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Mexico

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

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

This hands-on experience invites you to learn the art of traditional basket weaving from a fifth-generation artisan in his home workshop. You'll learn about the origins of his creative practice and make your own piece to take home, with his expert guidance throughout the process.

Basketry was one of the earliest crafts in Mesoamerica, predating the domestication of crops and handmade ceramics. Because this practice uses biodegradable materials, few historical remnants remain—so its history lives on through family traditions and storytelling. By learning about the skill, time, and dedication involved in creating these baskets, you'll help support local artisans through both financial investment and cultural preservation.

Your basket-making workshop will last roughly two hours. Afterward, you’ll continue the carrizo theme with a meal at a restaurant that serves Oaxacan tlayudas on handwoven carrizo plates.

These artisans are living examples of the role storytelling plays in preserving ancestral artistry. While basketry declined with the introduction of plastic, it still holds an essential place in the rural economy. Through intimate conversations with these makers, you'll gain insight into the cultural importance of carrizo baskets and what they mean to their young family.

These pieces are crafted from an invasive river reed that was once plentiful and easy to access. But with climate change extending the dry months, access is now limited during certain times of the year. You'll learn how this shift directly impacts both the basketry and the livelihoods of those who, like generations before them, depend on this tradition.

You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the patience and skill this craft requires. A carrizo basket will no longer be just an object—it will represent family connection, resilience, and ongoing adaptation in changing times.

Craft Tour near Oaxaca featuring ancestral basket weaving, hands-on workshop, traditional lunch.

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 Story In Every Basket

Guided visit to a fifth-generation artisan’s home workshop.

Hands-on basket weaving session with expert instruction.

Finished handmade basket to take home.

Full translation provided throughout the experience.

Set lunch featuring tlayudas served on traditional carrizo plates.

One non-alcoholic drink included with the meal.

Round-trip transportation from the Oaxaca meeting point.

We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, water, and your camera or phone if you'd like to take photos. If you would like to purchase any art/craft pieces from the makers, it's always a good idea to bring some Mexican pesos, as cash is often preferred. That said, there's no pressure to buy anything during this visit.

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. The 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.

Spain

Discover Montjuïc, the hill that has shaped Barcelona’s identity for hundreds of years.

Marta will curate your visit so that you see its highlights in a reasonable 3-hour experience and understand how its monuments tell the story of the city’s evolution — from a military stronghold used to control a rebellious Barcelona to the 1992 Olympic Games that transformed it into an international metropolis.

This story comes alive as you move from the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, a landmark of modern design, to the monumental Olympic area, with picture-perfect panoramic views along the way.

A cable car lifts you above the city, arriving at the castle with sweeping Mediterranean vistas. Here, the place is full of stories — from centuries-old military history to local legends of witches and mystical gatherings once tied to the hill.

Finally, you’ll descend through picturesque gardens and end with a refined local drink and bite in a tranquil spot to enjoy the calm of Barcelona.

Experience Barcelona’s most remarkable green sanctuary as someone with access to its many layers. Montjuïc is revealed through a succession of gardens, each with its own character, scents, and colors, where Mediterranean plants and seasonal blossoms create ever-shifting moods.

Art is everywhere — from sculpted viewpoints with distinctive flooring and neoclassical touches to the iconic Olympic pool terrace and the presence of Miró’s imaginative spirit in the spaces he shaped. The cable-car ride with a local is also fun — you’ll get striking aerial perspectives of this vast green space and the city beyond, while Marta points out the hillside’s old defensive lines and the modernist landmarks tucked into the slopes.

This experience blends nature, culture, legend, and flavor into a sensory, memorable discovery. It’s an unexpected side of Barcelona, ideal for travelers seeking beauty and meaning in equal measure.

Montjuïc Walking Tour in Barcelona: cable car, castle, gardens, Olympic sites, local legends, views.

The Many Lives of Montjuïc

Guided walk through Montjuïc’s most atmospheric gardens, panoramic viewpoints, and cultural corners, uncovering layers of history, art, and daily life - led by a knowledgeable local expert.

A scenic cable-car journey offering sweeping views of Barcelona.

Two stops to enjoy local drinks paired with a a tapa or merienda, depending on the time of day.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the experience includes gardens, natural paths, and gentle inclines. 
Check the weather in advance to dress appropriately, as the entire experience takes place outdoors. 
** In the event of heavy rain, the route cannot be conducted and may need to be rescheduled.

Right next to the Magic Fountain, Avda Maria Cristina.

Marta is a talented experience designer who brings a refined, insider perspective shaped by more than two decades in Spain and a deep love for Barcelona — particularly Montjuïc, the hill she calls home. Italian by origin and Mediterranean at heart, she blends cultural sensitivity with a cultivated eye for beauty and an intimate understanding of local life.

Living in the Montjuïc district means she experiences its rhythms every day: mornings as the gardens wake, golden light over the port, neighborhood traditions, and legends still woven into its paths. This familiarity allows her to reveal far more than landmarks — she shares nuances, stories, favorite corners, and lived details only someone rooted here would know.

With a traveler’s curiosity and a cosmopolitan outlook, Marta sees luxury as authenticity: the art of creating memorable, one-of-a-kind moments. She’s known for unveiling hidden gems and local favorites, a Barcelona that feels immersive, elegant, and rich in connection.

Chile

This 3-hour photography experience takes place on the periphery of Valparaíso in the Playa Ancha district. Upon meeting your host in a storied cafe, you'll warm up over coffee while shooting textured interiors and panoramic vistas from the roof terrace. David will then weave you past pastel-hued mansions from the 19th century and neighborhood bakeries, sharing photography tips and anecdotes.

A leisurely gander brings you to Paseo 21 de Mayo—one of Valparaíso's most enthralling viewpoints. It's wise to carry cash should you wish to purchase a souvenir from the street vendors who you'll liaise with through Daniel. The route then passes through narrow streets adorned with murals and "playful" photo spots where you have a choice of sampling a completo (Chilean hot dog) or empanada and an ice cream with humble origins and a curious legacy. The experience ends at the oldest mansion on Cerro Artillería—a photographic treasure trove—where you may opt to stick around for lunch or a Pisco Sour.

Not only does this experience expose a neighborhood where few tourists tread, but your host will train your eye on hidden details. David will demonstrate how to capture the essence of these dollhouse facades—some of which retain their original glory, others stand in disheveled beauty. Using a DSLR camera or your smartphone, you'll experiment with colors and textures.

Curated as a sensory exchange, you'll tune into the sounds of the port, the persistent sea breeze, the holler of ice cream vendors, and the rattle of wooden doors. You'll inhale the scent of fresh bread while snapping local bakeries. In his intimate atelier, you’ll observe the artisan, Osvaldo, sculpting trinkets from Chilean lapis lazuli.

The experience fuses photography, food, and connection. With David at your side, you'll chat with artisans, taste beloved street eats, and dip into pop culture. Rather than aimless pointing and clicking, every photo captured is a chapter telling the story of your time in Valparaíso.

Photography Walk through Playa Ancha in Valparaíso, Chile with colorful hillside & local landmarks.

Framing Playa Ancha

Guided 3-hour photography walk in Playa Ancha.
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Hot beverage and alfajor at the first café.

Completo or empanada at the second café.

Mid-experience ice cream.

Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera (additional lenses are welcome) or your smartphone. Tripods are not required.
Sunglasses, sunhat, and sunscreen are essential in summer/recommended in winter.
Comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear for uneven surfaces and some steep inclines.
Bottled water. 
Please bear in mind that heavy fogs from the Humboldt Current are common in Valparaíso. The experience will continue if fog is present; David will teach you how to work around these conditions. 

Meet David in the Loft Waddington Cafe in Valparaíso, Chile. Uber and Cabify services are widely available in Valparaíso. 

Growing up amid the windswept dunes of Concón and the bohemian streets of Valparaíso kindled David's appreciation for photography, nature, and art. He graduated from the University of Playa Ancha and went on to work as a Software Engineer, while flexing his skills behind the lens. 

As a self-taught photographer, David has honed his talent working with both landscapes and portraiture. He has an experimental style and a keen eye for spotting easily-missed details He has a special ability to see the potential in the simple aspects of local reality and culture, and always seeks to capture them in an original way through his photography. He works with a Canon DSLR, using 50mm and 18-55mm lenses for regular shots and a 300mm lens to capture distant subjects with clarity and depth.

David draws upon his extensive archive of travel photography experiences while mentoring those visiting Valparaíso on how to capture the beauty of a city and why you should look beyond what's at eye level.

Morocco

Essaouira is a city of contrasts, where Moroccan and Berber cultures intertwine, and life unfolds in vibrant streets, bustling markets, and along the ocean’s edge. This photographic experience, led by the photographer Francesco Verolino, takes you beyond the usual sights into the daily rhythm of the city.

With your camera in hand, you’ll explore hidden corners and authentic scenes—fishermen at work, children playing in the suburbs, and the energy of a market that feels like stepping back in time. Francesco will guide you in capturing the essence of the people and places, sharing his approach to life photography and helping you refine your technique.

This isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about immersing yourself in the atmosphere of a place untouched by mass tourism, moving at a slow pace, observing, and truly connecting with the moment.

This is a deep dive into the city’s soul through photography. Led by Francesco Verolino, a master photographer specializing in relational and anthropological photography, this experience focuses on seeing beyond the obvious. Rather than capturing the usual postcard images, you’ll develop a photographer’s eye for authentic human moments and untold stories.

Francesco’s approach to slow photography means moving at a different pace, immersing yourself in the rhythm of the city, and understanding its people before pressing the shutter. With his guidance, you’ll access exclusive, real-life settings—the energy of a local market, the daily life of the fishermen, and the vibrant yet unseen side of the suburbs outside Essaouira.

Instead of capturing the city on your own, this experience will give you a structured yet creative environment where you can refine your storytelling skills and learn how to truly convey emotions through images.

Photography Tour in Essaouira: Capture daily life, markets & coast with a street photographer.

Framed Essaouira

Italy

Photographic guidance and technique support from Francesco Verolino.

Exploration of Essaouira’s authentic neighborhoods and markets.

Transfers by metro or bus during the experience.

Street food tasting and light lunch.

Group and individual photos shared via WhatsApp or Instagram.

A surprise gift for each participant.

Follow-up review of 10 selected photos via WhatsApp or Google Meet.

Comfortable shoes and light clothing. You can use your smartphone, compact, mirrorless, or DSLR camera, but always bring your heart. Extra memory cards and fully charged batteries. Recommended wide-angle lenses: 24mm, 28mm, or 35mm. Fixed or zoom lenses like 24-70mm or 70-200mm are also suitable. For video, consider an action cam, DJI Osmo Pocket, or similar device.

You'll meet Francesco near Bab Marrakech, one of the main gates of Essaouira’s Medina. He will be wearing a red hat. Chat with Francesco after booking the tour for any questions. 

Francesco Verolino is a street photographer based in Naples and Essaouira who has turned his passion into a career focused on street and social documentary photography. Originally trained in economics and working as a business consultant, he was influenced by his grandfather, a painter, to develop a deep sensitivity to light and composition.

Francesco’s work explores the relationship between individuals and urban spaces to convey the raw essence of his subjects. Since 2020, he has been sharing his expertise through workshops and masterclasses, bringing more people into the world of street photography. His "Slow Photography" philosophy emphasizes patience, immersion, and understanding places before capturing them.

This day trip through Sonora takes you deep into the culture of bacanora — an agave-based spirit unique to the region. Unlike tequila or mezcal, bacanora is made from wild agave Pacifica, shaped by Sonora’s desert terroir and traditionally roasted in underground pits.

Departing from Hermosillo, you’ll travel by private vehicle with expert bilingual guides to visit family-run haciendas and small-scale distilleries. You’ll witness the full distillation process — from roasting to fermentation to barrel aging — and taste bacanora straight from the source.

Along the way, you’ll meet local craftspeople and learn how bacanora intersects with Sonoran identity, history, and resistance. Once banned and driven underground, this spirit now symbolizes pride and place. The day also includes a hearty regional meal — think carne asada, fire-roasted stews, and fresh salsas — rounding out your immersion into Sonoran flavor and tradition.

This tour offers immersive, behind-the-scenes access to Sonora’s bacanora culture. You won’t just taste the spirit — you’ll see the agave harvested, join mash tastings, and compare barrel-aged varieties side by side.

What sets it apart is authenticity through connection: meet artisan distillers and cooperatives, hear family stories, and observe traditional techniques passed down through generations. Hands-on elements like guided blend-mixing and curated pairings deepen your understanding of both flavor and craft.

Your bilingual hosts encourage open dialogue and questions, creating a space for cultural exchange. With every sip and story, you'll gain insight into bacanora’s roots — from outlaw history to present-day pride. It’s more than a tasting; it’s a full-sensory introduction to the heart of Sonoran heritage.

Throughout the day you'll get to try some authentic local flavors. You can expect hearty, meat-focused cuisine, heavily influenced by the region's ranching and desert environment. Signature dishes include carne asada (grilled beef), chivichangas (fried burritos), Sonoran hot dogs, and various stews.

Your hosts will share the origins and significance of the dishes served, offering a richer understanding of Sonoran identity through its most beloved recipes.

Sonoran cuisine is a reflection of land, labor, and lineage. This experience offers a rare opportunity to enjoy local food where it’s made, guided by the people who’ve lived it. Unlike typical tastings, you’ll be welcomed into spaces where food is still a family tradition — shared, seasonal, and story-rich.

Your bilingual hosts help bridge the culinary and cultural conversation, offering insights into how Sonoran ranching, Indigenous influence, and borderland histories show up on every plate. It’s a sensory immersion into place, layered with warmth, hospitality, and deep local pride.

Experience Sonoran hospitality through home-cooked meals and regional flavors.

A Taste of Sonoran Cuisine

With your visits to haciendas, old extravagant rural houses from the colonial period, which today are the HQs for bacanora production in Sonora, you'll be taken on a tour of the agave fields. Here, experts with generations of knowledge will talk you through the process of bacanora production, from planting the agave plant to the double distillation process.

You'll also get a chance to taste different varieties of this drink, compare the notes and how each batch comes with its own unique character.

This experience stands out for its access and depth. Unlike standard spirit tastings, you’re walking the land where agave grows, hearing directly from master distillers who still craft bacanora by hand.

Through bilingual interpretation and open conversation, you’ll gain insight into bacanora’s once-outlawed history, its connection to local identity, and the role of family-run haciendas in its preservation. You’ll taste bacanora in the place it’s made, learning how the elements — sun, soil, smoke — leave their mark in each glass. It’s not just about the drink, but the place, the people, and the legacy behind it.

Take a deep dive into what makes Bacanora, the Sonoran agave spirit, truly distinctive.

Bacanora and Sonoran Agave

Sonora is defined by a rich mix of Indigenous heritage, colonial influence, environmental factors, and a cross-border identity shaped by its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border. During your visits to the historic haciendas, you’ll learn not only about the families who run the distilleries and agave fields today, but also about the region’s diverse cultural layers — from traditional languages and customs to the legacies of colonization and land stewardship. These insights are grounded in place, brought to life through the region’s landscapes, historic sites, and cultural artifacts.

This is a cultural encounter grounded in place, story, and lived history. You’ll gain insight into Sonora’s Indigenous legacies, the effects of Spanish settlement, and the ongoing influence of the U.S.-Mexico border on identity and community. These conversations emerge organically from the places you visit and the people you meet — distillers, farmers, artisans, and locals whose lives are part of this complex narrative.

Discover the layered history and cultural heritage of northern Mexico.

Exploring Sonoran Culture

Sonora Day Trip into agave culture: bacanora tastings, artisanal crafts, and regional history.

Wild Agave Spirit of Sonora

United States

Exclusive access to traditional bacanora distilleries with guided tours.

Tastings of multiple bacanora varieties at the source.

Insight into the history, resistance, and cultural significance of bacanora.

Meetings with local craftspeople along the route.

Hearty regional meal with Sonoran dishes and refreshments included.

Private round-trip transportation from Hermosillo with bilingual cultural guides.

Plenty of water
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Layered clothing for changing weather conditions
Curiosity — and a good spirit for connection

You’ll be picked up directly from your accommodation in Hermosillo, Sonora. After booking, message Alex via Fernwayer Chat to share your hotel details or ask for recommendations — your hosts are happy to advise on where to stay. 

Alex and Rocío have been running tours along the U.S.–Mexico borderlands for many years, primarily as a way to share positive, accurate information about the region they call home. Beginning in 2019 with efforts to disseminate local history, they soon expanded to offering tours and experiences that connect visitors with communities on both sides of the border.

Alex’s earliest memory is a family visit to Tijuana—an experience that sparked a lasting fascination with the people and heritage of Mexico. While at university, he focused his studies and research on the Hispanic cultural heritage of the American Southwest and Mexico.

Rocío is a graphic designer who has managed communications projects for a range of institutions, including government agencies and nonprofits in both the U.S. and Mexico. She loves sharing the diversity and richness of the region through visual storytelling.

Follow Emanuele, a professional photographer, through Milan’s most iconic landmarks and learn how to capture their essence with your lens. You’ll begin in front of the Duomo, where the intricate gothic façade, soaring spires, and the golden Madonnina offer striking visual details — especially as the sun begins to set. Emanuele will guide you in playing with angles, framing, and exposure to elevate your shots beyond postcards.

From there, you’ll walk to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades. Under the soaring glass dome, you’ll explore reflections, shadows, and the elegance of symmetry among mosaics and ironwork. The session ends in Piazza della Scala, with a chance to photograph the famed theatre’s neoclassical architecture and the romantic curves of Palazzo Marino. Along the way, Emanuele shares compositional tools and perspective shifts to help you engage more deeply with the city’s visual rhythm.

This experience offers a different way to look at Milan’s most recognizable places. With Emanuele’s guidance, familiar landmarks like the Duomo or Galleria Vittorio Emanuele become opportunities to explore light, structure, and contrast — revealing angles and moods often missed at first glance.

Emanuele is a professional photographer who has spent years walking the city with a camera in hand. His eye is trained not only on the grand architecture, but on fleeting shadows, reflections, and unexpected geometries. With him, even the most photographed spots come alive in new compositions.

This is Milan seen from within: elegant, monumental, but also shaped by movement, weather, and everyday presence. The session invites you to slow down and observe the visual rhythm of the city’s center with more intention — shifting from what you already know to what you can truly see.

Photo Walk in Milan capturing new angles of Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele & Piazza della Scala.

Classic Milan, New Angles

Expert guidance through the walk, photographic tips, a coffee break. During the experience, you’ll be photographed and receive high-resolution images.

Comfortable shoes, your camera, an extra battery and memory card.

You’ll meet Emanuele in front of the Mondadori bookstore in Piazza del Duomo.

Emanuele Dello Strologo lives between Genoa and Milan and has been photographing with passion for over 12 years. His journey began as a self-taught photographer and quickly evolved into professional collaborations, first with Corbis and then with Getty Images. Through these experiences, he shaped the visual language that defines his work today. Emanuele focuses on reportage, portraiture, street and black-and-white photography — genres that continue to inspire him deeply. He often carries his camera with him, always on the lookout for meaningful moments in everyday life. His images reflect a keen eye for detail and a deep curiosity about the world around him.

Portugal

Set off on a captivating journey along the shores of Porto in this full-day tour. After your hotel pick-up, you'll head to the Marina do Freixo for a two-hour private cruise along the scenic Douro River. Breakfast is served onboard as you glide past the city's historic riverside buildings and its brightly-colored facades.

Back on dry land, you'll disembark at Cais da Ribeira, then cross over to Vila Nova de Gaia to visit the esteemed Ferreira wine cellars for an exclusive Port wine tasting. Established in 1751, these cellars are among the oldest in Vila Nova de Gaia, offering a deep dive into the history and tradition of Port wine production.

Next, visit Afurada, a picturesque fishing village along the coast of Porto. In Afurada, it's common to see fresh fish being grilled outdoors over charcoal, providing an authentic taste of Portuguese seafood cuisine. Here you'll enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch featuring the fresh catch of the day before getting back to your hotel.

This exclusive tour offers a comprehensive view of Porto, weaving together its picturesque landscapes, rich wine heritage, and traditional fishing culture into an unforgettable experience. With the private cruise you'll get a closeup view of Porto's skyline but also witness the city as generations of traders did when they landed here in the past.

At the Ferreira cellars you'll learn about wine-making methods that have resisted modernization. The owners' dedication to traditional aging processes and hand-selected grapes reflects a profound respect for Porto's viticultural heritage. Afurada, on the other hand, offers something increasingly rare—an active fishing community maintaining ancestral practices despite encroaching urbanization. The village's communal cooking traditions and maritime customs continue uninterrupted, with families still gathering to prepare seafood using recipes preserved through generations. 

Travel to Porto’s Marina do Freixo, where you’ll board a private cruise.

The exclusive setting offers an unrivaled, tranquil start to the day, contrasting the city’s bustling streets.

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

Hotel Pick Up

Sail along the Douro, with breakfast served onboard, viewing historic sites from a unique perspective.

Private yacht ensures a personalized experience, complete with breakfast amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Douro River Cruise

Walk to the Ferreira Wine Cellars for a guided visit through one of Porto's renowned wine cellars with a premium Port wine tasting.

A deep dive into the traditions of Portuguese winemaking, complemented by a curated cheese pairing.

Ferreira Wine Cellars

Drive to Afurada and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, famous for its grilled fish and authentic Portuguese dishes.

Dining in Afurada offers a slice of local life, away from the typical tourist paths.

Lunch in Afurada

Boat Tour in Porto, Portugal: Glide on the Douro River, taste Port wine, and enjoy a sardine lunch. 

Between the River and the Port

Private yacht cruise on the Douro River with onboard breakfast.

Guided walking tour from Cais da Ribeira to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Premium Port wine tasting at Ferreira wine cellars with cheese plate.

Visit to the fishing village of Afurada.

Traditional Portuguese lunch featuring fresh, locally grilled fish.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Porto.

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

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

Your guide, a Porto native, brings a wealth of local knowledge, from the intricacies of Port wine production to the hidden gems of Douro’s riverside. Their connections make this experience feel deeply personal as they recount how the city was once one of Portugal's most popular riverside ports.

This experience unfolds in the beautiful countryside of Lake Orta, where history, nature, and hidden beauty merge. It begins at the Sacro Monte di San Francesco, an enigmatic sanctuary perched above the water. Walking through its frescoed chapels and terracotta statues offers a glimpse into centuries of devotion, framed by breathtaking views.

A short ride leads to Miasino, a village of quiet elegance where noble architecture and history linger. The path winds through its streets to Villa Nigra, a Renaissance jewel admired for its frescoes, before reaching the parish church. Nearby lies a hidden treasure: the Giardino Dei Semplici, one of the world’s smallest botanical gardens, famous for its unique plant collection.

A final stop at Madonna della Bocciola unveils one of the most breathtaking panoramas of Lake Orta, before returning to Orta San Giulio, where you will indulge in local cuisine, best savored in a lakeside restaurant, embraced by Italian hospitality.

This experience blends breathtaking views, spiritual retreats, and the vibrant energy of Orta San Giulio. From the rolling hills, the lake unfolds in all its beauty, an ever-changing mirror of light and water. The scenery is not just something to admire but to experience, wrapped in an atmosphere both inspiring and deeply intimate.

What makes this journey special is its rhythm, shifting between contemplation and discovery. The silence of the sanctuary invites reflection, while the streets of Orta San Giulio lead into a lively world of artisan shops and welcoming cafés. This contrast creates a rare and fluid balance, where history and daily life coexist in perfect harmony.

A final moment at Madonna della Bocciola offers an unforgettable panorama of Lake Orta, a scene that lingers in the mind long after the journey ends. This experience is not just about seeing a place but stepping into its essence, where every detail reveals a different side of its timeless charm.

A charming walk through Miasino, a village noted for noble architecture and quiet elegance. Here, admire the splendid Villa Nigra from outside, a Renaissance treasure richly adorned with frescoes. The highlight is the tiny but enchanting Giardino dei Semplici, among the world’s smallest botanical gardens, housing rare plants such as the elusive Manuka.

Miasino and its botanical garden seem like a miniature universe where time slows down. Surrounded by quiet charm, rare plants, and refined architecture, visitors experience an almost surreal atmosphere, unlike anywhere else.

Stroll Miasino’s elegant streets and explore a tiny, rare botanical haven.

Discover Miasino

A visit to the Madonna della Bocciola Sanctuary, a beautifully preserved eighteenth-century church adorned with vibrant neoclassical frescoes. Inside lies a small chapel safeguarding the relic of a miraculous bud, marking the site where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1543. The experience concludes with lunch in a delightful lakeside restaurant in Orta San Giulio.

The sanctuary is framed by exceptional natural beauty, offering perhaps the most breathtaking panorama of Lake Orta. Its tranquil setting makes it a memorable final moment, profoundly connecting visitors to the landscape.

A lakeside sanctuary with frescoes, history, and stunning views of Lake Orta

Madonna della Bocciola

A short but immersive visit to the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte di San Francesco, a Baroque site perched above Lake Orta, dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. This sacred hill is renowned for its frescoed chapels, elegant terracotta statues, and evocative pathways, all harmoniously integrated into a peaceful nature reserve.

It blends artistic heritage and natural beauty seamlessly, creating an atmosphere that feels suspended in time. Each chapel offers intimate glimpses of art framed by serene landscapes, inviting contemplation and wonder.

Discover art, serenity, and beauty at Lake Orta’s UNESCO gem.

Sacro Monte di San Francesco

Day Trip from Milan to Lake Orta exploring scenic hills, sacred sites and sweeping lake views.

The Hills Above Orta

Private guided experience through Lake Orta’s countryside, exploring Sacro Monte di San Francesco, Miasino village, Villa Nigra, and Giardino dei Semplici botanical garden.

Panoramic stop at Madonna della Bocciola.

Entry tickets where needed.

Lunch at a lakeside restaurant in Orta San Giulio.

** This experience has a fixed price of €960 for 1–4 participants. 

Comfortable walking shoes and a mindset ready for quiet contemplation and new perspectives.

After the booking, chat vith Elena for exact location of the meeting point. 

Elena Sisti is a cultural tourism expert with a deep passion for showcasing Italy’s artistic and historical heritage. With a background in research and a keen eye for the country’s lesser-known treasures, she has dedicated her career to creating meaningful travel experiences that go beyond traditional tourism. Committed to promoting a more thoughtful and immersive approach to exploring Italy, she believes in highlighting its hidden cultural gems while fostering a deeper connection between visitors and local traditions. Elena will assign a local expert guide from her team for this experience. 

This is a relaxed, intimate experience for couples, families, or friends looking to remember their time in Mexico City—part walking tour, part food tasting, part personal photo story—set in one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Polanco is known for its tree-lined streets, modernist architecture, and polished café culture. With your host Marie, a local photographer, you’ll visit a curated selection of atmospheric bakeries that reflect Mexico’s evolving flavors—where pan dulce meets matcha, and local chocolate is served beside rich espresso.

Along the way, Marie will guide you to the best menu items and photograph you in a series of candid portraits—framed by the textures and tones of Polanco. This isn’t a posed shoot, but a photo story of a morning in motion, shaped by the light, color, and rhythm of the neighborhood. It’s a chance to see Polanco through its details—to leave with something to remember it by. After the walk, Marie will share a digital gallery of portraits.

Polanco is home to some of the best-known cafés and top-tier bakeries in the city, like Constela Café and Ki’ Xocolatl. These—and several other beloved spots—reflect Mexico’s food culture today: where heritage ingredients meet modern techniques, and pastries range from the traditional to the unexpected. Many blur the line between bakery and art gallery, with every plate, tile, and song playing overhead intentionally chosen.

Marie knows the neighborhood well and brings both local insight and an eye for detail. She’ll help you find the best items on the menu, share pieces of Polanco’s history and personality, and quietly capture the way you move through the space—street scenes, smiles, shared bites, and everything in between.

This is about slowing down and seeing a part of Mexico City that’s often overlooked beyond its exclusive image. The result: a walk through Polanco that feels both personal and lasting, with images to match.

Photoshoot Tour with pastries and portraits in Polanco, Mexico City’s chic & stylish café district.

Polanco, In Morning Light

Private walking tour and candid photo session through Polanco with a local photographer.

Stops at select bakeries to sample baked goods and enjoy coffee or soft drinks.

Personalized guidance on local flavors and café culture.

Portraits captured throughout the walk, delivered in a curated digital gallery.

Relaxed, story-driven experience ideal for couples, families, or friends.

**Note: Children aged 6 and under join for free.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring your appetite, and dress in something you’ll feel good being photographed in.

Meet Marie outside Museo Soumaya [Museo Soumaya, Boulevard Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Granada, Mexico City, CDMX, Mexico].

Marie Fernández is a Mexican photographer who grew up in Mexico City. From 2017 to 2019, she studied photography in Paris and graduated as a photojournalist and documentary photographer. She is currently a member of Hans Lucas, the French international photo agency, as well as the Women Photographers History collective.

In this experience, she combines her photography skills with her passion for welcoming people to her home city and helping visitors discover the best it has to offer. With Marie, you won’t just receive a collection of beautiful portraits from your time in Mexico City—you’ll also get to know the city more deeply and feel at home.

This experience invites you to encounter Granada not as a checklist of sites, but through the textures and stories that define its soul. In the company of an expert historian, you’ll explore the Alhambra—the most intact Islamic citadel of the medieval world—through its Nasrid Palaces: Mexuar, Palace of Comares and Palace of the Lions. Each space is a distinct chapter in the story of Al-Andalus, from poetic inscriptions to the precise geometry of Moorish design. You’ll move through the Renaissance symmetry of Charles V Palace and the gardens, fountains and arches of Generalife. 

Midday brings you to a historic restaurant within the Alhambra complex, where Nasrid-inspired dishes are served in a setting that echoes the palace’s refined detail. Then, a private visit to the oldest guitar workshop in Spain, with a demonstration by a guitarist.

The day ends with scent in a 16th-century palace. You’ll blend your own fragrance at a small perfumery rooted in Andalusian botanical tradition.

If you have just one day in Granada—limited time but craving depth and immersive wonder—this exclusive experience offers rare access, guided interpretation and sensory immersion, distilling the city’s essence into an unforgettable journey. Led by a local historian who knows Granada’s symbols, stories and hidden paths, you’ll experience the city through all five senses.

You’ll walk through the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Europe and trace how Muslim, Christian, Renaissance influences layered over one another to shape the city’s soul. Inscriptions and design details breathe life into the walls, turning this legendary monument into a living world of beauty and meaning.

In a single narrative arc, you’ll move from architectural grandeur to taste, craft, scent—experiences usually scattered or hard to access. Each encounter—with historian, luthier, guitarist, perfumer—adds a human heartbeat to the day. These are real exchanges with people preserving Granada’s traditions. 

Your journey begins through the eye, stepping into the Alhambra—the best-preserved Islamic citadel of the medieval world. With an expert guide, you’ll move through its Nasrid Palaces: the Mexuar, the Palace of Comares, and the Palace of the Lions—each a masterwork of Islamic design. These sit alongside the Renaissance geometry of the Charles V Palace, a Catholic imprint at the heart of a Moorish site. Together, they reveal how aesthetics and power shifted over centuries.

You’ll also walk through the gardens of Generalife, where carved arches, tiled walls, and water channels compose a living poem. From the Patio de la Acequia to shaded courtyards, the Alhambra unfolds as a canvas of history—where light and shadow still move through the architecture of empire and imagination.

Your host, Pablo, is not just a guide—he’s a trained historian with deep knowledge of Al-Andalus and the architecture of belief. With him, the Alhambra becomes more than a monument. You’ll uncover how geometry expressed divine order, how inscriptions told political stories, and how water features embodied cultural meaning.
Rather than covering the whole site, Pablo selects specific best-of spaces that illuminate the religious and political shifts that shaped both the palace and the city.

The Alhambra is often seen as a postcard. With Pablo, it becomes a living text—where you’ll read history through design, and understand what made this citadel the intellectual and artistic heart of a lost empire.

Walking Tour of Alhambra, Granada, where art, architecture, memory reveal the soul of Al-Andalus.

The Alhambra with a Historian

After this visual immersion, your sense of taste takes over in one of the most refined settings within the Alhambra complex. Seated in a serene dining room that echoes the palace’s elegance, you’ll enjoy a meal inspired by the culinary traditions of the Nasrid court.

While the menu can be tailored to your preferences, Pablo recommends the Menú Nazarí—an eight-century‑inspired tasting experience that revives dishes once served to the sultans of Al‑Andalus. You’ll begin with a spiced harira soup and a crisp briwat filled with poultry and warming spices. Then comes Mediterranean seabass (shabil) with a yamalí crust, layered over alboronía—a Moorish stew of pumpkin and eggplant.

The main course features a slow-cooked beef shank with apple and saffron-glazed eggplant. Dessert brings together zalabiyya fritters drizzled in honey, a dark fruit arrope syrup, and a delicate myrtle (arrayán) sorbet.

This stop stands out because it transforms historical gastronomy into a lived experience. Far from a generic “Andalusian meal,” this is a carefully reconstructed culinary narrative based on archival recipes and traditional ingredients. The ambiance of the setting—one of Spain’s most iconic hotels inside the Alhambra—elevates the act of eating into a time-travel encounter. You don’t just taste: you participate in a centuries-old cultural ritual.

An immersive journey engaging taste, smell, and touch through Nasrid culinary art.

Nasrid lunch in Alhambra 

In a 16th-century palace owned by a family of master perfumers, your sense of smell will be awakened. In this exclusive and intimate workshop, you will learn the structure of fragrance and create your own scent, inspired by the floral, resinous, and herbal aromas of the Alhambra. You will not only take home a bottle of this unique blend but also the formula, preserving a personal, aromatic memory of your journey. This moment invites you to explore how scent can embody memory, identity, and the ephemeral poetry of place.

The uniqueness of this stop lies in its blend of artistry and intimacy. You are not just observing a craft—you become part of it. The setting, a noble palace infused with centuries of scent, enhances the experience. The master perfumer’s guidance turns chemistry into poetry. By the end, you hold in your hands a bespoke perfume: a bottled fragment of the Alhambra’s spirit, and your own emotional connection to it.

Create your own fragrance in a palace devoted to olfactory art

Perfume Workshop

The afternoon is dedicated to the sense of hearing. You will be welcomed behind closed doors into the oldest guitar workshop in Spain, a space of wood, strings, and silence where craftsmanship lives. One of Granada’s most experienced luthiers will introduce you to rare classical and flamenco guitars, ancient string instruments, and centuries-old scores. You’ll then be joined by a professional guitarist who, through live music, will guide you through a soundscape that links the Alhambra’s past to the cultural resonance of modern Spain. This is not just a concert—it is a sonic journey into the city’s soul.

What makes this visit unique is its authenticity and intimacy. Rather than a public show, it is a personal invitation into a creative space, located in Spain’s oldest guitar workshop and accessed exclusively behind closed doors. The instruments you see are handcrafted, some bearing historical resonance. The music you hear is not merely performed—it is contextualized and woven into a narrative about Granada’s place in global musical history. This dialogue between maker, player, and listener becomes a deep acoustic memory.

An exclusive recital in Spain’s oldest guitar workshop

Hispano-muslim Music Workshop

Cultural Tour in Granada: A day in Alhambra’s Nasrid Palaces, gardens, music and scent of Andalusia.

The Alhambra in Five Senses

Skip-the-line Alhambra tickets, including the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife & Charles V Palace.

Guided visit with a historian specializing in Al-Andalus culture.

Multi-course Nasrid-style lunch at the Alhambra’s most emblematic hotel.

Exclusive private visit to Spain’s oldest guitar workshop, with a live demonstration by a professional guitarist.

Private perfume-making workshop in a 16th-century palace using Andalusian botanicals.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. 
On warmer days, a hat or cap and a bottle of water are advised.
Important: Access to the Alhambra requires presenting your original physical passport, national ID card, or driver’s license with a photograph, no digital copies are accepted.

You'll meet Pablo at the Puerta de la Justicia (Gate of Justice), a historic entry point to the Alhambra. After booking, you can message him via Fernwayer Chat to confirm details or ask any questions.

Your host Pablo is an official guide and PhD in History, originally from Granada and deeply committed to acting as your personal ambassador to the city's historical and cultural layers. As both a university professor and licensed guide with years of experience, he brings a rare combination of academic rigor and narrative skill. His approach bridges scholarship and human connection, offering a deeply engaging and accessible perspective. You'll see Granada both as a local and as a time traveler — uncovering the soul of a city shaped by Islamic and Christian civilizations.

Even in just one day, Buenos Aires leaves an impression that lingers. With the right rhythm, it’s possible to feel the city’s contradictions and connections—its political weight, its everyday rituals, and its emotional expression through dance. This tightly curated journey is for travelers passing through, but curious enough to look deeper. In just a few hours, you’ll move from monuments to mate to milonga—each one revealing a different heartbeat of Argentina.

DAY 1 – POLITICS, MATE, AND TANGO | Begin with a guided walk through Recoleta and surrounding landmarks, led by a local historian who traces Argentina’s story through symbols of power, resistance, and memory. In the afternoon, sit down in a quiet home for a mate ritual—learning the codes of hospitality, preparation, and connection that define Argentine daily life. As evening falls, step into a neighborhood milonga, where a tango dancer guides you through the unspoken rules, the music, and the beauty of a tradition that still pulses through the city. It’s a single day—but one that distills the emotion, tension, and grace of Buenos Aires.

WHERE TO STAY IN BUENOS AIRES | Choose Recoleta for a graceful start close to monuments and morning walks, or Palermo for an energetic finish and late-night rhythm.

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

Argentina

One Day in Buenos Aires

Fernwayer’s perfect one day in Buenos Aires blends politics, mate tradition, and tango after dark.

One day is never enough for a city as vast as Mexico City, but with the right guidance it can still feel complete. This curated journey is designed for travelers passing through with limited time who want to experience the pulse of the capital. From monumental plazas and layered histories in the heart of the city to an evening of food and stories in Polanco, it is a condensed but vivid portrait of Mexico City.
DAY 1 – HISTORIC CENTER AND POLANQUITO | Begin with a guided walking tour of the Historic Center, where colonial facades, modern landmarks, and grand murals trace the evolution of Mexico City. Your guide weaves together architecture, politics, and art to bring the city’s past and present into focus as you move through plazas, palaces, and hidden corners. After a short pause in the afternoon, the evening takes you north to Polanco for a guided food tour. Here you taste tacos, tortas, churros, and chocolates while exploring elegant streets that tell another side of the city’s story. It is the perfect balance of culture and cuisine, showing what makes Mexico City unforgettable in just one day.
WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO CITY | If you are staying overnight, Centro Histórico puts you steps from plazas and landmarks, ideal for starting the day with ease. Roma and Condesa offer a creative base with leafy streets, cafés, and nightlife. Polanco is refined and stylish, perfect for ending the evening close to your dinner tour. Each neighborhood gives you comfort and convenience, even on a short stay.
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.

One Day in Mexico City

Fernwayer’s perfect one day in Mexico City moves from historic icons to Polanco’s flavors by night.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seen and Lived in Venice

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

The Douro Valley reveals itself slowly—through the rhythm of its hands, its vines, and its landscapes. Over three days, trace the threads that connect craftsmanship, heritage, and nature. Guided by artisans, winemakers, and naturalists, you’ll experience the valley’s heritage through craft, taste, and time — with space to pause, breathe, and take in its enduring beauty.
DAY 1 – CRAFT AND HERITAGE IN VILA REAL | Begin in the mountain village of Bisalhães, where black pottery has been shaped by hand and smoked for centuries. In this guided workshop, meet the last artisans still practicing this UNESCO-listed craft and learn how local clay and pine smoke create its distinctive matte finish. Later, continue to Casa de Mateus for a private visit through its baroque halls, chapel, and gardens, before sitting down to a relaxed wine lunch in the palace’s original kitchen — a warm space of stone walls, copper tools, and timeless flavors.
DAY 2 – THE BOTANICAL QUINTA | Spend the day exploring the valley’s heart with Carlos and Paulo. Begin with a silent cruise along the Douro aboard a solar-powered boat, then ride in a restored vintage Bedford van up the terraced hills to a working vineyard and botanical estate. Walk among citrus trees and vines, visit the estate’s small museum, and taste their own Port Tonic and gin made from local herbs. A picnic lunch beneath the olive trees and an afternoon tasting at a nearby olive oil and wine producer round out a day of slow rhythm and vineyard life.
DAY 3 – THE WILD NORTHEAST | Travel north to Terra de Miranda, a land of forests, stone villages, and old customs. Guided by naturalist and photographer Alexandra Melo, explore chestnut groves and mountain viewpoints near Bragança, where wildlife and rural traditions coexist. Visit local artisans and dancers who keep alive the folk rituals and wooden masks of the mirandesa culture, a heritage recognized for its uniqueness in Portugal. It’s a day of stories, photography, and quiet connection with nature before returning through the valley at sunset.
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.

Craft and Vine in the Douro

3 days in Douro Valley exploring pottery, vineyards, and the wild landscapes of the Northeast.

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

Living the Pulse of Porto

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

This 5-day Rome itinerary is immersive and story-rich — an invitation to feel the rhythm of the city through architecture, rituals and everyday beauty. Designed for those who seek meaning behind the monuments, it blends ancient grandeur with intimate encounters, placing conversation, taste, and wonder at the heart of each day. You’ll walk through empires and gardens, learn from artists and artisans, and leave with a deeper sense of Rome’s timeless layers.

DAY 1 – FOUNDATIONS AND FIRST TASTES | Begin with Rome’s most iconic ruins: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, where arches and fragments still carry echoes of empire. Pause for a cozy lunch at Naumachia, then dive into Lazio wines with a guided tasting that celebrates native grape varieties. In the late afternoon, climb Capitoline Hill, one of Rome’s most symbolic spaces, and explore the Capitoline Museums, home to powerful statues and centuries of civic history. The day blends power, poetry and palate — your Roman senses officially awakened.

DAY 2 – MASTERS AND MUSEUMS | The morning begins inside the Doria Pamphilj Palace, where masterpieces by Caravaggio and Velázquez hang in hushed rooms. Enjoy a refined lunch at Tavola Bottiglieria before heading to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, where artistic and spiritual power converge. As golden hour sets in, join Quintessenza: a photo walk that winds through the city’s evening light, past Renaissance façades and local food stories.

DAY 3 – FLAVORS AND STREET LIFE | Start the day with a guided food walk through the historic center, tasting espresso, pastries and pizza al taglio while hearing stories behind each bite. In the afternoon, wander through Piazza Navona and admire its Baroque fountains before continuing to the Pantheon, where ancient engineering still inspires awe. From there, follow the city’s rhythm to the Trevi Fountain and finally to the Spanish Steps, observing the light, the movement and the elegance of this iconic Roman setting. End the evening at Piccolo Buco for a wood-fired pizza.

DAY 4 – FAITH, FLAVOR, AND CRAFT | Rise early for a walk through Rome’s lesser-known churches to admire starry ceilings and sacred architecture. Enjoy lunch at Babette, where French-Italian dishes meet artful surroundings and garden calm. After lunch, step into a historic palazzo to learn the art of gelato-making — yes, you’ll taste the results. End your evening with dinner at Aroma, a Michelin-starred and framed by the Colosseum in glowing light.

DAY 5 – CLOSING SCENES AND ILLUSIONS | Explore the Baths of Caracalla with a guide who reveals how politics and ritual unfolded in Rome’s grand bathhouses. Stop for lunch at Casina Valadier, nestled above the city in Villa Borghese park. Meander through the Galleria Nazionale, a treasure of modern art inside Belle Époque walls. In the afternoon, dive into sacred geometry and illusion on a tour of Jesuit Rome. End your trip with dinner at Il Barroccio, a welcoming osteria near the Pantheon known for Roman classics in a relaxed, rustic setting.

WHERE TO STAY IN ROME | For first-time visitors, Centro Storico offers proximity to major sites and a lively rhythm. Trastevere charms with cobbled streets, local eateries, and sunset views over the Tiber. Prati is quieter and elegant, perfect for Vatican access and spacious stays. For creative travelers, Monti blends bohemian cafés with ancient streets. Choose based on your pace — central for movement, local for depth, scenic for calm.

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.

Rome, Layer By Layer

5 days in Rome exploring architecture, historical landmarks, food walks, wines, and gelato moments.

Over seven days, Buenos Aires greets you with ritual, rhythm, and grand facades before the road opens west to Mendoza and the Andes. This week balances guided encounters with space to breathe. You will taste the city in markets and kitchens, learn its stories in theaters and cemeteries, and feel its pulse in a milonga. Then the mountains take over with horseback trails at sunset, fireside asado, wine in the thin air, and time with artisans who keep tradition in their hands.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL, MATE, MILONGA | Arrive early or the day before so the city can settle around you. In the afternoon, a guided tasting introduces the ritual of mate with a local host, including high-quality blends and traditional biscuits that frame the story and etiquette. After a short pause, the evening unfolds inside a real milonga with a professional dancer who explains the codes and ronda. You may join a dance or simply observe with a glass of wine.
DAY 2 – PALERMO AND CORRIENTES | Late morning brings a guided food walk in Palermo Soho that moves between bakeries, markets, and grills for classics like empanadas, choripán, and steak cuts, paced like a seven-course meal. Rest in the afternoon or wander the plazas. In the evening, a guided walk along Avenida Corrientes ties together theaters, beloved bookstores, and café culture, with simple tastings that carry the street’s late-night spirit.
DAY 3 – BELLE ÉPOQUE AND EMPANADAS | Begin with a guided architecture walk that links Belle Époque façades on Avenida de Mayo, the symbolism of Palacio Barolo, and a pause in a period café before finishing near Teatro Colón. It is history told in stone and light. Later, join a hands-on empanada class in a local home, rolling and folding before sharing wine and dessert.
DAY 4 – LA BOCA AND SAN TELMO | A guided photography tour leads you through La Boca’s color and San Telmo’s market streets at an unhurried pace. Your photographer helps with timing and composition so scenes and stories fall into place, whether you carry a camera or a phone. After lunch, head to the airport for an afternoon or evening flight to Mendoza.
DAY 5 – ANDES SUNSET RIDE | Keep the day open until the mountains call. In the late afternoon you are collected in Mendoza city for a guided horseback ride with gauchos, timed to the soft light of sunset. Afterward, gather by the bonfire for an asado with salads, fresh bread, and local wine, often set to live guitar. Return to town with stars above and woodsmoke on your clothes.
DAY 6 – HIGH-ALTITUDE ASADO DAY TRIP | Set out on a guided full-day trip into the Andes with a stop for local treats and mate before a scenic viewpoint over the Uspallata valley. Continue to a high-altitude estancia for an open-fire asado paired with wines and stories about the ritual’s meaning. There is time to taste, to learn, and to take photographs with guidance from your host. Expect a generous day before the easy descent back to Mendoza.
DAY 7 – ARTISANS OF MENDOZA | Spend the morning on a guided visit focused on handmade work at Mendoza’s artisan market, meeting makers of gaucho leather, textiles, and fine crafts. Your guide helps with context and conversation, and may include a short stop at city boutiques for additional pieces. Choose something meaningful to carry home. Fly back to Buenos Aires in the afternoon for a final night or connect onward if timing allows.
WHERE TO STAY IN BUENOS AIRES AND MENDOZA | In Buenos Aires, Palermo suits walkers who want cafés, galleries, and late meals nearby. Recoleta feels elegant and central, good for quieter nights and classic architecture. San Telmo places you near markets and milongas with a short ride to the center. In Mendoza, stay in the City Center for easy departures and lively evenings, or choose Chacras de Coria and Luján de Cuyo for vineyard air and slower mornings.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH FERNWAYER | Book directly from the itinerary and choose your own hotels and restaurants. Download the iOS app to make the journey your own.

Tango to Andes in Argentina

7 days in Argentina: Buenos Aires to Mendoza with tango nights, wine, mate and asado in the Andes.

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

Mexico City Roots and Stories

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

Hub Cities: Venice, Florence, Rome

Duration: 7 days — 3 days in Venice, 1 day in Trieste, 1 day in Florence and 3 days in Rome

Trip Highlights: This seven-day itinerary takes travelers on a romantic journey through 4 of Italy’s iconic cities. Start in Venice by exploring its light and shadows, visiting historic sites like St. Mark’s Cathedral and Doge’s Palace, and savoring its divine cuisine. Experience a secret lagoon tour, a gondola ride, and the charming Dorsoduro district to complete your Venetian adventure. Continue to Trieste, exploring local vineyards with guided tastings, all while enjoying the breathtaking views along the Italian-Slovenian border. In Florence, visit the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries. The journey concludes in Rome with cultural explorations, a wine masterclass, and dining at authentic Roman trattorias.

Trip Notes: Travel between cities by train for a seamless experience.

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.

Italy: Canals to Colosseum

7-day itinerary across Venice, Florence and Rome, an iconic mix of history, culture, art, and food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sicily’s Golden Corner

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

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.

Greece

Each evening, we wait for sunset to happen ... in fact the whole town stops whatever they are doing and gathers near the edges of the cliffs In Oia. 

It’s a ritual that we quickly make our own. We time our dinner, walks and activities so that we can get a prime seat to watch the performance. On the odd day that we miss it ... being on the wrong side of the caldera ... we feel we’ve missed a significant event in our day.

🌅 | 🌆 | 🌄

Each evening, the sun obliges and puts in a grand performance. 

The setting sun can look rather different in a cloudless sky. Santorini rarely has a cloud. Maybe one every two days ... making the sunset even more glorious. Flaws build character.

Cloudless Sunset

Granada, Spain, is home to the Cathedral and Royal Chapel, two magnificent landmarks that showcase the city's rich history and architectural grandeur. The Granada Cathedral, an impressive masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture, stands as a symbol of Catholic Spain’s triumph after the Reconquista. Next to it, the Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) houses the tombs of Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II, the Catholic Monarchs who completed the unification of Spain. Together, these sites offer a fascinating journey through Granada’s religious, artistic, and political history.

1. The Granada Cathedral’s towering white and gold interior, with massive columns and intricate details, creates a breathtaking sense of space and grandeur.

2. The Royal Chapel houses the marble tombs of Isabella and Ferdinand, beautifully sculpted and set above their final resting place in a crypt below.

3. The stunning stained-glass windows and elaborate altarpieces in both the cathedral and chapel reflect Spain’s Golden Age artistry.

4. The sacristy museum inside the chapel displays artifacts belonging to the Catholic Monarchs, including Isabella’s crown and scepter, offering a personal connection to Spain’s history.

5. The ornate Baroque façade of the cathedral, contrasting with the Gothic style of the Royal Chapel, makes for a striking architectural combination in the heart of Granada.

Visitor Tip: Visit in the morning to enjoy the best lighting for photography inside the cathedral, and take time to explore the surrounding streets filled with charming cafés and souvenir shops.

Photo: noel bennett

Royal Chapel of Granada

Essaouira, Morocco, is home to the lively Moulay Hassan Square, the heart of the city’s social and cultural life. Situated between the historic medina and the bustling port, this spacious, pedestrian-friendly plaza offers a vibrant mix of cafés, restaurants, street performers, and local markets. Whether you're people-watching, enjoying a mint tea, or soaking in the lively atmosphere, Moulay Hassan Square perfectly captures the relaxed, bohemian spirit of Essaouira.

1. The square’s open-air cafés offer prime spots to enjoy traditional Moroccan tea or fresh seafood while watching the ebb and flow of daily life.

2. Surrounded by whitewashed colonial buildings with blue shutters, the square is a photographer’s dream, especially during the golden hour.

3. Local street musicians and performers often fill the square with the sounds of Gnawa music and other traditional Moroccan rhythms.

4. The square serves as a central gathering point for major events, including the renowned Gnaoua World Music Festival, attracting global artists and music lovers every year.

5. Located just steps from the Essaouira fishing port, visitors can watch fishermen bring in their daily catch or enjoy a fresh seafood lunch nearby.

Visitor Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to catch the square at its liveliest and stay for sunset over the harbor. For a quieter experience, stop by in the early morning when locals start setting up their stalls and the light is perfect for photography.

Moulay Hassan Square

Croatia

600 meters off the coast of Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island offers visitors a unique blend of botanical gardens, historical ruins, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, Lokrum invites exploration and relaxation. Why visit:
 
1: Botanical Bliss: Begin your adventure in the island's renowned Botanical Garden, home to exotic plants from around the globe. Established in 1959, this garden not only dazzles with its flora but also serves as a haven for peacocks and rabbits.
 
2: Royal Retreat: Don't miss the Benedictine Monastery ruins and the enchanting Maximilian’s summer house. These historical sites offer a glimpse into Lokrum's regal past, where legends of curses and royal escapades abound. The monastery's cloister and the lush gardens surrounding the summer house are especially captivating.
 
3: The Dead Sea: Lokrum's unique salt-filled lake, known as the "Dead Sea," is a marvel for swimmers and nature enthusiasts. This small, serene lake offers a safe and unique swimming experience, mirroring the buoyancy found in the actual Dead Sea.
 
4: Panoramic Perch: Climb to Fort Royal Castle for breathtaking views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea. Built by the French during the Napoleonic Wars, this highest point on the island is the perfect spot for panoramic photographs and a moment of reflection on the beauty below.
 
5: Game of Thrones Magic: Fans of the series will delight in visiting the island's GoT Visitor Center. Housed in the Benedictine Monastery, it features an Iron Throne replica and exhibits on the show’s filming, which took place on Lokrum and in nearby Dubrovnik.
 
Tickets can be purchased at the Port of Dubrovnik or online at Lokrum's official website. The best time to visit is during the spring or early fall, with pleasant weather, and less crowds.

Photo: Inera Isovic


Enchanted: Lokrum Island

India

My taxi driver, Chand, tries his best to persuade me to change the plan - “K.R. Market is a complete mess in the rainy season”, he argues, and for effect, twists his head around to the back seat to look at my tunic, shakes his head, and declares woefully — “You will be covered in mud and smelly water”. Sadly for him, I can’t resist a wholesale flower market. 

At sunrise every day, the southern end of Avenue Road lines up with a couple hundred flower vendors. Business between 5 to 8 a.m. is hectic and noisy.. Since it’s well past 10 a.m. now, I weave my way instead through stalls of vegetables, fruits and spices to find the building where these vendors disappear to after their morning sales. 

Chand is right about the mulch smells and slushy floors.  Climb up to the second floor to find a quiet spot to view the action from above. Or wander through the narrow passages, as I do, stepping around baskets full of flowers. 

For the record, my tunic remains mud-and-slush-free.

Bed of Roses

Slovenia

Photography-Forward Itinerary for Ljubljana, Slovenia (4-6 Hours in the Afternoon)

Wander Through the Old Town (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM). Begin your afternoon with a stroll through Ljubljana's Old Town, focusing on Mestni trg (Town Square) and Stari trg (Old Square). Capture the vibrant street life, historic buildings, and charming shops. Look for interesting angles and compositions that showcase the blend of architectural styles.

Prešeren Square and Franciscan Church (2:45 PM - 3:30 PM). Visit Prešeren Square, the lively heart of Ljubljana, named after the famous Slovenian poet France Prešeren. Capture the beautiful architecture, the statue of Prešeren, and the iconic salmon-pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. The square and church offer excellent photo opportunities with their vibrant atmosphere and stunning architecture.

Ljubljana Castle (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM). Take the funicular ride to Ljubljana Castle for sunset. Capture panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Alps. The castle offers sweeping landscapes and intricate architectural details. The walk from the castle to Metelkova Mesto, including the cable car ride, can take around 20-30 minutes considering all waits and walking distances.

Metelkova Mesto (6:15 PM - 7:00 PM). End your day at Metelkova Mesto, an autonomous cultural center known for its vibrant street art and alternative scene. Capture the colorful murals and the lively atmosphere, and include the unique architecture and artistic details of the area.

Photo Walk 2: Ljubljana

In Santorini, we discover and fall in love with Vinsanto, the local dessert wine. So we drive up to Hatzidakis - a charming and intimate local winery - to check out the local grapes. The vines grow low to the ground and close to the road and we almost drive into them while looking for parking. 

The grapes are grown in an unusual way, not in arbors but low to the ground, in baskets made of vine stalks themselves. They are organic and are watered mostly by dew as the island has low water supply.

The tasting room is cave-like and we take home several bottkes of the small batch Vinsanto they produce.

Vinsanto

If you want to explore Spain on foot, you should definitely set out on one of the pilgrimage routes through the country. All routes lead to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, which is located in the northwest. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Camino de Santiago has been named a central point of cultural exchange – and a historical highlight that shows what medieval Spain looked like. We chose to follow the famous Camino Frances. The original 800km route takes 5 weeks, but we decided to get in a little later, we only had 11 days, and opted for the route starting in the Galician town of Sarria. Along the way, you'll meet many other tourist pilgrims, but you'll also be able to immerse yourself in the local culture and taste Spain's best delicacies (tapas, seafood, and Spanish Serrano ham). Be prepared for a lot of walking – and take the best walking boots you have. We’ve enjoyed every minute, but some people we met had the wrong equipment, complaining about blisters.

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The Story In Every Basket

The Many Lives of Montjuïc

Framing Playa Ancha

Framed Essaouira