SIGNATURE DESTINATIONS
Where Travel Meets Soul, Culture, and Cuisine
At Travel By Akasha, our journeys go beyond the guidebook. We specialize in destinations where food, history, and heart converge—places that linger in your memory long after you return home. These are the regions we've explored with our past groups, each one handpicked for its beauty, depth, and flavor. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small group, every itinerary is custom-crafted to bring out the soul of a place.
Portugal
Golden. Vibrant. Soulful.
Portugal offers a magical blend of old-world charm, vibrant food culture, and coastal elegance. Our journeys here have included seafood feasts in Lisbon’s classic tascas, private port tastings in the Douro Valley, and devouring Porto’s legendary sandwiches layered with roast pork and melted sheep’s cheese.
We’ve wandered through tiled monasteries, explored windswept cliffs, and taken slow drives along vineyard-laced valleys. From the melancholic beauty of fado echoing in candlelit bars to hands-on cooking classes in the Alentejo countryside, Portugal invites you to savor every moment.
Whether you’re sipping vinho verde by the sea or learning the secrets of pão Alentejano in a whitewashed village, this is a country where culture, cuisine, and coastline come together with unforgettable warmth.
Ireland & Scotland
Green Hills. Artisan Producers.
Misty Glenns. Irish Hospitality.
Ireland and Scotland are lands of misty hills, ancient castles, and stories passed down through generations. In Ireland, you’ll find warm hospitality, windswept coastlines, and a deep connection to food and folklore—from seaweed foraging in West Cork to traditional music in a cozy pub. Scotland enchants with dramatic landscapes, lochs and glens, and a rich heritage that lives on in every bite of farmhouse cheese or dram of whisky. Whether you're exploring lively cities like Dublin and Edinburgh or venturing into the quiet beauty of the countryside, both countries offer soulful travel experiences that linger long after you return home.
Italy
Timeless Beauty. Regional Flavor. La Dolce Vita.
Italy is not one destination—it’s a mosaic of experiences. From the rolling vineyards and cypress-lined roads of Tuscany and the wild, coastal charm of Maremma, to the timeless allure of Rome’s ancient streets and the dreamlike canals of Venice, each region offers something uniquely captivating. Whether you're sipping Brunello in a hilltop village, wandering Renaissance piazzas, or floating past palazzos at sunset, our Italy itineraries are designed to celebrate the food, history, and everyday magic that make this country unforgettable.
Sardinia
Beaches. Nonna Culture. Slow Travel.
Sardinia feels like another world—rugged, soulful, and deeply rooted in tradition. Since my daughter is part Sardinian, this island holds a special place in my heart. Our journeys here have focused on connection: with the land, the people, and the pace of life. We’ve visited beekeepers in the hills, wandered farmers’ markets in mountain towns, and learned cheese-making from shepherds who still follow ancient rhythms. They say Sicily has the food and Sardinia has the beaches, but I think it has both!
Emilia-Romagna
Italy’s Culinary Soul
Emilia-Romagna is a food lover’s dream—tortellini by hand, culatello and Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar aged in attic barrels. We’ve led pasta-making classes, truffle hunts, and shared unforgettable meals in private kitchens and family farms. But it’s not just about food—this region is rich in culture, from Ravenna’s Byzantine mosaics to the art and architecture of Parma, Modena, and Bologna. Here, tradition and flavor create a true feast for the senses.
Sicily
Ancient Temples. Coastal Charm. Cuisine.
Sicily is a mosaic of civilizations—Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman—all leaving their mark in stone, spice, and story. We’ve explored it all: temple ruins in Segesta, Monreale’s golden mosaics, the Baroque charm of Noto and Ragusa. Past trips have included ricotta-making in the hills, vineyard lunches, olive oil tastings during harvest, and seaside strolls through ancient ports. From volcanic reds on Mount Etna to crisp western Grillo, Sicily’s wines are as expressive as its history. We bring the island to life through immersive, soulful travel.
Spain
Bold Flavors. Coastal Charm. Creative Energy.
Spain is a feast for the senses—layered with art, history, and culinary brilliance. We’ve explored the pintxo bars of San Sebastián, wandered the cutting-edge Guggenheim in Bilbao, and strolled Girona’s medieval lanes lined with stone facades and flower-filled balconies. In Barcelona, Gaudí’s whimsical architecture and bustling Catalan markets ignite the imagination, while the Costa Brava’s secluded coves and cliffside villages invite you to slow down and savor.
We also love Getaria—a charming fishing village known for its exceptional grilled seafood and as the birthplace of iconic fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, whose namesake museum is a hidden gem. Our journeys through Spain blend world-class gastronomy with cultural depth—from Michelin-starred tasting menus to seaside tapas, and from modernist masterpieces to centuries-old traditions. Every trip is thoughtfully crafted to celebrate the rhythm, flavor, and creative spirit of this unforgettable country.
MEXICO & MEXICO CITY
Vibrant. Ancestral. Flavorful.
Travel to Mexico is a celebration of color, culture, and cuisine. From the high-energy streets of Mexico City—where ancient ruins sit beside cutting-edge art galleries and world-class restaurants—to the bohemian charm of Todos Santos on the Baja Peninsula, Mexico offers a rich and varied experience. In Riviera Maya, turquoise waters meet white-sand beaches and lush jungles, where you can swim in cenotes, explore Mayan ruins, or unwind at a beachfront resort. Across the country, you'll find a deep respect for tradition, bold regional flavors, and a warmth that makes every encounter feel like home. Whether you're wandering through a buzzing mercado, sipping mezcal under the stars, or relaxing by the sea, Mexico invites you to dive in and stay awhile.
India, Bali, Morocco
Exotic. Spiritual. Life Changing
Traveling to far-away places like India, Southeast Asia and Morocco opens the door to a world of rich traditions, vibrant flavors, and ancient wonders. From the spice-laden markets of Marrakech & Kerala, to the serene temples of Rajasthan and rice paddies of Bali, each destination offers a sensory journey steeped in history and culture. In Morocco, you’ll find desert landscapes, centuries-old medinas, and intricate tilework that tells stories of empires past. Across India, bustling cities coexist with tranquil countryside, where culinary traditions are passed down through generations. Whether you're wandering through souks, meditating in a temple, or joining a cooking class in a small village, these regions invite you to slow down, connect deeply, and savor the moment.
Bali
Sacred Temples. Sea Salt. Soulful Luxury.
Bali is pure magic—where jungle meets coastline and every moment invites wonder. Our journeys here dive deep into the island’s soulful rhythm, from misty temple ceremonies at sunrise to barefoot beach walks. We’ve visited traditional sea salt farms in East Bali and cacao plantations, where you can harvest and taste straight from the source. Days are a dreamy mix of indulgence and adventure: think 5-star spa treatments with riverstone massages, jungle hikes to sacred monkey temples, and visits to artisan villages famed for silver jewelry, textiles, and intricate wood carvings. We take our time in the kitchen, learning family recipes during hands-on cooking classes, then linger over plates of nasi goreng at Bourdain’s favorite warung.
Morocco
Labyrinthine Medinas. Coastal Calm.
Bold Flavors.
Our Moroccan journeys have taken travelers deep into the artisan soul of Fes, where ancient tanneries, mosaic workshops, and centuries-old medinas come alive with color and craft. We’ve wandered the windswept streets of Essaouira, a laid-back coastal gem known for its blue boats, fresh seafood, cats, and creative energy.
Past trips have included tagine-making classes, lunch on a saffron farm, rooftop dinners in Marrakech, and guided spice walks through bustling souks. All of our Morocco experiences have led to creating our latest trip, led by our friend Matthew Biancaniello.
India
Spirituality, Spice, and Spectacle.
India is deeply personal for me—a place where every sense is awakened. Our journeys have included morning meditation in ancient dwellings, camel rides, village farms, and palace stays in Rajasthan. We’ve wandered vibrant bazaars, explored sacred temples, and learned chai-making from local masters.
We’ve cruised Kerala’s backwaters, cooked with local chefs, and experienced world music festivals. From handwoven textiles to village festivals, India unfolds in color, flavor, and spirit—every itinerary designed for comfort, depth, and connection.
Every itinerary is designed to highlight India’s sensory richness—colors, flavors, textures, and spiritual depth—all thoughtfully paced for comfort and connection.
