Best tours: Surprising new ways to see Japan, Morocco, Tasmania and Georgia

TOURS

INSIDE JAPAN TOURS

A tour for people who don't do group tours? An organised itinerary that lets you do your own thing? Sounds like mission impossible, but this Japanese specialist pulls it off with its self-guided tours. It provides practical details, bookings and occasional day tours, but you explore on your own. An impressive way to see interesting corners of Japan with the reassurance of back-up support. See insidejapantours.com

TASMANIAN SEAFOOD SEDUCTION CRUISE, TASMANIA

A great way to explore the pristine waters of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island. Don't be surprised if your skipper disappears below deck and returns in a wetsuit, ready to dive for sea urchin and abalone for your lunch. Local Tasmanian wines, oysters, farmed salmon, live lobster and environmental education are also on the menu. A very civilised way to connect back to the magic of the ocean. See seafoodseduction.com.au

CROOKED COMPASS, DISCOVER GEORGIA TOUR

If you're one of the Europe-jaded travellers turning your attention towards Georgia, off-piste travel company Crooked Compass will take you there. Its Discover Georgia itinerary includes five days trekking through the mysterious Svaneti region, where you'll hike through wildflower-filled valleys and stay in medieval stone villages where hardy locals fill you with home-made wine while regaling menacing tales of revenge blood feuds. See crooked-compass.com

MAGIC BUS ARTISAN TOUR, MOROCCO

Focusing on local culture and artisan craft, these exceptionally well-curated Morocco tours help travellers wriggle beneath the cultural roots of the handmade textiles, pottery and baskets they'll be picking up throughout the country. Covering the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech, the Dades Valley, deserts and more, guests stay at gorgeous riads, kasbahs and tented camps along the way. See magicbusmorocco.com