. Work alongside a skilled chef as they guide you through each step, from layering ingredients to adjusting spices. The slow, steaming process within the closed cataplana pan infuses each bite with rich, oceanic flavors.

4. After cooking, savor the delicious fruits of your labor! Enjoy your cataplana with local wine and traditional side dishes, making it a memorable culinary experience.

Many workshops include recipe cards so you can recreate the dish at home, along with a chance to purchase your own cataplana pan—a beautiful and functional souvenir!

Cataplana in Faro

Preveli Beach is a hidden gem where a river meets the sea, surrounded by a lush palm forest and dramatic cliffs. This unique beach, located at the mouth of the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, offers a perfect mix of adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation.
1. A hike through the scenic Kourtaliotiko Gorge leads to the beach, adding a sense of adventure.
2. The freshwater river flows through the palm forest, creating an exotic setting.
3. Visitors can swim in both the river and the crystal-clear sea.
4. The beach’s remote location ensures a peaceful, unspoiled atmosphere.
5. Stunning views from the hiking trail make it a must-visit for photographers.

Visitor Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the hike, and pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited.  Photo: Panteris Antonio

Preveli Beach and Palm Forest

The perfect way to view the red pumice layers of Santorini is to walk from Oia to Ammoudi. Just 214 steps down, the going down part was easy since the reward is a meal at one of Ammoudi’s legendary fish tavernas by the sea. 

🐙,| 🦑 | 🐡 

We buy fresh seafood by weight - the classic order of octopus and calamari along with some fish -  and it’s grilled right then and there. The sights and smells of the sea are so familiar and similar - whether in this hidden Santorini cove or at home in San Francisco.

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The walk back up to Oia is challenging on a more than full stomach. As we reach the top, we see the setting sun and that makes it all worthwhile.

Fish Tavernas

The panoramic terrace at Victor Emmanuel II National Monument offers views from the Roman Forum to the Colosseum. Known as the Altare della Patria, this grandiose monument honors the first king of unified Italy and provides an unparalleled view of Rome, blending historical significance with breathtaking scenery. Top reasons to visit:
 
1 - Grand Architecture: As you approach the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument, its lavish architecture and imposing statues command your attention. The monument, with its grand stairways, columns, and fountains, is a tribute to Italian unity and independence, and the terrace is located at the very top of this magnificent structure.

2 - Panoramic Terrace Experience: The journey to the "Rome from the Sky" terrace begins with an elevator ride, taking you to the top of the monument. As you step onto the terrace, a 360-degree panoramic view of Rome unfolds before you. From this vantage point, the city's iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the distant St. Peter's Basilica, can be seen in all their glory.

3 - Photographic Opportunities: This spot is a photographer's paradise. Whether you’re capturing the sweeping cityscapes or zooming in on historical sites, the terrace provides a unique perspective of Rome’s skyline. The play of light, especially during sunrise or sunset, adds a magical touch to the already stunning views.

4 - Bronze Quadrigas and Sculptures: Don't miss the impressive bronze quadrigas and sculptures that adorn the top of the monument. These artworks symbolize unity and freedom, echoing the monument's dedication to the Italian nation and its history.

Photo, "View from the Panoramic Terrace." Vive Italian Culture, https://vive.cultura.gov.it/en/panoramic-terrace.

Rome from the Sky

In the woven streets of Cádiz’s Old Town, which is known for its watchtowers, Torre Tavira is the tallest watchtower, and it has a camera obscura. This, combined with the tower's terrace, allows you to observe live, sweeping views of Cádiz in a way that's both intimate and expansive. Here's what you need to know for a visit that elevates both your perspective and appreciation of Cádiz’s coastal allure.
1: Nestled between the cathedral and Genoves Park, Torre Tavira invites you to climb up this 18th-century marvel, and reach the highest vantage point in the city at 45 meters above sea level, where maritime watchers once signaled ship movements​.
2: Today, Torre Tavira's allure lies in its Camera Obscura. In a darkened room, you'll witness a fascinating, real-time panorama of Cádiz projected onto a concave screen, offering a bird's-eye view of the city's daily life and architectural wonders. This 15-minute presentation is both an educational and mesmerizing experience, showcasing the city's pulse through an innovative lens.
3: After delving into the city's dynamics through the camera obscura, step out onto the tower's terrace. Here, the expanses of Cádiz unfold in all directions. The juxtaposition of ancient rooftops against the modern rhythm of life below offers a tactile sense of Cádiz’s layered history and its enduring vibrancy​.
4: With exhibitions detailing the camera obscura's function and the tower's role in 18th-century trade, each floor climbed narrates a chapter of prosperity, innovation, and cultural exchange, enriching your visit with historical context and insights​.
To fully embrace the Torre Tavira experience, allocate around an hour, including the camera obscura presentation. Early booking is advised, especially during peak periods, to secure your spot in the camera obscura sessions​. Consult the official [website](https://www.torretavira.com/en/) for tickets and hours. Afterwards, wander the nearby alleys. 
Photo: Torre Tavira

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