Italy

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

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

Available only on July 14th, for a maximum of 4 guests.

Every July 14, Palermo marks the night of the Festino di Santa Rosalia, one of the most spectacular popular celebrations in the Mediterranean. The tradition began after the saint's relics, found on Monte Pellegrino, were credited with ending the plague that struck the city in 1624. Four centuries later, Palermo still fills its streets to honor her.

Guided by Marina, a photographer and writer, you will experience the Festino through photography and visual storytelling. You will walk along the Cassaro, the city's ancient main street, following the triumphal chariot and observing how Palermo changes over the evening, through processions, artistic performances, and popular devotion.

From the Cathedral to the Foro Italico, along the entire procession route, you will follow the different stages of the Festino, understanding the rites behind it and the deep bond Palermitans hold with Santuzza.

The Festino di Santa Rosalia is a collective story that draws in the entire city. Every year artists, actors, musicians and residents turn the historic center into an open-air stage where the sacred and the profane have coexisted for centuries.You discover the story of Rosalia, the Sicilian noblewoman who withdrew in prayer as a hermit on the mountain that overlooks the city. Marina tells you why her figure still holds a place in the Sicilian imagination and in Palermo's identity.

The chariot at the center of it all is rebuilt every year, a new work by a different artist since 1686, so what you photograph has never looked quite like this before and never will again. Around it, theatrical lights, women with roses in their hair, and a wealth of humanity to immerse yourself in and draw inspiration from. On a night when hundreds of thousands of people line a single street, much of the work is knowing where to stand and when, and that is what Marina's attentive and empathetic eye is for.

Festino di Santa Rosalia Photo Walk in Palermo, Sicily: the triumphal chariot along the Cassaro.

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

The Chariot of Santa Rosalia

Photography walk through Palermo’s Festino di Santa Rosalia with a photographer and writer.

Guidance on capturing the triumphal chariot, processions, performances, devotees and other key moments of the celebration.

Cultural context on Santa Rosalia, the Festino’s rites, and its place in Palermo’s identity.

Coffee break and street food stop.

*Available only on July 14, for a maximum of 4 guests. Book by the person or choose the private option to have the experience exclusively for your group.

Comfortable shoes.
A camera or smartphone.
Light clothing and a bottle of water — July nights in Palermo stay warm.
A bag with a zipper closure for peace of mind in crowded areas.

**This experience is suitable for photography enthusiasts, beginners, and travelers interested in local culture.

You’ll meet Marina in front of Palermo's Cathedral, at the entrance to Vicolo Brugnò.

Marina Mongiovì is a photographer and writer based in Palermo. Her photographic work focuses on street photography.

Her images have been exhibited at the Palermo's Centro Internazionale di Fotografia, as part of group exhibitions curated by renowned photojournalist Letizia Battaglia. She has exhibited in Rome as a finalist in an international open call organized by Roma Fotografia, and has held two solo exhibitions in Catania.

Photography and writing run alongside each other in her work. In 2022 she published Storie del Castello di Trezza, a photographic retelling of Giovanni Verga, and in 2023 her first collection of short stories, Sciara. Her stories have appeared in several Italian literary magazines.

Spain

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

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

An exclusive experience that combines gastronomy, history, and photography in the heart of Granada. This twilight experience begins with a sumptuous dinner at a Carmen, a traditional terraced restaurant with stunning views of the Alhambra. As the sun sets, you'll embark on a guided night-time exploration of the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking Islamic architecture and verdant gardens. The palace complex takes on an ethereal beauty at night, illuminated to showcase its intricate details and grandeur. Accompanied by a professional photographer and a knowledgeable local guide, you'll delve into the Alhambra's history while capturing its beauty against the night sky. The experience culminates with a glass of wine in the historic ambiance of the Parador, surrounded by centuries of stories. This is an immersive journey into the soul of Granada, leaving you with memories and photographs to last a lifetime.

Granada is well connected by road and rail. After the booking, chat with Maria Reyes to share your Granada hotel details for organizing pickup.

This experience stands out due to its timing and exclusivity. Nighttime visits offer a serene and intimate atmosphere far removed from the daytime crowds. The soft lighting accentuates the architectural details and casts the gardens in a mystical glow, providing a fresh perspective on this historic site. The professional photo shoot amidst this backdrop ensures that guests take home personalized souvenirs of their magical evening. Moreover, the expert commentary by your private local guide enriches the experience, providing depth and context to the visual feast. Dining in a Carmen before the experience adds another layer of luxury, blending exquisite local cuisine with panoramic views of the Alhambra, making for an unforgettable sensory delight.

Cultural Tour in Granada with Alhambra Night Visit, dinner, photography, and exclusive access.

Dinner at a terrace overlooking the Alhambra. Then visit the Alhambra at night, an incredible magical experience.
A photographer will accompany the clients during the visit. End with a glass of wine and a musical surprise. 

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

Enchantment at the Alhambra

Guided night tour of the Alhambra with historical and architectural insights.

Luxury dinner at a traditional Carmen with panoramic views of the Alhambra.

Professional photographer to document your experience throughout the evening.

A curated set of professionally taken photographs as a keepsake.

Glass of wine at the historic Parador to conclude the evening.

Round-trip transportation from your hotel in Granada.

Entrance fees for the Alhambra night visit.

Choose attire that is not only comfortable for walking but also photogenic, as you will be professionally photographed against the majestic backdrop of the Alhambra. While the photographer will ensure your moments are captured beautifully, bringing a personal camera or smartphone for additional memories is recommended. Above all, bring a sense of adventure and curiosity to fully enjoy this unique experience.

You will be picked up at your Granada hotel. After the booking, chat with Maria Reyes to share your hotel details.  

The experience is led by a seasoned local guide, an expert in Granada's history and the Alhambra's secrets. This guide's passion for the city and its heritage, combined with an extensive knowledge base, promises an engaging and informative experience. Accompanying the tour is a professional photographer, skilled in capturing the unique beauty of the Alhambra. Their expertise will ensure that each moment is preserved with aesthetic grace and technical precision, offering you a collection of images that tell the story of your evening. 

María Reyes will connect you with the host closer to the date of the experience. 

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

Hands-on experience creating your own travel notebook with traditional bookbinding techniques and authentic Sardinian textiles, in a historic bookbinding workshop.

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.

France

The experience begins in Aix-en-Provence, with a walk through the historic centre along the streets and markets that shaped the world of Paul Cézanne. Squares, fountains, artisan shops, and market stalls reveal the character of the town, while stories of Cézanne and the artistic life of Provence accompany the walk.

Late in the morning, a scenic drive takes you south through the landscape dominated by Mont Sainte-Victoire, crossing the mountain’s southern flank above vineyards and Provençal villages, the same mountain that appears again and again in Cézanne’s paintings. You then stop for lunch in the village of Puyloubier, beneath the mountain, on a shaded square beside the fountain.

In the afternoon, the experience turns to the Sainte-Victoire wine area, with tastings at two vineyards set against the mountain. The first is a small producer committed to biodiversity, with vines planted on high slopes. The second is a family-run winery known for its wines.

Following Cézanne in Provence brings together three ways of experiencing the same landscape in a single day. You first encounter Mont Sainte-Victoire through Cézanne, who returned to it repeatedly in his paintings. You then cross the landscape itself, before arriving in the vineyards that still shape its slopes today.

Aix-en-Provence, Mont Sainte-Victoire, and the vineyards beneath it are not treated as separate stops, but as parts of the same story. The day moves from Cézanne’s world to the physical landscape that inspired him, and then to the people who continue to work that land. 

In the vineyards beneath Mont Sainte-Victoire, winegrowing is shaped by terrain, exposure, and elevation. Visiting two producers carefully chosen by Christopher and Laurent shows how differently growers work with the same mountain landscape, from high slopes shaped by biodiversity to a family-run winery.

Day Trip in Provence visiting Aix-en-Provence, Cézanne sites, and Mont Sainte-Victoire vineyards.

Through Cézanne's Eye

Full-day experience to Aix-en-Provence and its surroundings.

Guidance throughout the day by Christopher or Laurent.

Visit and tastings at two wineries.

Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Lourmarin, or Gordes.

Air-conditioned SUV with phone chargers and bottled water.

Two-course lunch, including a glass of wine, coffee and water, either at the vineyard or in the village nearby, depending on the weather.

Comfortable walking shoes.
Sunscreen and a hat.
A camera or smartphone to record the occasion.

Christopher or Laurent will pick you up from your accommodation in Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Lourmarin and Gordes. After booking, contact Christopher via Chat to arrange the details.

You will be guided by Christopher or Laurent, licensed guides based in Marseille. They have been guiding travelers across Provence for more than eight years, building on more than twenty-five years of personal familiarity with the region’s landscapes, towns, and cultural rhythms. Their work draws on long observation of Provence’s varied terrain and everyday life, allowing them to share both well-known sites and the lesser-noticed stories that make the region distinctive. 

Christopher is originally from England and Laurent is French. Both spent many years in London before relocating to Marseille in 2013, traveling widely during that time and developing a deep curiosity about place and culture. In 2018 they launched their guiding venture together, bringing their passion for connection and cultural exchange to experiences across Provence. Their approach unfolds at an easy pace with space for conversation, close observation, and pleasure of shared time.

Morocco

This is a three-day/two-night expedition to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, set within Morocco’s stunning High Atlas Mountains. Starting in the village of Imlil, this challenging trek takes you through varied landscapes—lush valleys to stark, rocky slopes—and returns you to Imlil, ensuring you're acclimatized throughout.

Day 1 ends at a private room at the Toubkal Refuge, where you’ll spend the night resting ahead of the summit climb. On Day 2, you’ll reach the peak and take in panoramic views across the Marrakech plains and on clear days, toward the Sahara. After descending, you'll stay in the Berber village of Aremd, offering a cultural close to the day’s exertion. On Day 3, enjoy a gentle return to Imlil through familiar trails—completing a route that balances natural beauty, physical challenge and cultural depth.

Compare this with Ahmed’s 2-day/1-night “Conquering the Toubkal Summit” to determine which fits best with your schedule and preferences.

This experience stands out for the exceptional guiding and care provided by Ahmed and his team. It strikes a rare balance of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. Spread over three days, it allows for better acclimatization, with a night in a private/double room at the Toubkal Refuge and another in the Berber village of Aremd—offering comfort, recovery, and connection. You’ll follow ancient shepherds’ paths through valleys and remote villages, encountering centuries-old Berber traditions, endemic flora, aromatic herbs, and occasional Barbary macaques.

While the climb is demanding, the pace is sustainable—rewarding those with good fitness with a deeply fulfilling journey. Unlike shorter summit treks, this extended format allows time to absorb the mountain’s stories and rhythms, and to connect meaningfully with the land and its people. A powerful ascent to North Africa’s highest peak, made richer through care, pacing, and cultural depth.

Imlil is the meeting point for your three-day Toubkal trek. It’s where your guide and mule team assemble, and where you’ll begin the gradual ascent into the High Atlas. The air is cooler, the pace slows, and the mountains begin to rise sharply above the village paths.

Imlil offers a moment of calm and orientation—where you meet your guide, adjust your gear, and take your first steps along the same footpaths used by local shepherds and mountain guides for generations. Imlil gives you a quiet introduction to Berber life in the mountains. The village offers a last chance to pick up essentials, but also a first chance to experience the rhythm of the region—through its homes, people, and landscape.

Trek departure from Imlil village with guide meet-up, gear check, and first ascent into the Atlas

Imlil Village

On your final morning, you’ll likely rise early—if you do, step outside to see Mount Toubkal lit by sunrise, a quiet reminder of where you’ve just been. After a warm, local breakfast, you’ll make the gentle descent back to Imlil, retracing familiar trails through the valley. Once in Imlil, you can pause to rest or meet your driver for the return to Marrakesh (organize the return trip with your Marrakesh home, it's not included in this experience). 

This closing stretch offers a soft, thoughtful end to your journey. The morning light, a simple and tasty Berber breakfast, and the familiar rhythm of the trail give you time to reflect. If you’re heading back to Marrakesh, please organize with your hotel to pick you up in Imlil. It’s a smooth return—both physically and mentally—from the mountains to the city.

Complete your trek with a descent to Imlil.

Return to Imlil 

Summit day begins before sunrise with a steady, demanding ascent from the refuge to the top of Mount Toubkal, which rises to 4,167 meters—the highest point in North Africa. The trail is rocky and steep, but manageable with good fitness. At the summit, you’ll stand above the High Atlas, with sweeping views over the Marrakech plains and, on clear mornings, the edge of the Sahara.

What sets this summit apart isn’t just the altitude—it’s how you get there. The pace is measured, your body is acclimatized, and you’re supported by a guide who knows these mountains intimately. The climb is strenuous but achievable for those with good fitness, and the moment at the top—raw, quiet, and panoramic—is earned, not rushed. It’s a personal peak, not just a physical one.

Summit trek to Mount Toubkal at 4,167 meters with early start, rocky climb, and sweeping views

Summiting Mount Toubkal

After the summit climb in the early morning, you’ll make a gradual descent down to the village of Aremd. You’ll arrive by the afternoon—early enough to rest, recover, and take in the views of the mountain you just climbed. You’ll stay the night in a simple and rustic but comfortable Berber guesthouse, with a private room/double/family room with a member of your party (based on your preference), each with its own ensuite bathroom. These are simple and modest, comfortable and safe lodgings. 

This final night gives you space to absorb the full experience. From the guesthouse terrace, you’ll see Toubkal from below—quiet and distant now. You’ll have a chance to walk through the village, meet local residents, and maybe visit the village hammam. Dinner is a warm, home-cooked meal—flavorful, generous, and made from local ingredients. The pace is slower, the conversation flows, and your connection to this landscape deepens in a quieter, more personal way.

Post-summit descent to Aremd village with mountain views, local dinner, and restful guesthouse stay

Descent & Berber Village Stay

After a full day of ascent, you’ll reach the Toubkal Refuge—your base at 3,200 meters before summit day. You’ll break for a picnic lunch en route or stop for a warm meal in a Berber home, then continue to the refuge. Here, you’ll settle into a private/double room, depending on the group's needs (please share this with Ahmed after booking), and enjoy a proper dinner to refuel and acclimatize for the climb ahead.

Most trekkers sleep in dorm-style bunk rooms with shared bathrooms at the Toubkal Refuge, often alongside 10–20 others—conditions that don’t support privacy, comfort, or restful sleep. In contrast, this experience includes a private / double room shared only within your group, based on your preference, each with an ensuite bathroom. It’s a quieter, more restorative way to spend the night at altitude. Keep in mind, however, that these are simple and modest rooms. In rare situations when all private rooms are booked out, Ahmed will arrange private/double tents for your party -- these are comfortable, safe and provide a peaceful night's sleep (in this case, the bathrooms at the refuge will be used.)

Meals are freshly prepared and more generous than the standard dorm fare, with a focus on nourishment and recovery. 

This high-altitude pause isn’t just practical—it allows your body to adjust, improves your summit chances, and offers rare stillness under the stars of the High Atlas.

Overnight stop at Toubkal Refuge with private or shared ensuite room, acclimatization, and full meal

Toubkal Refuge

Hiking Trek to summit Mount Toubkal with two nights' stay in the Atlas Mountains, near Marrakesh.

Three Days in Toubkal

Guided ascent to the summit of Mount Toubkal.

Two nights’ accommodation: one at Toubkal Refuge (private/shared room or tent) and one in a Berber village (private/shared room).

All meals as per itinerary.

Return trek to Imlil via scenic and culturally rich trails.

Licensed mountain guide and mule team for luggage.

Dress for mountain conditions: sturdy boots, waterproof jacket, warm layers, gloves, sun hat/cream, fleece/anorak for winter. Refillable water bottle and day pack for essentials. Toilet Paper.

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

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

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

The meeting point in Imlil will be confirmed by Ahmed via Chat after the booking. Pickups will be included only from nearby Imlil hotels. 

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

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

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

WINTER SAFETY: DUE TO POST-EARTHQUAKE CONDITIONS MAKING THE TRAIL AND TERRAIN MORE UNPREDICTABLE DURING THE WINTER, THIS TOUBKAL SUMMIT TREK IS ONLY OFFERED FROM MAY 1 TO OCTOBER 31. 

Peru

Take a three-hour stroll around Lima’s most atmospheric district with a local guide who will unravel the area's past and spotlight creative hubs. Known for its bohemian vibe, historic architecture, and creative energy, Barranco was once a seaside retreat for the elite in the 19th and 20th centuries — these days it’s a hotspot for modern makers, cocktail joints, surfers, and musicians. Lorena will divulge its history as you pass Republican-era mansions and Neo-colonial villas with touches of Art Nouveau on this curated walking tour.

Lorena's route takes you to architectural gems such as the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs) and a scenic ocean viewpoint. You'll call into some of her favorite craft boutiques and galleries, passing colorful murals along the way, which Lorena will contextualize. The walking tour includes a relaxed stop for Peruvian hot chocolate (or coffee, if you prefer) at a rooftop bar in a boutique hotel. It feels like being shown around by a friend.

Barranco has long been a hub for artists, musicians, and writers, whose legacies live on today. These historic façades now form a stage for contemporary culture and a place where locals catch up with friends. Lorena's experience bridges the gap between old and new, explaining how Limeños respect their city's heritage while embracing modern trends. With Lorena at your side, you'll learn about the political events and creative movements that have shaped the neighborhood’s identity.

Through Lorena's commentary and exchanges in craft emporiums, you will forge a deeper connection with Barranco's soul and understand what this barrio, and its people, contribute to Lima. After helping you find your bearings, Lorena recommends spending some time exploring the shops, galleries, and bars independently — noting how the mood shifts from relaxed to electric as locals arrive for an evening of pisco sours and live music. She will recommend places to shop, eat, and drink based on your personal tastes.

Walking Tour of Barranco, Lima with architecture, street art, boutiques, and Puente de los Suspiros.

Barranco, by the Seaside

Guided walking tour of Lima’s Barranco district.

Exploration of key sites including Puente de los Suspiros, ocean viewpoints, murals, boutiques, and galleries.

Cultural and historical commentary throughout the walk by a professional local guide. 

One hot chocolate or coffee and one pastry or slice of cake per person at a rooftop bar.

Comfortable clothing for walking. 
Sunhat/sunscreen.
Bottled water.

** Bring a debit/credit card and some Peruvian soles in case you wish to purchase any souvenirs. There is no obligation to make any purchases, however, the experience provides an opportunity to support local artisans.

Lorena will meet you outside Casa Rocaverde (an art gallery and showroom) at Jirón Perez Roca 203, Barranco, Lima.

We recommend taking an Uber/Cabify to the meeting point. The tour ends in Barranco where you can opt to explore independently or hail an Uber/Cabify to your hotel. 

Lorena Oliart is a real Limeña and a professional guide. A modern citizen of Lima, Lorena is deeply connected to her city’s flavors, history, traditions, and — above all — its people. She is a gifted storyteller who enjoys sharing Lima through lived experience and encourages travelers to spend more time discovering the city beyond a brief visit.

Before founding her tour company, Lorena worked across administrative, cultural, and arts-related sectors in Lima. Over more than a decade, this experience sharpened her ability to coordinate people, places, and ideas — skills that naturally carried into tourism and cultural interpretation. She brings these perspectives into her walks, combining historical context with lived experience. As a host, Lorena is warm and approachable. Her experiences are built around curiosity and human connection. She shows you the city, shares her culture, and welcomes you as a guest rather than a client.

Portugal

This experience shows you two sides of Porto's life and culture — the working river of the Douro, and the fishing community of Afurada at its mouth. After a hotel pickup, you'll travel to the Marina do Freixo and board a private boat with the skipper and your guide.

The cruise itself is unhurried — 2 hours along the Douro past Porto's historic Ribeira, beneath its bridges, and toward the river's mouth. The skipper navigates while he and your guide take turns sharing how Porto has changed across their lifetimes, with the buildings and bridges telling old and new stories. Local snacks are interspersed with a guided tasting of two high-quality Ports.

You'll disembark at Afurada, the working fishing village just across the river. Lunch is grilled fresh fish, cooked on charcoal grills set up along the streets. Before or after lunch, you'll walk through the village's historic buildings. The day ends with a private transfer back to your hotel.

Porto offers many river cruises — most are focused on counting bridges — and many Port wine tastings, scripted affairs that quickly go past barrels to end with average tastings. This experience is built around people and stories: the guide is a local, the skipper is from Gaia, and the fishing community of Afurada has always sat at the river's mouth. Some of the fishermen you wave to will wave back; others will be too busy with their catch.

You'll taste different Ports and local snacks on board in conversation with your guide and skipper, who have spent decades living in this city. As you sail, you'll briefly pass the Douro Estuary, where the river meets the Atlantic, before arriving in Afurada. Here you'll discover a village where fishing still shapes daily life, from colourful boats and the old communal washhouse to extraordinary miniature fishing boats handcrafted by retired fishermen, preserving the skills and traditions of one of Porto's last authentic fishing communities.

You'll disembark at Afurada, the small fishing village just across the river from Porto. The meal — lunch on the morning schedule, an early dinner on the afternoon schedule — is served at a local family-run restaurant: grilled fish straight from the boats. Sardines during the summer season (June through October), or sea bass (robalo) and dourada (sea bream) at other times, cooked on charcoal grills set up along the village streets, served with potatoes, salad, and local wine.

Afurada's open-air fish grilling is one of the rare daily food traditions in Portugal that hasn't been refashioned for visitors. The charcoal grills are set up by the same families who have run these restaurants for generations; the fish comes from boats moored a few yards from the table. In sardine season, this is one of the most direct ways in Portugal to experience the dish most associated with Portuguese cuisine — eaten where it's caught, the same day, the same way locals have eaten it for generations.

Afurada's Grilled Fish

Either before or after the meal, depending on whether you picked a morning or afternoon schedule, you'll walk through Afurada's narrow streets — past tile-fronted houses, fishing nets, and local life unfolding as it has for generations. Two stops anchor the walk: the Lavadouro Público, the communal washhouse where local lavadeiras still hand-wash sheets and carpets in stone tubs and hang laundry on the beach to dry, and the Centro Interpretativo do Património da Afurada (Interpretive Heritage Center), a two-story museum in a converted fishing warehouse packed with objects donated by former fishermen and washerwomen — wooden boats, hand-painted sailor lunch boxes, photographs, fishing tools, and the village's collected memory.

A private transfer takes you from Afurada back to your hotel in Porto.

Both of these stops would need a local expert to guide you. The Lavadouro is the kind of living tradition rarely visible to travelers — women still bring their washing here not out of necessity but because they prefer it for large items, and because the social life of the washhouse hasn't disappeared either. The Interpretive Heritage Center, set in red-painted warehouses redesigned by Portuguese architects Alves Costa and Sérgio Fernandez, is more tribute than museum — most of what's inside was donated by the families of the people it documents. Together, the two stops show Afurada as it actually is: a working village whose traditions are still ongoing, not preserved for visitors.

The transfer crosses back over the river — the same river you'd spent the morning on — closing the day with one more pass over the water that defines Porto.

A guided walk through Afurada's Heritage Centre and historic buildings.

Afurada's Lavadouro & Heritage

Your guide meets you at your hotel in Porto. From there, you'll travel by private car to the Marina do Freixo, where the private boat is moored, and board for the day's cruise.

You'll board a private boat at the Marina do Freixo, east of central Porto, and settle in as the skipper navigates out into the river. The experience includes a tasting of local snacks on board, which may include fresh croissants, cheese and a ham board, fresh fruit, pastel de nata, and coffee or tea. 

A door-to-door start means no logistics on your end. The drive to the marina sets up the first conversation with your guide.

The Marina do Freixo sits east of central Porto, away from the river's tourist core. Setting off from here gives you the calm start of the day before the city's busiest stretches — and the on-board tastings mean you're already in the experience as Porto begins to move past you.

Begin your day with a transfer from the hotel to Marina do Freixo.

Hotel to Marina do Freixo

A two-hour cruise along the Douro takes you past Porto's historic Ribeira waterfront, beneath the city's six (soon-to-be-seven) bridges (including the iconic Ponte Luís I), and toward the river's mouth. As the city gives way to the estuary, you'll pass the Estuário do Douro nature reserve — a 66-hectare protected wetland habitat for migratory birds, herons, cormorants, kingfishers, and over a hundred other species. Port wine is poured and tasted on board throughout the cruise: ruby, tawny, and other styles, served and discussed by the skipper.

Most Porto river cruises run on scripted commentary. This one is a conversation with someone who's spent decades on the water — what they tell you depends on what you ask, what catches your eye, what you want to know. The Port tasting happens in the same tone: not a rushed, scripted cellar presentation, but working knowledge of the wines, served by a person who's been part of Porto's river culture for a lifetime. 

Experience Porto from its iconic river in a two-hour private cruise ride.

Cruising Douro River in Porto

Boat Cruise on Douro River in Porto, on-board Port wine tasting, and fishing village of Afurada.

Between the River and the Port

Yacht cruise on the Douro River.

Platter of regional delicacies and premium Port wine tasting on board.

Guided walk around the fishing village of Afurada.

Traditional Portuguese lunch featuring fresh, locally grilled fish.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Porto.

This experience has a minimum fixed total price of € 1040 for 1–4 people (additional guests at € 260 per person, maximum of 8).

Participants should bring comfortable footwear for walking, a camera for photos, and a light jacket or shawl for the river cruise.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Porto. After booking please message Diogo via Chat to share your hotel details.

Your day is shaped by two Porto natives: a skipper who's spent his life navigating this stretch of the Douro, and a guide who brings that knowledge to life with stories, context, and a curated Port tasting. Together, they take turns narrating how Porto has changed across their lifetimes, pointing out what's new and what's stood for centuries as the bridges and riverside buildings pass by. Their connections run deep, from the technical side of Port production to the daily rhythms of Porto's fishing community.

Prepare to be captivated on a 6.5-hour private boat tour through Venice’s cultural tapestry, weaving together its craftsmanship, history, and natural beauty along the Venetian lagoon. Begin in Murano, where you’ll witness the ancient art of glassblowing at an exclusive, family-run factory. On Burano, the island’s vibrant facades welcome you to its lace-making traditions, and a special lace tour offers insight into this delicate craft. 

Next, stroll the historic streets of Torcello, uncovering tales of Attila the Hun and Venice’s earliest settlements. A traditional lunch in a Torcello restaurant introduces you to local flavors in a picturesque setting.

In the afternoon, explore the historic Fort Sant’Andrea, an abandoned stronghold strategically situated in the Venetian Lagoon. The tour concludes at the pier of San Marco Square, where, as the boat bobs in the waters overlooking the Doge’s Palace, Davide shares stories of Venetian grandeur and its enduring legacy.

This tour starts and ends in Venice. After booking, contact Davide via Chat to confirm pickup: typically at a vaporetto stand close to your hotel if you're staying in Venice, or a pre-agreed point.

From the mesmerizing glassblowing traditions at Murano’s family-run atelier—where your guide’s personal connections grant exclusive access—to the intricate lacemaking at Burano’s historic workshop, tied to the guide’s own family heritage, this private tour in Venice offers an intimate window into its artistic soul. 

Torcello’s quiet streets invite you to step back into Venice’s origins, with its ancient Cathedral renowned for its Byzantine mosaics and ties to the city’s earliest settlers. At Fort Sant’Andrea, you’ll step into a historic stronghold designed by Michelangelo’s pupil, Andrea Palladio, and strategically placed to protect Venice’s lagoon. 

Aboard a vintage motorboat and guided by a passionate Venetian, this meticulously curated private boat tour blends natural beauty, personal connections, and Venetian traditions into a journey that celebrates the enduring spirit of the lagoon’s islands.

The boat gracefully glides towards the technicolor dreamscape of Burano, the second captivating stop on the journey. This heart-shaped island, with its vibrant pastel facades and charming streets, feels like a living canvas. Burano invites you to immerse yourself in tradition, craftsmanship, and local island life. 

Lace-making, a delicate art passed down through generations, comes to life in the nimble hands of skilled artisans—keepers of a craft that is becoming increasingly rare—offering an up-close look at one of Venice’s most cherished traditions. There’s also a quick stop at San Martino Church, known for its leaning bell tower and historical significance.

You will witness the intricate craft of lace-making and the dedication needed to preserve this delicate art. One part of Davide’s family hails from Burano, and his stories of growing up visiting the island provide a personal lens through which to experience its culture. His deep connection to the island makes this walk in Burano feel intimate and meaningful. 

A private walking tour through colorful Burano and its lace-making traditions in the Venetian Lagoon

Stop Two: Burano

Fort Sant’Andrea, designed by renowned architect Andrea Palladio in the 16th century, was constructed to protect Venice’s lagoon from naval attacks. Strategically located at the mouth of the lagoon, it served as a key defensive structure for the Venetian Republic.

Today, visitors can access the fort and explore its surviving features, including its massive battlements and passageways. Although not frequently visited, the fort offers a glimpse into Venice’s military history and its efforts to safeguard the city’s maritime dominance. Its location provides striking views of the lagoon and the surrounding islands, making it both a historical and scenic stop.

Fort Sant’Andrea is a rarely visited gem in Venice’s lagoon, made accessible through ongoing preservation efforts. Davide, your guide, has a personal connection to the site and regularly organizes clean-ups with friends to maintain the fort’s condition for rare visitors.

This level of care ensures a safe and exclusive exploration of a structure few travelers ever experience. With Davide’s insights and stories, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the fort’s military significance and the local dedication to preserving Venice’s hidden history.

Discover Fort Sant’Andrea on a private boat tour: explore Venice’s historic lagoon fortress up close

Stop Four: Fort Sant'Andrea

Culminating the tour, the boat gracefully guides you to the pier outside San Marco Square, where the grandeur of Venice's historic power unfolds. Doge's Palace, an architectural marvel, can be seen from the water. 

While the boat approaches the pier at San Marco Square, Davide regales you with stories and details of the Doge's Palace, offering insights into the political and cultural zenith of the Venetian Republic. Here, beneath the watchful eyes of winged lions, the journey culminates, leaving an indelible imprint of Venice's history and craftsmanship.

This memorable private boat tour ends at San Marco Square in Venice. 

Stop Five: San Marco Square

Get ready for a spectacular journey through the magical islands of the Venice Lagoon. Walk over to the agreed meeting point where Davide will pick you up. 

This is where it all starts. You will be picked up from a pier that's walking distance from your hotel. 

Stop Zero: Meet at Venice

Murano, an island bathed in tradition and craftsmanship, is the first enchanting stop on this journey. Here, you will step into the mesmerizing world of glassblowing at a special family-run factory. Davide has access to take you to this special glassblowing factory. The artisans reveal the ancient art of transforming molten glass into exquisite masterpieces. Witness the alchemical process where vibrant hues are shaped into delicate forms, breathing life into timeless Venetian craftsmanship. You'll also see their creations and have an opportunity to ask questions and have a deeper engagement with the artisans.

What sets this Murano stop apart is the exclusive access to a multi-generational glassmaking family, providing an intimate understanding of their artistry. Visitors will have the privilege of witnessing the secrets behind creating intricate glass pieces and see some rare pieces—a unique encounter that leaves an indelible mark of Venice's artistic heritage. The symphony of molten glass and the echoes of centuries-old techniques make Murano a unique opening act, celebrating the city's artisanal soul. This visit is a true privilege.

Rare access to a family-owned glassblowing factory on Murano.

Stop One: Murano

Torcello, an island shrouded in myth and history, emerges as the next captivating stop. According to tradition, this serene isle is believed to be the birthplace of Venice. Torcello invites you to explore the remnants of its once-thriving community, anchored by the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta—a treasury of Byzantine mosaics and whispers of a bygone era. Lunch is at a traditional restaurant where Davide knows the family and will reserve a place for an authentic meal (Mixed appetiser, Risotto with local fish, local Burano sweets and wine), 

Torcello is steeped in myth. Its ancient Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, adorned with magnificent Byzantine mosaics, stands as a silent witness to centuries of history. Though modern archaeology may contest its claim as the birthplace of Venice, Torcello offers a unique moment of pause—a place where time feels suspended, inviting visitors to walk in the footsteps of the city’s origins.

The island’s tranquil solitude and the ethereal beauty of the basilica create a poetic interlude in the Venetian journey. Adding to the charm is a memorable lunch at a waterfront restaurant, where Davide will dock the boat directly, ensuring an authentic taste of Venice and its lagoon culture.

Walk through the ancient streets of Torcello. Lunch at a traditional restaurant.

Stop Three: Torcello + Lunch

Boat Tour in Venice, exploring crafts and history in Murano, Burano, Torcello, and Fort Sant’Andrea.

Story of the experience (Itinerary):
• 9 AM – Leave f rom Venice
• 9:30 AM – 10:30 Glassblowing (special Family
Factory Murano – demonstration, history, see
special pieces
• 10:50-11:20 AM - Torcello walk and history
• 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM - Burano – Lacemaking
and sweets, church, streets
• 12:15-1:15 PM – Lunch and a glass of wine at Da
Primo (will need a different restaurant for
Mondays when Da Primo is closed)
• 2:00-2:30 PM - Fort Sant’Andrea OR Giudecca
(Fortuny Factory visit)
• 3:00-3:30 PM - End with San Marco Square,
go below the Doge’s Palace, explain history

Crafting Dreams.

Full-day guided boat tour in a vintage motorboat. 

Exclusive glassblowing demonstration at a family-run Murano factory.

Guided lace-making tour in Burano.

Walking tour of Torcello with visit to its historic cathedral.

Traditional Venetian lunch at a Torcello restaurant.

Visit to the Renaissance stronghold Fort Sant’Andrea.

Bottle of water.

This experience has a minimum fixed total price of € 880 for 1–4 people (additional guests at € 220 up to 8). Children under 6 years join free.

Wind-cheater and sunscreen during summertime. 
Warm layers in wintertime.

**For your safety, this tour may be canceled in bad weather. Davide will message you via Chat if any slight time adjustments are needed due to tides or weather. 

A passionate and experienced boatman and guide - born and raised in Venice, Davide De Giorgi has an extensive knowledge of the city’s lagoons, which he acquired through his family’s fishing background and his own experiences sailing around on a vintage motorboat. This cultural insight, along with Davide’s studies in anthropology and languages, make his tours an unforgettable immersive experience.

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