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Madeira Hiking Trip with Marisa Mae

MADEIRA HIKING TRIP

    Madeira Hiking Adventure with Marisa Mae
    – Sweet paradise in the middle of the Atlantic!

    An incredible hiking tour on one of the most beautiful Portuguese islands, the Pearl of the Atlantic! If you are a hiking lover, this is the ideal opportunity to discover Madeira and its unique characteristics. Madeira was created by volcanic eruptions and erosion throughout the years. This shaped the island by creating bizarre rock formations and deep gorges.

    The best Madeira trails are full of wonders, and you will discover them as you hike on the mountains, cliffs, and levadas. The levadas are part of an extensive network of small irrigation channels with gentle slopes, very typical of Madeira island, and a perfect path for any adventurous hiker! Breathtaking sceneries and natural highlights, such as the natural pools of Porto Moniz and the Laurissilva Forest (both UNESCO Natural World Heritage sites), will leave you stunned and amazed! It’s your time to explore this hiking paradise!

    Your Host: Marisa Mae, Personal Trainer

    Marisa has trained clients 1:1 and in small groups, online and in person, from her base in Vancouver for over 15 years. As a certified leadership coach and personal trainer, she helps clients align their lifestyle to one that supports healthy, sustainable habits for a long & active life. Marisa is a BCRPA registered Personal Trainer and has certifications as a specialized instructor in Weight Training, Older Adults, Yoga Fitness, Hardstyle Kettlebell and Precision Nutrition.

    She believes fitness can (and should be) fun! It’s just a matter of finding something that you enjoy. She is passionate about educating clients so they can achieve long-term results and health rather than short-term quick fixes that don’t last. She loves motivating people to accomplish more than they think they are capable of and is constantly inspired by what her clients achieve.
    Mar 21-28th, 2026

    Smiling couple hiking through a geothermal valley in southern Iceland, with steam rising from the earth and dramatic volcanic cliffs in the background—an adventurous and unique honeymoon destination beyond the ordinary.

    BEYOND THE ORDINARY: UNIQUE HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

      First of all, congratulations on the wedding! We can’t wait to hear all about it! Now that the chaos is over, it’s time to celebrate and start the beginning of a lifelong journey together— so why not start it with an adventure as unique as your love story!? At Finisterra Travel, we specialize in crafting bespoke experiences that go beyond the typical beach resort. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, thrilling escapades, or serene retreats, our curated destinations promise memories that will last a lifetime. 1. Raja Ampat, Indonesia – Dive into Pristine Paradise For couples who find romance beneath the waves, Raja Ampat offers an underwater spectacle like no other. Stay at the Misool Eco Resort, nestled on a private island within a marine reserve, where vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life await just steps from your overwater bungalow. Beyond diving, indulge in spa treatments and savor gourmet meals crafted from local ingredients. 2. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina – Embrace the Wild Adventure-loving duos will find their bliss in Patagonia’s rugged landscapes. Trek through the majestic Andes, kayak amidst glacial lakes, and discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the region’s national parks. Finisterra’s tailored itineraries ensure you experience both the thrill of exploration and the comfort of cozy lodges. 3. Bhutan – Discover the Last Shangri-La Step into a world where tradition and tranquility reign supreme. Bhutan, with its breathtaking monasteries perched on cliffs and valleys dotted with prayer flags, offers a honeymoon steeped in culture and serenity. Participate in… Read More »BEYOND THE ORDINARY: UNIQUE HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

      Spices - Sri Lanka Culinary Tour

      VEGAN VENTURES – SRI LANKA ADVENTURE

        Embark on a delectable and immersive journey with Vegan Ventures through Sri Lanka’s vibrant culinary and cultural scenes.

        Vegan Ventures is where foodies and travellers meet. This small-group adventure offers the perfect blend of flavorful plant-based dining and captivating exploration. Savour innovative vegan twists on traditional Sri Lankan fare. Between delectable bites, you will learn about the country’s rich history and be led off the beaten path to hidden gems from Buddhist Stupas to ancient archeological sites to local markets. Join this Vegan Ventures Sri Lanka adventure for your tastebuds.

        Nov 1-10, 2026

        kayakers having fun on the see kayaking adventure - Broken Group Islands BC

        SEA KAYAKING VANCOUVER ISLAND – CANADA

          Sea Kayaking Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. This paddling adventure takes you through the West Coast’s extraordinary Broken Group Islands. Choose from 4 & 5 Day kayak itineraries.

          The Broken Group Islands are part of the Pacific Rim National Park, BC. Located off the west coast of Vancouver Island, the area is made up of a hundred small islands with sand and shell beaches and lush temperate rain forests. Just off the West Coast of British Columbia, islands with magnificent trees, white sand beaches, and an abundance of wildlife wait for anyone adventurous enough to discover them. The enchanting Broken Group Islands consist of more than a hundred independent islands, scattered throughout the calmest waters of the Pacific Ocean.
          Kayaking through the Broken Islands allows visitors to glide through waters that often resemble glass, immersed in the serenity and beauty of one of the world’s most splendid destinations. Marine and land mammals to watch for include Orcas, Humpbacks and Grey Whales, sea otters, sea lions, wolves, deer, eagles, and pelicans. With such a rich cultural and ecological history, there is always something to look out for or ponder on our paddle. A fairly sheltered group of islands, this multi-day trip is great for all experience levels.
          Contact Us for more info.

          Assisi - Cultour Italia - Umbria Culinary Tour

          UMBRIA CULINARY TOUR

            Join your local hosts, Sonia and Benedetta for a slice of Italian life in the region that is known as the Green Heart of Italy.

            Umbria is located in central Italy, a region made up of rolling countryside, historic towns and charming villages. Rich in art, history and culture, it is also famous for its wine and olive oil tradition, with roots dating back to the Stone Age.

            Join us for an intimate exploration of picturesque villages, lush vineyards, and artistic treasures.

            Immerse yourself in local traditions as you savour the flavours of Umbria, from artisan-crafted wines to gourmet dining experiences.

            Cedar Path Expeditions - Iceland Hiking Adventure

            ICELAND HIKING ADVENTURE

              Backpack through the spectacular Westfjords with our partners at Cedar Path Expeditions on this Iceland Hiking Adventure.
              
              Perched on the furthest tip of Iceland’s Westfjords, this peninsula is the most remote and wild backcountry region of Iceland. It is only accessible by boat. Considered one of Europe’s last wildernesses, this 589 square km (227sq m) reserve has an end-of-the-world feel. Waterfalls thunder down mountains, the midnight sun kisses the ocean, cliffs plummet to the sea and the mighty Drangajökull glacier overlooks the scene.
              NOTE – You must have backcountry camping experience to participate in this expedition – rated moderate to challenging.

              Parma & Modena Culinary Tour

              PARMA + MODENA CULINARY TOUR

                Join your local hosts Sonia & Benedetta from CulTour Italia for a slice of Italian life in the food-rich region that gifted the world with prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano. This trip focuses on niche selections of traditional products and exclusive visits with artisanal makers.

                The “food valley” as it is also known, had been the agricultural heart of the Roman empire, as it is now for modern Italy. There are no less than 44 food products from the region that are protected and considered national treasures.

                The City of Parma received the UNESCO title of “Creative City for Gastronomy” in 2015 and “Capital of Culture” in 2020. For a total of 6 nights, we home base 4 nights in Parma and spend 2 nights in the Emilian countryside, experiencing exclusive eno-gastronomic delights the area has to offer.

                The trip is limited to 12 guests.

                The Balkan Peaks Trip - Cedar Path

                THE BALKAN PEAKS HIKING TRIP

                  Join a bunch of bad*ss women on an epic journey journey through the spectacular Balkan mountains and villages with our partners at Cedar Path Expeditions.
                  
                  Explore the rugged wild beauty and glorious mountain peaks of the Western Balkans. We will hike along shepherd paths through mountain terrain in three countries- Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Each morning will start with a mindfulness meditation before we head off to unveil breathtaking alpine vistas, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and remote villages. Each night we will be immersed in the local culture while staying at charming mountain guesthouses with time for reflection and connection. This once inaccessible hidden treasure, promises us an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience like no other.

                  Join us on the Balkan Peaks Hiking Trips and reserve your spot on this hiking adventure HERE!

                  Everyone At the Table - Puglia Cooking workshop

                  COOKING PUGLIA WORKSHOP | EVERYONE AT THE TABLE

                    Join Julie Marr & Francesco Creanza of Everyone at the Table, in 2025 to cook, eat, learn and share in Puglia during this hands-on culinary workshop.
                    
                    This 4-day workshop is for those people who want to roll up their sleeves and have a hands-on learning experience, making all the traditional foods that Puglia is famous for.

                    Mornings will be spent in our workshop kitchen mastering the art of orecchiette pasta making, taralli, cheese making, preserving sotto olio vegetables, wild herb liquors, jams and sweets. We will enjoy long table lunches featuring the fruits of our labours, paired with local wines.
                    We have chosen May to host this workshop because there are so many exciting things happening in the fields and at the markets. Wild asparagus and fennel fronds, the first artichokes, fava beans and peas, tender greens, and strawberries all are making the seasonal debut.

                    Unlike some of our other workshops, Cooking Puglia is best suited to those who have a passion for cooking and a bit of experience in the kitchen. Most of our time together will focus on choosing the very best ingredients we can find and then using traditional cooking techniques to turn those ingredients into delicious dishes for our long-table meals. After our morning cooking sessions, our afternoons will be spent visiting local farms, foraging for wild herbs used both for culinary dishes and medicinal purposes and visiting a friend’s olive grove to do an olive oil tasting and an aperitivo beneath the trees.

                    We hope that this will be an opportunity to learn new recipes and techniques that will inspire you to gather friends and family around the table wherever it is that you call home.

                    Upcoming dates: May 3-6th, 2025

                    julie and francesco in the kitchen featured image

                    PRESERVING PUGLIA CULINARY WORKSHOP | E.A.T.

                      Join Julie Marr & Francesco Creanza of Everyone at the Table, in 2025 to cook, eat, learn, and share in Puglia during this culinary workshop.
                      Our most in-depth workshop is where we explore the food culture of the South and spend our time with the food artisans and historians that are preserving not just recipes but a very unique way of life. The food we cook comes from recipes passed down to us from our family and friends and we have the opportunity to spend time with, learn from and gather around the table with these special people in the course of this hands-on workshop.

                      We have chosen November to host this workshop because there are so many exciting things happening at the markets with wild mushrooms, sweet olives, artichokes, quince, persimmon, cime di rapa, and other greens are all making their seasonal debut. This is also the season for heading into the olive groves for the annual harvest of the olives and to press them into oil. Witnessing this process and then tasting the new oils a life-changing experience for those who love food and cooking.

                      For four days, we will explore the role that preserving foods plays in maintaining the cultural identity and traditions for the people of Puglia. By visiting with locals who bake the bread, grow and press the olives into oil and tend their flocks, cooking communal meals and eating in small local restaurants we will immerse ourselves in the connection between the land, tradition and contemporary Italian food culture.

                      Preserving Puglia Dates: Oct 29-Nov 1st, 2025