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Mexico

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.

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.

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

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 6-hour experience offers a deep dive into Istanbul’s storied textile history, from its role in the ancient Silk Route to the vibrant, bustling trade seen in the city’s current markets. 

Your journey begins at the iconic Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets and a major Silk Route stop in Constantinople. A local textiles expert will guide you through the labyrinth of over 4,000 shops, focusing on Turkish fabrics, carpets, and silks, places that are impossible to find without the guidance of the expert.

You’ll step inside stores or studios that have been run by the same families for generations, explore places where collectors or designers visit, comparing techniques from past and present. You'll visit a section of an art museum that is dedicated to textiles, gaining historical insights into this craft and its evolution over the centuries. There's a break for traditional lunch and Turkish tea giving you space to reflect and discuss Istanbul’s crafty heritage.

This experience begins near the Beyazıt Tramway station close to the Grand Bazaar in the old peninsula of Istanbul.


This experience includes an exclusive, insider-led tour in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, steering you to renowned ateliers away from tourist tracks. Guided by textile expert Deniz, you’ll meet shopkeepers who have preserved intricate patterns and techniques for generations. Feel the softness of cashmere and silk scarves, uncover the meaning behind embroidery motifs, and discover how textiles are woven into Turkish culture and ceremonies.

From the market, you’ll step inside collectors’ homes to view rare pieces, some over a century old, and witness how antique designs continue to inspire modern creations. A visit to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum will reveal the fascinating contrasts between city carpets and village rugs, adding depth to your understanding of this craft. While there’s an option to purchase pieces throughout this experience, the focus is on appreciating the artistry and stories behind these textiles and engaging in meaningful conversations with experts in the industry.

Textile Tour in Istanbul through Grand Bazaar, artisan studios, and a museum of Turkish fabrics.


Grand Bazaar + traditional lunch + markets and galleries around the bazaar

The Fabric of Istanbul

Guided Grand Bazaar textile tour with selected shop and gallery access, led by a textiles expert.

Visit to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.

Traditional Turkish lunch at a restaurant near the bazaar.

Comfortable footwear for walking through the bazaar’s narrow, cobbled streets
A camera for capturing the vibrant textiles and historic sites
A notebook if you’d like to jot down key insights or artisans’ names for future reference
A light bag for any purchases you may make

This experience begins near the Beyazıt Tramway station close to the Grand Bazaar in the old peninsula of Istanbul. We will meet in front of Deniz Bank Beyazit Branch.


Your host is a local expert with deep connections to Istanbul’s textile traditions from an early age. With years of experience working alongside artisans and studying the history of Turkish textiles, they offer unparalleled access to exclusive galleries and vendors. Thanks to them, you’ll gain an insider’s view of Istanbul’s enduring place in global fabric production.

Portugal

This full-day experience explores the Douro Valley’s cultural and culinary heritage beyond winemaking. 

Departing from Porto, you'll travel east towards Vila Real, where you'll visit the Mateus Palace, an 18th-century Baroque estate known for its grand architecture, reflective pools, and manicured gardens. Inside, richly furnished rooms and a private chapel offer a glimpse into Portugal’s aristocratic past. The palace also maintains an archive and library, preserving records of regional history, agriculture, and family lineage.

From there, you’ll head to the Sabrosa area for a tasting with a local beekeeper, sampling honeys shaped by the native flora of the region—acacia, chestnut, rosemary, and heather among them. Lunch follows at a vineyard estate, where traditional Douro dishes are paired with local wines in a quiet setting surrounded by vines. After a stop at a scenic viewpoint and a soothing solar boat ride overlooking the valley’s terraced hills, you'll return to Porto.

This tour offers a layered view of the Douro that goes beyond wine and tastings: Experience architecture, local food traditions, and sustainable practices in the Douro.

After arriving in Vila Real, you'll begin the day at Mateus Palace — one of Portugal’s most emblematic Baroque estates — where ornate interiors, manicured gardens, and preserved family archives reveal a different dimension of the region’s heritage and aristocratic past. 

From there, the focus shifts to the land and its caretakers: you’ll meet a local beekeeper whose expressive honeys are shaped by native flora, and a winemaker who cultivates a variety of wines on an estate where you’ll also enjoy a lunch prepared with regional ingredients grown on-site. Wine is present, but it’s not the headline. The emphasis is on how people live from the land.

The silent, solar-powered boat ride towards the end offers a sustainable alternative to typical excursions, allowing you to focus on the sights and sounds of the valley.

Next, you’ll head into the Sabrosa area to meet a local beekeeper whose work reveals another side of the Douro’s agricultural richness. In a rural setting, you’ll learn how honey is shaped by local terrain and seasonal flowering — acacia, chestnut, rosemary, and wild heather among the key sources.

You’ll get a firsthand look at the tools and process of small-scale, sustainable beekeeping, and understand how the hives interact with surrounding vineyards and olive groves. The tasting is informal and guided by the producer, featuring several raw, unblended honeys — each with distinct color, texture, and flavor shaped by the flora of the nearby hills.

Most Douro tours skip over the region’s full agricultural range — this one stops and listens to it. It’s a rare glimpse into the non-export economy of the Douro, and the knowledge carried by those who work just outside the wine spotlight.

The beekeeper you meet works to maintain biodiversity, respond to shifting weather patterns, and protect pollination cycles essential to local crops. Each honey tells a geographic story. 

This is an opportunity to slow down, taste with intention, and hear directly from someone whose livelihood depends on observing the land closely. 

Discover native Douro honeys with the producer who keeps this small-scale craft alive.

Meet the Beekeeper

At midday, you’ll sit down for a relaxed lunch at a family-owned estate in the heart of the Douro. Surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, the quinta produces wines rooted in traditional methods and local varietals. The atmosphere is quiet, rural, and unhurried — offering a genuine sense of place. This is a working farm—and lunch is part of its rhythm.

The meal reflects regional food traditions. Wines are chosen to complement the food, and your hosts will share stories about the land, the harvest, or the changing seasons.


The communal table and seasonal dishes reflect the genuine Douro hospitality. You eat what’s fresh, in a setting shaped by the same hands that produce the wine. The family behind the estate has long ties to the region, and they farm with a focus on sustainability, heritage varietals, and low-intervention methods.

What sets this apart from typical vineyard lunches is its tone: it’s just good food made from what’s nearby. The setting allows you to absorb the Douro slowly, through conversation, texture, and taste. You’re part of a working day at the Quinta, shared generously.

Enjoy a farm-style meal with regional dishes and estate wines at a historic Douro vineyard.

Regional Lunch in the Vineyard

Finish the day with a relaxing boat ride, inviting you to see the valley from a different perspective. Aboard a silent solar-powered vessel, you’ll drift past vineyard-covered hillsides, ancient terraces, and quiet riverbanks, while sipping on a glass of moscatel, one of Douro's sweet fortified wines.

Unlike most Douro cruises, this boat ride is powered by the sun and defined by its silence. There’s no engine hum, no tourist chatter—just the sound of water and the view of centuries-old vineyards passing by. It’s a sustainable way to experience the landscape without disturbing it, honoring both the environment and the legacy of the valley. Travelers are welcomed with a glass of Favaios (moscatel wine) and invited to stand at the bow for photo opportunities and uninterrupted views. Along the way, your host will share short, insightful stories about the river’s role in Douro viticulture and daily life, pointing out key landmarks. Guests are encouraged to ask questions or simply pause and observe. 

Glide silently through the Douro’s terraced valleys aboard an eco-powered boat.

Solar Boat Ride

After lunch, you’ll head to a scenic viewpoint overlooking one of the most striking stretches of the Douro Valley. It's an iconic Pinhão viewpoint, where Douro’s vineyards and river converge in panoramic harmony. From here, you can see how the region has been shaped into terraced hills that trace the contours of the land.

You’ll have time to take in the layout of the valley, recognize the textures of what you’ve tasted, and notice the slow patterns of rural life: a tractor on a distant ridge, smoke rising from a chimney, rows of vines wrapping a hillside.

The overlook allows you to reflect on what you’ve encountered so far: the gardens of Mateus, the flowers that shape honey, the vineyard that fed you, and the river that runs through it all. It’s quiet, open, and undisturbed — like much of the Douro itself.

Pause at a local viewpoint for a panoramic look of the Douro’s terraced hills and winding river.

View Over the Valley

Your hosts will return you to your starting point in the same quiet, comfortable Kombi that began the day. The return ride gives you space to reflect, ask any last questions, or simply watch the valley pass by your window one last time.

The drop-off is part of the continuity of the day. In many tours, the end is transactional. Here, the same hosts who welcomed you now bring you home, having shared a full day of lived experience — architecture, agriculture, food, and conversation.

Private return by electric Kombi to your hotel in Porto.

Return by Kombi to Porto

Your hosts meet you anywhere in Porto — and welcome you aboard a fully electric vintage VW Kombi. Carefully restored and designed for quiet, low-impact travel, the Kombi sets the tone for a slower, more immersive day. It's a 90 minute drive to the Douro region.

You pass olive trees, stone houses, and small plots that mark the rhythms of daily life in this agricultural region. This is the first step in a day shaped by care, curiosity, and connection.

The private transport ensures a relaxed start, setting the tone for a seamless, immersive experience.

Begin your cultural day in Porto with a pick-up at your hotel, for the drive to Douro Valley.

Kombi Pick-Up in Porto

Your journey continues at Casa de Mateus, the Baroque manor just outside Vila Real, completed in the 1740s by architect Nicolau Nasoni. This National Monument estate includes the main house with ornate interiors. Outside, the formal gardens — planted in the 1700s and later refined — are centered around a reflecting pond and a statue by João Cutileiro. 

Casa de Mateus is a significant layer of Douro’s heritage. Its Baroque architecture, designed by Nasoni, shaped the visual and cultural identity of northern Portugal. Inside, original ceilings and rare books ground the experience in its 18th-century origins.

Explore a National Monument Baroque palace in the Douro with ornate interiors and manicured gardens.

Casa de Mateus Palace Visit

Douro Valley Tour from Porto, including Mateus Palace, honey tasting, vineyard lunch and boat ride.

Built and Grown in the Douro

Full-day tour around Vila Real focusing on the city's cultural and culinary heritage.

Pick‑up and drop‑off in Porto in a 100 % electric VW Kombi.

Entrance and guided visit to Mateus Palace in Vila Real.

Honey tasting with a local beekeeper in the Sabrosa area.

Regional lunch at a vineyard estate with wine pairing.

Visit to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Douro Valley.

Scenic solar boat ride along the Douro River.

Light, comfortable clothing, a hat for sun protection, and sunscreen in the summer.

Carlos and Paulo can pick you up at your hotel in Porto. After booking, chat with them to arrange a meeting point. Note: The experience duration builds in time for transfers from and to Porto.

Carlos de Oliveira and Paulo Baptista use their deep roots in the Douro to design experiences that go beyond the surface. With a thoughtful approach to storytelling and a strong network of local connections, they’ve crafted this day to offer not just context, but a real connection—to the land, its people, and its traditions. From the stately halls of Mateus Palace to hands-on encounters with beekeepers and winemakers, each stop has been chosen to give you a fuller understanding of what makes this region truly unique.

Italy

Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Lake Como, an exquisite backdrop where nature's grandeur meets architectural magnificence. This exclusive luxury experience offers an intimate exploration of Villa del Balbianello and the charming streets of Como and Bellagio, encapsulated in a day of romance, history, and serene landscapes.

Set against the crystal-clear waters of Lake Como, this journey is designed for those captivated by romance, history, or the allure of the outdoors. Begin with a leisurely stroll through Como's quaint alleys before embarking on a private boat tour to the majestic Villa del Balbianello, learning about the illustrious families who have graced these shores. Revel in the villa's storied halls and breathtaking gardens, then proceed to Bellagio for a sumptuous lakeside lunch and exploration. If Villa del Balbianello is closed, then the host will replace this segment with an equivalent stop. 

Drive from Milan. Meet the guide at Piazza Cavour where you can park your car. Start ywith a stroll through Como's streets before boarding your private boat. Chat with Elena for meeting point details.

This intimate and exclusive luxury journey to Lake Como delivers the best of scenic beauty, serenity and architectural elegance. Lake Como is a passage through time, where every villa's story is woven into the fabric of Italian aristocracy and natural elegance. This experience offers a seamless blend of leisure and learning, with private access to one of the lake's most renowned villas, Villa del Balbianello, and curated insights into the area's rich heritage. If the Villa is closed on the day of your booking, rest assured that an equivalent replacement will be included. 

The inclusion of a private boat and special lunch overlooking the lake adds a touch of exclusivity, making this journey as unforgettable as it is luxurious.

If you only have one day in the Lake Como region, this would be the quintessential way to spend it.

The journey back is a moment to relax and absorb the day's beauty, culminating in a luxury experience that intertwines history, nature, and Italian culture.

Boat back to Como City

Your day begins with a leisurely exploration of Como's historic center. Marvel at the intricate architecture and vibrant market squares that paint a picture of Como's rich past and contemporary charm.

Get a coffee and chat with your guide. This is a perfect start to an unforgettable day. 

Drive to Como City and park your car. Meet your guide at Piazza Cavour. 

Your day begins with a leisurely exploration of Como's historic center. Marvel at the intricate architecture and vibrant market squares that paint a picture of Como's rich past and contemporary charm.

Marvel at the architecture and vibrancy of Como City.

Como City Stroll

Depart Como by private boat, gliding across the shimmering waters of Lake Como towards the breathtaking Villa del Balbianello, nestled on its own picturesque peninsula.

This private boat ride offers unparalleled views of Lake Como's shoreline, adorned with historical villas and lush gardens, setting the stage for the exclusive visit to Villa del Balbianello.

Stunning views from your private boat on Lake Como: It doesn't get better than this. 

Private Boat on Lake Como

Explore the exquisite grounds and interiors of Villa del Balbianello, a testament to Italian elegance and history, once home to aristocracy and now a beacon of beauty and intrigue.

The villa is an architectural marvel, boasting stunning gardens and an awe-inspiring collection of art and furniture, offering a rare glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of its former inhabitants.

If the villa is closed for any reason, the host will provide a suitable alternative for this part of the experience.

Explore Villa del Balbianello, a testament to Italian elegance and history.

Villa del Balbianello Visit 

A 30 minute ride on your private boat gets you to Bellagio.Enjoy a gourmet lunch in Bellagio, the "Pearl of the Lake," where exquisite dishes are served against the backdrop of Lake Como's serene beauty.

This culinary experience in Bellagio isn't just about the food; it's about indulging in the flavors of the region while soaking in panoramic views that encapsulate the essence of luxury lakeside living.

Gourmet lunch against the backdrop of Lake Como.

Lunch in Bellagio 

Conclude your day with a stroll through Bellagio's enchanting streets and alleys, discovering boutique shops, artisan studios, and breathtaking lake vistas.

Bellagio's charm lies in its ability to mesmerize with its blend of natural beauty and architectural wonders, offering a perfect end to a day of luxurious exploration.

Stroll the enchanting streets and alleys of Bellagio: experience its fairytale charm.

Exploration of Bellagio 

Boat Tour of Lake Como near Milan with exclusive guided walks and stops through historic towns.

Meet in Como city. 
Como City Stroll: Discover the charm of Como's historic center, where every cobblestone and corner tells a story.
Private Boat to Villa del Balbianello: Glide across Lake Como's azure waters on a private boat, with narratives of the lake's prestigious villas unfolding along the way.
Villa del Balbianello Visit: Explore the grandeur of this iconic villa, renowned for its exquisite architecture and gardens that have captivated visitors for centuries.
Lunch in Bellagio: Savor a gourmet lunch with panoramic views of Lake Como in the enchanting town of Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of the Lake."
Exploration of Bellagio: Wander through Bellagio's alluring streets and alleys, a perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural charm.
ALL COSTS (Private Boat, Lunch and Tickets) are covered in the price.

Villas and Vistas on Lake Como

This experience accommodates a minimum and maximum of 4 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 tour through Como and Bellagio, including historical insights.
Private boat tour to Villa del Balbianello.
Exclusive visit to Villa del Balbianello and its gardens.
Gourmet lunch in Bellagio with lake views.


Comfortable footwear for walking and exploration.
A camera to capture the stunning vistas and architectural wonders.
Sun protection for a day spent outdoors.


Drive from Milan. Meet the guide at Piazza Cavour where you can park your car. Start ywith a stroll through Como's streets before boarding your private boat. Chat with Elena for meeting point details. Drive to Como City and park your car. Meet your guide at Piazza Cavour. 

Your guide, an aficionado of Lake Como's history and natural beauty, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to your journey. With expertise in the area's historical villas and gardens, they will provide enriching commentary that bridges past and present, deepening your appreciation for Lake Como's cultural and natural landscapes.

Japan

On this fascinating photowalk of a lesser-known Tokyo neighborhood, photographer Lee Chapman guides you through the changing streets he has been documenting through his photographs for over a decade. Far from the steel and glass monuments of Shinjuku and Shibuya, this low-lying neighborhood in the shadow of Tokyo Skytree has been slowly evolving away from its working-class identity.

Lee introduces you to the main characters of his story, buildings and businesses that have survived decades in this neighborhood. Others survive only in memory, memorialized by Lee's beautiful images that he shows you as you walk, sometimes standing in front of the place that no longer exists.

Take a short break in a tiny local restaurant or coffee shop where Lee knows the owners by name to enjoy a refreshing drink or an inexpensive meal as Lee shares his memories and thoughts about the changing neighborhood.

If time allows, finish the tour at a location made famous in Wem Wenders's film, "Perfect Days."

Lee is well-known in the neighborhood from his consistent presence over the years, so you'll be greeted by friendly locals who know Lee and have likely been photographed by him. Every interaction is wonderful and unrehearsed, a tribute to the people of this incredible "disappearing" city.

Along the way, Lee provides tips from a pro photographer about composition, technique, and capturing the decisive moment.

Lee tells a story of both sadness and hope. Although much of Tokyo's past will disappear and never return, there is a growing movement among young entrepreneurs to bring life back to this neighborhood and save important places from destruction. Lee may introduce you to some of these important people as you walk through the neighborhood, and explain how they are attempting to preserve the past for future generations to enjoy.

Photo Walking Tour in Old Tokyo exploring a charming neighborhood and meeting friendly residents.

Disappearing Tokyo

A light meal or a snack and coffee break along the route.

A camera, preferably one with manual control over some settings, for capturing images of your day and learning techniques from Lee.

Comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be covering a fairly long distance.

Seasonal recommendations: a small umbrella (for sun or rain), a water bottle, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

Meet Lee outside the ticket gates of Hikifune Station of the Tobu Skytree Line. There is only one ticket gate so you can't miss him.

Lee Chapman is a freelance photographer, long-term Tokyo resident, and self-described “lover of all things Showa and dated,” whose work has been featured in The Guardian, The Japan Times, and The Economist. Since moving to Japan in 1998, he has focused his lens on the city’s overlooked backstreets, documenting neighborhoods and lives under constant threat from Tokyo’s rapid redevelopment. His images capture the quiet resilience of its older districts, and the human stories embedded in everyday spaces, preserving fleeting moments that reveal both fragility and strength.

As an old Tokyo photowalk guide, Lee’s approach is rooted in patience and respect — he guides travelers into areas far from the glossy image of modern Tokyo, sharing insider knowledge and personal connections built over decades. Each walk is both a lesson in photography and an intimate exploration of a Tokyo that is fast disappearing but not yet forgotten. 

Uncover Portugal’s finest wines with an award-winning sommelier in this guided wine shopping experience. Your journey begins at a Lisbon tasting room with a short tasting to explore your palate and understand your preferences. From there, Teresa will take you to two of the city’s best wine boutiques to find the bottles that match your taste and budget.

With Teresa’s expert guidance, you’ll explore a wide range of Portuguese wines — from bold reds and elegant whites to vintage Ports and lesser-known gems — all tailored to your preferences. She’ll share practical tips on how to read labels, identify quality, and buy with confidence. Whether you’re a serious collector or simply want to bring home something special, this experience goes beyond tasting. It’s a personal, hands-on way to connect with Portugal’s wine heritage — bottle by bottle. You’ll leave with wines you love — and the confidence to keep choosing well throughout your stay or once you're back home.

This is a rare chance to shop for Portuguese wine with someone who truly knows the landscape — inside and out. Teresa doesn’t just recommend bottles — she helps you pick the ones that speak to you. As a certified sommelier and Port Wine Educator with deep roots in Portugal’s wine culture, she brings a level of insight, access, and honesty you won’t find browsing a shop on your own.

Rather than relying on shelf tags or generic advice, you'll gain a deeper understanding of what makes a wine worth taking home — how to decode labels, judge quality beyond price, and recognize the regions and grape varieties that you personally enjoy. Teresa’s approach is personal and practical, making your wine selection feel less overwhelming and more empowering. This is an ideal experience to book early in your trip — if you're in Portugal for a week or two, Teresa will help you stock up on wines you'll actually enjoy, so you're set for the rest of your stay.

Wine Tour in Lisbon: taste and learn to shop for Portuguese wines with an award-winning sommelier.

The Wine Wingwoman Recommends

Guided tasting of four Portuguese wines to discover your personal palate.

Personalized wine shopping tour in two curated Lisbon wine boutiques.

Expert guidance in selecting wines based on taste, budget, and style.

Access to rare labels, vintage Ports, and regionally distinctive bottles.

Practical tips on reading labels and identifying quality wines.

Personalized digital ebook on how to buy Portuguese wines like a local.

Led by an award-winning sommelier in an intimate, hands-on format.

Camera or smartphone to capture the experience, photograph bottle labels and jot down tasting notes and pairing ideas. 

You'll meet Teresa at Lisbon’s iconic Praça do Comércio — where history meets the river. Surrounded by grand arcades and golden light. After the booking, Chat with Teresa to get detailed directions.


As an award-winning wine professional, Certified Port Educator, and member of the prestigious Port Wine Brotherhood, Teresa brings a depth of knowledge that few can match. With nearly two decades of hands-on experience across vineyards, cellars, boutique wine shops, and private tastings, she offers a real insight into the world of Portuguese wine. She will help you discover the bottles that truly speak to your taste, and give you the confidence to choose them long after the experience ends.

Step into a Kurdish family home in Istanbul for an intimate Dengbej storytelling and dinner experience. Dengbej is a traditional Kurdish music style where singers recount epic tales of history, love, and loss using only their voices in an a cappella-style performance. You’ll start with a neighborhood walk, getting to know the local Kurdish community, before gathering around the family table for a home-cooked Kurdish dinner, prepared by the host’s mother.

As you tuck into your meal, a professional singer will perform a variety of Dengbej songs that convey the struggles and resilience of the Kurdish people, reflecting their historical, social, and cultural experiences. Once forbidden during periods of repression in Turkey, Dengbej has survived through clandestine performances and oral transmission. This experience allows you to delve into the origins and nuances of this vibrant art form while hearing the stories of a Kurdish family based in Istanbul.

This experience offers a rare chance to engage with Dengbej storytelling in a private Kurdish home, surrounded by warmth and hospitality. Unlike staged performances, this is an intimate gathering where songs are woven into personal stories. Your host, Baver, and his family will welcome you into their home, where professional Dengbej singer Xalide, from a lineage of Dengbej singers, brings this tradition to life.

Dengbej is one of the oldest forms of storytelling, dating back thousands of years. Despite centuries of suppression, it remains a vital record of Kurdish history and identity. Each song recounts tales of love, battles, and farewells, blending spoken word and melody. To add to the experience, Baver may sometimes accompany the singer with his Saz, a traditional string instrument from Turkey. To complete the evening, Baver’s mother will prepare a traditional Kurdish dinner, so guests can hear the stories of Kurdish culture but also taste its rich culinary heritage.

Kurdish Dengbej storytelling and home-cooked dinner in a local Istanbul home with traditional music.

Stories from a Kurdish Family

A short walk through the host’s neighborhood.

Intimate Dengbej music session with Xalide.

Short cooking workshop.

Homecooked Kurdish meal eaten with the family.

We recommend bringing a camera to capture the unique performance, comfortable clothing, and a notebook to record your thoughts.

This experience is located in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul near the Yıldız metro station. After booking please message Baver via Fernwayer chat for details on the meeting point.

This experience is hosted by Barış Baver and his Kurdish family, who warmly welcome guests into their home for an evening of storytelling, music, and food. Baver, an entrepreneur and cultural curator, is passionate about preserving Turkish and Kurdish traditions. He grew up immersed in Kurdish heritage, learning from his mother’s culinary wisdom and local traditions. His home has become a space where travelers can experience authentic Kurdish hospitality, sharing meals, stories, and culture in an intimate setting.

As part of this experience, Baver and his family invite Xalide, a professionally trained Dengbej singer from a lineage of performers, to bring this rare storytelling tradition to life. She will guide you through the meaning behind each song—whether a tale of love, exile, or celebration—offering insight into this ancient oral art. Paired with a home-cooked Kurdish dinner prepared by Baver’s mother, this is a deeply personal and immersive cultural experience unlike any other.

Morocco

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

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

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

Latifa’s Essaouira Kitchen

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

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

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

Traditional meal shared in a warm, family setting.

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

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

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

Set off on a breathtaking coastal adventure from the charming village of Orosei in Sardinia. Your journey begins with a leisurely walk to Cala Cartoe, a stunning beach where you connect to the Monte Irveri trail.

As you ascend a moderately challenging path, you'll discover 'Cuile Sa Tintura,' a beautifully restored shepherd's hut from the 1940s, situated on ancient ruins. Here, enjoy sweeping views of the Gulf of Orosei while learning about the mountain shepherds who led solitary lives for months.

The return trek takes you through a magical forest of ancient juniper trees, guiding you back to the serene shores of Cala Cartoe. When lunchtime arrives, savor a picnic based on Sardinian products amid the stunning landscape and take advantage of the clear waters for a refreshing swim or seasonal snorkeling. The final leg of your adventure is a brief hike back to the starting point, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Sardinia’s wild beauty.

This experience stands out for its blend of natural beauty, cultural history, and immersive adventure. Starting in the village of Orosei, you'll hike along an ancient path once used by local shepherds, learning about their rugged lifestyle.

You'll explore an off-the-beaten-path area along a spectacular coastline often overlooked by travel guides, ensuring an unspoiled experience that fosters an intimate connection with the local landscape and its inhabitants.

Melina and Simone, passionate about nature and committed to avoiding mass tourism, will create the perfect atmosphere for you to enjoy the tranquility, breathtaking views of the Gulf of Orosei, a pleasant walk through an ancient juniper forest, and a refreshing swim or snorkeling experience in crystal-clear waters—allowing you to connect deeply with Sardinian nature.

Hiking Tour in Sardinia from Orosei to Cala Cartoe with sea views, shepherd hut and beach picnic.

The Edge of the Sea in Orosei

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. Lunch with local products.



Hiking shoes, comfortable layered clothing, a waterproof windbreaker, a hat, sun cream, a towel, a swimsuit, and sunglasses.

This excursion is best suited for those in good physical shape and without any health concerns.

Digital Detox: Mobile phone coverage is available only on the beach.

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.

Chile

This full-day tour introduces you to the cultural heritage of Chile’s Atacama Desert, the world's driest non-polar desert where landscapes comprise volcanoes, salt flats, geysers, and lagoons. Hosted by Mirko, a bilingual guide, you will venture into remote valleys to learn about the Atacameños (the "people of the region") and explore a little-known archaeological site. The purpose is to connect with the local community and understand how the people of the Atacama have adapted to this demanding yet beautiful environment.

The morning is spent with a community where many individuals hail from the Lickanantay ethnic group. You will walk alongside llama herders while hearing tales about ancient Andean life and how the worldview is upheld. Next, you will oversee a clay-making workshop before dining on a lunch typical of this region. The afternoon is spent at the Tulor Archaeological Site, learning about of the architecture, society, and life of the early Atacameños.

The experience is a rare access invitation to connect with the people who descend from a 10,000-year-old culture steeped in agriculture, animal husbandry, and the cosmos. Once a semi-nomadic tribe, this civilization adapted over the years and developed advanced agricultural techniques.

Mirko first invites you to participate in the typical day of the Lickanantay people by joining a llama herder on a mindful walk during which they'll share stories about their lifestyle. By observing the molding and firing of clay, you'll hear how a connection is forged between people and land. You'll try it for yourself and take away a piece of worked clay. 

After dining on a lunch of quinoa, corn, pataska, and herbs from the highlands, it's time for the history lesson you wish you'd had at school. Predating the Incas, the Tulor Archaeological Site is one of the oldest pre-Columbian sites in the Americas. As you walk amid the adobe ruins, Mirko will explain evidence of social organization and rituals.

Indigenous Culture Tour from San Pedro de Atacama: llama herding, crafts, Tulor Archaeological Site.

The Cradle of the Atacameños

Guiding by a licensed bilingual tour guide.

Visit with an indigenous community in the Atacama Desert.

Mindful walk with a llama herder and storytelling.

Clay workshop experience. Take home your unfired clay piece as a memento of your time in the community. Finished options are available for purchase, there is no obligation.

Guided visit to the Tulor Archaeological Site.

Lunch featuring traditional Atacameño dishes in a local restaurant.

Private transportation by private vehicle. 

Sunscreen, lipbalm, sunglasses, and sunhat.
Comfortable clothing/footwear suitable for light trekking: bear in mind that the conditions vary from cold to hot throughout the day and wind can be ferocious in the Atacama region.
Binoculars are recommended but not essential.
Bottled water.

Mirko will pick you up from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Share the name and address of your hotel via  Fernwayer Chat function post booking. 

Mirko Andrei Rebolledo is a licensed guide and professional photographer with a deep connection to Chile’s breathtaking landscapes. He has spent the last five years capturing the raw beauty of the Atacama Desert, where he works as both a wildlife photographer and a certified tour guide. Before moving north, he honed his expertise in the rugged terrains of Chilean Patagonia.

Whether leading photography-focused excursions or sharing his extensive knowledge of the desert’s unique geography and cultural heritage, Mirko ensures each experience is an unforgettable journey through one of the most otherworldly places on Earth.

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

Spain

Seville in Shadow and Light

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

United States

Hub Cities: Venice, Bologna, Milan

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

Trip Highlights:

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

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

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

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

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

La Serenissima to Modern Milan

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

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

West Algarve: Wild & Crafted

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

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 | 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.

Dreamscapes of Cappadocia

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

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

Living the Pulse of Porto

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

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

Sand, Salt & Stars in Atacama

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PLAN YOUR TRIP | 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.

An Escape to Morocco

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

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

One Day in Madrid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Milan in Form and Flair

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

This 3-day South East Sicily itinerary is beautifully balanced — it flows from almond groves to ancient theaters, olive groves to volcanic slopes.

South East Sicily holds a rare kind of richness—where golden stone meets deep flavor, and ancient landscapes echo through everyday life. This three-day itinerary is designed to move slowly and purposefully through that corner of the island, where everything feels grounded: in sun, in story, in taste.

Day one opens in the almond groves and soft trails near Noto, where agriculture and antiquity intertwine. The afternoon invites you into the town itself, where the Baroque facades of Corso Vittorio Emanuele glow in the late light. You’ll walk among church domes and curved balconies, ending the day with gelato in hand and a quiet dinner in the countryside, surrounded by olive trees and silence.

On the second day, the rhythm shifts to the coast. Ortigia, the historic heart of Siracusa, offers a morning of light-soaked streets and briny market air. You'll taste olives grown nearby and move at the pace of a place shaped by centuries. In the late afternoon, you board a boat for a sunset sail along Ortigia’s edge—water, limestone, and shifting sky. The day closes with a table at Don Camillo, where tradition is honored, not preserved.

The final day takes you higher. Mount Etna commands the horizon and the imagination. You'll walk along its slopes, where vineyards thrive in black soil and steam rises from fissures just beneath your feet. Later, the calm of Taormina welcomes you down, offering views from its ancient Greek theater that stretch from mountain to sea. Dinner in town brings the journey full circle—flavors, views, and the quiet hum of Sicilian life.

This is Sicily in layers: cultivated, storied, and elemental. A region best experienced with open time, open senses, and a willingness to let its golden rhythm set your pace.

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

Sicily’s Golden Corner

3-day itinerary in South East Sicily with Noto’s Baroque streets, Ortigia sailing, and Etna’s beauty

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

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

Lisbon and the Roads Out

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

The Jardim Botânico de Lisboa, set in the heart of Lisbon, offers a tranquil escape. Founded in the late 19th century, this botanical garden is a testament to the city's commitment to preserving natural beauty and biodiversity. Its lush landscapes and diverse plant collections make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and those seeking solace amidst urban life. Key features of the Jardim Botânico de Lisboa include:

Rich Plant Diversity: Home to over 18,000 plant species, the garden showcases a wide range of flora, including rare and endangered species. Its collections emphasize tropical and subtropical plants, offering visitors a glimpse into diverse ecosystems.

Historical Legacy: Established in 1878, the garden was initially intended for scientific research in conjunction with the Polytechnic School of Lisbon. It reflects the era's fascination with botany and the natural world.

Educational Resource: As a center for botanical studies, the garden provides an invaluable educational experience, highlighting the importance of plant conservation and environmental awareness.

Architectural Features: The garden is adorned with historical greenhouses, fountains, and statues, adding an element of architectural interest and historical context to its natural beauty.

Conservation Efforts: The Jardim Botânico plays a crucial role in conserving biodiversity within Lisbon, offering a habitat for various bird species and contributing to the city's ecological health.

Photographic Charm: With its scenic beauty, diverse plant life, and quaint greenhouses, the garden is a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers.

Jardim Botânico de Lisboa stands as a green sanctuary in the urban landscape, blending botanical education, historical significance, and natural allure. It is a delightful destination for visitors seeking a tranquil and enriching experience in Lisbon.

Photo by César Garcia

Jardim Botânico de Lisboa

Museo Correr, located right on St. Mark's Square, offers a deep dive into the historical and artistic evolution of Venice. Top reasons to visit:
1: Historical Evolution: The Museo Correr traces its origins to the collection donated by Teodoro Correr in 1830. Over the years, it has grown into a comprehensive exhibit that chronicles Venice's political and military history. Each room is a chapter in the story of the Republic, showcasing everything from naval battles to daily governance.
2: Artistic Treasures: The museum's art collection is a journey through Venetian painting and sculpture, featuring works from the Byzantine to the Renaissance periods. Highlights include masterpieces by Bellini, Carpaccio, and Canova. Paintings, decorative objects, coinage, maps, classical and neoclassical sculpture, and much more, complete this extensive and eclectic collection.
3: Ethnographic Insights: Beyond art, Museo Correr delves into the ethnography of Venice. The exhibits on daily life, crafts, and trades provide a fascinating glimpse into the social fabric of the city. It’s an opportunity to understand the everyday life of Venetians, from their clothing to their navigational instruments.
4: Architectural Splendor: The museum itself, an architectural gem, adds to the experience. Its rooms, with elegant designs and breathtaking views of St. Mark's Square, enhance the allure of the exhibits. The Neoclassical rooms designed by architect Giuseppe Borsato are particularly striking.
5: Special Exhibitions: Museo Correr often hosts special exhibitions that delve deeper into specific aspects of Venetian history or art. These temporary exhibitions are a treat for visitors, offering fresh perspectives and unique themes that enrich the understanding of Venice’s past and present.
Tickets can be purchased at Museo Correr's official website. The museum is typically less crowded in the mornings, offering a more tranquil experience.
Photo by Giusi Borrasi

Museo Correr

I visited Italy last summer. So, I have never seen so beautiful landscapes and streets.

Amazing sun

Belarus

Ethiopia

In Lalibela, I am moved by the devotion and faith of pilgrims who have walked for weeks, and hundreds of miles across the country, to celebrate Genna - Ethiopia’s Christmas - on January 7. Here, the year is 2011, since Ethiopia still observes a pre-Julian calendar. I am immediately taken in by the idea of being 7 years younger, albeit for a fleeting moment.

Pilgrims arrive early - between midnight to 5 am -  to get a prized standing spot inside the tiny but iconic Biete Gyorgis. As I watch pilgrims read from their bibles, often from inside their shroud, using a candle or torch, I realize I’ve never seen such fervor in worship. 

☦️
By 6:30 am, Biete Giyorgis, the iconic rock-hewn church of Lalibela, has no more standing space, so these pilgrims huddle outside and around trees and pray from their copies of the Bible, guided by the chanting from the church, that fills the air with spirituality. It’s poetic and beautiful.

Faith

Greece

Pyrgos is a trendy hilltop medieval village. It’s full of little winding, narrow streets constructed haphazardly on the hills alongside multi-colored houses and doors. We lose our way several times and keep looping back to the same point .. using that as an excuse to check out yet another local art gallery constructed unobtrusively into the hillside. 

During the 15th and 16th century, the locals defended themselves from pirates by erecting kastelias .. fortified buildings. Pyrgos has the best example of these medieval buildings on the island. It also has the oldest churches.

We stop at a home with a large blue door .. and the views are stunning but give an impression that Santorini is flat and covered by vineyards instead of being a caldera. 

The one fascinating feature of homes here is a long, deep chimney for ventilation. And the strong winds make howling noises through the chimneys.

In Pyrgos, we visited vineyards ... but that’s a different story.

Old Blue Doors

Philippines

This was my first time visiting Gigantes Islands, and I was struck by the raw beauty of its cliffs and crystal-clear waters that surround its secluded beaches. There are several islands that you can hop in to and my favorite one is what the locals call the “mini boracay” because the sand sure feels like that in Boracay. Other islands are as equally awesome like the Bantigue sandbar, and Cabugay. We also explored the local neighborhood and sure has its own interesting stories. For one, I discovered that due to the abundance of scallops in the island, there’s a neighborhood that stands on a land area that’s made up of scallop shells that is meters thick! Just imagine how much scallops shells that would’ve taken. There’s a lot to explore but if you just want something that’s relaxed, you can just have a good beer by the beach from sunset til night. 

Gigantes Islands

A horse carriage ride by night in Ronda offers a magical way to explore this historic town, known for its dramatic landscapes, ancient architecture, and timeless Andalusian charm. As the sun sets and the warm glow of streetlights illuminates Ronda’s cobbled streets, the rhythmic clip-clop of horses’ hooves creates a serene and romantic atmosphere. This leisurely ride allows you to experience Ronda’s beauty under the night sky, passing iconic landmarks like the Puente Nuevo and the old town’s Moorish streets in a peaceful, dream-like setting.
 Highlights of a Ronda Horse Carriage Ride by Night:

1. Puente Nuevo by Moonlight: The horse-drawn carriage will take you across or around the Puente Nuevo, where you can admire the gorge’s steep cliffs bathed in moonlight. The sight of the towering bridge lit up at night is unforgettable, offering a different, more intimate perspective than during the day.

2. Old Town (La Ciudad): As you roll through Ronda’s ancient streets, you’ll pass whitewashed houses, beautiful churches, and old palaces like the Palacio de Mondragón, all softly illuminated by night. The old town’s narrow, winding lanes are even more enchanting under the glow of the street lamps.

3. Plaza de Toros and Alameda del Tajo: Your ride will likely pass by the historic Ronda Bullring, which takes on an atmospheric aura at night. Nearby, the Alameda del Tajo park offers beautiful nighttime views over the surrounding countryside from the cliffs.

4. Romantic Ambiance: The gentle motion of the carriage, combined with the quiet of Ronda’s streets at night, creates a wonderfully romantic experience. It’s a perfect way to take in the town’s beauty at a slower, more intimate pace.

Tip: Wrap up warmly, especially during cooler months, and bring a camera to capture the softly lit streets and scenic nighttime views of Ronda’s most famous landmarks.

Photo: Shutterstock 

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