AOW Travel Experiences
Craft-led journeys designed to offer a deeper sense of place.
AOW Travel Experiences are a small, thoughtfully curated collection of craft- and culture-focused journeys, created in collaboration with trusted local guides, currently in Portugal, Romania, and Moldova—alongside experiences led by me in Lisbon, where I now spend part of each year.
Each experience is shaped around the belief that exploring a place through its craft traditions is one of the most immediate and meaningful ways to understand its culture. Craft opens doors—to local foodways, heritage, landscapes, and the people who carry these traditions forward—offering a sense of place that feels intimate and human.
Portugal - Moldova - Romania
AOW Experiences
Moldova
Moldova, a more recent favorite, is ideal for those looking to step off the beaten path. Through its craft traditions, food, and people, it offers an authentic window into a complex and fascinating history. Not yet part of the EU—which, in my mind, makes it even more of an adventure—it’s a place of exceptional food, passionate masters of craft, and quietly eye-opening experiences. Craft highlights include Moldova’s exquisite woolen rugs, black pottery, and traditional apparel, including their gorgeous, festive blouses.
Rural Portugal
Trips here are fully customized, ranging from journeys in the far north of the country to in-depth, ceramic-focused routes that delve into lesser-known regions of Portugal. They include visits to heritage wool factories, craft markets, and hidden ateliers run by master artisans and weavers who produce exquisite, collectible textiles. Each itinerary is tailored to your interests, pace, and personal curiosities—a rare chance to see a side of Portugal few see, taking you deeper into rural Portugal, where, in my eyes, the magic lies.
Romania
My partner and I have traveled extensively throughout Romania, which allows us to offer a wide range of possibilities. From rich craft and ceramic traditions across Transylvania to the remote villages of Maramureș, and deep into the south to explore UNESCO-recognized ceramics and lesser-known, culturally vibrant regions, always with a focus on local food and soulful, master craftsmanship, and boutique accommodations. In terms of craftsmanship, I’d say Romania is a ceramic lover’s paradise:)
Lisbon
I’m also now offering custom-tailored retail and atelier tours throughout Lisbon for those who wish to explore the city through the lens of artisans, crafts, and historic shops. Lisbon is a city I’ve returned to for over a decade, and it’s a pleasure to share the people and off-the-beaten-path places I find particularly special. These experiences are shaped around your interests, with a strong focus on artisanal goods and personalized visits with designers, artists, and entrepreneurs throughout the city.
Who These Experiences Are For?
AOW Travel Experiences are designed for independent, culturally curious travelers who prefer depth over speed, as well as for small-group trip organizers seeking an in-country partner to help bring their itineraries to life.
Whether traveling solo, privately, or with a small group, each journey is custom-tailored, shaped by personal interests, pace, and curiosity.
Our Approach
AOW’s partners are people founder Annie O. Waterman knows well and has traveled with over the years. Together, we share an ethos and a belief that, when done thoughtfully, travel can contribute positively to local communities and cultural continuity.
These experiences prioritize:
Direct engagement + meetings with artisans and makers
Small businesses and independent workshops
Regional food traditions and local knowledge
Soulful, character-driven, boutique accommodations
Travel experiences are offered by request and are shaped collaboratively. To begin a conversation, please get in touch.