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Spain

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.

Join a luxurious flamenco journey beginning in the towns of the Cádiz mountains, where you will explore the workshop of a master luthier crafting flamenco guitars. You will engage with the artisan, witnessing the intricate process behind these unique instruments. You will later be driven to Jerez de la Frontera for a private guided tour on a horse-drawn carriage and you will enjoy a visit to the Lola Flores Museum, delving into the life and legacy of this legendary flamenco icon. 

The grand finale awaits at a traditional Jerez tavern, savoring local delicacies with your knowledgeable guide, while  enjoying a captivating flamenco performance at a historic tablao, where you will have the opportunity to chat with the artists.

This carefully curated experience will seamlessly blend craftsmanship, cultural exploration, and the emotional richness of flamenco, ensuring an unforgettable day in Jerez de la Frontera.

Fly from Madrid to Jerez (1 h), or take a train Madrid - Jerez (4 h) or Seville - Jerez (1 h). Meeting point will be specified prior to the visit.

This Experience is an exploration of flamenco's rich emotional landscape, rhythmic complexity, and multifaceted aspect: a focused journey into the heart of flamenco music and dance that promises an intimate understanding of its traditional and contemporary expressions. 

Beginning in the towns of Cádiz mountains, your visit to a luthier's workshop will reveal insight into the craftsmanship of flamenco guitars, a centuries-old tradition, with an interesting conversation with the artisan. Your tour in Jerez de la Frontera will amplify the richness of the craft, at the Lola Flores Museum, a homage to a magnificent flamenco icon. Next is an authentic Spanish lunch in a traditional tabanco, one of the most iconic taverns in Jerez de la Frontera, where you’ll enjoy a flamenco performance. Here, the soul-stirring power of flamenco will unfold, captivating the senses with masterful musicians and dancers, with whom you will be able to chat afterwards —and maybe even learn a few flamenco moves. 

A private visit to a prestigious Spanish guitar manufacturer, departing from Jerez in private transport. You will immerse yourself in the artistry and craftsmanship of traditional guitar making, witnessing skilled luthiers at work. Explore the workshop's heritage and techniques, gaining insight into the intricate process of creating these iconic instruments. This intimate experience will offer a deep appreciation for the cultural significance and meticulous detail behind each masterpiece, making it a truly unforgettable excursion into the heart of Spanish music tradition.

Fly from Madrid to Jerez (1 h), or take a train Madrid - Jerez (4 h) or Seville - Jerez (1 h). If desired, our private transportation will pick you up either at the airport or train station.

You will be offered privileged, private access to a prestigious Spanish guitar manufacturer, where you will be immersed in the centuries-old tradition of guitar making, witnessing skilled artisans craft these iconic instruments with meticulous attention to detail. You will enjoy a personalized interaction with luthiers, gaining insight into their techniques and the cultural significance imbued within each guitar. 

A private visit to a prestigious Spanish guitar manufacturer to discover flamenco's cultural roots.

Private Guitar Atelier Visit

Once back in Jerez de la Frontera, you will board a horse carriage for a ride through the city center, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, who will show you the secrets of this city that is considered the maximum expression of flamenco art. You will make a stop at the museum dedicated to one of the greatest flamenco artists in history, born in Jerez: Lola Flores.

This experience is truly unique because it seamlessly weaves together multiple facets of Jerez de la Frontera's cultural identity into a single, unforgettable journey. You will not only enjoy a scenic horse carriage ride through the city's charming streets and visit the Lola Flores Museum, but also benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable guide who reveals the city's secrets as the ultimate expression of flamenco art.

A flamenco-inspired visit to Jerez de la Frontera on a horse-drawn carriage.

Private Horse Carriage Tour

At lunch time, you will go to one of the most traditional taverns in Jerez, where you will enjoy an excellent meal with local products such as Iberian ham, cheese from the Sierra de Cádiz, Sherry wines and typical dishes from the area such as the tuna from Barbate or the famous chicharrones. While you have lunch, you will enjoy a flamenco show of singing and dancing, and at the end, you will be able to talk with the artists, take photos with them and many more surprises.

This experience will offer a comprehensive exploration of Jerez's cultural heritage in a single setting. You will not only enjoy a traditional meal featuring local delicacies but also have the opportunity to witness a live flamenco show, providing a rich sensory experience that captures the essence of Andalusian culture. The opportunity to engage with the flamenco artists after the show, creating memorable interactions, will makes the experience truly unforgettable.

A private visit to a quintessential flamenco venue in Jerez to enjoy a soul-stirring flamenco show.

Lunch with Flamenco Show

Flamenco Tour in Jerez near Cádiz & Seville: luthier visit, Lola Flores Museum, tablao performance.

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

The Soleás & Bulerías of Flamenco

Private visit to a master luthier’s workshop with aperitif. 

Private transport from the Cádiz mountains to Jerez. 

Guided visit to the Lola Flores Museum. 

Horse-drawn carriage tour of Jerez. 

Lunch with drinks at a traditional tavern. 

Flamenco show at a historic tablao, with a chance to meet the artists. 

Optional pickup from Jerez train station or airport.

You can come with comfortable clothes and shoes, depending on the time of the year. In summer it will be hot, so be prepared with a good hat and cool clothes. In winter, bring your coat. In spring and autumn a trench coat will be enough. Prior to the visit, we will inform you about our recommended clothes in more detail.

Pickup in Jerez or Cadiz may be possible. Post booking, chat with Maria Jose post booking to determine meeting point. 

The  hosts in the Jerez area are passionate ambassadors of the city, deeply rooted in its culture and traditions. They possess a profound knowledge of the history, architecture, and local customs, providing customers with an unparalleled experience by sharing their wisdom.

Additionally, they are experts in flamenco, capable of conveying the highlights of flamenco art with enthusiasm and authenticity, from the different styles of singing and dancing to its cultural and emotional significance, and will accompany you during the whole day to answer all your questions. This host embodies the essence of Jerez, offering a complete immersion into its rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Closer to the date, Maria José will introduce you to your host and share their contact details, if needed.

Mexico

A short guided hike of roughly two hours will take you to a series of caves featuring rustic paintings and traces of human habitation dating back over 10,000 years. They depict the early domestication period of the Zapotec people, when their ancestors first settled here as hunter-gatherers. These caverns are part of a larger network of over 200 caves in Yagul, where the earliest remnants of domesticated corn—a tiny and now obsolete variety known as teocintle—were discovered. This entire area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

As these caves are protected and the town operates under Indigenous law, it’s required that we travel with a local guide provided by the pueblo’s government office.

After the hike, we’ll continue the corn theme with lunch at a local restaurant, sampling one of the most iconic corn-based dishes in Oaxaca: the tlayuda. We’ll share a variety of styles, along with a refreshing non-alcoholic agua fresca.

This hike is a chance to appreciate the splendor of the Oaxacan countryside and gain insight into the earliest Zapotec people who settled in this land. Your host, a long-time Oaxaca resident with strong connections to this community, will arrange the hike with a guide from the local government office to ensure the experience complies with Indigenous law for this protected area. Participants can specify whether they would like the tour in English or Spanish. This offers unmatched insight into the history and ecology of the region.

You’ll then explore the magic of corn firsthand by trying one of Oaxaca’s most iconic delicacies—the tlayuda. Your host will transport you from the hike to one of the best venues near the city to enjoy this celebrated dish, then return you to your original meeting point once the meal is done. Please advise in advance if you're vegetarian, and special arrangements can be made.

Hiking Tour from Oaxaca to UNESCO Zapotec caves with ancient corn history and local tlayuda lunch.

Hike Through Corn's Origins

Guided two-hour hike to Zapotec cave sites with ancient rock art and habitation traces.

Cultural and historical context shared throughout the hike.

Local guide provided by the pueblo as required by Indigenous law.

Visit to the site where early domesticated corn was discovered.

Set lunch featuring tlayudas and a non-alcoholic agua fresca.

Round-trip transportation from the Colonia Reforma meeting point.

We recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes. Flip-flops and sandals are not advised to avoid potential injury. Due to the sun, we also suggest bringing a hat, a shirt with sleeves, sunscreen, water, sunglasses, and your camera or phone if you'd like to take photos. You may also want to bring some cash in pesos in case you wish to purchase anything beyond the included meal and drinks.

Pick up and drop off will be at the front of the Italian Coffee Company at Lic Manuel Ruiz 300A, Reforma, 68050, Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca, Mexico. Your host will be there waiting for you 15 minutes before the departure time to enable a prompt departure at the time stated on the booking. The transit time to and from the destination is included in the duration shown on the experience listing.

Ehren Seeland is a Oaxaca-based creative with a background in art and design and journalism, who travels the globe for professional and personal pursuits. A long-term resident of Oaxaca with family ties to the city, her passion for regional produce, traditional skills, and social impact makes her a fantastic host for the culturally curious and socially minded traveler.

Through all of her projects—including Hecho, a marketplace of artisan-made goods from natural materials—Ehren maintains an active focus on supporting Mexican ancestral traditions through handmade product development, including textiles, pottery, homewares, and other works. Her projects also place special emphasis on supporting women and indigenous communities.

A special tour to see how Seville artisans use centuries-old techniques and lifelong expertise to produce exquisite pieces for religious events and rituals. 

Act 1: Bordado (Embroidery): Visit the workshop of a renowned artisan to witness the meticulous restoration of ceremonial vestments and regalia for processions of the Catholic fraternities in southern Spain, mainly centred around Semana Santa (Holy Week).

Act 2: Orfebrería (Silversmithing and Goldsmithing): You’ll meet a highly skilled orfebrero (silversmith) and learn about the various stages in creating elaborate embossed silver pieces such as candlesticks and decorative panels for pasos (floats) which carry the religious statues in the Semana Santa processions, all chiseled by hand.

Act 3: Imaginería (Wood Sculptures): Seville is famous for the quality of its extraordinarily lifelike statues. We'll visit a sculptor who creates religious imaginería in wood and clay, including for the tableaux of Christ’s Way of the Cross.

Seville is well connected by air, rail and road. After booking the Experience, Chat with Fiona to determine meeting point for this Experience. 

This tour is carefully curated to unveil the hidden treasures of Seville's history at the heart of of artistic-religious workmanship. Delve into the secrets of traditional "arte sacro" as you visit three exclusive artisan workshops. Each of these studios is dedicated to preserving and evolving distinct crafts that have shaped the city's identity for centuries. These workshops are not usually open to the public, so visitors need a local expert with the right contacts to guide them, to interpret, and to explain the significance of each artisan's work – both historical and contemporary - in the social and cultural fabric of the city. During the tour, we'll take a break at a charming local café, share stories, and discuss the fascinating crafts you've explored.

Artisan Craft Tour in Seville showcasing exquisite yet little-known heritage crafts of Andalusia.

3 artisan workshops with a coffee/tapas stop,

Arte Sacro in Three Acts

Private guided tour with rare access to three artisan workshops specializing in embroidery, silversmithing, and religious sculpture.

Insight into centuries-old techniques used in Semana Santa processional art.

Personal interactions with master artisans in their working studios.

Coffee and tapas stop during the experience.

This is a walking tour; wear comfortable shoes.

After booking the Experience, Chat with Fiona to determine meeting point. 

Fiona Flores Watson is a Seville-based writer who loves introducing visitors to the exquisite heritage crafts of Andalusia, as seen in the spectacular fiesta-inspired 2023 Dior Cruise Collection which was shown in Seville..

Reimagine what we consider disposable through this crafts, sustainability, and traditional materials workshop. In a charming first floor space in CDMX's Condesa neighborhood you'll explore the artistry of recycled paper and natural dyes and discover their cultural history.

You'll transform discarded paper into handmade creations and experiment with vibrant local pigments like cochineal, Palo de Campeche, and Añil—dyes deeply woven into Mexico’s history, from ancestral craft to colonial exploitation. As you work with these natural colors, you'll gain insight into their ecological and cultural significance, connecting past traditions with modern sustainability.

Beyond technique, this experience invites reflection. You'll delve into the legacy of these materials and their ties to our shared environment. Through a blend of history, art, and sustainability, you'll not only develop new skills but also see everyday waste in a new light—turning the discarded into something meaningful.

This workshop is a way to create something meaningful, learn deeply, and leave with a piece of Mexico’s heritage in your hands. It combines hands-on creativity with thoughtful discussions, diving into the transformation of recycled paper and the use of local natural dyes. You’ll gain hands-on experience to better understand the techniques and principles behind sustainable crafts and creativity, discovering how handmade recycled paper offers an eco-friendly alternative and a creative way to deal with waste.

Based in Mexico City's Colonia Condesa, the workshop is a small unique space in this popular part of the capital. Here, you'll be inspired by the natural fibers and materials around you, as well as your host’s expertise in art and design. This is a special opportunity to become acquainted with traditional natural dyes—sidelined by European colonialists—such as cochineal, Palo de Campeche and Añil, working alongside practitioners dedicated to preserving sustainable textile crafts.

Craft Workshop in Mexico City using recycled paper and natural dyes rooted in Mexican tradition.

Paper Crafts & Ancestral Dyes

Workshop to create handmade recycled paper with natural dyes in a Condesa studio.

Guidance on using cochineal, Palo de Campeche, and Añil pigments.

Insights on cultural and ecological context behind traditional dye practices.

All materials provided to create approx. 20 sheets of handmade paper.

Handmade craft and materials to take home.

Coffee, tea, water, and a healthy snack included.

Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a little dirty—creativity can be messy! Don’t worry, Clara will also provide aprons and gloves if needed to keep you extra comfortable during the workshop. 

Please be aware that the workshop is located in an old CDMX building and access is via a steep staircase, not ideal for anyone with mobility restrictions. 

You will meet at the store "Donde Clara" on Calle Ámsterdam and then go through a secret passage to access the rooftop of the store. The access includes a steep metal staircase. 

This experience maker, Clara, is passionate about regeneration, craftsmanship, and preserving ancestral knowledge. She has spent years working with local artisans and creative communities, learning their techniques while exploring ways to merge creativity with environmental stewardship. Driven by a deep curiosity for self-sufficiency, Clara studies the origins of materials and the processes of cultivating and transforming fibers and dyes. She is fascinated by their social, economic, and environmental impact, believing that understanding them leads to more intentional, responsible creativity.

Clara shares hosting duties with her right-hand, Mariana, whose natural curiosity drives her exploration of material-focused creative practices. Together, they turn every workshop into an open space for experimentation, discovery, and rethinking how we create, and have collective knowledge about the city's related upcycling and craft scene which will no doubt inspire you to explore further.

Discover the world of Mexican plants and the importance of gardens and green spaces in urban settings. You'll be welcomed into a private rooftop garden in the heart of Condesa, Mexico City. Here you’ll find more than thirty species of native flora, planted to attract pollinators, provide food and medicine, and serve as a living lab for textile and dye experimentation.

You'll learn about the history and cultural value of these plants native to the Valley of Mexico — including dye species such as marigold (cempasúchil), pericón, and muicle, used for centuries as pigments for textiles and paints. These plants are living symbols of tradition and ancestral knowledge, a heritage you’ll explore through hands-on learning. You’ll also experiment with natural dyeing and botanical printing on cotton, linen or silk.

This experience also offers insight into how locals are rewilding the city and creating green projects that reconnect Mexico City’s residents with its original landscape.

Be immersed in Mexico’s natural, cultural, and craft richness while enjoying the calm of a small and lush rooftop garden with welcoming locals. You’ll discuss the role of urban gardens in rebalancing ecological and human systems, and the need to reconnect with nature’s cycles even within the city’s dense core.

Your hosts reveal how these plants carry meaning in Mexico—rooted in tradition, healing practices, and spirituality in daily life. The experience culminates in a small, interactive moment where you’ll create botanical prints and natural dyes, tracing the link between plant, pigment, story, and territory.

Alongside the creative process, you’ll enjoy snacks and infusions made from the garden’s medicinal plants. You’ll take home your own floral-printed cloth pouch and handmade notebook—small keepsakes of time spent reconnecting with Mexico’s people and heritage. Most importantly, you’ll enjoy the company and conversation of friendly local hosts who share their world with you.

Urban Garden Workshop in Mexico City: native plants, ancestral flora, rewilding, botanical printing.

Color From the Garden

Private, guided visit to a small urban rooftop garden.

Short workshop using natural dyes and botanical printing processes.

Snacks and herbal tea.

Wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty - creativity can be messy! Don't worry, Clara will also provide aprons and gloves if needed to keep you extra comfortable during the workshop. Please be aware that the workshop is located in an old CDMX building and access is via a steep staircase. 

Meet at the store "Donde Clara" on calle Amsterdam and then go through a secret passage to access the rooftop of the store. The access includes a steep metal staircase, not ideal for those with mobility restrictions. 

Clara is a passionate advocate for natural fibers, artisanal processes, and textile self-sufficiency. This dedication led her to create her space in Mexico City, a haberdashery designed to inspire creativity and reconnect makers with traditional craft materials. Every object is carefully curated to spark imagination, from native cottons and handspun silks to handmade papers, natural waxes, wools, and bulk natural dyes—offering an array of things to make things.

Clara shares this space with her expert colleague, Mariana, whose curiosity and knowledge enrich every workshop. Together, they foster a welcoming environment where craftsmanship, tradition, and sustainability converge, inspiring others to experiment and reimagine the possibilities of handmade art.

Italy

This is a meticulously curated 5-hour tour about the exquisite world of jewelry in Milan, blending design, materials, and craftsmanship. You’ll start from the Poldi Pezzoli Museum's Gold Room, which houses over two hundred precious jewels in four sections: ancient enamels, sacred jewelry, collectors' items, and personal ornaments, with a notable collection of Etruscan pieces from funerary legacies. Then you’ll walk to a revered jewelry shop, known for captivating four generations with its precious creations. Here, you’ll witness the various stages of jewel realization, observing how original designs and precious jewels come to life through exceptional craftsmanship. Later, after a brief coffee/snack break, you’ll visit the Scuola Orafa Ambrosiana, a renowned Milanese educational institution where the techniques and artistic craft abilities of jewelry making are taught and practiced. This offers a deep insight into the educational aspects of the craft, and how the artisans are created.

Milan is well connected by air, rail and road. This experience is located in the center of Milan. 

Milano is a hub for fashion, design, and artisanal crafts, with hidden ateliers and workshops. Through the collaborations enabled by Elena Sisti and Elesta comes this wonderful itinerary that celebrates the city's high-fashion heritage. This uniquely combines historical appreciation with contemporary craftsmanship and educational insights. By visiting the Poldi Pezzoli Museum, you’ll gain an understanding of the historical and ornamental function of jewelry through the ages, enriching their appreciation of the craft. The subsequent visits provide a rare opportunity to observe modern jewelers and students at work, bridging the gap between traditional methods and contemporary design and production techniques. This is an inspiring tour – an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of high jewelry, from its rich history to the contemporary excellence of Milan's artisans and educators. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the artistry that goes into creating each exquisite piece.

Jewelry Tour in Milan: Poldi Pezzoli gems, live artisan craftsmanship & Scuola Orafa insight. 

Travelers would meet the guide at the museum and walk together to a café and then to the workshop

All That Glitters

This Experience accommodates a minimum and maximum of 4 participants to ensure an exclusive experience and make base costs and logistics work. Fewer people can book but a supplement will be charged to meet the minimum. Included are museum tickets to the Gold Room in the Museo Poldi Pezzoli, a guided visit to an exclusive jewelry shop, and a session at the Scuola Orafa Ambrosiana. A coffee/snack break is also included, providing a moment of relaxation and conversation about the day's discoveries.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes for walking through the museum and to the various locations in this walking tour. Bring a camera to capture the beauty and intricacy of the jewels and the craftsmanship techniques observed. [You may be able to purchase items in the store, but there is no pressure to buy and no commissions involved.]

Outside Poldi Pezzoli Museum in Milan. Milan is well connected by air, rail and road. This experience is located in the center of Milan. 

Guided by experts in art history and jewelry design, this tour is hosted by individuals with deep knowledge and passion for their craft. Their expertise offers enriching narratives and insights into each piece's historical context, design evolution, and the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Milanese jewelry. You’ll be accompanied throughout the tour by an art history expert. You’ll enjoy the interactions with the jewelry experts and the teachers that you subsequently meet. 

Morocco

At first glance, Marrakech appears like a whirlwind — a maze of color, sound, motion. But beneath the surface lies a deliberate order: the Golden Triangle, a sacred geometry that has shaped the city’s soul.

This is a walking and storytelling tour through that invisible structure: a symbolic triad that defines Marrakech’s spiritual, intellectual and artisanal legacy. At its heart sits Jemaa el Fna, the legendary square where trade, culture and belief converge. Then, you'll follow its three pivotal corners: the scholarly Ben Youssef district, the craft-based eastern medina, and the towering Koutoubia Mosque. You’ll pause for tea and a snack in a local Marrakshi home in the Medina.

Led by a master storyteller, each stop reveals a new layer of meaning—Marrakech as a garden city, where sacred geometry shaped civic design and daily ritual. The tour moves through alleyways and squares as the storyteller weaves legends, architecture and local memory into a live performance. 

This storytelling tour reveals the hidden blueprint of Marrakesh: a triangle of meaning, with Jemaa el Fna at its heart and three thematic poles shaping the city’s soul:

Ben Youssef – The seat of knowledge and intellect, once home to scholars, poets and the city's elite. Here, education and artistry flourished, leaving its legacy through its historic madrasa and noble residences.

Eastern Medina – Where artisans have shaped the identity of the city for centuries. From leather tanners to woodworkers, this quarter embodies the mastery of Moroccan craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Koutoubia Mosque – The towering symbol of spirituality and power, guiding the faithful and standing as a reminder of Marrakech’s deep connection to both faith and governance.

These weren’t isolated functions — they formed a sacred order. Through hikayat, Morocco’s oral storytelling tradition, this order is reanimated at each stop, anchored by narrative and memory, guided by an expert storyteller.

Storytelling Walking Tour in Marrakesh: Discover sacred geometry, legends & tea in the medina.

Order of the Golden Triangle

Guided storytelling walk exploring the sacred geometry of Marrakesh’s Golden Triangle.

Live performances by one or more professional storytellers.

Cultural and historical insights at key locations: Jemaa el Fna, Ben Youssef, the eastern medina, and Koutoubia Mosque.

Moroccan tea and a local snack served in a private medina home.

Immersive blend of narrative, architecture, and spiritual symbolism.

Comfortable shoes for walking. Modest clothing as you will be close to several religious shrines.
A camera to capture the route and the passionate expressions of the storytellers in action.
A bottle of water, especially in warm weather. 

The exact meeting point will be shared after the booking. Chat with Zouhair to confirm details of the location. 

Your host, Zouhair Khaznaoui, is a masterful Moroccan storyteller, trained in the traditional art of hikayat—an oral tradition passed down for over a thousand years. With deep roots in Marrakesh’s cultural fabric, they are part of a new generation working to preserve and evolve this tradition for contemporary audiences. Their storytelling isn’t scripted but living, improvised retellings shaped by place, moment, and listener. As you walk through the city’s sacred sites and hidden alleys, your host will share stories that animate Marrakesh’s spiritual, intellectual, and artisanal legacy—offering a rare and unforgettable twist on the typical sightseeing experience.

Türkiye

Get portraits and candid shots of yourself in the enchanting district of Balat during a professional photoshoot. This historic Istanbul neighborhood is filled with rainbow-hued Ottoman houses and cobblestone streets—creating the perfect backdrop for a photo session. Once home to Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities, Balat reflects centuries of layered history in its architecture and street life. From faded synagogues to crumbling facades, the neighborhood blends past and present in every frame—making it one of Istanbul’s most visually compelling areas to be photographed in.

Hosted by a professional photographer, you'll be guided through hidden courtyards, past ornate balconies, and alongside stone walls where every corner tells a story. You’ll be positioned against monuments and vibrant cafés that create a natural stage for stunning compositions.

The changing light in Balat’s narrow streets offers ideal conditions for portraits that capture both you and the city. 

Whether you're after solo shots, couple photos, or artistic portraits, this session captures your time in Istanbul at its most photogenic. This experience offers high-quality portraits set against one of Istanbul’s most visually striking districts. As you wander through Balat’s vibrant, historic streets, your photographer will capture the authentic moments that make your journey special—the warmth of your smile as you sample street food from a local vendor, the quiet reflection as you admire intricate tilework, or the thrill of stumbling upon hidden street art in an unexpected alleyway.

Balat’s rich textures and colorful facades provide the perfect backdrop, while İlkin’s expert eye transforms everyday moments into compelling, artistic portraits. Through creative composition, dramatic angles, and skillful use of natural light and shadow, your images will not only showcase the beauty of the neighborhood but also tell the story of your time in Istanbul.

Portrait Session in old streets of Balat, Istanbul—backed by colorful streets and courtyards.

Portraits in Balat

A one-hour professional photoshoot in Balat's colorful streets and time to get around between locations at a relaxed pace. 

Gentle guidance on posing, framing, and lighting for striking portraits. 

10-15 high-resolution, edited images per person/pair 3-5 days after the photoshoot.

Coffee or street food tastings during the photoshoot. 

Wear outfits that complement vibrant colors or neutral tones to contrast with Balat’s colorful backdrop.

After booking chat with Ilkin for details about meeting point.

İlkin Zeybek is a skilled portrait photographer with years of experience capturing people in Istanbul’s diverse settings. His ability to blend natural elements with architectural beauty results in stunning, professional-grade images.

Greece

Discover the flavors of Nafplio through an immersive wine and cheese tasting that blends tradition, history, and local expertise. As you stroll through the charming alleys of Greece’s first capital, you'll sample exceptional wines and cheeses from small-scale producers, each with a story to tell.

You’ll visit Nicole and Giorgos, who run a small delicacy shop in the city center. They’ll introduce you to specialties like kefalotyri, aged feta, and graviera with truffle oil, while sharing the secrets of their craft and family anecdotes.

The experience continues at a historic wine shop, open since 1882, where the Karonis family has curated the finest Greek wines and spirits for generations. In an elegant tasting space with wooden displays and vintage cabinets, you’ll explore regional wines like Nemea’s Agiorgitiko, a signature variety of the Peloponnese. Each sip and bite reveals the deep connection between Nafplio’s heritage and its extraordinary gastronomy.

This experience is a distinctive journey into the heart of Greek gastronomy and culture. Unlike typical tastings, guests actively engage by describing flavors and voting on their favorite wine and cheese pairings, fostering a deeper appreciation for the nuances of local produce.

What truly sets this experience apart is the opportunity to meet and interact with local multi-generational food artisans. These passionate producers share behind-the-scenes stories and provide authentic insights into their dedication and craft.

To further immerse you in the local culture, your guide Sofia also introduces you to Greek phrases related to wine and toasting, such as "Yamas!" (Cheers!), turning your experience into a lively and interactive moment.

Set against the backdrop of Nafplio's charming alleys and historic ambiance, this experience transcends a typical tasting. It’s an interactive cultural journey that deepens your connection to the region’s rich traditions and flavors.

Tasting Tour in Nafplio blending local history with a curated wine and cheese experience.

Nafplio: Aged & Uncorked

Guided walk through Nafplio’s old town.

Visit to a family-run delicacy shop for cheese tasting with cold cuts.

Visit to a historic wine shop with wine tasting featuring regional Greek varieties including Agiorgitiko.

Water provided during the experience.

Comfortable shoes. Hat and sunscreen. A good mood and curiosity. 

Sofia Koutsopoulou is a local tourism expert and passionate storyteller with extensive experience in the hospitality industry. She holds a BA in Translation nd a BA in Tourism Education & Training. Her deep knowledge of Nafplio's history and culture, combined with her engaging storytelling, makes every experience unique and personal.

Sofia loves sharing local values and customs, ensuring visitors gain a deeper appreciation of the region’s rich heritage. Through her strong connections with artisans, winemakers, and producers, she provides exclusive access to authentic encounters that bring Nafplio’s traditions to life.

This is an uncommon dawn capsule in Xochimilco — paddle-driven and nature-focused — you’re back in the city before the canals get busy. Private pickup from your accommodation in Mexico City gets you to the World Heritage wetlands in time for sunrise. 

You board a cayuco — a native, paddle-driven canoe — for a two-hour canoeing adventure through ancestral canals and the man-made farm islands known as chinampas, in use for over a thousand years. Along the way you’ll take in seasonal flora and fauna — marigolds and water lilies on the surface, wading and water birds such as herons, and native aquatic life like charal and frogs. 

As you paddle, your host — an expert in environmental sustainability and Xochimilco’s culture — sets the scene with history and biodiversity. You’ll pause in a lagoon to experience a beautiful sunrise while enjoying a tea or coffee and amaranth cookies (sesame, flaxseed, sunflower seeds), then continue the route before transferring back to the city. 

First built millennia ago, these canals open a direct window onto Mexico City’s pre-colonial landscape. Most visitors meet Xochimilco on brightly painted trajineras with loudspeakers and drinks; you travel in a low cayuco, close to the water, with birdsong instead. At dawn there are few boats, stiller water, more reflections, and a clean soundscape. 

Your hosts are committed to wetland biodiversity and the chinampa tradition — both under pressure from urban growth and invasive species; you’ll see how local stewards care for plots and waterways while learning the plants and animals that define this ecosystem. 

Enjoying the sunrise at a lagoon, this is a magical and restorative morning experience which will transport you out of the busyness of Mexico City and into the calm of this historic and beautiful setting. Your visit helps support sustainability projects led by Armando and his colleagues, and private transport adds a layer of ease for the early start.

Sunrise Canoe Tour in Xochimilco, Mexico City: ancestral canals, birdsong & local ecological insight

Ancestral Canals at Dawn

Private two-hour paddle canoe tour in a cayuco through Xochimilco’s canals.

Return private transport from your accommodation in Mexico City.

Guided interpretation of history, ecology, and chinampa culture – by an expert in environmental sustainability and Xochimilco’s culture.

Warm drink (tea or coffee) and amaranth cookies.

Your visit helps support on-site conservation, restoration and education initiatives.

Wear practical clothes and be ready for a bit of exercise: you’ll be canoeing for an extended stretch.

The stated duration covers time on the canals, plus 45 minutes each way for transfer from/to CDMX;; however total time may run longer because Mexico City traffic is unpredictable. Please allow flexibility on the finish in case of delays getting to the launch or returning. 

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Mexico City. Chat with Armando post booking to finalize pickup details. Given sunrise time in Mexico City varies between ~6 AM and ~7 AM, the pickup time from the hotel may vary slightly throughout the year (between 5–6 AM). The exact time will be shared after booking.

Armando and his colleagues are dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Mexico's wetlands. As biologists, farmers, traditional chefs, and educators, they are the perfect team to host you in Xochimilco and ensure your visit to this area helps to sustain and regenerate this historic zone. They are an interdisciplinary team driven by social impact and creating projects that help to improve the quality of life for the communities, wildlife and nature of the wetlands. Their ecotourism projects are part of their wider efforts to use community engagement to tackle environmental issues.

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

This 14-day journey across Morocco begins in Fes and flows through the Middle Atlas Mountains, into Berber villages, along the Atlantic coast, and into the heart of Marrakesh. With curated experiences led by chefs, artists, and storytellers, the itinerary blends deep culture and daily rhythm. You’ll travel from intricate medinas to wide mountain trails, from spiritual rituals to rooftop views, experiencing Morocco as both a guest and a participant.

DAYS 1-3 FES – STORIES, SPIRIT & EXPRESSION | Begin your journey in Fes, a city of spiritual depth and living tradition. Ease in with a reflective evening of Sufi music and dinner during In the Company of Sufis. On Day 2, join Chennafi for Tradition + Modernity, a guided walk through the medina’s creative contrasts, followed by a calligraphy workshop that invites you into the Moroccan art of eloquence. Day 3 begins with time for self-guided discovery. Start your morning at Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century masterpiece of Marinid-era architecture, then deepen your understanding of cultural traditions and hospitality through Cross-Cultural Exchange in Fes—a guided experience that opens conversations, connections, and new perspectives.

DAY 4 MIDDLE ATLAS TRANSFER | Today is a full day of travel into the mountains. Journey from Fes to Imlil with stops in Ifrane or Azrou. Expect a shift in pace and scenery, with cedar forests, high passes, and winding roads leading you deep into the Atlas. Settle into your stay in the valley.

DAYS 5-7 ATLAS MOUNTAINS – COOKING, TREKKING & VILLAGE LIFE | On Day 5, head to Ouirgane for What’s Cooking in the Atlas, a hands-on culinary experience with Chef Amanda, surrounded by garden air and spice. The next day, trek with a local guide through Imlil’s surrounding trails, past Berber villages and almond trees during The Quintessential High Atlas. Day 7 offers three options: a gentle village walk along The Mule Tracks of Aremd, a nature-focused hike on The Salt Route of Marigha, or a full-day climb to Toubkal Refuge for mountain lovers.

DAY 8 TRANSFER TO ESSAOUIRA – FROM PEAKS TO SEA | Drive from the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic coast—olive groves, argan trees, and plains stretch toward the medina of Essaouira. Arrive with time to unwind.

DAYS 9-10 IN ESSAOUIRA – PHOTOGRAPHY, MUSIC & CRAFT | Start with Mirroring Essaouira’s Soul, a photo walk led by a local photographer that captures street life in black and white. In the evening, immerse yourself in An Evening of Gnawa Music—a cultural dinner performance full of rhythm and spirit. The next day, explore the creative soul of the city through Jewelry Makers of Essaouira, visiting master artisans and learning their techniques in intimate studios.

DAY 11 TRANSFER TO MARRAKESH – RETURN TO RHYTHM | A 3-hour journey brings you to Marrakesh. Arrive in time for Tasting Morocco at Amal Center, where social impact meets culinary delight.

DAYS 12-14 IN MARRAKESH – CRAFT, ART & ROOFTOPS | Begin with A Thousand and One Crafts, a private walking tour through the artisan corners of the medina. In the evening, rise for Skyline Stories of Marrakesh, a rooftop experience of storytelling and views. On Day 13, meet contemporary Marrakesh through Art Beyond Borders, then explore the YSL Museum and Jardin Majorelle. Day 14 ends with The Grand Medina Quest, a treasure-hunt experience through the city’s symbols and stories—closing your two-week journey on a note of wonder.

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.

A Passage Through Morocco

A Morocco 2 week itinerary from Fes to Marrakesh with culture, coast, and Atlas Mountains.

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

Chile

Sand, Salt & Stars in Atacama

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

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.

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

Dreamscapes of Cappadocia

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

This 7-day itinerary offers a layered introduction to Catalonia, curated by Fernwayer experience-maker and collaborator Manila DiMaira. A native of Sicily and longtime resident of Barcelona, Manila blends insight with a deep curiosity. Her suggested route balances the bold energy of the city with the slower rhythm of the countryside — from Barcelona’s cultural core to the vineyards of Priorat, the wetlands of the Ebro Delta, and the historic charm of Girona.
Begin with three days in Barcelona, where Manila recommends focusing not on checklists but on rhythm: explore historic neighborhoods, check out design ateliers, sample Catalan cuisine, and seek out the quieter corners still alive with local tradition. | Head south into the wine country of Priorat, a lesser-known region with rolling hills and medieval villages. Stay in Siurana, a cliffside hamlet with sweeping views and access to local winemakers. | Continue to the Ebro Delta, one of Spain’s richest ecological regions. Here, you can bike through rice paddies, watch migratory birds, and experience a side of Catalonia rarely included in mainstream itineraries. | End in Girona, a city of ancient walls, celebrated chefs, and architectural quiet. It offers a slower, more introspective contrast to the pulse of Barcelona.
This itinerary reflects what Manila calls the “true essence of Catalonia” — a place of cultural pride, natural beauty, and distinct local identity. Manila first arrived in Barcelona more than two decades ago, while finishing her studies in Rome. She needed an internship for her thesis and chose Barcelona without expecting how quickly she’d feel at home.“Barcelona, 22 years ago, was a different place,” she says. “It was less cosmopolitan, more local. I remember wandering through narrow streets and finding tiny bars with real flamenco. It felt genuinely lived in.”
 “Tourism has definitely changed things,” she admits. “Places like La Rambla are overcrowded. Many locals have been pushed out by the rise in tourist rentals. But Catalans are proud of their traditions. They’ve started resisting these changes to preserve the city’s character.” That character is what Manila has grown to love. “I chose Barcelona because I felt an immediate connection. The Mediterranean lifestyle, the weather, the proximity to mountains and sea — it feels like home but also stretches me outside my comfort zone.” She relishes the contrast to her native Sicily. “I can take a train and be skiing in the Pyrenees in just over an hour. Where else do you get that?”
What keeps her in Barcelona is the balance of tradition and openness. “The cuisine, the olive groves, the vineyards — they remind me of southern Italy, but they’re uniquely Catalan.” And the city’s connectivity has made it easy to stay rooted while maintaining close ties to Italy. She speaks with admiration about the people: “Catalans are proud, resilient, and united. They have a strong sense of identity and community. Whether through demonstrations or cultural festivals, they come together. They’re efficient and organized, but also keep that relaxed Mediterranean vibe. It’s a unique combination.”
𝘈𝘵 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴. 𝘋𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘖𝘚 𝘢𝘱𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

Catalonia: Barcelona & Beyond

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

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.

Croatia

Stone, Sea, Story in Dubrovnik

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PLAN YOUR TRIP 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.

An Escape to Morocco

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

This road journey unfolds over seven days, tracing a gradual passage from Spain to Portugal through cities shaped by history, culture, and landscape. Beginning in Madrid, it moves through Toledo and into Galicia before continuing south to Porto and the Douro Valley. The journey balances guided encounters with time to explore at your own pace. Expect layered cities, scenic drives, intimate food moments, and meaningful conversations with locals, designed for travelers who enjoy movement, depth, and a rhythm that shifts between vibrant urban life and quieter regional landscapes.
DAY 1 – MADRID AND TOLEDO | Arrive in Madrid the day before and begin early with a drive to Toledo. A guided tour introduces the city’s layered past through its mosque, synagogue, and cathedral, revealing how cultures have shaped one another over time. Tastings along the way add a local dimension without rushing the pace. In the afternoon, return to Madrid and settle into the historic center for a calm evening.
DAY 2 – MADRID NEIGHBORHOODS | Start the day in La Latina with a guided aperitivo walk, learning about Madrid’s social rituals through small tastings. Continue with a walking tour of Barrio de las Letras led by a local writer, weaving together literary history and everyday life. The afternoon is open for rest or wandering before a guided evening experience that explores Madrid after dark through conversation and local culture.
DAY 3 – MADRID TO OURENSE | Begin with a guided walk through Madrid’s historic quarters, blending architecture, artisan shops, and street life. After lunch, drive north toward Galicia as the landscape shifts from open plains to green hills. Arrive in Ourense in the evening and unwind after the journey, easing into a slower pace.
DAY 4 – GALICIA FROM OURENSE | Spend the day on a guided exploration of Galicia, starting directly from Ourense and moving through countryside and river towns. The focus is on lesser known landscapes, local food traditions, and moments shaped by place. Tastings and a gentle cruise on the Miño River offer insight into the region’s rhythm before returning to Ourense in the evening.
DAY 5 – OURENSE TO PORTO | Cross into Portugal on a scenic drive that gradually introduces the Douro landscape. The road feels calmer, the light softer, and the pace slower. Arrive in Porto in the afternoon and take time to explore independently, whether along the river or through nearby neighborhoods. The evening invites a relaxed, refined end to the day.
DAY 6 – PORTO BY THE RIVER | The day centers on a guided boat experience along the Douro River, offering views of Porto from the water while learning about its maritime and wine heritage. Tastings and a relaxed lunch shape the rhythm of the day. The afternoon is free for wandering historic streets, followed by a quiet evening near the coast.
DAY 7 – DOURO VALLEY | Travel inland for a guided day trip into the Douro Valley, where steep vineyards and small villages define the scenery. Visit family-run wineries and spend time with local producers, sharing stories over a homemade lunch. Return to Porto in the late afternoon, with time for a final stroll before departing the following day.
WHERE TO STAY IN MADRID AND PORTO | In Madrid, staying near Barrio de las Letras or the historic center offers easy access to walking tours, cultural neighborhoods, and evenings out while remaining calm at night. In Porto, riverside areas or elevated districts overlooking the Douro balance views, design-forward hotels, and proximity to the old town. Both cities reward walkable locations that emphasize atmosphere and sense of place.
PLAN YOUR TRIP | At Fernwayer, we believe each day of an unforgettable journey should be anchored in a guided experience, with space for self-led exploration. You can book experiences directly from the itinerary and arrange your own hotels and restaurants. Download the Fernwayer iOS app to edit your trip and make it your own.

Madrid to Porto Between Lands

A road trip itinerary from Madrid to Porto via Toledo and Galicia, blending culture, drives, locals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portugal

The Charming Soul of Lisbon

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

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

West Algarve: Wild & Crafted

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

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.


Modernisme in Barcelona

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

If you are interested in rare natural phenomena and want to learn more about marine life, you should head to Mexico's Pacific coast. One of the best spectacles is the annual whale migration, where you can catch unique glimpses of humpback whales. 

The largest mammals on earth have earned their reputation as the most beautiful, intelligent, and impressive creatures. If you watch the ocean at migration time (either from the shore or on a boat tour), you'll see baby whales leaping and maybe even hear mother whales calling their families together. The baby-whale season is from January until the end of April.

But the Pacific coast is not only known for whales. It's just as beautiful to watch sea turtles hatch. If you come at the right time, you can witness mother turtles laying hundreds of eggs overnight in the soft sand on the coast, and much later, those hundreds of babies hatch and crawl toward the sea. Come between late August to early October.

Witnessing whale migration

Phaistos Palace, one of Crete’s most important Minoan archaeological sites, offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilization without the crowds of Knossos. Perched on a hill overlooking the fertile Messara Plain, the site features well-preserved ruins and sweeping views.
1. The palace offers an authentic experience of Minoan architecture and culture.
2. Visitors can explore ruins of storage rooms, ceremonial areas, and royal quarters.
3. Its hilltop location provides panoramic views of the surrounding plain and mountains.
4. The site is historically significant as the discovery place of the famous Phaistos Disc.
5. The peaceful atmosphere allows for quiet exploration away from larger tourist crowds.

Visitor Tip: Bring a hat and sunscreen, as there is limited shade at the site, and combine your visit with nearby archaeological spots.  Photo: Vasilii L

Phaistos Palace

Canada

Someone described #Churchill as “the warmest coldest tundra town”. It is a friendly, curious town. It also claims to have 300 days of northern lights. 

Basically, if you happen to be in Churchill on a clear night, prepare to wake up, dress up in layers (quickly), and be enthralled. 

Last Sunday night, when most had turned back in after what looked like an “average” aurora display, we waited and were rewarded with lovely green ribbons and curtains.

Dancing Dragons Across The Sky

Exploring the Spaccanapoli district is a great way to explore Naples. Explore narrow, bustling streets filled with centuries-old architecture, local artisans, and hidden gems that showcase the city’s deep history and vibrant culture. Running through the heart of the historic center, Spaccanapoli literally means "Naples Splitter" because it slices the city in two. One of the highlights of this district is the Sansevero Chapel, a small yet astonishing space filled with stunning baroque sculptures and mystical symbolism.

Highlights of the Spaccanapoli District:
1. Sansevero Chapel Museum: This chapel is home to the renowned sculpture *Cristo Velato* (Veiled Christ) by Giuseppe Sanmartino, a breathtaking masterpiece known for its delicate marble veil that seems impossibly real. The chapel also contains mysterious symbols and alchemical elements, making it one of Naples' most intriguing sites.

2. Church of Santa Chiara: A short walk from Sansevero Chapel, this Gothic church offers a serene contrast to Spaccanapoli’s bustling streets. Behind its grand facade is a peaceful cloister decorated with colorful majolica tiles depicting pastoral scenes.

3. Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro): Visit this majestic cathedral, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, San Gennaro. It houses relics of the saint and is famous for the annual miracle of the liquefaction of his blood, a deeply significant event for Neapolitans.

4. Piazza del Gesù Nuovo: This lively square is dominated by the striking facade of the Gesù Nuovo Church, a Baroque gem with a diamond-patterned exterior. The inside is equally impressive, with richly decorated altars and frescoes.

Visitor Tips:
Spaccanapoli’s streets are narrow and busy, so wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring. The Sansevero Chapel can get crowded—book tickets in advance to avoid long lines. Don’t forget to stop at one of the many pastry shops along the way to sample local delicacies like sfogliatella or babà!

Exploring Naples

Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina, is home to the San Telmo Market (Mercado de San Telmo), a historic indoor market that offers a perfect blend of antiques, artisanal crafts, and authentic Argentine street food. Established in 1897, this bustling market is housed in a beautiful iron-and-glass structure, where visitors can browse vintage treasures, savor traditional empanadas, and soak up the lively atmosphere of one of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhoods.


1. Antique Stalls & Vintage Finds, with everything from old tango records and silverware to classic Argentine memorabilia, making it a paradise for collectors.

2. Local Food Stands, offering Argentine specialties like empanadas, choripán (chorizo sandwich), and fresh-baked medialunas (croissants).

3. El Preferido de San Telmo, a must-visit butcher shop and deli within the market, famous for its Argentine cold cuts, cheeses, and traditional picadas.

4. Tango & Street Performers, often found outside the market, where dancers and musicians bring the spirit of Buenos Aires to life.

5. Sunday Feria de San Telmo, an extension of the market into the surrounding streets, featuring hundreds of stalls selling handmade crafts, leather goods, and local artwork.

Visitor Tip: Visit on Sunday to experience the full San Telmo Feria, but arrive early to avoid crowds. For a sweet treat, try a dulce de leche-filled alfajor from one of the local vendors!

Photo: Jaeyoung Geoffrey Kang

San Telmo Market

Sant’Antioco Island, located off the southwestern coast of Sardinia, is the fourth-largest island in Italy and a hidden gem of history, nature, and charm. Connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, this island is a treasure trove of archaeological sites, picturesque beaches, and authentic Sardinian culture. With its blend of unspoiled landscapes and vibrant traditions, Sant’Antioco offers a serene escape for travelers seeking something unique. 
1. Archaeological wonders include the Tophet, a Punic sanctuary, and the Necropolis, showcasing the island’s deep-rooted Phoenician and Carthaginian history. 
2. The Basilica of Sant’Antioco Martire, dedicated to the island’s patron saint, features underground catacombs, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Christian history. 
3. Pristine beaches like Maladroxia and Coaquaddus boast crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation. 
4. The Museo Archeologico Ferruccio Barreca displays artifacts from the island’s ancient civilizations, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. 
5. The island’s traditional fishing villages and artisan workshops reflect its maritime heritage, while local restaurants serve fresh seafood and Sardinian specialties. 
Visitor Tip: Plan to spend half a day to a full day exploring Sant’Antioco. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the archaeological sites, and don’t miss the chance to enjoy a meal by the sea at a local trattoria.

Sant’Antioco Island

Juliet’s House in Verona, Italy, is an attraction that draws romantics from all over the world. In the heart of Verona, this 13th-century building is famously associated with Juliet Capulet, the beloved character from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” While the story itself is fictional, the house has become a symbol of love and passion, capturing the imagination of visitors with its romantic ambiance and historical charm. A visit to Juliet’s House offers a unique glimpse into the world of Shakespearean romance, combined with the allure of Verona’s medieval architecture.

Top highlights:

1 - Juliet’s Balcony: The most iconic feature of the house is Juliet’s balcony, where, according to the play, Juliet stood while Romeo declared his love. Tourists can step onto the balcony, reenacting the famous scene and feeling as if they’ve stepped into the pages of Shakespeare’s play.

2 - The Courtyard and Juliet’s Statue: In the courtyard, visitors will find a bronze statue of Juliet, believed to bring good luck in love if you touch her right breast. The walls surrounding the courtyard are often filled with love letters and messages, creating a romantic and interactive experience for visitors.

3 - The Museum Inside: Inside the house, a museum showcases period furniture, costumes from various adaptations of “Romeo and Juliet,” and art pieces depicting the tale. The museum offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the legend through visual storytelling and historical artifacts.

4 - The Love Lock Tradition: Many couples leave locks on the gates or walls as a symbol of their eternal love. This tradition adds a modern layer to the historical site, blending contemporary expressions of love with timeless romance.

Visitor Tip: To avoid crowds, try visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Also, consider bringing a small padlock if you wish to partake in the love lock tradition. 

Photo: Maksym Harbar

Juliet’s House in Verona

Australia

Best of Melbourne Tour

Standing as an ancient marvel, The Mausoleum of Augustus reigns as the world's largest circular tomb and serves as the final resting place of Rome's first emperor. After a meticulous 14-year restoration, a groundbreaking 50-minute tech-enhanced tour invites visitors to explore the inner sanctum of this historic burial site. Here are the key highlights:


1 - Experience the Monumental Legacy: The Mausoleum of Augustus, commissioned by Emperor Augustus in 28 BC, is a testament to the grandeur and architectural genius of ancient Rome. As the world's largest circular tomb, its imposing structure symbolizes the monumental legacy of the first Roman Emperor.

2 - Restoration Marvel: The extensive 14-year restoration has breathed new life into this ancient marvel, preserving its intricate details and ensuring its continued existence for generations to come. The careful restoration work allows visitors to witness the mausoleum in all its glory, showcasing the splendor of ancient Roman craftsmanship.

3 - Tech-Enhanced: The 50-minute tour is a fusion of history and cutting-edge technology. Visitors are equipped with state-of-the-art devices that offer immersive insights into the historical significance, architectural brilliance, and cultural context of the mausoleum. Augmented reality and interactive elements bring the past to life in a captivating and educational manner.

4 - Inner Burial Chamber: A highlight of the tour is the exploration of the inner burial chamber, a sacred space that unveils the intimate details of Augustus' final resting place. Visitors can witness the ornate decorations, symbolic motifs, and the architectural mastery that define this sacred space, providing a poignant connection to the era of Augustus.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the on-site ticket office: mausoleodiaugusto.it/en/ 

Photo by Mausoleo di Augusto

The Mausoleum of Augustus Tour

Chile’s Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), located in the Atacama Desert, is one of the most surreal and otherworldly landscapes on Earth. With its wind-sculpted sand dunes, jagged rock formations, and salt-covered valleys, this Martian-like terrain resembles the surface of the Moon. The valley’s dramatic textures and colors, especially at sunset, make it a must-visit destination for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.


1. Duna Mayor, a massive sand dune offering panoramic views of the valley’s bizarre rock formations and distant Andes Mountains.

2. The Amphitheater, a curved rock formation that resembles a natural stage, perfect for dramatic landscape photography.

3. Las Tres Marías, three salt-and-rock sculptures sculpted by centuries of erosion, standing as one of the valley’s most famous landmarks.

4. Cueva de Sal, a fascinating salt cave where visitors can walk through tunnels lined with glistening salt crystals.

5. Sunset viewpoint (Mirador de Kari), the best spot to watch the valley’s colors shift from gold to deep red and purple, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

Visitor Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to experience the best lighting and cooler temperatures. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a jacket, as desert temperatures drop quickly after sunset. A guided tour can provide deeper insight into the valley’s unique geology.


Photo: Mark Mialik

Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)

The MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts stands out as a beacon of contemporary art and architecture. This museum, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, is a masterpiece, dedicated to showcasing innovative art and architecture of the 21st century. Top reasons to visits:
 
1 - Architectural Marvel: The journey at MAXXI begins with its stunning architecture. The fluid, dynamic design of the building, with its sinuous curves and expansive spaces, is a testament to the creativity and vision of modern architecture. The museum's design encourages exploration and interaction, leading visitors through a series of interweaving galleries and open spaces.

2 - Contemporary Art Collections: Inside, the museum’s diverse collection of contemporary art awaits. It features works by both established and emerging artists, spanning various mediums from painting and sculpture to photography and digital art. The collection is a dialogue about current artistic trends, societal issues, and the ever-evolving concept of art.

3 - Exhibits and Installations: MAXXI dedicates a significant portion of its space to architectural exhibitions. These displays showcase the work of groundbreaking architects, urban design projects, and innovative environmental solutions. They offer insights into how contemporary architecture shapes and is shaped by today's societal needs and technological advancements.

4 - Outdoor Spaces and Art in Public Realm: Don't miss the museum's outdoor spaces, where art extends beyond the building. The courtyard and surrounding areas often host installations and public art projects, blurring the lines between the museum and the urban landscape.

Tickets to MAXXI can be purchased online: maxxi.art/en/ or at the museum. 
 
Photo by Kurt Cotoaga

Futuristic Canvas: MAXXI

The Museo de Bellas Artes, located in the heart of Seville, is a stunning showcase of Baroque architecture and artistic excellence. With its grand façade, intricate interior details, and an extensive collection spanning centuries, the museum is a must-visit for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. From Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary works, it offers a captivating journey through the evolution of art.


1. The museum’s Baroque design features gilded moldings, soaring frescoed ceilings, and intricate stuccoes that create an atmosphere of opulence and grandeur. Walking through its halls feels like stepping into a masterpiece itself.

2. A remarkable collection of European and Latin American art includes works by El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, and Frida Kahlo. Each gallery tells a unique story of artistic movements and cultural influences.

3. A serene courtyard filled with sculptures offers a peaceful retreat within the museum. Marble and bronze figures stand among lush greenery, blending art and nature in perfect harmony.

4. Temporary exhibitions bring fresh perspectives, featuring contemporary artists and international collections that add to the museum’s dynamic and ever-evolving experience.

5. Guided tours provide deeper insights into the artwork and history, while the on-site café and gift shop make for a well-rounded visit. Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash use is restricted.

Photo: Carlos Koblischek



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