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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.

This walk is designed for your first day in Mérida. It shows how the city was built, layer by layer.

You begin at Parque Hidalgo, where the city’s history is in view — from its origins as the Maya city of T’hó to the Spanish settlement in the 16th century. From there, you walk to the Church of the Third Order that stands as a record of how colonial power reshaped the city.

You continue to Plaza Principal and enter Palacio de Gobierno where Fernando Castro Pacheco’s dramatic murals trace Yucatán’s history. The route passes the Catedral de San Ildefonso, one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. When open, you step inside Tren Maya Museum to see artifacts uncovered during construction of the new railway.

You then visit Casa de Montejo, whose carved façade remains one of the city’s clearest statements of colonial authority. The walk ends with a stop at Mérida’s oldest sorbetería and time in a local market, where residents shop for traditional clothing and festival regalia.

Rather than treating Mérida as a checklist of landmarks, this walk is structured as an orientation to how power, belief, and daily life are layered into the city’s streets and buildings. Stops are chosen not only for what they represent historically, but for how they continue to function within everyday civic and social life. You visit iconic sites, but you also step into spaces locals actually use.

Examples such as the state-commissioned murals by Fernando Castro Pacheco or the reuse of Maya stone in colonial churches show how history in Mérida has been shaped, revised, and debated. The inclusion of the Tren Maya Museum places archaeology in the present tense, raising questions about heritage and development that are still unfolding.

The pace allows for context and open conversation. Zac’s background helps connect ancient Maya culture, colonial power, and contemporary life. You leave oriented, curious, and confident to continue exploring the city on your own.

Orientation Walking Tour in Mérida exploring Maya, colonial, modern layers of the historic center.

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

Mérida: Power, Murals, Markets

Private introductory walking tour through downtown Mérida. Curated route covering the city’s Maya, colonial, and modern layers.

Full guidance by a trained archaologist host throughout the walk.

Visits to Parque Hidalgo, Plaza Principal, Palacio de Gobierno, Catedral de San Ildefonso, and Casa de Montejo.

Entrance to the Tren Maya Museum when open.

Snack from a local market (a taco, empanada, or panucho) and a refreshing sorbet.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Sunscreen is heavily recommended.

At the statue in Parque Hidalgo, Calle 59, Centro, Merida. 

Zac is a journalist and trained archeologist who arranges intimate, harmonious adventures that connect you with the land and people of the Yucatan peninsular. With a small selection of local collaborators, he provides in-depth experiences focusing on sustainability and meaningful interaction, utilizing a method developed for the science of anthropology in which both outsider and insider perspectives are used. That way, you get a truly comprehensive understanding of a place. He has curated this tour based on his personal favorite sites, out of more than 75 that he has visited in the region.

Türkiye

This experience takes you through the North side of Cappadocia covering the region’s most iconic sites. You’ll start at the Göreme National Park taking in the views of the surreal volcanic landscape where mammoths once roamed. Then enjoy a short walk among the fairy chimneys and the pigeon houses admiring the manmade wall paintings. After a traditional lunch, you’ll stop in Avanos, a town with a rich pottery-making tradition dating back to the Hittites, a civilization that settled in Turkey around 2000 BC. You’ll witness the artisans at work and sample regional wines before continuing towards the Imagination Valley (Devrent), where naturally sculpted rocks take on intriguing shapes that resemble animals and other figures. The day concludes at Paşabağ (Monks Valley), where hermits once carved their homes into giant fairy chimneys. It’s a fascinating blend of geology, history, and art, packed into a full day of discovery.

This experience stands out by combining Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes with authentic cultural encounters. As you pass through Göreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll discover ancient cave dwellings and rock-hewn churches adorned with centuries-old frescoes. In Imagination Valley, you’ll put your creativity to the test by tracing the figures hidden in the surreal rock formations, much like past generations have interpreted these natural shapes.

Led by Yusuf, a professional guide with deep geological knowledge and strong ties to the local artisan community, this journey takes you beyond typical sightseeing to uncover the region's creative soul. In Avanos, you’ll witness a live ceramics demonstration and engage with local potters, learning about their craft’s centuries-old traditions. The day also includes a traditional regional lunch and a wine-tasting session in a stone-carved wine cellar, where you can sample wines crafted from local grape varieties. 

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the surreal landscapes populated by fairy chimneys and historic pigeon houses.


Explore a house carved directly into a fairy chimney, showcasing Cappadocia's unique architectural heritage.

Stroll among iconic fairy chimneys and ancient pigeon houses.

Fairy Chimneys Walk

Explore Imagination Valley, famous for its naturally sculpted rocks that resemble fascinating shapes.

Use your imagination to interpret the unique shapes formed by the valley.

Capture the surreal landscapes of Imagination Valley.

Imagination Valley

Visit Paşabağ, also known as Monks Valley, where you can see the extraordinary fairy chimneys where hermits once carved their secluded homes.

Experience the serenity and spiritual history of this unique site, learning about the ascetic life of ancient hermits.

Discover the hermit seclusions in fairy chimneys.

Paşabağ (Monks Valley)

Ascend Uçhisar Castle to experience the breathtaking panoramic views atop Cappadocia's highest point. Marvel at the volcanic landscapes that define this region.

Discover traditional pigeon houses adorned with intricate wall paintings, offering a unique glimpse into local heritage and art.

Explore the highest point in Cappadocia with panoramic views.

Uçhisar Castle

Visit Avanos to witness the town’s renowned pottery-making tradition, dating back to the Hittites around 2000 BC.

Engage with local artisans for a hands-on pottery session, learning the age-old techniques firsthand.

Experience pottery making in historic Avanos.

Avanos Pottery Demonstration

Sample a traditional Cappadocian lunch at a local eatery, experiencing authentic regional flavors.

Enjoy dishes cooked using ancient techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Savor a traditional meal in a local setting.

Traditional Lunch

Unwind with a guided wine-tasting session in Avanos, Cappadocia’s winemaking hub. Step into a stone-carved wine cellar, where you’ll sample a selection of locally produced wines made from indigenous grape varieties unique to the region.

Cappadocia’s volcanic soil and high-altitude climate create exceptional growing conditions, giving its wines a distinctive character. Unlike mass-produced wines, these are crafted using centuries-old techniques, preserving the heritage of Anatolian winemaking. 

Sip locally crafted Turkish wines in a charming stone-carved cellar.

Wine Tasting

Day Trip in North Cappadocia: Göreme, fairy chimneys, pottery in Avanos, and Imagination Valley.

Fairy Chimneys of the North

Licensed, professional guide throughout.

Private transportation in an air conditioned vehicle with pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. A bottle of water per person is provided in the vehicle.

Entrance fees to all listed sites. 

Ceramic workshop visit. 

Wine tasting session.

Traditional lunch at a local restaurant.

Children under 6 years old can join the tour free of charge.

Comfortable, slip-resistant shoes for walking on rocky terrain
Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection
Weather-appropriate clothing (check the forecast beforehand)
A camera or phone to capture the stunning scenery
Some cash for personal expenses or souvenirs
Fully charged portable devices

This experience is located in the heart of Cappadocia starting at Göreme. Guests will be picked up from their hotels. After booking, please provide us with your hotel details via Chat.

Your host is a licensed tour guide with a profound knowledge of Cappadocia’s geology, history, and culture. With over a decade of experience, they bring the region to life through captivating stories and insights that deepen your connection to each site. Trained in history and archaeology, they add unique layers of understanding to each stop, transforming the experience into an enriching journey. 

Peru

This private, archaeologist-led visit to San Francisco Monastery and La Merced Convent explores how Cusco shifted from an Inca imperial capital to a colonial city. At San Francisco Monastery, you notice its Baroque façade giving way to decorated chapels and serene courtyards. Delsi draws your attention to the blend of Indigenous and European architectural elements, explaining how local materials, techniques, and ideas were incorporated into a new religious framework -- where the monastery played a continuous role in Cusco’s spiritual and community life since the 16th century.

A short walk brings you to La Merced Convent where Delsi discusses the church’s altar, murals, and layout, including objects created by Indigenous and mestizo artists of the Cusco School and a significant piece of colonial goldsmithing in Peru. The convent functioned as center for education, worship and social order. The interactive visit allows for engaging discussion and exploration based around your interests.

Together, these two landmarks allow you to observe how religious architecture records a broader cultural transition - how belief, power, and daily life were reorganized during the early colonial period.

Visiting these landmarks with a local archaeologist offers a way to understand Cusco’s religious buildings through material evidence rather than symbolism alone. Delsi focuses on what the structures themselves reveal over time: construction layers shaped by earthquakes, reused stone, shifts in layout, and decorations that combine European forms with Indigenous traditions. The buildings are records of adaptation rather than replacement.

Drawing on recent research, Delsi points out details often overlooked, that reveal how these buildings were used and understood across centuries. The experience offers an evidence- and story-based immersion into Cusco’s colonial transformation, grounded in architecture, objects, and cultural narratives.

Walking Tour in Cusco exploring San Francisco Monastery and La Merced Convent with an archaeologist.

How to Read a Church

Private archaeologist-led visit to San Francisco Monastery and La Merced Convent in Cusco.

Interior visits to San Francisco Monastery and La Merced Convent.

Entrance fees to both religious sites.

Transfer to Plaza San Francisco by taxi, or escorted walk from your accommodation if nearby.

Return transfer from La Merced to your accommodation or a central city location.

Depending on the time of year, you may wish to bring a sweater or jacket with you.

Delsi will collect you from your accommodation and travel with you by taxi to the Plaza San Francisco. If your accommodation is close by, she will meet you and escort you on foot. Please advise the name/address of your hotel via Fernwayer Chat.

Irish-born Daniel O’Shea and Peruvian-born Delsi Espinoza are the co-founders of an archaeological venture that contributes to the preservation of Cusco and the Sacred Valley's cultural heritage. The couple have teamed up on archaeological projects across Cusco's Southern and Sacred Valleys. They run conservation, artifact registry, and site mapping projects—primarily designed for volunteers and students. Daniel and Delsi’s Fernwayer experiences are uniquely curated for explorers seeking to step into the shoes of an archaeologist for a day. 

Delsi, a fully licensed archaeologist from San Sebastian in Cusco, hosts this experience. Since graduating from the Universidad San Antonio Abad Cusco in 2014, she has led regional excavation projects, maintenance programs, and educational initiatives. Delsi has worked directly with the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, international organizations, local municipalities, and national parks parks including Machu Picchu.

Portugal

This architect-led walk explores contemporary Porto for architecture and design enthusiasts — a city deeply respectful of its past, yet vibrant and modern, unafraid of change, grounded in the present, and open to the future.

The route begins at a seemingly modern rooftop garden that, surprisingly, is rooted in the city’s medieval history. From there, you stroll through Bombarda district — Porto’s gallery and contemporary art quarter, visit the site of the long-lost Crystal Palace, and explore key landmarks of 20th- and 21st-century Porto: the bold concrete span of Arrábida Bridge, the renewed Bom Sucesso Market — a reinterpretation of civic food space — and Casa da Música, the architectural icon of today’s Porto that redefined the city’s international design presence.

You then ride Porto’s metro system — itself a piece of contemporary infrastructure — before pausing over a porto tónico at a sophisticated bar to reflect on how design continues to shape the city’s everyday experience.

Rather than presenting Porto as a static museum of architectural styles, this architect-led tour invites you to experience the city as a living, evolving urban landscape — where infrastructure, public space, commerce, and cultural ambition intersect. Informed by the guide’s research on sense of place, the tour looks beyond individual buildings to explore the people, ideas, and social forces that shape them.

The focus is not simply on architecture, but on how Porto has negotiated transformation: adaptive reuse, civic reinvention, and contemporary design layered onto historic ground.

You gain a deeper understanding of what it means to live in the city today — riding the metro locals use, moving through a working market, and passing through a district where creative industries now gather. The tour offers insight into the forces behind design decisions — an understanding that is difficult to assemble independently without architectural training or local knowledge.

Modern Architecture Tour in Porto featuring modern landmarks like Casa da Música & design districts.

Porto by Design

Curated and private architectural walking tour through contemporary Porto.

Architectural and cultural interpretation by an architect-designer. Insights into local neighborhoods, design, and daily life.

Stops at Bombarda district, Crystal Palace Gardens site, Bom Sucesso Market, Arrábida Bridge area, and Casa da Música.

Short metro ride from Casa da Música to the city center.

Snack at Bom Sucesso Market.

Porto tónico at a rooftop bar overlooking the city.

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera or smartphone to photograph the sites.

Meet Jelena at the steps of the Clerics' Tower, São Filipe Nery Street.

With a background in architecture and design research, and a specialization in built heritage and architectural history, Jelena has spent over a decade exploring Porto. Since 2013, the city has been her primary case study, blending her enthusiasm for Porto with an academic focus on sense of place.

As a design researcher and former university lecturer in Heritage and Design in Porto, she has spent years studying the stories that shape this remarkable city. Since 2018, she has led historical city tours, sharing her knowledge and appreciation for this vibrant and ever-evolving place with visitors from around the world.

Italy

This is an immersive exploration into Milan's storied heritage of leather craftsmanship, from the rich collections of the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum to the heart of contemporary atelier craftsmanship, all set against the vibrant atmosphere of Milan’s design district aboard an iconic tram.

Begin with an exclusive guided tour of the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum's renowned collection of historical Italian leather artifacts from the 15th and 16th centuries, ranging from decorative warrior's shields to intricately designed weapon cases and gunpowder flasks. Discover how leather, alongside metal, played a crucial role in the accouterments of warriors throughout the ages. Then transition to an interactive exploration of Milan's famed leather craftsmanship, visiting a celebrated boot manufacturer and an atelier specializing in exotic leathers, showcasing the meticulous skill and passion behind modern leather crafting

This experience is in the heart of Milan. 

You will gain firsthand insight into the artisanal process of leather, from conceptualization to final stitch, emphasizing the craftsmanship that has defined Milanese artistry for centuries. There’s no pressure to purchase, simply immerse yourself in the appreciation and conversation.

Key Highlights:
1. Bagatti Valsecchi Museum: Delve into the fascinating leather collection to understand its historical and social significance in art and warfare.
2. Boots Manufacturer: Witness the traditional art of boot-making, where each piece tells the story of Milan's leather excellence.: Discover the intricate process of crafting with exotic leathers, revealing the innovation in contemporary leatherwork.
3. Iconic Tram No. 1 Ride: Enhance your Milan experience with a scenic tram journey through the city center, linking historical sites with modern craftsmanship.
4. Coffee Stop in a café that mirrors Milan's fashion and craftsmanship culture.

Craft Tour in Milan: Explore leather heritage at Bagatti Valsecchi, ateliers & iconic tram ride. 

Museum visit (included in price)
1 atelier visit
1 coffee stop with a snack (included in price)

Legacy of Leather

Entry to the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum and guided tour.

Exclusive visit to a boot manufacturer / atelier.

Tram tickets.

Artisan coffee and snack stop.

Comfortable footwear for city exploration.
A keen interest in artisanship and Milanese culture.
A camera to capture your journey through Milan's artisanal heritage.
[You may be able to purchase items in the store, but there is no pressure to buy nor any commissions involved.]

We will meet at the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum. After booking this Experience, contact Elena via Chat to confirm exact details of meeting location.  This experience is in the heart of Milan. 

Your guide, steeped in Milanese arts and crafts history, bridges the past with the present, offering enriched narratives that elevate your understanding and appreciation of Milan's leather legacy.

This one-day experience takes you from Porto to the heart of the Douro Valley where you’ll witness centuries-old winemaking traditions and meet the families who have helped shape this UNESCO-recognized landscape. Before reaching the valley, you’ll make a pitstop at Amarante, a charming riverside town known for its cheeky sweet tradition. You’ll take a short break here for coffee and pastries before hitting the road to visit a small family-run vineyard in the countryside. The owners will welcome you with open arms, showing you around the vineyards and regaling stories of their ancestors while handing you a glass of their latest harvest. 

After the guided wine tasting, you’ll be welcomed for lunch in the home of another small producer to enjoy a seasonal, home-cooked meal shared around the family table. The drive back to Porto follows a slower, scenic route through terraced hillsides and river views with a couple of stops to take in the sights.

This experience centers on the generations of people who have carved their lives in the Douro — the families who live and work here, the relationships formed around wine, the food sourced from the countryside, and the community rituals that persist to this day.

Rather than touring large estates, you'll walk with growers through their vineyards and share a home-cooked meal in the kitchen of a small producer. At each stop, you’ll be welcomed as part of the family. The wine you’ll taste is poured by the people who make it. The food reflects what’s in season and sourced locally.

The pace is slow and personal, allowing space for conversations with the bakers of Amarante whipping up batches of the infamous doces fálicos, the winemakers of the Douro, and your guide, Alexandra, who will accompany you throughout. It's ideal for travelers who want to understand the Douro beyond the views — through the daily work, hospitality, and long memory of those who continue to care for the land.

From Porto, travel to Amarante, a charming town on the banks of the Tâmega River, for a short coffee break paired with the town's infamous cheeky sweets.

The drive offers an introduction to the Douro wine region as a whole and highlights Amarante as a producer of green wine.

Enjoy a relaxed ride from Porto into the scenic Douro region.

Departure from Porto

A guided walk in historic Amarante, covering the town's main landmarks and local pastry shops.

Gain insight into local legends, annual festivals, and cheeky sweets that have been concocted in Amarante for centuries.

Stroll through baroque streets and sample Amarante's sweet treats.

Amarante Heritage Walk

Lunch is prepared and served by a Douro family using local, seasonal ingredients.

This is a chance to exchange stories and sample regional delicacies prepared by the hands of those who live here.

Share a seasonal meal in a producer's home in the Douro.

Home-Cooked Lunch

Sit back and enjoy your ride back to Porto.

The day ends with quiet reflection—no rushing, just a gentle journey along the Douro Valley until you're back in the hustle of the city.

Relax on the journey to Porto, reflecting on your findings and the people you've met along the way.

Return to Porto

Visit a 200‑year‑old quinta, tour its vineyards and cellars, and enjoy a guided tasting of authentic Douro wines.

This is a chance to visit a small‑scale production, far from the big, frequented wine estates. Alexandra will introduce you directly to the winemakers, allowing you to engage closely and ask questions while sampling the fruits of their labor.

Meet a multigenerational wine family in the Douro and taste their estate wines.

Vineyard Tour

Enjoy a scenic route back to Porto with photo stops overlooking the Douro’s dramatic landscape.

Each outlook captures the region’s UNESCO-recognized landscape from different perspectives.

Take in terraced vineyards and river views on your final drive back to Porto.


Panoramic Route & Scenic Stops

Day Trip from Porto to Douro Valley: Visit two small wineries & enjoy homemade lunch with winemaker.

The Generations of the Douro

Guided walk through the historic center of Amarante with coffee and pastries.

Visit to a family-owned vineyard in the Douro Valley with guided wine tasting.

Home-cooked lunch with local producers in the Douro countryside.

Scenic drive through the Douro Valley with stops at panoramic viewpoints.

Private round-trip transportation from Porto.

Comfortable shoes to walk around the town and vineyards. Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). Water bottle. Weather-appropriate layers (mornings can be cooler). A camera or phone for capturing landscapes. Curiosity and an openness to connect with locals.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Porto. After booking, share your hotel details via chat to arrange the meeting point with Alexandra.

Your local host is a storyteller and regional expert with deep ties to the Douro and its people. With a background in cultural mediation and sustainable tourism, they curate each visit to prioritize meaningful exchange over spectacle. Alongside them, the winemakers and producers you’ll meet are stewards of centuries-old traditions, welcoming you into their daily lives.

Día de Muertos is a celebration of memory, artistry, and belonging. Offered daily from October 29 to November 2, the experience traces the festival’s rhythm from creation to commemoration: from flowers and food, to processions and light.

You’ll begin in the market, where marigold and pan de muerto fill the air with color and scent. Paco guides your eye to texture and detail—petals in sunlight, powdered sugar on hands, vendors arranging altars of fruit and candles.

Next, visit a local home to see and photograph an ofrenda being built. Families arrange photos, bread, mezcal, and candles. You’re welcomed to respectfully capture gestures of care, memory and love—and may even place a few elements yourself.

After lunch, Paco arranges a short face-painting or mask-making session with a local artist. Then, you join one or two calendas (comparsas): joyful street processions of music and masks. Paco helps you move with the rhythm, framing the motion of dancers and the intimacy of onlookers.

This experience focuses on the making and meaning of Día de Muertos. Paco’s approach is personal—he guides you like a friend with a camera, not a tour guide.

You see a full day of traditions: market in morning light, the concentration of altar-building, the late-day crescendo of music and color. Paco teaches you to read light, to ask permission before photographing, to sense when to shoot and when to simply be present.

This tour emphasizes what Día de Muertos feels like—the scent of copal, the warmth of shared work, the joy that sits comfortably beside remembrance. You photograph people taking part in a shared act of honoring life. Note also that in this experience, there is no intrusion into family time or cemetery rituals.

By the end, you leave with a richer understanding of how Oaxaca holds life and death in balance—how beauty and mourning coexist, and how memory endures as a living art. You’ll pause for food and conversation—time to reflect and talk about what you’ve witnessed.

Together, you sit down to a simple local lunch and drink, reviewing images, trading stories, and talking about what you’ve witnessed (and will witness) — how art, ritual, and memory intertwine in Oaxaca’s most profound celebration.

Paco’s insight will turn a day of images into understanding — the bridge between what is seen and what is felt. You build bonds and share stories over lunch. 

Oaxacan lunch with image review and conversation connecting photography, ritual, and remembrance.

Sharing Food & Reflection

You start at Oaxaca’s bustling market, alive with scent and color: armfuls of cempasúchil, towers of pan de muerto, candles, fruit, and sugar skulls in every hue.

In this first stop, Paco leads you through the market. You photograph flower sellers, fruit vendors, and families buying offerings. You’ll learn to frame texture and rhythm — petals in baskets, powdered sugar on hands, the soft smoke of copal rising. The market is more than supply; it’s the pulse of the celebration.

Rather than rush through, Paco helps you slow down — reading light, finding human gestures, and engaging respectfully with local vendors. You begin to understand how the altar, the food, and the flower are all forms of remembrance — each color and scent carrying meaning.

You’ll also pause for a coffee or Mexican local drink and a taste of local snacks at the market.

Visit to Oaxaca’s morning market capturing flowers, food, light, and early Día de Muertos rituals.

The Color of Beginnings

A family home opens its doors as generations gather to build the altar — photos, bread, candles, mezcal, and flowers arranged with care and intention.

You join a local household as they prepare their ofrenda. Paco introduces you to the family, and guides you through the etiquette of photographing respectfully. You may help place a few elements — candles, flowers, a glass of water — small acts that deepen connection.

This is a privilege few visitors experience. Paco’s local relationships allow this moment of quiet access, where you witness how remembrance is made tangible. You see love in the details — the arrangement of color, the stillness of memory.

Visit inside a local home documenting the creation of a Día de Muertos ofrenda with a family.

Building the Ofrenda

Choose your expression — a traditional face-painting session with a local artist or the chance to craft and wear a hand-painted mask, both rooted in local imagery and symbolism. You’ll need to send your choice in advance to Paco at the time of booking so he can arrange a local artist accordingly. Keep in mind – slots fill up quickly.

After lunch, Paco arranges a 30-minute session led by local artists. You may opt for subtle, symbolic face painting inspired by La Catrina and local floral motifs, or for a handmade mask that draws from Oaxacan papel maché and folk imagery. Both are created with cultural context, genuine local artists, real connection.

These sessions honor tradition. The artist explains the symbolism — how the calavera celebrates continuity, not death. The designs are personal, thoughtful, and made to be part of the calenda, not to dominate it.

Creative session with local artists crafting masks or face paint rooted in Día de Muertos symbolism.

Become Part of the Celebration

As evening falls, you join one or two calendas — processions of music, marigolds, and lanterns winding through Oaxaca’s streets in a dance of remembrance.

You walk beside locals as brass bands play, dancers whirl, and candles flicker against adobe walls. Paco shows you how to move with the flow — framing motion and emotion, capturing joy without intrusion. There’s time for a simple street meal and reflection along the way.

This is where the festival’s pulse peaks — not in performance, but in collective joy. Paco helps you balance participation with perspective, finding intimacy in the midst of movement. You don’t just watch the calenda — you walk within it, understanding how Oaxaca turns memory into movement.

Photograph Oaxaca’s calenda procession from within as music, movement, and memory fill the streets.

Calenda: Procession of Life

Photography Tour in Oaxaca documenting Día de Muertos through markets, ofrendas, street processions.

Día de Muertos in Technicolor

Full-day photographic and cultural immersion in Oaxaca’s Día de Muertos.

Cultural / photographic guidance by expert local photographer.

Market visit and altar preparation in coordination with a local family.

Simple 30-min face-painting (or mask-making) session with local artist.

Experience 1-2 calenda street processions (only on Oct 31/Nov 1).

Cultural & photographic guidance (composition, ethics, low-light tips).

Transportation between key locations.

Regional lunch.

Local drink/snack.

Comfortable clothing and shoes, as you’ll walk and stand for long periods. Camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or phone) with low-light capability. Extra batteries and memory cards. 

A respectful mindset — this is a sacred day, not a spectacle.

Meet Paco at Independencia Street in front of the Cathedral.

Francisco “Paco” Cuevas is an Oaxacan photographer and videographer rooted in the cultural rhythms of his city and state. Passionate about Oaxaca’s history, art, and everyday life, he has worked alongside the Secretaría de Turismo del Estado de Oaxaca, shaping visual stories that bring place to life. Rather than a conventional tour guide, Paco acts as a visual experience curator, guiding travelers to meaningful moments and the best photographic settings across Oaxaca’s markets, homes, and festivities.

Paco’s work spans professional photography and cinematic video — including weddings, cultural productions, and collaborations with local artists — and he frequently documents major events like Guelaguetza and Día de Muertos. Through his photography experiences, he helps travelers create personal and shareable images that reflect the beauty, texture, and cultural depth of Oaxaca.

Chile

This full-day photographic excursion whisks you away to salty lagoons and a traditional Atacameño town as yet untouched by tourism. Besides learning landscape photography tips and tricks under the eye of a professional photographer, you will float in a saline lake and learn the geological importance of the region's ecosystem.

The day starts at Cejar Lagoon where the high salinity carries you across the surface of the lake without needing to stroke or kick. Swimming is optional yet highly recommended. After drying off, you will visit the Tebenquinche Lagoon to study the salt deposits from the lakeside. There is a relaxed lunch interlude in the town of Toconao where you will tour its main square and side streets. The afternoon concludes at the Atacama Salt Flat in the Chaxa Lagoon where flamingos wade in the shallows for shrimp. Throughout the day, photography remains the priority. 

This is an immersive exploration of the flora and fauna of the Salar de Atacama focusing on photography. Mirko—schooled in the geology and geography of the region—will impart knowledge sharpened by years of living in San Pedro de Atacama. He will explain the fragility of the ecosystems and provide insight into why the Indigenous Licanantay people consider the lagoons and volcanoes sacred. As a professional photographer, he will train your eye to capture the smallest of details and mentor you through the stages of capturing landscapes and close-ups.

The experience also includes the option to swim in Cejar Lagoon; a thrilling experience which fosters a deeper connection with the environment and supports with acclimatizing to this parched landscape. Concluding in the Chaxa Lagoon, you are likely to encounter all three species of resident flamingo: Chilean, Andean, and James's. The pace is unhurried as you study their movements and capture their pink hues against the turquoise lagoon.

Photo Tour of saline lagoons, salt flats and flamingos in Atacama Desert from San Pedro de Atacama.

Eyes of the Desert

Guided full-day photography tour of saline lagoons and Toconao.

Opportunity to float in Cejar Lagoon,

Visit to Tebenquinche Lagoon to observe salt formations.

Guided stroll in Toconao.

Visit to the Atacama Salt Flat at Chaxa Lagoon for flamingo watching.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Private vehicle transportation.

Sunscreen, lipbalm, sunglasses, and sunhat.
Comfortable clothing suitable for trekking: bear in mind that the conditions vary from cold to hot throughout the day and wind can be ferocious in the Atacama region.
Swimsuit, swimming cap, towel, and flipflops for the walk from the lagoon to the shower.
Camera: a DSLR or mirrorless is recommended. Point-and-shoot and smartphones are also welcome.
Binoculars are recommended but not essential.

Mirko will collect you from your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Please advise the name and address of the hotel using the Fernwayer Chat function upon 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, Mirko transforms each experience into an unforgettable journey through one of the most otherworldly places on Earth.

An enchanting journey through the vineyards of Setúbal. This full-day tour offers an immersive experience of the region's rich viticultural heritage, complemented by scenic marvels and culinary delights. Traverse the famed Arrábida mountain road, a picturesque route unveiling breathtaking landscapes at every bend, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Indulge your senses at Livramento Market, a culinary paradise offering a symphony of flavors. Immerse in its vibrant ambiance adorned with tales of history depicted on vivid tile panels, a perfect prelude to the sensory delights awaiting your palate. Step into the world of winemaking at two prestigious wineries, where each sip unveils the region's rich heritage and passion for viticulture. From crisp whites to robust reds, savor the essence of Setúbal's finest wines, guided by expert vintners sharing their craft's secrets.

Experience a panoramic drive in a comfortable ride  

This tour is unique for its comprehensive exploration of Setúbal's wine-making traditions and scenic beauty. The journey through Arrábida's mountain road is a visual feast, showcasing the region's natural splendor. The Livramento Market visit offers a taste of local life, blending historical charm with a rich array of fresh produce. The highlight of the tour is the winery visits, where you'll delve into the secrets of Setúbal's celebrated wines, guided by experts in the field. These experiences are not just about tasting; they're about understanding the passion and craftsmanship behind each bottle. This tour is a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and gastronomic excellence, making it a must-do for any wine enthusiast or anyone looking to experience the authentic spirit of Setúbal.

A captivating destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts, this factory is renowned for its production of azulejos, traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors. As a living testament to Portugal's rich artistic heritage, the factory continues the age-old craft of tile-making, combining traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. 

Each tile produced here tells a story, whether it's a depiction of historical events, local landscapes, or abstract patterns. The factory showcases the meticulous process of creating azulejos, from the initial design sketches to the final glazing and firing. Visitors have the unique opportunity to witness artisans at work, diligently hand-painting each tile, a process that requires precision, patience, and a creative touch.

See by yourself the handmade tradition of tile production in this region. 

Azulejos de Azeitão 

Savor five diverse wine tastings at Farm Catralvos wine company. Delight in renowned Azeitão cheese, local bread, pumpkin jam, carrot jam, and bitter orange jam, unique to this region. 

Nestled in the region of Azeitão lies Quinta de Catralvos, a hidden gem revered among locals for its intimate setting and exquisite wines. This boutique winery, cherished by those with a discerning palate, remains a well-kept secret among connoisseurs who truly appreciate the art of winemaking. Its unassuming charm and exclusive appeal draw a select few seeking an authentic and intimate wine-tasting experience in the serene embrace of Azeitão's countryside. 

Time to try our amazing wines and cheese! 

Food and Wine Pairings 

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

Being driven in a comfortable and safe car. 

Drive back to Lisbon 

Nestled along the Portuguese coast, the park has some of the most picturesque landscapes in Portugal, offering an escape into a world where nature's artistry is on full display. As you traverse these winding roads, each turn reveals breathtaking panoramic views that blend the rugged cliffs with the vast expanse of the sea, creating a mesmerizing backdrop that captivates all who visit. These roads, carved through the natural landscape, offer an intimate view of the diverse ecosystems within the park, from Mediterranean vegetation to hidden beaches and coves.

The park's elevated vantage points provide stunning views over the Sado Estuary and the Tróia Peninsula, making it a perfect spot for photography or simply to pause and soak in tranquility. The natural park is a testament to the preservation of Portugal's coastal beauty, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the unspoiled landscapes.

Enjoy the scenic roads of Arrabida Natural Park  

The Roads of Arrábida 

Established in 1876, this renowned marketplace is famed for its diversity and quality of fresh produce. It's housed in a traditional Portuguese building, adorned with stunning azulejos (ceramic tiles) that depict Setúbal's daily life scenes, created by artists in the 1930s. These artistic representations intertwine gastronomy, art, and history, adding an enchanting visual appeal to the market. Upon entering, you are greeted by a plethora of colors and aromas from an array of fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and regional pastries. Livramento is a showcase of the region's agricultural richness, with stalls laden with locally-grown produce. The seafood section, showcasing the freshest catch from the Atlantic, reflects Setúbal's deep connection to the sea. 

Livramento Market is a lively social hub where locals gather, exchange stories and share culinary tips. Its focus on promoting local produce enhances its charm. Many vendors have been part of the market for generations, creating a sense of community and tradition. Visitors are encouraged to engage with these local producers, learning about the food's origins and traditional production methods. It embodies the essence of Portuguese market culture in its truest form.

Visit one of the best markets in the world. 

Livramento Market 

Seamless start to the trip. Pick-up at the location provided in a safe and comfortable car. 

Pick-up from Lisbon 

Savor a memorable lunch at a notable restaurant in Sesimbra, nestled in the charming fishing village, adding a flavorful touch to this immersive journey.

For the Portuguese, time spent at the table is the most important time! It means good food, and conversation, it means family! Taste the best fish and seafood in the world accompanied by a local foodie. 

Savor a memorable lunch at a notable restaurant in Sesimbra, nestled in the charming fishing village

Lunch in Sesimbra

Wine Cellars at José Maria da Fonseca: Indulge in an intimate visit and wine tasting at Azeitão's esteemed José Maria da Fonseca wine cellars, immersed in the region's noble wine-making heritage. Like it states in its slogan “family of wines, wines for family”. 

Nestled in the heart of Azeitão, José Maria da Fonseca Winery stands as a living testament to centuries of winemaking heritage. Steeped in tradition and rooted in the picturesque landscape of this historic region, the winery embodies the essence of Azeitão's rich history. With a legacy dating back to the 19th century, this esteemed establishment continues to craft exceptional wines, a testament to the expertise and dedication passed down through generations. José Maria da Fonseca Winery stands as a guardian of tradition, inviting guests to savor the essence of Azeitão's past while indulging in the flavors of its present.

Time to understand the wine heritage of Azeitão.

Tradition of Wine 

Wine Tour day trip from Lisbon to Setúbal with Arrábida mountain views, wineries, and market visit.

Sip, Savor, Arrábida!

Guided tours and tastings at two prestigious Setúbal wineries

Scenic drive along the Arrábida mountain road

Visit to Livramento Market with local snacks

Traditional local lunch

Bottled water throughout the day

Private round-trip transportation from your hotel

Walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

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

This tour is led by a passionate food and culture enthusiast who calls this region home and genuinely loves this extraordinary land. This is a heartfelt expedition through the guide's hometown, where every story, every viewpoint, and every landmark is infused with personal narratives and local insights.

Explore the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, one of Lisbon’s most important cultural institutions, with an art historian. Set within a serene modernist complex and surrounded by gardens, the museum presents over 5,000 years of art history through a refined collection assembled by the Armenian philanthropist Calouste Gulbenkian.

Rather than following a simple highlights route, this visit approaches the museum as a coherent project shaped by the collector’s vision. You move between galleries showcasing Egyptian artifacts, Greco-Roman sculpture, works from the ancient Near East, Islamic art galleries where ceramics, textiles, and metalwork illustrate centuries of craftsmanship, and European paintings by artists such as Rembrandt and Rubens — not as isolated masterpieces, but as parts of a carefully assembled whole.

After a short coffee break, the experience concludes outdoors in the Gulbenkian Garden, a naturalistic landscape designed to complement the museum’s contemplative atmosphere.

This experience is designed as an intimate, interpretive visit centered on the collector, Calouste Gulbenkian — how each object was chosen for its exceptional quality and lasting significance, and how the works speak to one another in cross-cultural dialogue, creating a collection defined by balance and dialogue across cultures and periods. Guided by an art historian, you look beyond individual masterpieces to understand the intellectual ambition behind the collection — and what they reveal about artistry, technique, and meaning.

The experience also places the museum within its broader cultural role today. The Gulbenkian Foundation has become a meeting point for art lovers and a vital supporter of creativity across disciplines, visual arts to music and performance. Visitors return not only to revisit the collection’s classics, but also to enjoy the calm rhythm of the galleries and the surrounding gardens, where art, architecture, and landscape come together as a living cultural space.

Gulbenkian Museum Tour in Lisbon exploring world-class private art collection with an art historian.

Gulbenkian: A Collector’s Eye

Private tour to the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum’s permanent collection.

Full guidance, interpretation and storytelling by an art historian across the selected exhibits.

Entrance to the museum’s permanent collection.

Coffee and a small snack.

Guided walk through the Gulbenkian Gardens.

Comfortable walking shoes and a camera or smartphone.

Meet Estela at the entrance of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum (not the Modern Art Center).

Estela is an art historian with a master’s degree in Museology and two decades of experience working in national palaces and major international museums. Born and raised in Lisbon, she began her career in Portugal at sites such as the Palácio de Queluz before spending several years in London at institutions including Buckingham Palace and the National Gallery.

Her approach combines her training and experience with close observation, historical context, and visual analysis, helping you understand not only what you are seeing, but why it matters. She brings a thoughtful, accessible perspective that connects ancient objects and European masterpieces into a coherent narrative.

Barcelona unfolds across five days of design, flavor and texture. Modernist architecture meets artisanal creativity, and city rhythms blend with coastal calm. This itinerary is crafted for travelers who move with intention, appreciating detail, history and everyday beauty. From ateliers to iconic landmarks, from market tastings to rooftop views, each stop is anchored in a guided experience or a meaningful self-led discovery that offers a purposeful way to explore the city.

DAY 1 – ATELIER ARTISTRY AND MONTJUÏC VIEWS | Begin the day with a guided atelier visit at Eliurpi’s Magical World, where sculptural hat design meets poetic craftsmanship in the heart of the Old Town. Continue through Plaça Espanya, then explore centuries of Catalan art at the MNAC, perched above the city. Later, ride the cable car to Montjuïc for sweeping views and a shift in perspective. End your day with a scenic dinner, overlooking the city from the hillside.

DAY 2 – MODERNISME REVEALED | Start with a guided walking tour through Gràcia, following Gaudí’s early works and Catalan Modernism, including Casa Vicens and a tapas lunch. In the afternoon, explore the colorful mosaics and playful curves of Park Güell. As evening falls, dive into a guided architectural journey through hidden Art Nouveau interiors, tasting your way through history.

DAY 3 – GRÀCIA TO THE SEA | Uncover the political and creative roots of Gràcia on a morning walking tour exploring uprisings, civil war stories, and local oysters with wine. In the afternoon, visit two of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks — La Sagrada Familia and the Gothic cathedral — each offering a distinct lens into the city’s architectural legacy. As golden hour sets in, board a catamaran for a coastal sail with skyline views and Catalan wine. End the day with dinner at a cozy tapas bar near the marina.

DAY 4 – MARKETS AND MODERNISM | Spend your morning learning to cook regional tapas in Barcelona. Begin at Santa Caterina Market, shopping for ingredients with a local chef before preparing tapas in a hands-on kitchen workshop. In the afternoon, admire the stained glass beauty of the Palau de la Música and wander through the narrow lanes of El Born. At night, enter Gaudí’s dreamlike La Pedrera for a rooftop visit under the stars, followed by a lively dinner nearby.

DAY 5 – GIFTS, ART, AND A GAUDÍ FAREWELL | Start the day with a guided shopping tour through Barcelona’s Old Town, where local ateliers and historic shops offer one-of-a-kind pieces and cultural insight. After lunch in La Ribera, explore the Picasso Museum at your own pace, tracing the artist’s early evolution in the city he called home. In the evening, experience the luminous world of Gaudí at Casa Batlló during its Magic Nights event. Close your trip with a final dinner full of Catalan flavor and quiet celebration.

WHERE TO STAY IN BARCELONA | Gràcia feels like a village, ideal for returning to calm after full days of discovery. El Born and the Gothic Quarter are full of atmosphere and close to key museums in Barcelona. Eixample offers refined streets, architectural gems and easy access to everything from Gaudí landmarks to the best tapas in Barcelona.

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.


Spain

Modernisme in Barcelona

5 days in Barcelona for design, culture, local markets, museums, tapas, and Gaudí’s best landmarks.

United States

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

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

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

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

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

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

Japan

Taste and Tradition in Kyoto

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

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