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Chile

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 hands-on art and storytelling experience immerses you in Chilean art, culture, and mythology in the relaxed setting of a multifaceted artist's studio in a peaceful suburb north of Valparaíso. Marcela's home studio overlooks one of Concón's quaint fishing hamlets and sets the scene for an afternoon of creativity and calm.

Before starting, Marcela will share anecdotes relating to Concón and Valparaíso. Under her guidance, you'll try your hand at crafting a monotype print inspired by Chile's landscapes and mythology. Marcela will support you through creating the design and nurturing your natural talent and proving that everyone has an inner artist. By the time the activity is complete, your print will be ready to take away. No prior experience or skills in drawing or printmaking are necessary. To conclude your trip to Concón, Marcela will serve a light "once" of tea and pastries as well as recommending local seafood restaurants in the "Gastronomic Capital of Chile".

The experience provides rare access to the home studio of a professional Chilean artist. Marcela's portfolio spans lithography, painting, and folk art and she will share rich insight into Chile's artisanal legacy and culture while you create—storytelling lies at the heart of this activity. Marcela's studio stands above the Higuerillas fishing hamlet in Concón, a short drive from Viña del Mar or Valparaíso. This quiet area is rarely visited by international tourists which means you'll experience a truly local community. 

In terms of inspiration, you only need glance outside where dunes tumble to meet the waves of the Pacific and seals cling to rocky crags. This residential neighborhood is alive with flora and avifauna while Marcela, well-versed in Chilean mythology, has further visual prompts to kindle your creativity. Refreshments and pastries are provide—if you're lucky, you may get to try "pancito amasado" bread baked by Marcela's father, a retired lighthouse keeper. 

Art Workshop in Concón, Chile, artist-led with soy-based monotype printmaking, no experience needed.

The per person price of this experience assumes a minimum number of participants to cover base costs and logistics. The supplemental fee enables us to maintain quality and exclusivity for your smaller than minimum group

Art on the Pacific 

Guided monotype printmaking session.

All art materials provided, including non-toxic, soy-based inks.

Your finished monotype print to take home.

Light refreshments: tea, coffee or mate, juice, and local pastries.

Comfortable attire.
Please be advised, in case of allergies, that four cats reside on the premises.

You will meet at the artist's home studio in the Higuerillas hamlet, Concon. The exact location is provided after booking. Uber is readily available from Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and Reñaca. 

Marcela Rodriguez is a contemporary multi-media artist. Born in 1965, Marcela grew up living in lighthouses with her lighthouse-keeper father along the rugged Southern Chilean coast. The vast Patagonian landscape and turbulent Pacific Ocean greatly influenced her. While in college, she discovered street theatre and performed with two important Santiago theatre troupes.

In 1992, Marcela moved to Minneapolis, USA, and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and an MFA in painting and drawing. In 2001, she moved back to Chile and developed a passion for printmaking, focusing on lithography. Her artwork has been exhibited in galleries throughout Chile, Mexico, Cuba, and the USA.

Marcela has completed two art residencies for printmakers, including a month-long one in Veracruz, Mexico at La Ceiba Grafica in 2018 and with renowned artists from “Taller 99” in Santiago, 2019. She currently lives and works as a visual artist in Concon, Chile, and teaches at Casa Plan in Valparaíso.

Spain

From November through April, this experience plunges you into Catalonia’s artichoke season. A 30-minute private transfer (20 km) from Barcelona brings you to a farmhouse nestled in the fertile Llobregat Delta — a region where artichokes dominate 25 % of cultivated land. On arrival, you’ll walk among squat, glossy-leafed plants and harvest plump artichoke buds — grown in mineral-rich delta soil and kissed by sea breezes — with their peak sweetness emerging in winter’s cool days. You’ll hear how delta silt and Mediterranean humidity coax their dense, nutty flavor.

Back at the farmhouse grill, the chef shows you how to steam, char, and dress the artichoke leaves — steaming to preserve green depth, lightly charring to add smoke, dunking leaves in lemon-olive aioli or piquant romesco. These methods honor the artichoke, letting its bitter-sweet core shine. You’ll sit under the winter sun, savoring each bite — straight from field to fork. Later, a private car transfers you back to Barcelona.

In this gastronomic experience, you’ll harvest, prepare, savor artichokes as part of a seasonal ritual — all within the ecosystem that sustains this regional staple. You’ll learn to distinguish a tight artichoke bud (firm, drops moisture when shaken) from an overripe one — and why slight frost can dust outer bracts, sealing in flavor. You’ll hear the stories of how farmers adapt irrigation and planting around coastal humidity and the delta’s microclimate. You’ll learn how the chef matches sauces to the artichoke’s varying tannins and textures — using restraint, never masking the vegetable’s core character. 

The setting — a private farmhouse tucked behind working fields — lets the quiet of delta farmland anchor the experience. Nestled in the Parc Agrari, this experience bridges urban Barcelona and Catalan agrarian heritage. The farmhouse offers privacy — no crowds, just conversation, wood smoke, and the silver glint of the artichoke fields beyond. 

Farm-to-Table Experience near Barcelona: Hand-pick & grill delta artichokes with a private chef.

Flowers On The Plate

Guided walk and harvest in the Llobregat Delta artichoke fields.

Private round-trip transfer from Barcelona (30 minutes each way).

Welcome glass of cava or wine upon arrival.

Seasonal storytelling about cultivation and flavor.

Hands-on cooking session with a local chef.

Grilled artichoke tasting with traditional sauces.

Seasonal side dishes.

Local wine to accompany the meal.

Outdoor dining at a private farmhouse setting (weather permitting).

Comfortable shoes or boots
Warm layers and a jacket (fields can be damp in winter)
Hat or sunglasses for sun

You will be picked up by private car from your hotel and dropped off after the experience. Message Reyes via Fernwayer Chat post booking to share details of your Barcelona hotel. 

Your hosts are a farmer-chef team based in the Llobregat Delta. They have tended this land for decades, balancing tradition with changing weather and soil conditions. They love sharing about their farming lifestyle. They offer a grounded, respectful introduction to artichoke culture - and generous hospitality.

Croatia

Dive into the heart of Croatian cuisine with a 5-hour Peka cooking class, set in a picturesque village near Dubrovnik. This immersive experience takes place at OPG Vukojevich, a family farm renowned for its natural produce and award-winning olive oil. Starting in the morning, you'll learn how to prepare Peka, a delectable meat and vegetable dish cooked under a dome-shaped lid.

Discover the subtleties of this traditional Dalmatian culinary art, usually involving veal, lamb, or beef, paired with potatoes and other vegetables. Stroll through olive groves, learn about olive oil production, and enjoy a delightful tasting session. The experience culminates with a farm-fresh Peka lunch, complemented by the family's own wine, offering a true taste of the Dubrovnik countryside. Optional transportation from your hotel or accommodation to the farm can be arranged, adding convenience to your culinary adventure.

The hosehold is located in village overlooking Mokosica and is but a 20-minute drive from Dubrovnik old town. The transport from - to your hotel or accommodation can be arranged.

Set in the picturesque OPG Vukojevich family farm, the experience offers a unique blend of hands-on cooking and cultural immersion. As you learn to prepare Peka, a traditional dish requiring skill and experience, you're forging a genuine connection with a local family. The intimate setting fosters meaningful conversations and insights into Croatian life, especially during the moments spent waiting for the meal to cook under the dome-shaped lid.

Your experience is further enriched by an olive oil tasting session amidst the family's olive groves. This segment highlights the region's renowned olive oil production and allows you to appreciate the farm's commitment to natural and sustainable practices. As you savor your meal, complemented by the family's wine, you'll find that this experience goes beyond food; it's a celebration of Croatian hospitality, tradition, and the joys of rustic farm life.

Cooking Class near Dubrovnik preparing traditional Peka at a local family farm in the countryside.

Peka is one of the best known traditional Croatian dishes, despite looking simple at first, Peka requires a lot of skills and experience. At first glance, a peka seems like such a simple accessory – a domed lid shaped like a dome. Food cooked under peka, be it in a fireproof pot under the coals or directly on a stone slab, is a hearty meat and vegetable dish. Usually veal, lamb, or yearling beef covered with potatoes and other vegetables. Learn how the olives and oils are produced, enjoy tastings and peka lunch. 

This culinary adventure takes place at a small family farm based on producing and offering only products naturally grown at their state at village near Dubrovnik.

Peka Cooking and Olive Tasting

This experience accommodates a minimum of 2 and maximum of 8 participants. Included: Peka cooking lesson. Olive oil tasting session. Farm lunch including drinks and wine.


Arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. Drive to the meeting point as indicated in the map. For any issues with transportation, contact the Experience Maker via Chat after the booking

Drive to the Meeting Point as indicated on the map. The household is located in a village overlooking Mokosica and is only a 20-minute drive from Dubrovnik old town. You can drive or take an Uber. If you need help with organising the transport, Chat with Pero post-booking. 

The local host, recognized for top-quality olive oil and domestic products, offers one of the most authentic culinary experiences in the Dubrovnik Riviera. Their passion for sustainable farming and traditional cooking ensures a memorable and educational visit. 

France

Built to trace Bordeaux’s role in the Atlantic slave trade, this historic walk begins in Place de la Bourse, continues to the Grand Théâtre, along Cours de Verdun and into Place des Quinconces, then reaches the quays.

While crossing the city center, the narrative spans the late seventeenth to the nineteenth century, when the city armed 508 expeditions linked to about 150,000 Africans deported to the Americas. Facades, street names and public art expose merchants, shipowners, and fortunes amassed through the exploitation of enslaved people.

At each stop Hubert unpacks how a voyage was outfitted, who financed it, where profits went and what awaited the enslaved across the ocean, then turns to Girondin deputies and abolition. A brief coffee stop softens the pace. On the riverfront, the focus shifts to memory today, from plaques to the statue of Modeste Testas, and to how the city confronts this painful past.

What sets this experience apart is immersion in a painful history that shaped Bordeaux. The story is read where it happened, in the texture of the city center, with façades, carved emblems, place names, plaques, memorials, the line of the quays. Each element points to merchants, routes, profits and deportations, making the Atlantic slave trade legible in everyday space.

It is shaped to spark reflection. The route links what is visible today to ongoing debates on remembrance, so questions emerge naturally and answers are examined with care. The tone stays human and measured, attentive to a difficult subject without diluting it, leaving room for silence and dialogue.

Hubert brings rare depth. Licensed guide, historian and journalist, he has worked on these themes. His approach blends sustained research, narrative craft and an empathetic presence, keeping complexity intact while maintaining factual precision throughout.

Walking Tour in Bordeaux exploring the Atlantic slave trade from the historic center to the quays.

The Atlantic Ledger

Themed guided walk of Bordeaux and a coffee stop.

Comfortable shoes and an umbrella in case of rain.

Hubert will meet you at your hotel in Bordeaux. After booking, connect with him via Chat to arrange details.

Hubert Saint Béat was born and raised in Bordeaux. He holds two master’s degrees, one in Roman History and one in Journalism, and has been a licensed tour guide since 2017. Driven by a desire to share stories rather than simply recite facts, he presents French history through the lens of his city, connecting landmarks with the people and events that shaped them.

His visits are tailored to each guest’s interests and pace, with clear explanations and room for questions so the narrative stays lively and meaningful. The aim is to open Bordeaux to you as a living place—its streets, its layers of history, its everyday rhythms—through informed, engaging storytelling.

Step into the lush landscapes of Zahara de la Sierra for a private visit to an olive oil estate. Welcomed by the owner, you’ll explore the groves and facilities, gaining insight into the process of olive oil production. From traditional harvesting methods to modern pressing techniques, this journey highlights the care and skill involved in producing this high-quality olive oil.

After the tour, you’ll participate in a guided tasting, discovering the flavors, aromas, and textures of oils crafted on-site. To complete the experience, enjoy a light aperitif featuring artisan bread, cheeses, cured meats, and olives, all paired with the estate’s oils. This visit offers an opportunity to connect with Andalusian traditions in a picturesque setting.

This experience is led by the estate’s passionate owner, whose personal stories and expertise transform the visit into a memorable journey. You’ll not only learn how olive oil is made but also how to appreciate its subtle complexities, from grove to plate.

What makes this experience truly special is the setting—Zahara’s stunning natural beauty surrounds you as you taste oils directly from their source. The personalized attention and hands-on approach create a deep connection to the region’s culture. Concluding with a curated aperitif of local delicacies, this visit celebrates Andalusian heritage in its purest and most flavorful form.

This is an ideal experience for couples, two friends, or family members looking to share a meaningful and enriching activity together.

Olive Oil Tour at Zahara de la Sierra estate near Cadiz with tasting & authentic Andalusian spirit.

The Olive Grove Whisperer

Private guided tour of a family-run olive oil estate with the owner.

Insight into traditional and modern olive oil production methods.

Premium olive oil tasting led by an expert.

Tapas-style aperitif with artisan bread, cheeses, cured meats, and estate oils.

Drinks included during the tasting.

Special souvenir to take home.

Dress in comfortable clothes and shoes, depending on the time of year. In summer, it will be hot, so be prepared with a good hat and lightweight clothing. In winter, bring a coat. In spring and autumn, a trench coat will be sufficient. Prior to the visit, we will provide more detailed clothing recommendations.

At Zahara de la Sierra's main square (Plaza del Rey, 1, Zahara de la Sierra)

In Zahara de la Sierra, the host, the owner of the olive oil estate, is an expert connoisseur of olive oil and its environment, and will guide you through an exclusive experience on the farm where a unique olive oil is produced.

Closer to the date, Maria José will either introduce you to your host or share their contact details.

Argentina

Saddle up for a 1.5-hour horseback trek in the Andes Mountains, carefully timed to coincide with sunset. As the last of the light fades, you will return to the gaucho estate to continue the evening, socializing with the family over a traditional Argentine asado (barbecue) featuring roasted vegetables, salads, fresh bread, and local Mendocinian wine. After dinner, gather around the bonfire with a glass of wine and enjoy a brief folk guitar session—a traditional gaucho touch that brings the night to life under a sky heavy with stars.

This experience includes pickup and return to your hotel in the city of Mendoza. Upon arrival at the mountain ranch, you’ll get acquainted with your horse and receive a brief safety lesson—novices through to experienced riders are accommodated. Your bilingual gaucho guide will lead the way into the mountains at a leisurely pace, stopping to savor the wild landscapes and capture photos along the way.

Not only does this experience provide the thrill of riding a horse through the world's longest mountain range, but it also immerses you in gaucho culture from start to finish. Before embarking on the trek, you will bond with your steed and learn about the unique connection between gaucho and horse. The route traverses an area of raw natural beauty, untouched by modern developments and illuminated by stars instead of city lights. Seeing these remote valleys bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun is the icing on the cake.

Upon returning to the estate, you’ll settle by the fireside with a glass of Mendocinian wine. The asado will then commence, inviting you to taste Argentine beef, seasonal vegetables, and freshly baked bread while conversing with Diego and Lucía and hearing stories of the gaucho way of life and Criolla customs. Rather than feeling like a spectator, you’ll be welcomed into the family and experience the spirit of the gauchos firsthand.

Sunset Horseback Ride in Andes Mountains of Mendoza Argentina with gaucho culture, bonfire, asado.

Gaucho Ride into Andes Sunset

Guided horseback trek in the Andes with a gaucho (minimum age: 10; children must be able to ride independently).

Traditional asado dinner with local wine (vegetarian options available).

Bilingual guide throughout the experience.

Round-trip transportation from your accommodation in Mendoza.

Full insurance coverage.

Wear long trousers and closed-toe footwear such as sneakers or boots. Sandals and flip flops are not acceptable.
Bring a hat, light jacket, and layers for the evening when temperatures drop. 
Sunglasses and sunscreen.
Riders may carry a small bag while riding; a small bottle of water is advisable. 

You will be collected from your hotel in the city of Mendoza, Argentina, or surrounding communes. Please advise the name and address of the hotel via Chat upon booking.  If your hotel is further afield, Lucía will advise a meeting point in the city of Mendoza.

Diego Videla and Lucía Cubillos, husband and wife, work together to host travelers at their ranch in the foothills of the Andes near Mendoza. Their approach centers on creating immersive, experience-driven encounters that honor Criolla traditions and the culture of Argentina’s rural gauchos.

Diego personally leads most horseback treks, though he occasionally entrusts one of his trusted gaucho colleagues to guide guests. Both Diego and Lucía are always present at the ranch, taking great care to offer an authentic experience that fully immerses travelers in gaucho life—whether riding across remote valleys or gathering around a fireside asado to savor grilled meats, local wines, and heartfelt conversation.

Uncover the revolutionary spirit of Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s most distinctive neighborhoods, on this private walking tour. Once an independent town, Gràcia was the site of numerous uprisings throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Your journey begins at Plaça Lesseps, where you’ll explore one of Barcelona’s most significant revolts: La Setmana Tràgica. From there, you’ll follow your host through Gràcia’s charming plazas, hearing stories of key uprisings like the 1870 Revolta de les Quintes and visiting the very sites where these armed conflicts took place.

At the legendary Plaça del Diamant, Josep will share insights into the devastating impact of the Spanish Civil War on the neighborhood, along with the literature it inspired. The scars of history are still visible in this square today. To end the tour, you'll indulge in fresh oysters and wine at a top-tier fish bar loved by locals. Join us for a walk through revolution and resilience—right into the heart of Gràcia.

Your host Josep was born and raised in Gràcia and brings a rare, personal perspective to the neighborhood’s layered history. He shares its past with the insight and presence of someone who has lived its evolution. His deep roots in Gràcia and active involvement in Barcelona's cultural scene give him unique insight into the neighborhood's revolutionary history and contemporary artistic landscape. You'll walk through plazas where uprisings took place, trace the impact of war and resistance, and hear stories rarely found in guidebooks.

While Gràcia is now one of Barcelona’s most visited areas, its radical past is often overlooked. This tour reveals the spirit of resistance that shaped the neighborhood. Josep connects the dots between uprisings, literature, memory, and place, drawing on his background in Barcelona’s cultural life.

The tour ends as it should—at a beloved local spot over oysters and wine, where the present-day pulse of Gràcia comes into focus.

Walking Tour of Gràcia in Barcelona exploring uprisings, civil war sites & oysters with local wine.

The Radical Heart of Gràcia

Private guided walking tour through the Gràcia neighborhood, focused on its revolutionary history.

Visits to key historical sites, including Plaça Lesseps and Plaça del Diamant.

Insightful storytelling on local uprisings and the Spanish Civil War.

Aperitif at a top-tier seafood bar with oysters, a glass of wine, water, and a shared plate.

Outside the metro station on Plaça Lesseps.

Barcelona-born Josep Magrinyà is a multidisciplinary creative whose career began in the 1980s. Over the decades he's played in numerous bands and also worked on various audiovisual projects in Catalonia and Scotland. Among other things he has worked in sound design, advertising, and audiovisual production. Since 2023, Magrinyà has focused on podcast production, working on projects like Otra Vida for Novamont and Barcelona Walk the Walk, with Stephen Burgen (The Guardian's Barcelona correspondent) and betevé, Barcelona's local broadcaster. The latter explores routes around Barcelona, delving into the city’s history, gastronomy, and culture. His experience in language, audio, and storytelling makes him a strong force in the podcasting and translation industries. With a love of his city and an expertise in its history and cultural currents, Josep in the perfect Barcelona insider.

Portugal

Discover how Lisbon’s galleries are shaping the city’s creative identity on a locally guided walk through its contemporary art scene—part culture, part conversation. This private tour takes you through the vibrant neighborhoods of Estrela, Rato and Príncipe Real, showcasing a mix of Portuguese and international art exhibits. You’ll visit three to four galleries, each selected based on current exhibitions to offer a fresh perspective on Lisbon’s evolving art landscape.

Once seen mainly as a heritage destination, Lisbon has quietly become a magnet for contemporary artists, drawn by its light, pace, and affordability—sparking a creative revival that’s turned gallery-hopping into a window on the city’s future. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the galleries’ origins, the artists they feature, and the work that defines them.

This experience is for travelers curious about Lisbon’s culture now. 

This experience offers privileged, behind-the-scenes access to Lisbon’s contemporary art world. Beyond simply viewing exhibitions, you’ll engage in meaningful dialogue with gallery directors, curators, and artists, gaining valuable insights into the creative processes, curatorial decisions, and narratives that shape the works on display. In some cases, you may see pieces in storage or gain early knowledge of upcoming exhibitions and emerging trends within the local scene. While many galleries are technically open to the public, this experience gives you access to conversations, spaces, and works-in-progress that are usually reserved for collectors, curators, or those closely connected to the art world.

You'll be guided by a professional deeply embedded in Lisbon’s vibrant art scene—whether an art historian, curator, or arts manager. Our guides bring a wealth of knowledge from working across leading European art hubs and maintain close relationships within the local creative community.

Art Tour in Lisbon exploring the city's top art galleries and emerging artists led by an art expert.

A Trail of Art Galleries

Guided walk through contemporary art galleries in Estrela, Rato, and Príncipe Real.

Visits to three to four galleries selected based on current exhibitions.

Commentary on Lisbon’s evolving art scene and gallery history.

Opportunity to meet and converse with gallery staff or artists when available.

A drink at a local kiosk during the tour.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as well as a camera to capture the stunning artworks on display. Depending on the season, a light jacket may be advisable as the tour involves both indoor and outdoor elements.

After you make a booking, Ausra will share meeting point details via Fernwayer chat.

Your guide is a seasoned local art expert, fluent in English, Portuguese, French or Chinese Simplified language, with a deep educational background in art history and several years of experience in the Lisbon art scene. Their expertise and personal connections within the community enrich this experience, providing you with exclusive access and profound insights into the art and artists of Lisbon.

This 1.5-hour experience takes place at CasaPlan—a collaborative workspace for artists living in the city of Valparaíso and the wider Fifth Region of Chile. Located in El Plan (the flat part of the city), CasaPlan features a printmaking workshop, two galleries dedicated to contemporary Chilean art, and a cafe. Hosted by one of CasaPlan's resident mixed-media artists, Marcela Rodriguez, you will enjoy a private tour of the printmaking workshop, witness a lithography demonstration, and engage with creatives over their latest projects. 

Traditionally using limestone slabs, lithography is a printing technique that works on the immiscibility of oil and water. Marcela will also accompany you to the two visual art shows—explaining the concept behind each installation. In the instance that one of the artists exhibited is available in the workshop, Marcela will facilitate a cultural exchange with them. The experience includes coffee/tea and a slice of cake in the cafe and a print to take home.

CasaPlan is a cultural hub in Valparaíso that brings together art, food, education, and hospitality in a beautiful historic space. It was founded by the female artist Javiera Moreira and the architect Antonia Jarpa to serve as a printmaking workshop where established artists nurture emerging creatives through courses and residency programs. Being located on the periphery of Valparaíso's typical tourist trail means the venue retains a community vibe and is primarily visited by artists and local residents. 

Although cafe-goers glimpse the artists at work in the open-concept studio, Marcela's experience is the only means of interaction. As one one the few bilingual creatives, Marcela can facilitate conversations with the resident artists and lead a fascinating dialogue about Chile's modern art scene. Marcela will also escort you to the two art shows which often exhibit work by CasaPlan's resident artists. She will provide insightful commentary on the pieces, to be continued over coffee.

Art Tour in Valparaíso: Visit a working printmaking studio, meet artists, and see contemporary art.

Where Art Works

Guided tour of CasaPlan’s printmaking workshop with a mixed media artist.

Lithography demonstration.

Guided visit to two contemporary art exhibitions.

Small souvenir print to take home.

Coffee or tea and a slice of cake at the café.

Meet Marcela in CasaPlan on Avenida Brasil, in Valparaíso, Chile. Upon arrival, make yourself known to a member of staff at the cafe and they will call Marcela from the workshop.

Marcela Rodriguez is a contemporary multi-media artist who grew up living in lighthouses with her lighthouse-keeper father along the rugged Southern Chilean coast. The vast Patagonian landscape and turbulent Pacific Ocean greatly influenced her. While in college, she discovered street theatre and performed with two important Santiago theatre troupes.

In 1992, Marcela moved to Minneapolis in the US and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and an MFA in painting and drawing. In 2001, she moved back to Chile and developed a passion for printmaking, focusing on lithography. Her artwork has been exhibited in galleries throughout Chile, Mexico, Cuba, and the USA.

Marcela has completed two art residencies for printmakers, including a month-long one in Veracruz, Mexico, at La Ceiba Grafica in 2018 and with renowned artists from “Taller 99” in Santiago, 2019. She currently lives and works as a visual artist in Concon, Chile, and teaches at CasaPlan in Valparaíso.

Morocco

A six-hour medium-difficulty guided private trek through the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Starting at 1740 m (5708 ft) in Imlil, the gateway to Mount Toubkal, you'll cross the passes of Tametert and Aguerssioual, each offering elevations above 2200 m (7219 ft) and breathtaking panoramas of North Africa's highest peak. 

This experience invites you to traverse mule tracks and pass through the timeless Berber villages of Tinerhourhine, Ikiss, and Amskere. Along the way, you'll encounter local lifestyles, Berber culture, and the natural beauty that has defined this region for centuries. You’ll get an authentic insight into the lives of the Berber people and share a traditional meal with a local family or a freshly prepared picnic lunch. 

This experience is of medium difficulty and may, therefore, be unsuitable for young children. We strongly recommend hiring a mule that children can ride if tired. See “What to Bring” for details.

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.

This is the definitive multi-dimensional trek through the High Atlas Mountains, where the enduring spirit of Berber culture thrives amidst spectacular mountain scenery. This trek navigates through the mountain passes, offering moderate challenges with a medium difficulty level. It extends an invitation to deeply engage with the Berber communities, far removed from typical tourist tracks.

Experience the authentic daily life of the Berbers through interactive cultural exchanges that surpass mere observation. Picnic or dine in a Berber home, savoring dishes that reflect the region's rich culinary heritage and agricultural prowess. This trek is meticulously designed to be immersive, providing a balanced blend of physical activity and cultural education. The memories and insights gained from this trek will resonate with you long after you return, fostering a deep appreciation for a way of life that has sustained these communities through the centuries.


Hiking Trek past Berber villages and mountain passes of Atlas Mountains from Imlil near Marrakesh.

From Imlil to Berber Villages (Tinerhourhine, Ikiss, and Amskere) + Traditional Berber lunch

The Quintessential High Atlas

Private guided trek through the High Atlas Mountains via Tametert and Aguerssioual passes.

Visits to Berber villages including Tinerhourhine, Ikiss & Amskere.

Freshly prepared lunch in a Berber family home or picnic lunch.

Bottled water.

All tips & gratuities for guides/local partners.

Pick-up from nearby Imlil hotels

**Note: Moderate difficulty. May be unsuitable for young children. Strongly recommend you hire a mule for them to ride (additional cost, ask Ahmed to arrange after booking).

Dress for mountain conditions: sturdy boots, waterproof jacket, warm layers, gloves, sun protection (hat, cream), fleece/anorak for winter

Refillable water bottle and day pack for essentials.

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 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.

Tokyo is a city that reinvents itself in every light. Centuries of history unfold beside glowing screens and restless streets. This three-day journey moves through time and texture — from temples and textile ateliers to neon alleys and quiet shrines — revealing how the city’s rhythm shifts from reflection to motion. Guided by local storytellers, you’ll experience Tokyo through its architecture, artistry, and everyday encounters, finding a balance between discovery and moments to breathe and wander at your own pace.

DAY 1 – TOKYO THROUGH TIME | Begin your journey with a full-day guided tour tracing Tokyo’s evolution through centuries of change. From the Edo Castle grounds and ancient temples of Asakusa to the Western architecture of the Meiji era, the day reveals how each period has reshaped the city’s skyline and spirit. Along the Sumida River, the modern towers rise above preserved gardens where the rhythm of ritual endures. Between shrines and civic landmarks, you’ll see how Tokyo’s neighborhoods carry forward the legacy of power, renewal, and quiet resilience. A day that begins in stillness ends in movement, with time for a reflective walk or early evening meal near the water.

DAY 2 – FROM OLD STREETS TO MODERN DESIGN | The morning opens with a guided photo walk through one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. In Disappearing Tokyo, photographer Lee Chapman leads you into alleys where Showa-era signs fade under new facades and locals pause for coffee or conversation. It’s an intimate portrait of a city in transition — fleeting, honest, and human. After a light meal and coffee break, continue into Ginza’s Architectural Icons, where journalist Toshiko Sakurai unravels the design stories behind Tokyo’s most polished district. Here, façades reflect light like art pieces and every corner reveals a conversation between history and innovation. The day bridges Tokyo’s two faces: the nostalgic and the refined.

DAY 3 – CRAFT AND CONTRAST | The final day begins quietly, inside the private home of kimono scholar Sheila Cliffe. In A Kimono Connoisseur’s Closet, you’ll step into a collection that tells Japan’s history in silk — patterns, textures, and techniques passed through generations. Surrounded by colors and fabric, the morning moves at a slower pace, connecting tradition with artistry. In the afternoon, join filmmaker Edgin Ticzon for Tokyo, Cut to Scene, a guided journey through the city’s cinematic layers. From forest shrines to the neon scramble of Shibuya, each stop plays out like a shift in light and rhythm. The day ends as the city comes alive — narrow streets glowing with paper lanterns, where conversations flow as easily as the evening breeze.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO | Stay in Shibuya if you want to be at the heart of the action — a lively hub of shopping, nightlife, and energy that defines modern Tokyo. Shinjuku is ideal for travelers who value convenience, with endless dining options and quick train links across the city. For a slower rhythm, Asakusa offers a glimpse of traditional Tokyo with temples and quiet streets, while Ginza brings sophistication, elegant hotels, and polished calm after dark. For a more local balance, Kichijōji sits just outside the center, combining creative cafés, green parks, and an easygoing neighborhood feel.

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

Japan

Cityscapes of Tokyo

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

United States

From the iconic Dubrovnik walls to the calm waters of Banje Beach, this three-day journey invites you to explore the city’s rich heritage and coastal beauty at your own pace. Walk through centuries of history, taste traditional Croatian food in atmospheric Old Town restaurants, and end your days with a golden boat ride in Dubrovnik’s shimmering bay.

DAY 1 – CITY WALLS AND FORTRESS | Begin your trip with a morning walk along Dubrovnik’s city walls. This 1.2-mile loop offers sweeping views over rooftops and sea, with countless photo moments along the way. For lunch, head to Proto Fish in the Old Town, known for its elegant terrace and fresh Adriatic seafood. In the afternoon, visit War Photo Limited, a striking gallery that documents human conflict through powerful photography. Continue to Lovrijenac Fortress, perched just outside the city walls, where stone stairs lead to panoramic views and centuries of defense history. In the evening, join a culinary walking tour led by locals. You’ll taste traditional dishes, hear family stories, and explore the city’s flavors through its oldest streets.

DAY 2 – BEACH, MOUNTAIN, AND SEA | Spend the morning at Banje Beach, just outside the Old Town gates. Swim in clear water, relax with a book, or simply take in the view of the city rising above the bay. After a midday break, make your way to Mount Srđ. Whether you hike or take the cable car, the view from the top is unforgettable, with wide horizons stretching over Dubrovnik and the coast. As the sun begins to set, step aboard a boat for a sunset cruise along the shoreline. The city glows behind you as the boat glides past islands and cliffs, closing the day on the water.

DAY 3 – MONASTIC AND BAROQUE HERITAGE | Start your day at the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries, two of Dubrovnik’s most historic sanctuaries. These calm, beautiful places are filled with carved cloisters, quiet chapels, and traces of centuries past. For lunch, walk to Konoba Kopun, a small square near the Jesuit steps where traditional Dalmatian recipes are served with care. In the afternoon, explore Dubrovnik Cathedral, a baroque landmark filled with light, then visit the Rector’s Palace, once the seat of power in the Republic of Ragusa. As your final experience, leave the city behind and visit Trsteno, a coastal village known for its historic gardens. A guided walk and picnic offer a quiet, green farewell to your time in Dubrovnik.

WHERE TO STAY IN DUBROVNIK | If you want to be in the heart of it all, stay inside the Old Town. It’s full of charm but also crowds and stairs. For more space and sea views, choose neighborhoods like Ploče or Lapad just outside the walls. Both offer easy access while giving you a peaceful place to rest.

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.

Stone, Sea, Story in Dubrovnik

3 days in Dubrovnik with Old Town walks, exploring Fort Lovrijenac, Croatian food, and Banje Beach.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Italy

Sicily, Between Earth and Sky

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

Few cities offer so much color, culture, and character in just three days. This 3-day journey invites you into the textures of Valparaíso, from its murals and flavors to its rhythms and views. With a thoughtful mix of guided encounters and unhurried moments, it is designed for travelers who value creativity, connection, and depth.
DAY 1 – STREET ART AND CERAMICS | The day begins with a guided street art walk that weaves together mural stories, cultural memory, and local tastings. From bold facades to vibrant flavors, you explore the city’s history through both image and palate. In the afternoon, take time to rest or explore the viewpoints of Cerro Alegre before heading to Concón. There, a ceramic workshop invites you to create your own lucky clay pig in a bright studio facing the coast. After the session, stay for a seafood dinner by the ocean and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this quiet beach town.
DAY 2 – COOKING AND CITY SPACES | Spend the morning in the kitchen of a local chef learning traditional South American recipes in an engaging cooking class. After the shared meal, continue the day with a guided architecture walk through ten public spaces shaped by Valparaíso’s unique topography and social rhythms. From plazas and staircases to hillside viewpoints, the tour brings the city’s built environment into focus through design, memory, and daily use. Together, the experiences offer an intimate look at how people live, gather, and create in this layered urban landscape.
DAY 3 – PHOTOS AND FLAVORS BY NIGHT | Start your final day with a photography walk in Playa Ancha led by a local artist. The session offers both visual guidance and personal stories as you capture the neighborhood’s layered textures and views. After a break, close the journey with a guided golden-hour experience through Valparaíso’s bars and gathering spots. As day fades into evening, conversation, music and movement bring the spirit of the city to life one last time.
WHERE TO STAY IN VALPARAÍSO | Choose Cerro Alegre or Cerro Concepción for easy access to morning walks, cafes, street art, and guided tours. These central hills are where most travelers stay and offer a safe, vibrant atmosphere. For a quieter rhythm with a more local feel, Playa Ancha offers charm and calm just a short ride from the center.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH FERNWAYER | We believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration in between. You can book experiences directly from the itinerary and arrange your own hotels and restaurants. Download the Fernwayer iOS app to edit your trip and make it your own.

Art to Coast in Valparaíso

3 days in Valparaíso blending street art, food, architecture, and coastal craft with local guides.

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

Sand, Salt & Stars in Atacama

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

Athens is a place where ancient history and everyday life meet at every corner. From marble ruins to modern murals, the city is layered with memory, myth, and movement. This three-day itinerary invites you to experience Athens not as a checklist of monuments, but as a living conversation between past and present. Through guided encounters, sensory discoveries, and sacred pauses, each day opens a different door to the city’s many lives.

DAY 1 – HISTORY IN GRAFFITI AND STONE | Begin in Kerameikos, Gazi, and Psyrri, where the streets pulse with creativity and protest. The Urban Canvas of Athens takes you through layers of mural, message, and meaning, ending with a hands-on workshop and a piece of your own to carry home. Then head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art to explore bold works that question the narratives of history. End the day at the Acropolis, but from a different angle: walking the lesser-seen paths of the hill that shaped the Western world. As the sun sets, dine at Point A with the Parthenon glowing above.

DAY 2 – MEALS, HILLS, AND MOONLIGHT | Start your morning at the Varvakeios Market for a cooking class with a Greek local, learning to craft gyros and taste your way through spices, olives, and cheese. After lunch, wander through the hidden village of Anafiotika and climb Filopappou Hill for sweeping views of the city. Let the evening unfold with Under the Athenian Sky, an open-air cinema experience filled with conversation, food, and the quiet glow of Athens by night.

DAY 3 – RITUALS AND REVERENCE | Your final day brings you into rhythm with something older. In Ilioupoli, Cultivating Gratitude offers a guided ritual rooted in Demeter’s myth, the harvest, and the practice of reflection. Later, pause in the shade of the National Garden and witness the changing of the guards at Syntagma Square. End in Piraeus with Rebetiko, Red Lights, and the echo of old sailor songs. Between bites and melodies, you’ll feel the weight of memory, celebration, and time.

This journey is not about rushing ruins. It’s a curated immersion, shaped by texture, taste, silence, and spark. You’ll leave Athens not just with photos, but with a piece of the city imprinted on your pace, your palate, and your way of seeing. Three days in Athens. One city. Countless echoes.

WHERE TO STAY IN ATHENS | When it comes to where to stay, Athens offers neighborhoods for every travel style. Plaka is charming and close to ancient sites, while Psyrri and Exarchia are full of life, street art, and cafés. For a quieter stay with Acropolis views, Koukaki is a great base. And if you’re looking for sea breeze and space, consider Piraeus for a local feel near the coast. Choose what fits your rhythm.

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

Greece

Athens in Three Acts

3 days in Athens exploring art, cuisine, the acropolis of Athens, Greek traditions, and rebetiko.

Hub cities: Rome, Naples, Palermo, Taormina, Catania
Duration: 14 days — 4 days in Rome, 2 days in Naples, 8 days in Sicily (Palermo, Erice, Marsala, Cefalù, Taormina, Catania)
Trip Highlights:
Rome: Begin your journey by exploring ancient history with visits to the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and the Roman countryside. Savor traditional Roman cuisine and enjoy a wine masterclass.
Naples: Experience the energy of Naples with visits to Pompeii and Spaccanapoli, and indulge in authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Palermo: Discover Sicily’s rich history with a visit to the Norman Palace, Palermo Cathedral, and vibrant street markets, followed by an excursion to the medieval town of Erice.
Marsala: Enjoy the stunning coastal landscapes and visit local wineries, salt flats, and windmills.
Cefalù: Relax on the beach, explore the charming town, and visit the historic Museo Mandralisca.
Taormina and Mount Etna: Explore the Teatro Greco in Taormina, enjoy breathtaking views from Mount Etna, and conclude your trip in Catania with its striking Baroque architecture and bustling markets.
Trip Notes: Travel by train and ferry between towns for a seamless experience through Italy’s cultural and natural wonders.
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.

Ruins & Mediterranean Shores

14-day journey through Southern Italy & Sicily exploring history, culture, and stunning landscapes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Milan in Form and Flair

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

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

Lisbon and the Roads Out

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Charming Soul of Lisbon

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

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

Mexico

Mexico City Roots and Stories

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

A luminous journey across water and stone, this five-day itinerary invites you to slow down and savor Venice through the lens of art, history, and quiet beauty. Blending guided tours with self-led explorations, it’s designed for the traveler who seeks meaning in details — reflections on the canals, the hush of palazzos, the rhythm of walking, and the stories behind each façade. From golden mornings in Dorsoduro to early light in Burano, this itinerary balances movement and stillness, guiding you through the city’s most evocative moments.

DAY 1 – PIAZZA AND PALACES | The journey begins with a private photoshoot guided by a local photographer, capturing your silhouette against the soft light of bridges and canals. In the afternoon, you’ll step into Piazza San Marco and explore the Basilica at your own pace before heading to the Doge’s Palace for a self-led visit through grand chambers and secret passages. The city’s layered history sets the tone for a slow, immersive arrival.

DAY 2 – ART AND WATERLINES | You’ll start the day with a guided walking tour of Dorsoduro, a neighborhood where artists’ studios and gondola yards share quiet lanes with shaded piazzas. In the afternoon, a self-led visit to the Gallerie dell’Accademia invites contemplation among Venetian masters. As the sun dips low, a guided boat tour leads you into the lagoon, where the colors of the city shift and settle into still water and sky.

DAY 3 – HIDDEN ISLANDS | The morning opens with a guided boat tour to far reaches of the lagoon, where wild gardens, quiet docks, and local stories unfold beyond the well-trodden paths. After returning to Venice, the afternoon brings a visit to Ca’ d’Oro, whose lacy Gothic façade still hints at its gilded past. This is a day shaped by contrasts: untouched nature and ornate palaces, silence and shimmer.

DAY 4 – EARLY VENICE | You’ll rise early to join a local photographer for a guided photo walk through Venice in its quietest hours — when soft light filters through the city. After a long break, the evening continues with a self-led visit to Teatro La Fenice, where velvet seats and golden balconies hold centuries of drama and renewal. It’s a day for observing beauty in quiet, fleeting moments.

DAY 5 – BURANO AND THE VINEYARD | The final day takes you beyond Venice to Burano. With a fisherman as your guide, you’ll explore hidden corners of the lagoon by boat before reaching a secluded vineyard island for an experience shaped by tradition, salt air, and handmade wine. It’s a gentle farewell to the floating world — where time bends around water, craft, and conversation.

WHERE TO STAY IN VENICE | For a balance of calm and character, Dorsoduro is an ideal base — less crowded than San Marco, yet central enough to walk everywhere. Travelers seeking an artistic, design-forward atmosphere will appreciate hotels along the Zattere or near Campo San Barnaba. For early morning views and slow starts, canal-facing stays in Castello or Giudecca offer space to breathe, with the city always within reach by foot or vaporetto.

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

Seen and Lived in Venice

5 days in Venice exploring palaces, canals, island vineyards, and the golden light of the lagoon.

Explore Porches, a charming town in the Algarve region of Portugal, renowned for its traditional pottery and rich cultural heritage. Nestled about 10 km east of Lagoa, Porches offers a blend of historical intrigue and artistic creativity, with a population of just over 2,000 residents. Its history stretches back to Neolithic times, and the town's architecture and crafts reflect centuries of cultural evolution. Top 5 highlights:
1. Ceramics Tradition: Porches is famous for its pottery, a tradition revived in the late 1960s by Irish artist Patrick Swift and Lima de Freitas. Today, you can explore numerous workshops along the EN125, witnessing artisans creating hand-painted ceramics, a testament to the town's artistic legacy.
2. Historic Architecture: The town boasts unique architectural features, such as the typical Porches chimneys, each reflecting the wealth of its owner. These chimneys are original, colorful, and very old, with some dating back to the 18th century, showcasing the town's historical depth.
3. Beautiful Beaches: Porches is also known for its stunning beaches, characterized by cliffs and caves. These natural attractions, coupled with the region's tranquil atmosphere, make Porches a picturesque destination.
4. Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha: This chapel, perched on a dramatic clifftop overlooking the Atlantic, is a site of historical significance and mystery. Its exact construction date remains unknown, but it forms an integral part of the town's identity.
5. Wine and Gastronomy: The town offers a range of dining experiences, from traditional Portuguese cuisine to international flavors, complemented by locally produced wines.
Porches is easily accessible by car, with its location between Lagoa and Albufeira. The town’s pottery shops are a must-visit, offering a unique shopping experience. For those looking to explore the wider Algarve region, Porches serves as a convenient base with several accommodation options available.
Photo by Cristiano Pinto


Artisanal Allure: Porches

Palazzo Zuccari, located near the iconic Spanish Steps in Rome, stands out as a truly unique and whimsical architectural gem. Often referred to as the 'Monster House' due to its distinctive façade, this building is a delightful sight that never fails to bring a smile to those who pass by. 

The most striking feature of Palazzo Zuccari is its front door and window frames, designed to resemble giant monster faces. The doors and windows form the 'mouths', creating an amusing yet intriguing visual effect.

Palazzo Zuccari is a testament to Rome's architectural diversity and creativity. Its proximity to the Spanish Steps makes it an easy and worthwhile addition to any itinerary, ensuring visitors a charming and unusual experience in the heart of the Eternal City.

Monster House! Palazzo Zuccari

You can't spend holidays in Barcelona without also visiting the Sagrada Familia. It's probably the city's biggest attraction – and for a good reason. 

La Sagrada, a Roman Catholic church, dates back to the 19th century but is still under construction (some expect it to be finished by 2026, but in my view, 2030 is a safer bet). We opted for a walking tour to the monumental building with high pinnacles, numerous squiggles, and 3-dimensional interior design. Later, during the tour, we discovered the works of art by Sagrada’s architect Gaudi, including Casa Batllo and Casa Mila (La Pedrera). 

The Sagrada Familia is located a little northeast of the city center and is easily reached by metro, bus, or cab. We stayed about 5 hours in this part of the city – as we visited not only the church but also the surrounding area and had some fresh fish to eat in the nearby restaurants. You’ll also find many souvenirs – including miniature La Sagradas, a great gift to bring home!

Walking Tour: Sagrada Familia

Discover the engineering marvel of the Ponte 25 de Abril at Experiencia Pilar 7 in Lisbon. This interactive and immersive attraction offers a unique insight into one of the world's most beautiful bridges. Situated in Alcântara, Lisbon, it’s a must-visit for those intrigued by architecture and panoramic city views. How to visit?
Start your journey with an exploration of the 25 de Abril Bridge’s history. Learn about its construction, the engineers behind it, and its significance in connecting Lisbon's two riverbanks.
The highlight of your visit will be the breathtaking viewpoint at 80 meters. Offering a glass floor, it provides a unique perspective of the bridge’s structure and stunning vistas of Lisbon and the Tagus River.
Experience inaccessible parts of the bridge via a virtual reality adventure. This immersive experience brings you closer to the architectural nuances of this grand structure.
At the heart of your visit, absorb the intricate engineering and architectural design of the bridge. Understand why it’s considered a significant symbol in Lisbon's skyline.
Capture the essence of Lisbon from this unique vantage point. The viewpoint not only offers a great photo opportunity but also a chance to see landmarks like the Tower of Belém in the distance.
Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, the experience is accessible, offering an engaging visit for all. For ticketing and more information, visit their official website. Plan your visit on a clear day for the best views, and consider adding the virtual reality option for a more in-depth experience. 
Photo by André Carvalho

Experiencia Pilar 7

Step into Igreja de São Francisco, a blend of Gothic architecture and lavish Baroque interiors. This church, built between the late 14th and early 15th centuries, is a stunning representation of Porto's historical and artistic legacy. Despite its relatively unassuming exterior, the church's interior is a breathtaking display of opulent decoration, making it one of Porto's most visited religious sites. Top 5 highlights:
Architectural Harmony: Begin your visit by admiring the church's Gothic structure. The South portal, facing the river, retains its original Gothic style with a triangular gable and Mudéjar-inspired archivolts. Inside, the church features a nave with three aisles and a transept with an apse containing three chapels.
Baroque Splendor: The church's interior showcases extensive 17th and 18th-century Baroque gilt woodwork (talha dourada), covering almost every surface. This includes the roofs of the aisles, pillars, window frames, and chapels. The contrast between the Gothic architecture and the Baroque decoration is a fascinating aspect of the church's design.
The Tree of Jesse Altarpiece: Don't miss the "Tree of Jesse" altarpiece on the North lateral aisle, a remarkable example of polychromed woodwork by Filipe da Silva and António Gomes. This altarpiece represents the family tree of Jesus, connecting twelve kings of Judah to the recumbent figure of Jesse, topped by Joseph, the Virgin, and the Child.
Saint Francis Statue: A notable feature is the polychrome granite statue of Saint Francis of Assisi from the 13th century, located near the entrance. This statue stands within a Baroque altarpiece and is a remnant of the first church dedicated to St. Francis, replaced by the current structure.
Catacombs and Museum: Explore the catacombs beneath the church, where thousands of bones are stored, awaiting Judgment Day. The Museum of São Francisco within the complex is also worth visiting for its artifacts from the former monastery.
Photo by Visit Portugal

Igreja de São Francisco

Naples, Italy, is home to the legendary Castel dell’Ovo, the city’s oldest standing fortress, dramatically set on the small island of Megaride in the Gulf of Naples. Dating back to the 12th century, this historic castle offers breathtaking sea views, mysterious ancient halls, and a rich blend of myth and history. According to legend, the poet Virgil placed a magical egg ("uovo") within its foundations, and the city's fate was believed to be tied to its survival. Today, the castle is a must-visit site, perfect for exploring Naples’ maritime past and capturing stunning photographs.


1. At the top of the fortress, panoramic terraces offer stunning views of the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and the city skyline. The breathtaking scenery makes this a favorite spot for photography.

2. Inside the castle, ancient halls, courtyards, and stone passageways provide a glimpse into medieval military architecture. Walking through these timeworn spaces evokes the fortress's long and storied history.

3. Along the castle’s base, picturesque fishing boats and waterfront restaurants create a charming contrast to the imposing stone walls. This area, known as Borgo Marinari, is famous for fresh seafood and lively dining.

4. Throughout the year, temporary art exhibitions and cultural events are hosted within the castle’s halls, offering visitors an ever-changing experience alongside its historical charm.

5. Surrounding the fortress, a scenic promenade along the seafront makes for a perfect post-visit stroll, allowing visitors to take in the beauty of Naples’ coastline.

Visitor Tip: Visit at sunset for breathtaking golden-hour views over the sea, and don’t forget to explore the nearby restaurants for a taste of authentic Neapolitan seafood.

Photo: vololibero

Castel dell’Ovo

The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, set in a 17th-century palace in the Janelas Verdes area of Lisbon, is a beacon of Portugal's artistic and cultural heritage. Known for housing the most extensive collection of national treasures in Portugal, the museum is a journey through time, showcasing works from the 12th to the 19th century. Top highlights:
1 - Architectural Splendor: The museum's architecture is a masterpiece in itself, with grand arches and soaring ceilings that create a mesmerizing ambience. The building, once the Palácio Alvor-Pombal, is a testament to Portugal's rich history, and its gardens offer a tranquil escape with views of the port and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
2 - Artistic Masterpieces: The museum's extensive collection includes notable works like Hieronymus Bosch's "Temptation of Saint Anthony" and Albrecht Dürer’s "Saint Jerome". It also features the Belém Monstrance, made with gold and gems brought by Vasco da Gama, and fascinating Japanese screens depicting the Portuguese arrival in Japan.
3 - Portuguese and European Works: The museum's Portuguese gallery includes significant works like Gregório Lopes’ “Martyrdom of St. Sebastian” and Domingos Sequeira’s “The Adoration of the Magi”. In the European collection, one can admire paintings by Piero della Francesca, Tiepolo, Van Dyck, and Zurbarán.
4 - The Albertas Chapel and Oriental Art: The Albertas Chapel, part of the original palace, exemplifies Portuguese baroque with its gilt carvings and blue-and-white tile panels. The Oriental Art section displays pieces from India, Japan, China, and Macau, reflecting Portugal's historical trade routes.
The museum is accessible by public transport, with bus and tram options available. General admission is €10.00, and it's free with the Lisboa Card. The museum's location near the charming Santos neighborhood makes it easily combinable with a visit to other local attractions.
Photo by Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a mesmerizing protected coastal lagoon in Portugal’s Algarve region, is one of the country’s richest natural habitats. Known for its intricate network of islands, sandy beaches, salt marshes, and tidal flats, this nature park is a haven for biodiversity and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Spanning around 170 square kilometers, it is home to a variety of bird species, unique plants, and marine life, making it an ideal destination for exploration, whether by foot or by boat.

Highlights of a Visit to Parque Natural da Ria Formosa:

1. Visit the uninhabited island, also known as Ilha da Barreta, which offers pristine beaches and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s ideal for those seeking solitude and scenic views of the Atlantic, and you can explore the soft sands, swim in clear waters, or walk along nature trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints.

2. Ria Formosa is famous for its diverse bird population, including flamingos, spoonbills, and rare purple herons. It’s also one of the few habitats of the endangered Portuguese water dog and the rare seahorse population in its tranquil waters.

3. Take a guided boat tour through the intricate waterways and learn about traditional salt harvesting. These channels are rich in marine life and often provide sightings of fish, crabs, and shellfish, highlighting the region’s ecological importance.

4. Several trails provide paths through the park, with observation points and guided tours available for an immersive experience.

Tips: Bring sun protection, water, and a camera for the views. Boat tours to Ilha Deserta often leave from Faro’s marina and require pre-booking during the summer. Don’t forget to explore Faro’s vibrant town before or after your Ria Formosa adventure!

Parque Natural da Ria Formosa

Colombia

The Coffee Triangle - which includes the pueblo towns of Salento and Filandia - has its own culture, diversity, food and of course, coffee. 
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I was told that I would find the best cup of coffee in the world in Colombia’s Zona Cafetera. I found some of the tastiest beans in little vintage cafes with vintage coffee machines. The coffee plantations nearby offered tasting sessions too. Part of the fun Is to climb on the back of a colorful Jeep to get to the plantations.

On the Coffee Road, in the colorful town of Salento, the biggest attraction - besides the coffee and the arepas - is its traditional architecture of one- and two-story buildings, with walls painted white, and doors and window frames in the brightest of candy colors.

Coffee Culture

Jamaica

Exploring Jamaica's coffee heritage at James Dennis's Farm, in a tiny place called Section, Portland in the Blue Mountains. 

Catching the action of a typical day – Beans roasting in a Dutch pot over a crackling wood fire. Farm life soundtracked by birdsong. Sunlight piercing fog. Robust coffee aromas filling the air. Tradition, craft, passion, family, community in motion.

Coffee Craft

Palermo Cathedral (Cattedrale di Palermo) stands as a remarkable symbol of Sicily's rich history and cultural diversity. Originally constructed in 1185, this architectural masterpiece reflects a unique blend of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine influences, mirroring the varied historical periods of Sicily. The cathedral's imposing presence in the heart of Palermo offers visitors a profound insight into the island's complex cultural tapestry. Here are the key highlights:

1. Norman Conquest and Cultural Fusion: The cathedral's origin dates back to the Norman conquest of Sicily, with its architecture showcasing a harmonious blend of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine styles. This fusion is evident in the cathedral's majestic exterior, ornate mosaics, and intricate arches.

2. Royal Connections and Religious Significance: Serving as a coronation site for Sicilian monarchs, the cathedral is steeped in royal history. Its walls and altars tell tales of religious importance, housing relics and tombs of kings and emperors, including the notable Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II.

3. Architectural Evolution Through Centuries: The cathedral has undergone various modifications over the centuries, each adding a layer to its historical and architectural narrative. Visitors can witness the Gothic and Baroque elements introduced in later periods, offering a visual journey through time.

4. Artistic and Spiritual Haven: Inside, the cathedral is gives to host to a collection of art, including remarkable frescoes and sculptures. Its vast interior also provides a tranquil space for spiritual reflection.

It's always a good idea to check the latest information before planning your visit. You can purchase tickets on the day of your visit at the Cathedral ticket office or online. 

Photo by Regös Környei

Palermo Cathedral

Türkiye

Dario Moreno Street is a charming, cobblestone avenue known for its colorful facades and artistic atmosphere. It leads to the historic Asansör (Elevator), a 1907-built structure designed to connect the lower and upper parts of İzmir with ease. The top of the elevator offers spectacular views of the city and the sea, making it a must-visit spot for photographers and history lovers alike.
1. This quaint street boasts cobblestone paths and colorful facades that exude old-world charm.
2. It is named after the famous Turkish-Jewish singer and artist, Dario Moreno, adding cultural significance to the area.
3. The historic Asansör, built in 1907, is an iconic elevator that connects two levels of the city.
4. At the top of the elevator, sweeping panoramic views of İzmir await.
5. The cafes at the top provide a delightful spot to enjoy a drink with stunning cityscapes as a backdrop.
Visitor Tip: The elevator ride is free, and the best time to visit is just before sunset for spectacular views.

Photo: Seda Yalova

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