Special Interest
Our Special Interest Tours
These are trips for travelers who really want to focus on a particular interest. Our special interest tours usually run to the same standard as our unique trips unless otherwise specified. Our special interest trips could be anything from a ballet trip to Russia focusing on performances in the country’s historic ballet theatres to a wildlife or eco tour to spot sloths in the rainforests of Costa Rica.
From time to time Inverted Atlas may chose to partner with an organisation which matches the focus of the trip and to travel to destinations which would normally be outside of our usual area of travel.
AT A GLANCE:
- 3-star unique accommodation in twin share (unless otherwise specified). Single room supplement available for an additional fee or can elect to share with a traveler of the same sex
- Coach travel between locations unless not practical or the transport adds to the experience
- Meals included as per itinerary, usually most breakfasts (B) some lunches (L) and dinners (D)
- Most activities included and tailored to the theme of the trip
- Time in arrival/departure cities dependent on trip and theme
Our favorite Special Interest Trips
Invaders, Traders & Pyramid Builders
Thanks to special permission from the Egyptian government this tour enjoys unparalleled access to many archaeological sites all over Egypt. Visit an active archaeological dig, explore the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum* and stand in the Sphinx enclosure at Giza right between the paws of the ancient stone beast. Explore the opulent tomb of Nefertari, in the Valley of the Queens, and the immense tomb of Seti I, both recently the subject of years of ongoing renovations. Discover the extensive subterranean labyrinths of the Step-Pyramid of King Djoser and the Serapeum, the tomb of the Apis Bull at Saqqara and venture into the deserts of middle Egypt to explore the tombs of the Amarna period and Akhenaten’s lost city in the desert.
In addition to the unreal archaeological experiences on offer, journey into the Fayoum Oasis to discover the whale fossils in the desert, wander the streets of the village of Tunis; considered one of the most beautiful villages in Egypt and discover Egyptian cuisine and medieval architecture in old Islamic Cairo
Discover a deeper understanding of Egypt’s rich ancient past with a trip leader who is degree qualified in Ancient History, specialising in Egyptology along with a specialist Egyptologist guide. Completely immerse yourself in Egypt and it’s culture with unique and traditional accommodation on this one-of-a-kind archaeological adventure.
In Search of the Mountain Ghost
Prepare yourself for the harsh environment in the remote Tsagaan Sair Valley of Mongolia, tracking the Snow Leopard, Mongolia’s “Mountain Ghost.” Experience one of the last true wildernesses and a place where few travellers venture. Go on safari in Hustai National Park in search of Przewalski’s horse, once extinct in the wild, and learn about eagle hunting from people still practicing this ancient way of life on this trip for the hardcore adventure and wildlife lover.
This year we have planned our trip to coincide with Mongolia’s Golden Eagle festival. Amidst the rugged terrain of Mongolia’s Altai Mountains, a fierce gathering of wings unfolds every autumn. The sound of galloping horses echoes through the valley as proud hunters unleash their golden companions to soar and strike.
Stay in locally owned and operated hotels, marvel at the hospitality of the eagle hunters and assist our family of eagle hunters in relocating to their winter residence.
Festival of Colour
** New departure coming soon **
Immerse yourself in India’s festive spirit with this tour to not one, but two of India’s colourful festivals – vibrant and colourful Holi & the Gangaur Festival. On this vibrant journey witness the illuminated cities, partake in joyful celebrations, and create lasting memories. From the bustling streets of Jaipur to the lake city of Udaipur, this trip offers a truly enchanting experience of India’s rich traditions and ancient heritage.
Experience India’s Holi festival, a riot of colour on the streets of the cities. Celebrate your Holi in Jaipur with the local residents at the historic Govind Dev Ji Temple and engage in the tradition of throwing vibrant gulal (powdered colours) at one another.
In Udaipur witness and join in the celebrations of the Gangaur Festival. Celebrated by the local women, the Gangaur Festival involves the wearing of the most colourful sari’s and marks the worship and homage paid to Gauri in celebration of spring, marital fidelity, the harvest and childbearing.
In between these amazing festivals go on safari for leopards and savor dinner in an Indian stepwell in Narlai, shop till you drop in Jaipur, enjoy a food tour through Old Delhi and witness the humbling spectacle of the Ganga Aarti in the holy city of Varanasi.
Visit the more off the beaten track villages of Rajasthan with visits to temples of Khajuraho and Orchha, and who could leave India with out dropping in on the Taj Mahal in Agra?
As part of your tour, stay in former palaces that were once home to royalty and traditional haveli’s – India’s former mansions. Eat in locally owned restaurants and delight in delectable local cuisine for included meals and enjoy authentic experiences which support the people on a local level.
Spice Odyssey
As you embark on a gastronomic journey through Morocco, let your taste buds unravel the mysteries of a cuisine steeped in history and tradition. From the aromatic blend of spices in the tagines to the flaky layers of the pastries, each dish whispers secrets of the land, the people, and their stories. Follow the tantalizing scents through bustling medinas and quiet alleyways, and discover the hidden gems that await you at every turn.
Long lunches and dinners await at some of Morocco’s most famed restaurants, as well as cooking classes to learn the basics of this unique and fragrant cuisine. Walk the streets on tasting tours of Marrakesh’s Jemaa el-Fnaa, the tightly packed medina of Fes and the more modern marketplace of enigmatic Casablanca. Enjoy tastings at Morocco’s surprising wineries and revel in the hospitality of its people over a glass of mint tea.
In addition to the culinary delights Morocco has to offer, explore some of its extensive Roman sites, including the last outpost of the empire at Sala’a Colonia and the intricate mosaics of Volubilis. Visit a donkey retirement village, explore the UNESCO listed ksar of Ait Benhaddou and spend a night among a thousand stars in a desert camp at Agafay.
In this culinary adventure, let the food be your guide, and the enigma of Morocco will unfold before you.
Festival of Lights
Immerse yourself in India’s festive spirit with this tour to not one, but two of India’s colourful festivals – Diwali and Dev Diwali. On this vibrant journey witness the illuminated cities, partake in joyful celebrations, and create lasting memories. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene ghats of Varanasi, this trip offers a truly enchanting experience of India’s rich traditions and ancient heritage.
As part of your tour to Diwali and Dev Diwali, stay in converted forts, some of which are hundreds of years old, former palaces that were once home to royalty, and revel in the festive atmosphere of India’s festivals alongside the local people.
The Toastmasters Table
Saturate yourself in oenology on this enophiles odyssey to explore the ancient wine culture of Georgia. Meander through Tbilisi’s wine scene with leisurely visits to cellar doors, wine bar crawls and a visit to a winery in the old capital of Mtskheta. Journey to Telavi, Georgia’s premiere wine destination for long lunches, wanders through the vines and of course tastings a plenty! Visit some of Georgia’s lesser known sites (and lesser known wineries) including the Chiatura Cable Cars and Mgvimevi Convent, as well as a tour and tasting at the fabulous Prince Alexander Chavchavadze House Museum.
What better way to immerse yourself in the viticulture of Georgia but to stay at Chateaus, complete with vineyard and wine themed hotels with fully stocked cellars, offering you the opportunity to taste.
A Sandpit Far, Far Away
*** New departure coming soon ***
Not so long ago in a sandpit, far, far away ,in the heart of Tunisia, a group of travellers journeyed to the sites of epic battles and Jedi mind tricks and sought droids they were apparently not looking for….
It’s easy to see how the scenery in Tunisia was so stimulating to Hollywood in making the beloved films – the otherworldly landscapes, intriguing archaeological sites and curious desert dwellings found here are like nothing else on Earth and instantly transport you to another galaxy.
Discover the sites, sets and locations used in the epic movie franchise on this amazing adventure which will reveal a vivid world both real and fantastical. Journey beyond the screen and step into a land of arid landscapes, troglodyte castles and desert oases, and encounter scenes straight from the lives of great heroes – from the space port where the iconic pod races took place, to the legendary birthplace of Athena and the ruins of the great city of Carthage.
While this trip may be a pilgrimage to the iconic sites of the Star Wars universe, you’ll discover Tunisia a country more colourful and storied than even in George Lucas’s wildest imagination, and revel in the opportunity to bring your very own adventure to life.
Cossacks, Cold War & Cosmonauts
*** This tour is currently on pause ****
Three, two, one and blast off, on a trip that’s once in ten lifetimes! Get as close as a regular human can to space travel with a visit to Roscosmos, the largest working space port in the world, located deep in the desert of remote Kazakhstan. Explore the history of Russian space travel, from the launch of the first man into space and throughout recent history. A hat tip to ‘dark tourism’ this trip also delves into the use of gulags in both Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as the use of nuclear power and weapons by the former-Soviet Union at the Semey test site and the Semipalatinsk polygon. In Russia visit the town of Akedemgorodok, Russia’s ‘Scientific Vatican’, stand on the border between Europe and Asia in Yekaterinburg and tour and ex-Soviet submarine with a crew member. Visit ‘Star City’ in Moscow, check out the Museum of Rocket and Space Corporation and take a tour of a genuine soviet bunker.
Experience the long-distance rail network in both Kazakhstan and Russia, with the Russian section of this trip along the Trans-Siberian Railway and stay in traditional, locally owned hotels throughout.