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

France

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

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

This is a 2.5-hour introduction to the land, craft, and wines of a family-run estate in the Aquitaine countryside. It begins with a relaxed horseback ride through the vineyards — no experience needed. Your guide points out grape varieties and how slope, soil, and season shape each vine, while moving at an easy rhythm between vine rows that stretch across the landscape.

Back at the château, you’ll tour the production area and barrel cellar, discovering how heritage and craft are intertwined. Then, you'll taste four wines selected to highlight different expressions of terroir and show how choices in the cellar shape character in the glass.

The experience ends with a quiet picnic — regional specialties and a bottle of wine that the hosts will set up in the vines or on the estate grounds for you to enjoy on your own. This experience, shorter than Nathalie's 4-hour "Saddles and Cellars", is designed for travelers who want a vineyard experience without committing to a full afternoon.

What makes this experience unique is the immersion in the Aquitaine countryside. In just a few hours, you connect with the vineyard on horseback, taste its expressions in the glass, and savor a picnic that feels spontaneous but well-considered.

Riding among the vines, you see how the greens shift with the changing light, a landscape that shifts with every moment. An expert guide accompanies you, sharing stories of the grape varieties and the secrets of the vineyard. The connection deepens when you step into the château for the tasting. Here, the terroir you have just crossed is poured into the glass, revealed through four wines presented by the winemakers themselves.

There’s no formal structure — just good wine, beautiful scenery, and time to reflect. Your hosts give you space to enjoy the picnic in private. For those with limited time, it offers an easy, natural way to enjoy the countryside and its flavors without the full formalities of a hosted wine lunch.

Wine Tasting in a château near Bordeaux with horse riding, cellar visit, and picnic among the vines.

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

A Picnic at the Château

1-hour guided horseback ride through the vineyards with helmets and riding safety gear.

Guided visit of the château, winery, and barrel cellar.

Tasting of four estate wines.

Curated picnic with regional delicacies and one bottle of wine per two persons.

For your comfort and safety, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities. Jeans or trousers are ideal, along with closed-toe shoes (please avoid sandals or heels). A bottle of water is also advised, especially in warmer months. No riding experience is needed.

You'll meet Natalia and Olivier in the courtyard of Château L’Éperon.

Nathalie and Olivier Bonnélye share a deep passion for wine and hospitality that led them to transform a château into a place of craft and conviviality. Nathalie turned what began as a pastime into her profession, combining formal studies in wine commerce with a natural talent for creating meaningful connections.

Olivier, whose career once took him around the world in science and business, always kept wine as his constant passion. In 2021 he embraced the dream of becoming a vintner, dedicating himself to reviving the potential of the estate and the historic French grape Côt (Malbec).

Mexico

This day trip through Sonora takes you deep into the culture of bacanora — an agave-based spirit unique to the region. Unlike tequila or mezcal, bacanora is made from wild agave Pacifica, shaped by Sonora’s desert terroir and traditionally roasted in underground pits.

Departing from Hermosillo, you’ll travel by private vehicle with expert bilingual guides to visit family-run haciendas and small-scale distilleries. You’ll witness the full distillation process — from roasting to fermentation to barrel aging — and taste bacanora straight from the source.

Along the way, you’ll meet local craftspeople and learn how bacanora intersects with Sonoran identity, history, and resistance. Once banned and driven underground, this spirit now symbolizes pride and place. The day also includes a hearty regional meal — think carne asada, fire-roasted stews, and fresh salsas — rounding out your immersion into Sonoran flavor and tradition.

This tour offers immersive, behind-the-scenes access to Sonora’s bacanora culture. You won’t just taste the spirit — you’ll see the agave harvested, join mash tastings, and compare barrel-aged varieties side by side.

What sets it apart is authenticity through connection: meet artisan distillers and cooperatives, hear family stories, and observe traditional techniques passed down through generations. Hands-on elements like guided blend-mixing and curated pairings deepen your understanding of both flavor and craft.

Your bilingual hosts encourage open dialogue and questions, creating a space for cultural exchange. With every sip and story, you'll gain insight into bacanora’s roots — from outlaw history to present-day pride. It’s more than a tasting; it’s a full-sensory introduction to the heart of Sonoran heritage.

Throughout the day you'll get to try some authentic local flavors. You can expect hearty, meat-focused cuisine, heavily influenced by the region's ranching and desert environment. Signature dishes include carne asada (grilled beef), chivichangas (fried burritos), Sonoran hot dogs, and various stews.

Your hosts will share the origins and significance of the dishes served, offering a richer understanding of Sonoran identity through its most beloved recipes.

Sonoran cuisine is a reflection of land, labor, and lineage. This experience offers a rare opportunity to enjoy local food where it’s made, guided by the people who’ve lived it. Unlike typical tastings, you’ll be welcomed into spaces where food is still a family tradition — shared, seasonal, and story-rich.

Your bilingual hosts help bridge the culinary and cultural conversation, offering insights into how Sonoran ranching, Indigenous influence, and borderland histories show up on every plate. It’s a sensory immersion into place, layered with warmth, hospitality, and deep local pride.

Experience Sonoran hospitality through home-cooked meals and regional flavors.

A Taste of Sonoran Cuisine

With your visits to haciendas, old extravagant rural houses from the colonial period, which today are the HQs for bacanora production in Sonora, you'll be taken on a tour of the agave fields. Here, experts with generations of knowledge will talk you through the process of bacanora production, from planting the agave plant to the double distillation process.

You'll also get a chance to taste different varieties of this drink, compare the notes and how each batch comes with its own unique character.

This experience stands out for its access and depth. Unlike standard spirit tastings, you’re walking the land where agave grows, hearing directly from master distillers who still craft bacanora by hand.

Through bilingual interpretation and open conversation, you’ll gain insight into bacanora’s once-outlawed history, its connection to local identity, and the role of family-run haciendas in its preservation. You’ll taste bacanora in the place it’s made, learning how the elements — sun, soil, smoke — leave their mark in each glass. It’s not just about the drink, but the place, the people, and the legacy behind it.

Take a deep dive into what makes Bacanora, the Sonoran agave spirit, truly distinctive.

Bacanora and Sonoran Agave

Sonora is defined by a rich mix of Indigenous heritage, colonial influence, environmental factors, and a cross-border identity shaped by its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border. During your visits to the historic haciendas, you’ll learn not only about the families who run the distilleries and agave fields today, but also about the region’s diverse cultural layers — from traditional languages and customs to the legacies of colonization and land stewardship. These insights are grounded in place, brought to life through the region’s landscapes, historic sites, and cultural artifacts.

This is a cultural encounter grounded in place, story, and lived history. You’ll gain insight into Sonora’s Indigenous legacies, the effects of Spanish settlement, and the ongoing influence of the U.S.-Mexico border on identity and community. These conversations emerge organically from the places you visit and the people you meet — distillers, farmers, artisans, and locals whose lives are part of this complex narrative.

Discover the layered history and cultural heritage of northern Mexico.

Exploring Sonoran Culture

Sonora Day Trip into agave culture: bacanora tastings, artisanal crafts, and regional history.

Wild Agave Spirit of Sonora

United States

Exclusive access to traditional bacanora distilleries with guided tours.

Tastings of multiple bacanora varieties at the source.

Insight into the history, resistance, and cultural significance of bacanora.

Meetings with local craftspeople along the route.

Hearty regional meal with Sonoran dishes and refreshments included.

Private round-trip transportation from Hermosillo with bilingual cultural guides.

Plenty of water
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Layered clothing for changing weather conditions
Curiosity — and a good spirit for connection

You’ll be picked up directly from your accommodation in Hermosillo, Sonora. After booking, message Alex via Fernwayer Chat to share your hotel details or ask for recommendations — your hosts are happy to advise on where to stay. 

Alex and Rocío have been running tours along the U.S.–Mexico borderlands for many years, primarily as a way to share positive, accurate information about the region they call home. Beginning in 2019 with efforts to disseminate local history, they soon expanded to offering tours and experiences that connect visitors with communities on both sides of the border.

Alex’s earliest memory is a family visit to Tijuana—an experience that sparked a lasting fascination with the people and heritage of Mexico. While at university, he focused his studies and research on the Hispanic cultural heritage of the American Southwest and Mexico.

Rocío is a graphic designer who has managed communications projects for a range of institutions, including government agencies and nonprofits in both the U.S. and Mexico. She loves sharing the diversity and richness of the region through visual storytelling.

Medellín Market is one of Mexico City’s most culturally layered food hubs. Tucked into the Roma/Condesa area — known for its art nouveau facades and leafy streets—the market has stood for more than 150 years as a neighborhood anchor and open-air meeting point. It hosts over 500 stalls and brings together ingredients and street foods from across Mexico and Latin America. Locals come here to shop for produce, source regional products, and eat tacos at stalls with decades-long followings.

Led by a local gastronomy expert, this experience takes you through the market’s maze of stalls and taquerías, sharing insights about Mexican ingredients and the stories behind them. You’ll try several types of tacos—carnitas, campechanos, and al pastor, including from the taquería that claims to have invented it.

These tacos provide rich and spicy sauces and tender, marinated meats. You’ll learn the stories behind these famous tacos that represent styles of cooking from all over the country.

While Condesa and Roma are known for boutique hotels and charming shops, Medellín Market is a century-old bastion of routine life — where locals still buy produce, tortillas and pantry essentials today. The market’s nixtamal tortillería is one of the few remaining in Mexico City still grinding corn daily — you’ll taste tortillas made minutes after the masa is prepared. This goes well beyond street food — it’s the foundation of Mexican cooking, and a meaningful beginning to appreciating tacos and regional flavors. This is a good tour to do at the start of your Mexico City visit, as it will give context to all the food you’ll try in the days ahead.

Besides visiting the market, your host will walk you through the surrounding streets, pointing out small, locally-loved, traditional spots. These are places loved by locals but often missed by visitors. In a city with over 400 mercados, Medellín retains authentic atmosphere and everyday relevance while offering rich flavor and social history.

Food Tour in Mexico City: Taste iconic tacos & tortillas at Medellín Market with a culinary expert.

Tacos of Medellín Market

Guided food tour of Medellín Market with a local gastronomy expert.

Tasting of multiple taco styles, including carnitas, campechanos, and al pastor.

Visit to the taquería that claims to have invented al pastor.

Insights into Mexican ingredients, cooking styles, and regional food traditions.

One agua fresca, soft drink, or beer included.

Filtered water and vendor tips fully covered throughout the tour.

Comfortable walking shoes, a big appetite, an umbrella during the rainy season (June through October).

The meeting point will be at the entrance to "Sixtie's Bar" in Avenida Sonora 210, Condesa.  

Along with Ariana Ruiz, Ángeles Pérez is dedicated to preserving and sharing Mexico’s diverse food traditions. Together, they lead food tours that combine hands-on care with deep regional knowledge—offering travelers meaningful insight into Mexico City’s culinary landscape.

You’ll be welcomed by one of Ángeles and Ariana’s trusted colleagues: a seasoned gastronomy expert, skilled in storytelling, generous with insight, and deeply familiar with the flavors and vendors of Medellín Market.

Türkiye

This experience immerses you in the rich tradition of Karagöz, the ancient Turkish shadow puppetry that has entertained audiences since at least the 16th century. Guided by Cengiz Özek, a shadow theatre master, you’ll learn about the roots of this traditional art popularized in the Ottoman Empire and considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2009. Karagöz performances were a staple of Ottoman life, used as a platform for satire and social commentary, often held in coffeehouses and public squares​. 

During this hands-on workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Cengiz’s atelier and craft your own shadow figure using traditional materials like camel leather. Afterward, you’ll perform a mini-play, gaining a unique insight into this captivating art form while conversing with Cengiz over Turkish tea and cookies.

This experience is located in Cengiz Özek Shadow Theatre, which is easy to reach from Taksim Square by foot in 10 mins. After booking, chat with us for more assistance. 

This experience offers a rare opportunity to meet an authentic and treasured hayalî, a master of Turkish shadow puppetry, who has been preserving and promoting this ancient art for decades. You will get a behind-the-scenes look into Cengiz's atelier, where you’ll explore the historic craft from the 16th century to the present day, learning directly from one of the few remaining masters of this UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage​.

After a guided tour of Cengiz’s puppet museum filled with global puppetry artifacts, you’ll enjoy traditional Turkish tea and cookies as Cengiz provides an insightful overview of Karagöz’s evolution and cultural significance. Then, you'll dive into the hands-on experience: from shaping leather with authentic tools like the Nevregan, to painting your figure and crafting a vision for your own shadow play, bringing your character to life​. 

Craft Tour in Istanbul with UNESCO-listed Karagöz shadow puppetry and hands-on Ottoman workshop.

First of all, we will meet with the attendees at our puppet museum located in, Faikpaşa Caddesi which is full of old buildings, antique and creative stores. We will make a small tour for the collection we have in the puppet museum from all over the world. After the small tour, we will have local tea and cookies with the attendees. We will start to explain the written history that we have from the beginning 16th century: how Karagöz traveled, how he expanded and how he lives today.  
Then we will get our tools to experience the process of making: 
- Deciding which part of Karagöz will be made, 
- shaping the camel leather with special tools(cutting, carving, piercing) 
- Painting the figure
(Tips of shaping the leather will be shared.)
Finally, with a full figure, all attendees see and experience of acting the figure on a shadow theatre curtain. 

Karagöz: The Dance of Shadows

A brief history and cultural explanation of Karagöz puppetry.

Materials for creating your own Karagöz puppet figure.

A mini-performance using the puppets created during the workshop.

Turkish tea and traditional snacks.

The camel leather, tools and the colors will be supplied by the workshop owner. If you prefer, you can bring your own painting brushes. 

This experience is located in Cengiz Özek Shadow Theatre, which is easy to reach from Taksim Square by foot in 10 mins.

Your host, Cengiz Özek, is a master puppeteer and one of Turkey’s leading figures in preserving the ancient art of Karagöz shadow puppetry. His extensive theater background, including a degree from Istanbul University’s Theater Department, combined with his work as a director, designer, and educator, makes him uniquely qualified to lead this experience. Cengiz will guide you through the intricate world of Karagöz, supported by a translator to ensure a seamless and engaging experience for all participants.

Italy

Discover Ogliastra, a stunning region in Sardinia renowned for its centenarians and rich traditions, where the secrets of longevity blend seamlessly with breathtaking landscapes. While exploring the serene Golgo Plateau in Baunei, immerse yourself in the essence of Sardinian culture.

Join a local goatherd’s family to delve into traditional cheese-making and learn to craft Culurgiones, the island's famous stuffed pasta. Savor a delightful lunch featuring local specialties, including cured meats, fresh cheeses, and tender goat meat.

As you explore ancient Nuragic ruins, a mysterious stone face, and the awe-inspiring 256-meter Su Sterru sinkhole, you'll uncover the region's historical treasures. The experience also includes a visit to a charming church nestled among millennia-old olive trees.

This is a journey through Sardinia's Blue Zone, where food, nature, and community intertwine to nurture a remarkable lifestyle of longevity and well-being.

During this journey, you'll discover the Blue Zone of Ogliastra, where longevity isn't just a statistic—it's a way of life. Here, every moment unfolds like a cherished memory, steeped in tradition passed down through generations.

As you wander through the breathtaking landscapes, let Simone share his deep-rooted knowledge of ancient practices and listen to Melina’s inspiring journey of rebirth, revealing the profound connection between land and spirit—a connection that gives meaning and purpose.

In Ogliastra, the art of slowing down is center stage: meals are savored, stories are shared, and community thrives. Daily movement is woven into life, from walking in the hills to tending the land, keeping bodies strong and minds sharp. You’ll learn the secrets of the Sardinian diet, discover the joy of simple pleasures, and embrace the essence of living in the present. This is an invitation to rediscover the beauty of life, and weave these lessons of longevity into your own story. 

Day Trip in Sardinia’s Blue Zone exploring its unique culture, cuisine, and secrets of longevity.

Blue Zone Secrets of Ogliastra

This adventure is offered as private for a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 8 to ensure an intimate experience. What's included: Private transportation by 4x4 or minivan. Private multicultural and multilingual guide. Water and snacks. Lunch at the shepherd's. Demonstration of cheese-making (seasonal) and/or fresh pasta workshop.

Comfortable shoes or hiking shoes 
Windbreaker jacket

Pick up from your hotel (if in Orosei and surroundings) 
or from Piazza del Popolo in Orosei 
Chat with Simone and Melina after the booking to confirm meeting point


Simone, a graduate in Natural Sciences with a specialization in Environmental and Land Management, has been a trekking guide in Sardinia since 2013. He has gained diverse experience across several European countries, including France, where he conducted scientific research at the CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research) in Montpellier. Since then, he has pursued his dream of guiding travelers from around the world to discover his island while promoting sustainable, off-the-beaten-path tourism.

Melina, a native speaker of German and Spanish and a passionate polyglot, holds a degree in Translation and Interpretation as well as a Master's in Language Teaching. She has traveled and lived in various parts of the world, including Spain, Australia, Germany, and Portugal, but the irresistible charm of Sardinia captivated her, leading her to settle on this Mediterranean island in 2015. She is a certified Mountain Guide (AIGAE) and an official Tourist Guide for the Region of Sardinia.

This full-day experience takes you deep into the hinterland surrounding the colonial city of Oaxaca. Here lies a regional heritage dating back centuries: the production of the agave distillate known as mezcal.

With a mezcal educator as your guide, you’ll visit unique ancestral clay pot production facilities, and artisanal copper alembic distilleries. They are owned and operated by Zapotec families, one of the region’s most prominent Indigenous ethnolinguistic groups, with whom both Alvin and Randall have developed strong bonds of friendship over the years. Your hosts and the distillers (palenqueros) will make you feel right at home, whether at their distilleries or in their modest homesteads.

You’ll come to understand the mezcal production process, from agave growing and harvesting to fermenting and distilling. You’ll do this at a handful of family distilleries off the mass-production trail, where family members take a conscientious approach to mezcal production.

This is truly an in-depth exploration of the whole mezcal production process and agave culture. Your hosts will bring an anthropological perspective to the tour, meaning that not only will you enjoy expert tastings on mezcal and its varieties, but you will also come to a greater understanding of the cultural and social world that exists, inextricably, in the distilleries (palenques) of Oaxaca.

Being fully private, your visits to the distilleries will go at a natural pace, giving you time to really interact and connect with the people you meet. This is an exploration of rural Oaxaca, wherein the true value lies in the expertise of the generations of the palenqueros you’ll meet, and the educational approach your hosts take to curating mezcal tours.

This is a mezcal experience that invites you to take things slowly and mindfully, and to truly appreciate the generations of knowledge and care behind every batch of mezcal produced.

You’ll be picked up by Alvin or Randall and travel in an air-conditioned SUV or similarly comfortable touring van.

The first village you’ll visit is Santa Catarina Minas, renowned for its ancestral clay-pot distillation. At a family palenque, you’ll learn every step of traditional mezcal production: agave reproduction, growth, and harvesting; roasting the carbohydrate-rich piñas in a sealed in-ground oven over firewood and river stones; hand-crushing the baked agave with a wooden mallet; fermenting in wooden or clay vessels; and finally, distilling in locally crafted clay pots.

You’ll gain a clear understanding of why traditional mezcal production is considered one of Mexico’s most sustainable industries, and why no two batches of agave distillate can ever be identical. At a second nearby palenque, you’ll meet a young, determined woman producer who has built and operates her own distillery — an exceptional accomplishment in a mezcal world still shaped by machismo. This visit offers rare insight into both technique and resilience.

Deep-dive intro mezcal production and flavors at small producer palenques near Oaxaca de Juarez.

Clay Pot Distillation

Lunch follows in San Baltazar Chichicapam, one of the earliest towns to champion “single-village” mezcal — its nuances shaped by the abundance of local agave species and subspecies. You’ll enjoy a meal at a small roadside eatery, either before or after visiting a traditional palenque where mezcal is produced using artisanal copper alembics.

By this point, you will likely have sampled upwards of 50 different agave distillates. Before returning to Oaxaca City, you’ll also learn about pulque, the pre-Hispanic fermented beverage. You’ll taste the fresh aguamiel (honey water) extracted that very morning from a mature agave, then sample pulque at various stages of fermentation as it transforms through contact with naturally occurring environmental bacteria.

Here, we are also usually, and very kindly, invited into the home of one of the distiller families, compadres of Alvin and Randall. This is an opportunity unrivalled by any other experience you’ll find during your visit to Oaxaca, a unique opportunity to see how many Oaxacans really live and organize their lives.

Unique opportunity to connect with a Zapotec family near Oaxaca and learn about copper distillation.

Agave Species and Zapotec Life

Mezcal Day Tour from Oaxaca to ancestral artisanal Zapotec mezcal distilleries with mezcal experts.

Generations of Mezcal

Private full-day mezcal experience with expert guidance from Alvin or Randall or both.

Private transportation throughout the day.

Visits to at least three family-run palenques and one Zapotec home, each featuring mezcal tastings.

In-depth explanation of agave cultivation, harvesting, fermentation, and distillation across ancestral clay-pot and artisanal copper distilleries.

Extensive lunch at a village diner.

Comfortable, closed, footwear. 
Weather appropriate layers. 
Hat and sunscreen. 
Phone or camera (fully charged), as you will have plenty of opportunities to take great photos. 
Don’t skip breakfast at your hotel or accommodation, as you will be tasting some mezcals before lunch.

You'll be picked up from your accommodation in Oaxaca. Post booking, message Alvin and Randall over Fernwayer Chat to share your accommodation details and finalize the meeting/pickup point. 

Alvin Starkman and Randall Stockton are Government of Mexico-licensed to teach about the culture of mezcal and fermented beverages. Alvin’s academic background is in social anthropology while Randall’s is in philosophy, and over their years of learning about and sharing mezcal they have been able to apply their interests in culture in order to create mezcal tours which are rich in detail and context, and more culturally sensitive. They are both permanent residents of the City of Oaxaca, and while they are retired from their previous professional lives, agave distillates remain a full-time passion.

This is a curated dive into Paris’s contemporary art scene and ecosystem. With Phil — antique specialist and art dealer with a long career between France, Switzerland and the US — you’ll step into galleries where the city’s creative pulse beats strongest. The route shifts between Rive Gauche and Rive Droite, shaped by your interests and Phil’s instinct for what will inspire you most.

He knows where to find daring young galleries scouting tomorrow’s names and where to unlock the doors of storied institutions presenting the masters of modern and contemporary art. Along the way, you’ll catch the rhythm of Parisian artistry: a mix of discovery, dialogue, and the thrill of being right where trends take shape.

Whether you are hunting for a one-of-a-kind piece or simply eager to immerse yourself in the flow of ideas, Phil makes the journey unforgettable. His expertise opens perspectives, his stories add layers, and his warmth turns the hours into a shared adventure in beauty.

Phil Mevel brings the dual perspective of an antique specialist and seasoned art dealer, combined with a network built globally over the years. In Paris, he knows which galleries matter — those shaping the conversation today, whether through rediscovering modern masters or championing bold new voices. Instead of wandering blindly, you move along the veins that keep the city’s artistic landscape alive.

Phil opens the right doors and creates the chance to meet the people behind them. Gallery owners and artists welcome him, and by extension, you, into their world. Conversations flow naturally, stories emerge, and you gain an insider’s sense of how ideas and movements take form.

The difference lies in Phil’s eye and his way of sharing it: approachable yet rigorous, relaxed yet deeply informed. You finish the experience with a clearer vision of Parisian art, enriched by encounters and narratives that make the city’s creativity feel personal, vivid, and unforgettable.

Art Tour in Paris exploring modern and contemporary galleries on the Rive Gauche and Rive Droite.

The Art Pulse of Paris

Philippe’s expert eye guiding you through Parisian art galleries.

A coffee break.

Comfortable shoes and the desire to explore.

After booking, contact Phil via Chat to share any specific interests. Depending on that, Phil will decide on a route in Rive Gauche or Rive Droite that includes art galleries and studios - and will share the details of the meeting point accordingly. 

If you're interested in buying, let Phil know your budget.

Philippe Mevel is a Paris-based antiques specialist and art dealer who leads private visits through the Saint-Ouen flea markets, antique boutiques, and art galleries. He trained in Switzerland and France before moving to the United States in 1999.

From 2000 to 2006 he worked with Gasiunasen Fine Arts in Palm Beach, collaborating with prominent collectors. Since 2007 he has worked independently as an art advisor and dealer, with acquisitions that have included works by Picasso and Chagall.

Philippe’s core expertise is seventeenth- and eighteenth-century French furniture, complemented by broad knowledge of modern and contemporary art and design. His clients range from corporate teams and museums to architects, interior designers, dealers, and first-time buyers.

A journey that combines hiking in the natural grandeur of Mount Etna with the warmth of Sicilian hospitality. Begin with a trek led by a private guide across the magnificent landscape of Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. Explore its stunning craters, and observe endemic species, local wildlife, and volcanic formations. Ascend to an altitude of 2100 meters, visiting the volcano's wilder part, where eruptive fissures and geological wonders unfold. Your guide will share fascinating insights about Etna's natural and geological marvels, enhancing your understanding of this majestic volcano. After the hike, enjoy a short drive to a private residence on the slopes of Etna. Here, you'll experience authentic Sicilian hospitality with a lunch that features local dishes and wines. The residence boasts a breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea, providing the perfect backdrop to your meal. This tour promises an enchanting blend of adventure, education, and culinary delight.

Drive by car from your accommodation to the beginning of the hiking trail, which is close to the town of Milo. 

Trekking Mount Etna with a local private handpicked guide offers a personalized exploration of one of the world's most fascinating volcanoes. The sense of peace and tranquility within the minimalist black ash landscape is a gift that you’ll remember for a long time. You will visit a part of Etna that is “wilder”, with the guide sharing fascinating facts about the natural wonders and geological marvels of the volcano. The hike is tailored to provide a deep connection with nature, highlighting Etna's unique ecosystem and geological features. The lunch at a private residence epitomizes Sicilian hospitality, allowing you to engage with local culture authentically. Tasting dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients and sipping local wines adds a gastronomic dimension to the experience.

Hiking Tour on Mount Etna in Sicily, followed by a traditional Sicilian lunch in a private home.

The journey begins with a visit to the dramatic eruptive fissures, ascending to an impressive altitude of 2100 meters. Afterward, you will have a private lunch where you will feel authentic Sicilian hospitality while tasting delicious dishes prepared with local ingredients and tasting local wines. 

An Adventure on Mount Etna

This experience accommodates a minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 participants to make the base costs and logistics work. Fewer people can book this but will be charged a supplemental fee to achieve the minimum. What's included: Guided hike on Mount Etna. Lunch with local dishes and wines at a private residence. Welcome pack, water, and snack for the hike. Trekking poles on demand. 

Drive yourself to the meeting point. Layered clothing (varies depending on the season), hiking boots, gloves, or a hat (especially in winter, spring, and autumn), windbreaker or down jacket (varies depending on the season).



At the beginning of the hiking trail (location sent after booking).  Drive by car from your accommodation to the beginning of the hiking trail, which is close to the town of Milo. 

Certified nature guide and food and wine expert. 

Step into a historic bookbinding workshop near Cagliari, Sardinia, where Gaia will welcome you into her family’s 50-year-old artisan space. In this hands-on experience, you'll craft your own travel notebook using traditional bookbinding techniques and authentic Sardinian fabrics.

No prior skills are needed—just a desire to create something by hand and take home local stories and memories. From selecting textiles to stitching pages by hand with a needle and thread, you'll be guided through each step of this ancient craft. Feel the textures, experiment with different papers, and craft your personal journal under the expert guidance of Gaia and her family, who will share their personal stories along the way.

At the end of the workshop, you'll hold in your hands a one-of-a-kind travel notebook, ready to collect your adventures and travels. To finish on a sweet note, enjoy a Sardinian-style break with local pastries, tea, coffee, or a refreshing drink.

This experience offers a rare opportunity to explore an ancient craft, experiment with traditional techniques, and create a one-of-a-kind keepsake to take home. The workshop takes place in a welcoming, intimate space within the family’s historic bookbinding shop, designed exclusively for these activities and offering a wide variety of materials.

What makes this workshop truly special is its deep-rooted family heritage. Gaia, an artist and illustrator, carries on the tradition of her grandmother, who used authentic Sardinian fabrics—exclusive to this experience—preserving a unique piece of local craftsmanship.

The family-run workshop, now celebrating 50 years of history, has been passed down through generations and is currently run by Gaia’s parents, along with her and her brother. Participants have the rare chance to spend time with the family, gaining insight into their daily life, traditions, and stories as artisans.

Craft Workshop in Cagliari, Sardinia creating your travel notebook in a historic bookbinding studio.

Hand-Stitched Travel Memories

This is a shared experience, with the option to privatize if no other bookings are scheduled for your date (max. 6 people in either case). What’s Included: All materials to craft your own hand-stitched travel notebook. A traditional Sardinian snack, including local sweets and hot or cold beverages. A unique illustrated gift from Gaia, inspired by her family’s bookbinding tradition. 

You'll meet Gaia and her family at Tipografia Emmegrafica in Monserrato, just outside Cagliari. The location, 15 minutes away from Cagliari, is easily accessible, with free parking for your car, bus stops, and the Trenino Verde station all within a short distance.

Gaia Putzolu is an artist and artisan specializing in illustration, printing, bookbinding, and calligraphy. She comes from a long line of Sardinian artisans and has inherited the legacy of her family's historic bookbinding and printing workshop, which has been a cornerstone of craftsmanship in Sardinia for over 50 years.

A passionate traveler, Gaia has explored Eastern Europe and the Maghreb solo since 2018, drawing inspiration from places like Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Romania, Serbia, Morocco, and beyond. Her journeys fuel her small brand of home decor, stationery, and accessories, all crafted entirely in Sardinia in collaboration with her family's workshop, blending tradition with artistic exploration.

This is a full-day deep-dive from Izmir into the fertile valleys of Selçuk and Torbalı at four boutique wine estates. 

Begin at a historic Selçuk estate run by the Sevilen family, known for its Syrah, Cabernet-based blends, and barrel-aged Chardonnay. Explore the production rooms and French oak cellar before enjoying your first tasting of the day.

Continue to an estate where modern winemaking techniques and sustainable viticulture produce refined expressions of the Aegean terroir. During a behind-the-scenes tasting, discover how meticulous production methods shape premium whites and reds.

Next, head to a Tuscan-inspired estate offering bold varietals such as Malbec and Syrah. A guided pairing of wines with regional cheeses and olive oil showcases the gastronomic richness of the region.

Finally, end your journey at a winery where cool-climate whites and structured reds are savored against peaceful vineyard views — the perfect finale before returning to Izmir in the late afternoon.

Just an hour from Izmir, the Selçuk and Torbalı valleys reveal Turkey’s deep yet overlooked wine story—one that stretches from ancient rituals to today’s refined boutique estates. You’ll walk vineyards with winemakers or family members, explore cellars, and hear firsthand how soil, climate, and history shape each bottle. 

One of the wineries sits near the oracle ruins, where winemaking carries a mythical undertone rooted in the region’s past. Stops range from sleek, modern estates using cutting-edge techniques to rustic, family-run plots where age-old practices endure. Each visit speaks to the land’s complexity and continuity. A mid-day pause in Şirince village offers local snacks aligned with the season. 

What makes this truly distinctive is your guide: a storyteller who lives this heritage, weaving the region’s past and present into her narratives. It’s a sensorial, cultural immersion—where craftsmanship, the Aegean’s living wine legacy, history, and place are inseparable.

Wine Tour from Izmir: Tastings & vineyard walks in 4 boutique estates in Selçuk & Torbalı valleys.

The Vineyards of Sunlit Izmir

Vinyeard walks, behind-the-scene access, and wine tastings at four handpicked boutique wineries. 

Regional cheese pairing and mid-day snacks.

All entrance and tasting fees. 

Private transportation from/to your hotel in Izmir or Kuşadası, or from Izmir Airport.

Comfortable walking shoes
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Camera for capturing vineyard and cellar moments
Curiosity and an appetite for fine wine and local stories

The meeting point will be at your hotel in Izmir or Kuşadası or at Izmir airport. Details of the meeting point will be provided post-booking.

Hatice is a seasoned guide and culture expert with a passion for Turkey’s rich viticultural heritage. With strong ties to the local winemaking community and years of guiding experience, she provides guests with access to producers, in-depth tastings, and storytelling that connects each glass to the land’s ancient past.

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.

Spain

Catalonia: Barcelona & Beyond

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

Mexico reveals its layers through art, flavor, and tradition. Over ten days, this journey follows its creative pulse through Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Guadalajara. For travelers seeking depth and connection, it blends guided encounters with artisans and storytellers with time to explore at your own pace. Each stop unveils a distinct facet of Mexico’s history and creativity.

DAY 1 – MEXICO CITY | Arrive in the morning or the previous day to settle in before your first walk through San Ángel. In the late afternoon, take a guided tour through cobblestone streets, colonial mansions, and flower-filled plazas. The calm rhythm of this neighborhood and its artistic heritage set the tone for the journey ahead.

DAY 2 – MEXICO CITY | Begin before dawn with a sunrise canoe tour through Xochimilco’s ancient canals, once part of the Aztec agricultural system. Glide through misty waterways as the city slowly wakes. Later, explore the murals and modernist architecture of UNAM on a guided photography walk, where art and academia merge in Mexico’s most iconic campus.

DAY 3 – MEXICO CITY | Spend the day on a historian-led trip to Teotihuacan. Walk the Avenue of the Dead and stand before the towering Pyramids of the Sun and Moon as stories of gods, astronomy, and empire unfold across the stones. Return to the city for an evening food tour through elegant streets lined with tacos, churros, and chocolate — a flavorful glimpse of Mexico’s culinary heritage.

DAY 4 – MEXICO CITY | Dedicate the day to exploring Chapultepec Park, from the Anthropology Museum’s ancient artifacts to sweeping views atop Chapultepec Castle. The experience connects centuries of Mexican art and history in one narrative. The evening is free before your flight south.

DAY 5 – OAXACA | Take an early flight to Oaxaca. By midday, visit a renowned printmaking studio to see how traditional etching techniques evolve in contemporary art. Watch masters at work, try the craft yourself, and feel the city’s creative pulse. Spend the afternoon in the historic center, surrounded by colorful walls and mountain light.

DAY 6 – OAXACA | Begin the morning with a guided food walk through Oaxaca’s markets and street stalls. Taste tejate, chocolate, and regional specialties while learning how Indigenous roots define local cuisine. The afternoon is free for galleries or quiet exploration before dinner.

DAY 7 – OAXACA | Travel to Teotitlán del Valle to meet a Zapotec family preserving the ancestral art of beeswax candle-making. Learn how symbolism, scent, and patience shape their craft, and share a home-cooked lunch in their workshop. In the evening, fly to Guadalajara to rest before the next day’s discoveries.

DAY 8 – GUADALAJARA | Journey west to the circular pyramids of Guachimontones on a full-day guided visit. Discover pre-Columbian traditions, obsidian craft, and views toward the Tequila Volcano. As night falls, explore Guadalajara’s historic center after dark — illuminated plazas, live mariachi, and the city’s vibrant energy.

DAY 9 – GUADALAJARA | Enjoy a slow morning before a guided walk through the creative neighborhoods of Chapu and Americana. Visit design studios, galleries, and cafés that reveal Guadalajara’s evolving artistic identity. Fly back to Mexico City later that day or the next morning.

DAY 10 – MEXICO CITY | Conclude with a mezcal tasting paired with live music and storytelling — a sensory farewell that captures Mexico’s warmth and artistry before your evening or next-day departure.

WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO | In Mexico City, stay in Condesa or Roma Norte for lively streets and cafés, or Polanco for a refined base near museums and parks. In Oaxaca, choose Centro Histórico for colonial charm or Jalatlaco for a quieter feel. In Guadalajara, stay in Americana for creative energy close to galleries and nightlife.

PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH FERNWAYER | Book directly from the itinerary and choose your own hotels and restaurants. Download the iOS app to make the journey your own.

Mexico with Open Eyes

10 days in Mexico through Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Guadalajara connecting heritage, art, and flavor.

This five-day itinerary blends Spain’s capital highlights with local stories and cultural depth. From Madrid’s historic neighborhoods and world-class museums to flamenco traditions, royal palaces, and day trips to Toledo and Valladolid, it’s designed for travelers who want rich encounters, not just sights. Expect thoughtful walking tours, art immersion, bold cuisine, and windows into Spanish culture past and present.

DAY 1 – LITERARY ROOTS AND ROYAL VIEWS | Begin your trip with a guided walking tour through Barrio de las Letras, Madrid’s literary quarter, in the company of a local writer who brings the streets of Cervantes and Lope de Vega to life. Continue with a self-led visit to the Royal Palace, then pause at the Mirador de la Cornisa for sunset views over the cathedral and palace gardens. End the evening in Chamberí, where the city’s modern culinary scene offers a vibrant welcome.

DAY 2 – MASTERPIECES AND MODERN ART | Join a guided tour of Madrid’s artistic core with visits to the Prado and Reina Sofía museums, discovering iconic works by Goya, Velázquez, and Picasso, plus a tapas stop along the Paseo del Prado. In the afternoon, explore Lavapiés, a neighborhood known for its cultural mix and creative energy. Cap the day with a self-led experience at Ikono Madrid, an interactive art space that invites sensory play, followed by a relaxed dinner in the center.

DAY 3 – FLAMENCO TRADITIONS AND SPANISH OPERA | Begin with a guided flamenco tour inside a working academy to understand the rhythms, gestures, and stories of this living tradition. Then explore the Teatro Real at your own pace, soaking in its architectural grandeur and national prestige. As night falls, your second flamenco experience brings it all together through live performance, local food, and emotional resonance — an immersive look into Spanish passion and artistry.

DAY 4 – TOLEDO’S HERITAGE AND ILLUSIONS | Travel to Toledo for a guided cultural tour exploring the city’s Three Cultures legacy through its mosque, synagogue, and cathedral. Sample local marzipan and regional tapas before returning to Madrid. In the afternoon, step into the Museum of Illusions for a playful, self-led dive into visual perception and perspective. The day ends with dinner in a setting that mirrors the creative spirit of what you’ve seen.

DAY 5 – VINEYARDS AND A LAST NIGHT OUT | Head out on a guided day trip to Valladolid’s Rueda wine region, where you’ll walk the vineyards, meet local winemakers, and enjoy a traditional lamb lunch. After returning to Madrid in the afternoon, take time to rest or explore at your own pace. For your final night, enjoy one more round of inventive Spanish cuisine and raise a glass to five days of discovery.

WHERE TO STAY IN MADRID | Stay central for easy access to museums, neighborhoods, and late-night dinners. Barrio de las Letras is ideal for walkers and art lovers with its cultural density and charm. Malasaña offers youthful energy and nightlife, while Chamberí feels more local and peaceful. The area around Retiro Park is perfect for quiet mornings and elegant evening strolls.
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.


Madrid in Streets and Stories

5 days in Madrid filled with royal landmarks, flamenco nights, tapas, and art from Goya to Gaudí.

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.

Japan

Cityscapes of Tokyo

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

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

Chile

Sand, Salt & Stars in Atacama

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

This is a stunning itinerary — a true slow-burn, full of history, nature, food, and texture. 

Sicily stretches between earth and sky—an island of contrast and continuity, where every hill, breeze, and coastline carries the weight of story. This seven-day itinerary moves with intention across that spectrum, from mountain to monastery, vineyard to volcano, cathedral to coast. It begins in Palermo, where gold mosaics shimmer inside Monreale Cathedral and narrow streets echo with centuries of layered life.

From there, the journey leads west to Erice, where mist clings to medieval towers, then down to the Zingaro Reserve—where cliffs and coves open up to the sea. In Marsala, you’ll encounter a different kind of landscape: windmills, salt flats, and the crisp, mineral pull of local wine. These aren’t stops—they're textures in a deeper conversation with place.

Midweek, you shift eastward, through Agrigento’s ancient Greek temples and the baroque turns of Ragusa and Modica. A cooking class in the countryside offers something slower: olive oil, family knowledge, and time shared under trees. Siracusa invites further stillness, with Ortigia’s quiet beauty and Marzamemi’s soft, seaside rhythm.

The final stretch leads upward—to Mount Etna, where Sicily’s volcanic heart breathes in silence and smoke. From there, a descent into Taormina for one last night: open-air theater, coastal views, and a closing meal with the city lit behind you.

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.

Sicily, Between Earth and Sky

7-day itinerary in Sicily with hilltop towns, salt wind, temple ruins, vineyard lunch, volcano views

Naples is a city of rhythm and resilience, where beauty rises from beneath the surface and daily life unfolds with theatrical ease. Over three days, this journey moves through its many layers — from ancient tunnels and hillside monasteries to ceramic studios along the Amalfi Coast. Designed for travelers who crave both insight and spontaneity, it blends guided experiences that reveal the city’s soul with time for slow lunches, scenic drives, and quiet dinners. Each moment anchors you in Naples’ living history — a place shaped as much by artistry as by endurance.

DAY 1 – HILLS AND MARKETS | Your first morning begins with Naples Between Hills & Markets, a guided walking tour with Michele Carneglia that traces the city from its upper terraces down to its beating heart. You’ll wander through monastic courtyards and artisans’ workshops, learning how faith, art, and everyday life intertwine across centuries. The path ends among lively market streets, where stories mingle with the scent of espresso and local produce. After a relaxed lunch, enjoy a slower afternoon exploring the historic center before ending with a simple dinner in a traditional osteria, surrounded by tiled walls and neighborhood chatter.

DAY 2 – UNDERGROUND AND HANDMADE | Begin the day with The Belly of Naples, Michele’s guided exploration beneath the city’s streets. Within the ancient aqueducts and passageways of San Lorenzo Maggiore, you’ll uncover layers of civilization — Roman foundations, medieval walls, and traces of faith and myth that still shape the city’s character. Afterward, head south for a leisurely lunch near the ruins of Pompeii before continuing along the coast to Vietri sul Mare. There, local artisan Elvira Peduto welcomes you for Shaping Love with Clay, a hands-on pottery workshop where you’ll mold and glaze pieces inspired by the sea. The afternoon unfolds slowly, bridging Naples’ past and its ongoing creativity.

DAY 3 – RUINS AND REFLECTION | Travel to Ercolano for The Interrupted City, a guided walk through Herculaneum’s remarkably preserved ruins. Michele brings this frozen world to life, tracing the moments of ordinary existence captured beneath volcanic ash — a baker’s oven, carved wood, painted walls. Each scene feels suspended in time, offering a rare closeness to the ancient past. The afternoon invites rest or exploration before your final evening meal overlooking the Bay of Naples, where the view opens toward Vesuvius and the sea — a fitting close to three days of discovery and renewal.

WHERE TO STAY IN NAPLES | Stay in Centro Storico for a lively, walkable base surrounded by churches, cafés, and markets, or choose Chiaia for elegant sea views and easy coastal access. Vomero offers a quieter hilltop stay with sweeping panoramas and a quick metro link to 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.

Naples with a Living Past

3 days in Naples uncovering ancient tunnels, Pompeii ruins, markets, and Vietri pottery workshops.

One day is never enough for a city as vast as Mexico City, but with the right guidance it can still feel complete. This curated journey is designed for travelers passing through with limited time who want to experience the pulse of the capital. From monumental plazas and layered histories in the heart of the city to an evening of food and stories in Polanco, it is a condensed but vivid portrait of Mexico City.
DAY 1 – HISTORIC CENTER AND POLANQUITO | Begin with a guided walking tour of the Historic Center, where colonial facades, modern landmarks, and grand murals trace the evolution of Mexico City. Your guide weaves together architecture, politics, and art to bring the city’s past and present into focus as you move through plazas, palaces, and hidden corners. After a short pause in the afternoon, the evening takes you north to Polanco for a guided food tour. Here you taste tacos, tortas, churros, and chocolates while exploring elegant streets that tell another side of the city’s story. It is the perfect balance of culture and cuisine, showing what makes Mexico City unforgettable in just one day.
WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO CITY | If you are staying overnight, Centro Histórico puts you steps from plazas and landmarks, ideal for starting the day with ease. Roma and Condesa offer a creative base with leafy streets, cafés, and nightlife. Polanco is refined and stylish, perfect for ending the evening close to your dinner tour. Each neighborhood gives you comfort and convenience, even on a short stay.
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 Mexico City

Fernwayer’s perfect one day in Mexico City moves from historic icons to Polanco’s flavors by night.

This Lisbon 5 day itinerary brings together local stories, layered heritage and modern creativity. Through guided encounters and self-paced discovery, you’ll walk through the city’s romantic heart, visit iconic sites like Sintra and Belém, and explore hidden corners through art, photography and Portuguese food.

DAY 1 – OLD STREETS AND EVERYDAY LIFE | Begin with Where Time Has Paused, a full-day walking tour through Baixa and Chiado guided by a local historian. You’ll explore old cafés, tiled storefronts, and elegant squares that reveal Lisbon’s bourgeois charm. A traditional lunch is included along the way, offering a moment to pause and taste the rhythm of the city. In the evening, head to O Velho Eurico for bold Portuguese food in the heart of Mouraria.

DAY 2 – ART AND SENSORY RITUALS | Begin the day at the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, set in a 17th-century palace overlooking the Tagus. This self-led visit offers a quiet immersion into Portuguese heritage through sacred art, decorative objects, and global exchanges from the Age of Discoveries. In the afternoon, join a guided wine experience with a local sommelier to taste and understand Portugal’s diverse wine regions and styles. As evening falls, Fado Echoes in Alfama brings you into Lisbon’s oldest quarter for a night of walking, storytelling, and live music in an intimate fado house.

DAY 3 – MONUMENTS AND TILES | Start your day in Belém with Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a monument to Portugal’s Age of Discovery where history and architecture meet. After a break, dive into the country’s most beloved visual tradition with A City of Azulejos, a walking tour led by a tile expert through Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Alfama. You’ll trace centuries of artistry while walking in Lisbon’s historic core. End the day with a refined tasting menu at Belcanto.

DAY 4 – ART, MARKET, AND HIDDEN VIEWS | Begin with A Trail of Art Galleries, a curated Lisbon experience that introduces you to the city’s most dynamic creative spaces. Walk to Mercado de Campo de Ourique, a food market in Lisbon Portugal where locals gather over wine, lunch, and fresh produce. Later, join Lisbon’s Hidden Lens, a photography walk through alleys, miradouros, and layered cityscapes guided by a visual storyteller. Dinner at Trinca offers a relaxed and design-forward setting.

DAY 5 – MOUNTAINS AND MODERN CUISINE | Take a full-day journey into the mountains with Life in the Schist Villages, a day trip from Lisbon where you’ll visit stone hamlets, meet local artisans, and enjoy home-cooked Portuguese cuisine among forest trails and rural tradition. Return to the city for your last dinner at Prado, where modern Portuguese food is served in a minimalist, seasonal space near the cathedral.

WHERE TO STAY IN LISBON | For this Lisbon 5 day itinerary, stay in Chiado or Baixa for central access to cafés, viewpoints, and walkable routes. Alfama offers atmosphere and music in the evenings, while Campo de Ourique and Príncipe Real bring quieter rhythm and local charm. Choose based on your pace — Lisbon rewards those who walk slowly and look closely.

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.

Portugal

The Charming Soul of Lisbon

5 days in Lisbon with palaces, tiles, fado, markets and a day trip to the mountains and villages.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PLAN YOUR TRIP 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.

Istanbul Through the Senses

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

Cappadocia stirs the imagination long before you arrive. This three-day journey is for travelers who crave striking landscapes, cultural depth, and light that feels almost sacred. It’s a place to move slowly, wake early, and let the elements of stone, sky, and craft tell their story. Over three immersive days, you’ll explore the region’s most iconic sites with local guides, from fairy chimneys and underground cities to artisans’ studios and balloon-filled skies.
DAY 1 – FAIRY CHIMNEYS AND NORTHERN VALLEYS | Begin your journey with a full-day guided tour through the heart of northern Cappadocia. You’ll wander through the whimsical formations of Göreme, step into ancient rock-cut dwellings, and explore the pottery traditions of Avanos. The day unfolds through valleys shaped by wind and time, where geological wonders meet human history. It’s a grounded and wide-angle introduction to a land shaped by fire, air, and hands.
DAY 2 – BALLOONS, CRAFT, AND SUNSET | Rise before dawn to meet the golden light. At sunrise, a local photographer leads you through a peaceful valley as hot air balloons drift silently above, casting shadows over cave walls and soft ridges. After a slow breakfast, spend the late morning immersed in Cappadocia’s artisan traditions, from carpet weaving to marbling, guided by makers in Avanos. In the evening, as the landscape glows in blue hour tones, return to the hills for a photography walk across the Red Valley, capturing the shift from day to night.
DAY 3 – UNDERGROUND CITIES AND THE SOUTH | Your final day dives deep—both literally and historically. A guided day trip takes you south, into the vast subterranean cities that once sheltered entire populations. From there, you’ll move through Pigeon Valley and the quiet streets of Ortahisar, where everyday life moves to ancient rhythms. The afternoon leads you through the soft palette of the Rose and Red Valleys, closing the journey with views that feel both geological and emotional in their weight.
WHERE TO STAY IN CAPPADOCIA | Most travelers base themselves in Göreme or Uçhisar, two villages with easy access to sunrise viewpoints and valley hikes. Göreme is lively and central, with cave hotels tucked into the cliffs, while Uçhisar offers a quieter pace and panoramic views. If you’re seeking charm, walkability, and good access to experiences, either makes a beautiful base—just be sure to book early, especially if you’re hoping to see balloons from your terrace. Most boutique hotels in both Göreme and Uçhisar offer on-site dining or are a short walk from local restaurants serving Anatolian dishes. For a quiet end to the day, many travelers enjoy dinner on their hotel terrace after the evening light fades.
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.

Dreamscapes of Cappadocia

3 days in Cappadocia exploring fairy chimneys, artisan traditions, and sunrise balloon moments.

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.

Santa Teresa Gallura, located on Sardinia’s northernmost point, is a picturesque seaside town known for its stunning beaches, fascinating history, and vibrant atmosphere. Offering breathtaking views of the Strait of Bonifacio and easy access to Corsica, this charming destination is perfect for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxed coastal retreat. 
1. Rena Bianca Beach is the town’s crown jewel, with its fine white sand and shallow, turquoise waters perfect for swimming, making it a favorite for families and beachgoers. 
2. The Torre di Longonsardo, a 16th-century Spanish watchtower, offers sweeping views of the coastline and the cliffs of Corsica across the sea. 
3. The rugged Capo Testa peninsula, just a short drive away, is a paradise for hikers and explorers, featuring dramatic granite formations, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters. 
4. The bustling town center is home to lively piazzas, charming shops, and inviting restaurants where visitors can savor Sardinian specialties like fresh seafood and local wines. 
5. Boat excursions to Corsica, the Maddalena Archipelago, or nearby islands offer incredible opportunities to explore Sardinia’s stunning marine environment. 
Visitor Tip: Spend half a day to a full day exploring Santa Teresa Gallura. Visit Capo Testa at sunset for unforgettable views, and take advantage of the ferry service to Corsica for a memorable day trip.
Photo: Marco Rubino

Santa Teresa Gallura

Morocco

In the heart of Fes, the Chouara and Sidi Moussa tanneries stand as enduring relics of the Middle Ages, their practices largely unchanged since that era. Here, the ancient art of leather tanning transforms raw hides into beautifully supple fabrics through a strikingly colorful yet arduous process. As you navigate the narrow alleys leading to the tanneries, the air grows thick with a pungent aroma, a hallmark of this traditional craft. Things to look for:

1. The Chouara Tannery, perhaps the most famous in Fes, alongside Sidi Moussa, offers a rare glimpse into the labor-intensive process of leather production. Hundreds of workers from multiple generations of families toil from sunrise to sunset. They labor over open vats filled with a vivid mosaic of natural dyes and pigeon dung, an essential component in softening the leather. This spectacle of color and effort unfolds beneath the Moroccan sun, casting a palette that feels almost surreal against the earthy tones of the Medina.

2. Visitors are handed a sprig of mint to ward off the overwhelming smells. The sensory overload is part of the experience!

3. Guides explain the dyeing process, pointing out the use of natural ingredients like saffron, poppy flower, indigo, and henna. 

4. After dyeing, the leathers are laid out to dry on the nearby rooftops, creating an iconic and photogenic scene that defines the visual landscape of the tanneries. 

5. A visit to the tanneries is an education in the tenacity and skill of the Moroccan artisans who maintain these centuries-old techniques. Despite modern advancements, these methods have resisted change, preserved by the artisans’ dedication to their heritage. 

As you leave, the sight of the vibrant leathers, the sound of workers chanting in rhythm, and the smell of natural tannins linger, leaving a lasting impression of a craft preserved in time. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as the area can be wet and slippery.

The Tanneries of Fes

The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts in located inside the ancient Fes Medina and is renowned for its comprehensive display of woodcraft but also for its unique architectural features that make a visit here a memorable experience. Why visit?
1. One of the standout attractions within the museum is the elegant fountain located in the courtyard. Beautifully adorned with intricate wood and tile work, it exemplifies the fine craftsmanship typical of Moroccan artistry and offers a tranquil centerpiece to the museum’s architecture. 
2. The museum's structure itself, an 18th-century fondouk that was once a bustling center for merchants, and has been meticulously restored to showcase the original wooden carvings and tile work. 
3. Each floor of the museum offers a different perspective on the evolution of woodcraft in Morocco, from domestic and architectural to liturgical pieces, providing a comprehensive view of this traditional art form.
4. Amid the chaos of the Medina, the museum offers a peaceful retreat. The rooftop café provides a space to relax and soak in the views of the city.
The museum is accessible with an entrance fee - it’s definitely a place of insight and inspiration, and can be viewed in an hour’s time. 


Nejjarine Museum of Fes

Faroe Islands

None of my map apps seem to work. After years of relying on a mechanical voice to navigate me in strange lands, I am back to poring over paper and asking for directions. I actually like driving here! 

Except when negotiating a one-lane tunnel. Then I am terrified! Unless I have right of way, I have to duck in - at just the right moment - into one of the spaces marked M, and stay there till the dark tunnel ahead is clear of oncoming headlights. This game needs nerves of steel! There are two such tunnels to get to Gásadalur, the waterfall that tumbles recklessly into the ocean.

The best photos require descending down the cliff to the beach below. There is a helpful set of concrete steps, and a big signboard in Faroese that can only be a warning, since it has a lot of exclamation marks. 

I hold on for dear life to the wobbly rusted handrail and descend half way before I realize that the rail isn’t connected to the cliff wall! The view, however, is just perfect.

Tumbling Recklessly

United Kingdom

Our plan: To walk through the magnificent Quiraing and climb to the base of the Needle, a 120 ft jagged pinnacle, for views of the Outer Hebrides.  

Weather forecast? Fair, says Harry, the winds will blow away the clouds and midges.

Highlights from the photo-hike: ☀️Awe-inspiring view of Loch Cleat (above). 💦 Scrambling over the steep cliffs on springy heather. 🐾 Checking out the structures that have been named — The Needle, The Prison, The Table — and naming those that haven’t. ⚡️Noting the exact moment when the weather turns on us. ❄️ Getting shrouded in mist and fog, and unwittingly playing hide-and-seek at the top of the ridge (this is, after all, where locals hid their sheep from raiding Vikings). 💨 Howling winds over 50 mph trying to gust us off the slopes. 💧Rain coming down in full force. ☁️ Feeling my spine tingle as clouds swirl around me in this unreal landscape.

Cinematic Drama

Porto is a city with a unique mystique! its old buildings, colorful houses, the particularity of its wines and the joy of its people, make it a must-see.
The most exciting thing about not planning my stay was getting lost to find myself in small places rich in gastronomy, flavors that I never experienced before, local markets with the best ambient and desserts that made every minute in this city worthwhile.

Find yourself in Oporto

Colombia

Barcelona, Spain, is home to the Picasso Museum, one of the most significant collections dedicated to the life and work of Pablo Picasso. Housed in five interconnected medieval palaces in the El Born district, the museum offers a unique perspective on the artist’s formative years, showcasing over 4,000 works that trace his evolution from a young prodigy to a revolutionary figure in modern art. With its intimate setting, historic architecture, and exclusive focus on Picasso’s early works, the museum is a must-visit for art lovers and history enthusiasts.

1. Inside the museum, an extensive collection of Picasso’s early sketches, paintings, and studies reveals his classical training and artistic development before he pioneered Cubism.

2. The Las Meninas series, inspired by Velázquez’s masterpiece, showcases Picasso’s experimental style and his ability to reinterpret classical works through a modern lens.

3. The museum itself is a work of art, featuring beautifully preserved Gothic courtyards, stone archways, and medieval staircases, adding a historic charm to the experience.

4. Temporary exhibitions provide insight into Picasso’s influences, collaborations, and connections to Barcelona, enriching visitors’ understanding of his creative journey.

5. The location in El Born, one of Barcelona’s most vibrant neighborhoods, allows visitors to explore charming streets, boutique shops, and traditional tapas bars after their visit.

Visitor Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, and visit early in the day for a quieter experience. The museum offers free entry on Thursday afternoons and the first Sunday of each month.

Picasso Museum Barcelona

The Ortigia Cathedral, or Duomo di Siracusa, located in the historical heart of Syracuse on the island of Ortigia, is a magnificent blend of history, architecture, and art. This cathedral, with its layers of historical and architectural evolution, stands as a testament to the rich and varied history of Sicily. Key highlights include:

1. Originally a Greek Doric temple dedicated to Athena, the structure was transformed into a church when Syracuse became a part of the Roman Empire. Over centuries, it has been rebuilt and modified, incorporating elements of Norman, Byzantine, and Baroque architecture, making it a living museum of architectural styles.

2. The cathedral's current façade is a stunning example of Sicilian Baroque, characterized by its dramatic columns, intricate sculptures, and ornate details, typical of the 18th-century Baroque style prevalent in Sicily.

3. Inside, the cathedral reveals its ancient Greek origins, with Doric columns from the original temple of Athena integrated into the walls, offering a unique blend of ancient and Christian architecture.

4. The cathedral is not just a religious building but a symbol of Syracuse's layered history, from its Greek origins to its role in Christian and Sicilian history.

5. The Piazza Duomo, in front of the cathedral, offers a splendid setting with its Baroque buildings and open-air cafes, making it a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

Visiting the Ortigia Cathedral provides an insight into the diverse cultural and historical influences that have shaped Syracuse, making it a must-visit for those interested in history, architecture, and the enduring spirit of Sicily.

Ortigia Cathedral

Chile’s Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks) is a breathtaking natural wonder in the Atacama Desert, known for its striking red rock formations, turquoise lagoons, and dramatic Andean landscapes. Located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) near the Argentine border, this otherworldly destination offers some of the most vivid contrasts in color found in the region, making it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike.


1. The stunning red volcanic rocks, rich in iron oxide, create an intense contrast against the blue skies and aquamarine waters of the nearby salt flats.

2. Laguna Tuyajto and Salar de Aguas Calientes, two adjacent salt flats, offer a surreal, mirror-like effect with crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding Andes.

3. Panoramic views of the Andean volcanoes, including Cerro Medano and Cerro Caichinque, provide an unforgettable backdrop for landscape photography.

4. Peaceful and remote atmosphere, far from the more touristy areas of San Pedro de Atacama, allowing for quiet reflection and exploration.

5. Unique wildlife sightings, including flamingos, vicuñas, and Andean foxes, add to the untouched beauty of the region.

Visitor Tip: Due to the high altitude, take time to acclimate before visiting and bring warm layers, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The area is best reached by 4x4 vehicle, and guided tours are recommended to navigate the rugged terrain safely.

Photo: Naomi August

Piedras Rojas (Red Rocks)

The Accademia Gallery in Florence, renowned for housing Michelangelo's David, is a treasure trove of art, history, and culture. As the second most visited museum in Florence, it offers a collection that includes a $16 million dollar violin and significant works of the Renaissance and beyond​​. Go on a journey of discovery through various art periods, techniques, and cultural histories. Here are our top recommendations:

1 -  As the focal point of the Accademia, Michelangelo’s David is a representation of strength, beauty, and human achievement. Created from a single block of marble, this masterpiece symbolizes the Renaissance ideals of humanism and is renowned for its anatomical precision and the portrayal of David before his battle with Goliath.

2 - The Hall of Prisoners features unfinished works by Michelangelo, known as "Prisoners" or "Slaves". These sculptures were intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II but were never completed. They offer a unique insight into Michelangelo's process, where the figures seem to be struggling to free themselves from the marble, embodying the concept of the "unfinished" in art​​​​.

3 - The Gipsoteca is a collection of plaster casts by the 19th-century sculptor Lorenzo Bartolini. This room showcases the creative process of sculpting, with numerous busts and models used by Bartolini and his students. The Gipsoteca represents the transition from idea to finished artwork, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the sculptor's workshop​​​​.

4 - The Florentine Gothic Gallery spans three rooms, focusing on art from the 13th and 14th centuries. It features Gothic altarpieces adorned with gold, reflecting the religious fervor of the Middle Ages. 

Practical Information: The Accademia Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6:15 pm and closed on Mondays. [https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/en/](https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/en/)
Photo by Elena Ruggeri

Iconic Accademia Gallery

Greece

Balos Lagoon is a breathtakingly beautiful beach on the northwestern coast of Crete, known for its turquoise waters, pink-tinged sands, and striking natural scenery. Surrounded by rugged hills, this idyllic spot is accessible by a scenic hike or a boat ride, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an escape into nature’s finest.
1. The lagoon’s shallow turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and ideal for families with children.
2. Its unique pink sand, created by crushed shells, adds a surreal touch to the beach.
3. The area offers a stunning contrast between the vivid water, white sand, and dramatic rocky terrain.
4. Visitors can hike down to the beach, enjoying panoramic views along the way.
5. For a more leisurely approach, ferries from Kissamos provide easy access to this natural paradise.

Visitor Tip: Bring sturdy shoes for the hike and plenty of water, as there are limited facilities at the lagoon.  Photo: Sergey Dzyuba

Balos Lagoona

The Colosseum and Roman Forum stand as timeless monuments to the grandeur of ancient Rome. These iconic landmarks, rich in history and architectural marvels, offer a window into the life and culture of one of the world's greatest empires. Key Highlights:
 
1. Colosseum's Majestic Structure: Begin your exploration at the Colosseum, an architectural wonder and a symbol of Rome's eternal legacy. Its massive, elliptical structure, capable of seating over 50,000 spectators, hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Walking through its imposing arches, you can almost hear the echoes of the ancient crowds and the roar of the gladiators.

2. Interior Exploration: Inside the Colosseum, the tiers and underground chambers tell tales of the elaborate events once held here. The arena's floor, where countless battles were fought, provides a perspective on the complex entertainment of ancient Rome. Each corner of the Colosseum offers a unique glimpse into its historic past.

3. Roman Forum's Historic Pathways: A short walk from the Colosseum brings you to the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Roman public life. Here, amidst the ruins, you can stroll through history. This once-bustling marketplace was also a center for political, religious, and social activities.

4. Key Structures in the Forum: Check out the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, and the House of the Vestal Virgins. Each ruin has its own story, contributing to the rich tapestry of Roman history.

5. Panoramic Views and Sunset Moments: For a panoramic view of the Forum, climb up to the Palatine Hill, especially enchanting at sunset. The hill offers a serene vantage point from which to contemplate the grandeur of ancient Rome. 

Tickets for the Colosseum often include entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help dodge the crowds. Find out more on ticket information here: il-colosseo.it/en/informazioni-colosseo.php

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