Curated Travel by Claire at Independent Travel Experts

28/05/2025

🚢 Sailing into Product Knowledge with Marella Cruises | Aegean Delights Itinerary

This week I’m thrilled to be taking part in an educational fam trip onboard Marella Discovery 2, sailing the Aegean Delights itinerary from Cyprus to Turkey and Greece.

As a travel professional already confident with TUI’s land holidays and river cruises, this trip is an opportunity to deepen my understanding of their ocean product — from ship life to shore excursions, giving me first-hand insight I can pass on to my clients.

The itinerary includes:
🇹🇷 Ephesus (Izmir) — a guided tour through ancient wonders, Roman ruins, and spiritual heritage
🇹🇷 Marmaris — a traditional Blue Cruise on the Aegean Sea, exploring secluded bays and coastal beauty
🇹🇷 Alanya — an exhilarating 4x4 off-road adventure through banana plantations and river canyons
🇬🇷 Patmos & Rhodes — free time to explore at our own pace, soak up island charm, or unwind onboard

With behind-the-scenes access, immersive port stops, and plenty of onboard learning, this trip is all about building real-world expertise so I can confidently match my clients with the right cruise for their needs.

Thank you to TUI and Marella Cruises for this incredible opportunity to grow as a cruise specialist.

28/05/2025

The start of another work trip with TUI/Marella Cruises for a 7 night cruise around Greece and Turkey ✈️🚢

27/05/2025

Day 4 – Farewell from the Mountains
Final morning at Widiane Resort, and what a view to say goodbye to - breakfast at La Veranda with the lake shimmering in the sunlight.

The 3.5-hour journey back to Marrakech gave us one last chance to take in the scenery. Morocco’s mountain landscapes are more colourful and diverse than you’d imagine - lush green valleys, bold cliffs, and rivers cutting through the hills.

Driving here is not for the faint-hearted: winding roads, hairpin bends, and minimal barriers in places - but it’s part of the experience. If you’re planning a self-drive trip, be confident and prepare for adventure.

Only 3-4 hours from London, yet it feels like another world. I’ll be sharing some offers and showing you how to curate your own Moroccan escape - this is one destination that truly surprised and inspired me.

26/05/2025

ATAS EXPERIENCE Day 3 – Cooking, Community & Reflection

On Day 3 I joined Newmarket Holidays for a beautiful culinary journey at the serene Dar L’Eau Vive (This was my favourite from the hotel visits so very happy to be back) We cooked by the river, surrounded by birdsong and sunshine.

We watched the process of mint being made, ate traditional biscuits, and cooked tagines with couscous - both chicken and vegetarian, then shared the meal with fresh bread and salad. Newmarket gifted us aprons as a keepsake.

Later, we took part in a group workshop to reflect on what we’d experienced. It was clear these kinds of immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences can’t be planned from a guidebook - they require connection, care, and expert planning. Everyone agreed: it was life-enriching.

The day closed with a drinks reception at the Karma Lounge, followed by dinner at Saffron Restaurant, a final toast to an unforgettable adventure.

24/05/2025

ATAS EXPERIENCE- Day 2 – Hotel Visits & Immersive Market Experience

Day 2 began with visits to some incredible hotels around the area:
1. Chem du Lac
2. Dar L’Eau Vive – my personal favourite!
3. Ait Chribou Eco Dome

Each one offered something unique - authentic charm, eco-domes, or boutique mountain escapes.

Later, I joined G Adventures for an unforgettable experience with a local family. We ventured deeper into the mountains, visiting a traditional Saturday market. Most women don’t attend unless widowed or their husbands are away. We had a local breakfast (mint tea, different traditional breads, olive oil, honey, boiled eggs and olives), followed by shopping in the market for lunch ingredients.

Lunch was prepared BBQ-style by the river, with rugs, cushions and low tables set up in the shade - simple, soulful, and deeply memorable. After lunch and a dip in the river, we travelled like the locals, riding back to the minibus on the back of a small van.

Dinner that evening was outdoors around the pool and by the lake again at Le Bistrot Du Lac - great food, conversation, and insights from Moroccan tourism professionals.

23/05/2025

Day 1 – Arrival in Morocco
This time last week I had arrived in breathtaking Morocco for the ATAS Experiences trip!
We began in Marrakech, stopping first at The Montgomerie Marrakech for a warm welcome and refreshments, soaking in views of the Atlas Mountains across the golf course. Next, we headed to the serene Dar Rhizlane Hotel - a tranquil escape from the city’s energy, with beautiful gardens that hosted our outdoor welcome lunch.

After lunch, we began our 3.5 hour journey to Widiane Resort in Bin El Ouidane - our home for the next three nights. Nestled in the Atlas Mountains, this resort is set against a truly stunning backdrop. Our first evening was magical: cocktails and dinner on the rooftop terrace at Mayda, overlooking the lake and mountains. The perfect start to this immersive experience!

16/05/2025

Very excited and feeling incredibly fortunate to be attending The Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers - ATAS experiences trip to Morocco this week, I’ll be staying at the amazing Widiane Resort in the Atlas Mountains.

Looking forward to a very immersive experience over the next few days and sharing more about Morocco, Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains, the stunning resort and surrounding areas

10/05/2025

𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘇𝘃𝗼𝘂𝘀 & 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆🦁🌴
11 nights from £2,399pp
𝗜𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆: Mombasa; Tsavo East; Amboseli National Park; Taita Hills; Mombasa
𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Witness herds of elephants and other wildlife | Experience safari adventures against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro | Discover conservation projects at Taita Hills Sanctuary | Relax on the beautiful beaches of Mombasa
𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀:
1 night pre-tour in Mombasa (all-inclusive)
3 nights tour accommodation (full board)
Services of tour guide
7 nights post-tour at 4* Papillon Lagoon Reef (all inclusive, staying in a Garden Room)
Return UK flights
📅 Valid for departure 10 Nov 2025
👫 Based on two adults sharing
✈ Indirect from London Gatwick with Ethiopian Airlines from £2,399pp
✈ Indirect from Manchester with Ethiopian Airlines from £2,599pp
✈ Indirect from Edinburgh with Qatar Airways from £2,549pp
Solo supplement (for tour only) from £125pp
To find out more or to book:

📞 0800 046 5136 or 📩 Curated Travel by Claire at Independent Travel Experts

08/05/2025

https://mailchi.mp/53d83d1352ce/elevated-escapes?e=f80a1eee36

Unpack once and explore endlessly. From the wild shores of Africa to the vibrant cities of Asia and the sun-drenched charm of the Mediterranean.

01/05/2025

https://mailchi.mp/fe37c60ef67d/experience-the-magic-of-florida?e=f80a1eee36

Ready for your next escape to the Sunshine State? Take a look at these great offers to help you start planning. Whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, there’s something here for everyone.

01/05/2025

🌺🌼 Hello May 🌼🌺

What a gorgeous start to the month!

Got some exciting travel plans in the diary for this month so watch this space! 😎✈️⛴️

#2024

28/04/2025

Anniversary Sale! - NOW EXTENDED!

Now available until 2nd June 2025

-Up to 25% off cruise only fares
-Up to $300 Onboard Credit per stateroom
-Available on Summer 2025 to Spring 2026 departures (excluding grand voyages and 3 days in length)

It’s our anniversary and we’re celebrating! Unveil the world’s hidden wonders with Have It All fares available on 500+ itineraries! Whether your guests are cruising past Alaska’s majestic glaciers, visiting Europe’s historic landmarks or basking on our award-winning private Caribbean island RelaxAway Half Moon Cay, their unforgettable cruise experience starts now. Let us take care of the details while they enjoy personalised service, up to 25% off cruise only fares, and up to US $300 Onboard Credit per stateroom.
🌴Caribbean Air Credit ✈️
Book a Caribbean sailing by 31st July 2025 & you can enjoy £600pp air credit, one pre-cruise hotel night, and airport transfers.
This offer applies to Caribbean cruises from Autumn 2025 to Spring 2026.
Get in touch to find out more or to book
☎️ 0800 046 5136 or click send message