Spread the love

Spring 2019 marks 25 years since Peter Sommer made his seminal first visit to Turkey, a months-long 2,000-mile solo trek that changed his own life and that eventually led to the foundation of the company bearing his name, as an operator for high-end archaeological and cultural tours, active in six countries by now. It was also the inspiration of their signature tour, In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great in Turkey, https://www.petersommer.com/tours/alexander-the-great-turkey an adventure on which guests can join Peter April 29-May 10.

For more than 2,000 years Alexander the Great has excited the imagination of people around the globe. This archaeological tour in Turkey is a unique opportunity to retrace his footsteps across Asia Minor, the first leg of his extraordinary 22,000 mile journey. Along the way you’ll explore many of the country’s most fascinating and best-preserved ancient and cultural sites, see some of its most striking and beautiful landscapes, savor many of the highlights of Turkish cuisine and stay in some delightful, characterful and charming small hotels. The 12-day tour costs from £3,675 (approximately $US 4,855/$CA 6,515) per person double, including full-board accommodation on a traditional gulet, airport transfers, all crew services on board, entrance fees and tips on land, and excursions with expert guide.

This year, more than two dozen archaeological, culinary and cultural tours spanning the five countries of Croatia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Turkey and the UK are featured in Peter Sommer Travels’ 2019 schedule, including a first-ever tour of Wales. Departures are filling quickly, with several already sold-out.

Top picks across Peter Sommer Travels’ European program for 2019 include:

In CROATIA…

Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: From Šibenik to Zadar https://www.petersommer.com/tours/sibenik-zadar-cruise-croatia
Experience the Dalmatian Coast as few have before, exploring the more off-the-beaten-track sites on this eight-day cruise from Šibenik to Zadar. Led by expert guides Professor Helena Tomas, Professor Ivana Jevtic or Filip Budic (depending on the departure date chosen), visit some of the astonishing historical and cultural sites along this diverse coastal region. Walk through striking landscapes, view breathtaking architecture and visit fascinating museums, and indulge in delicious local cuisine along the way.

Departing 1 June, 7 September and 14 September, this seven-night tour costs from £3,395 (approximately $US 4,435/$CA 5,920) per person double, including full-board accommodation on a traditional gulet, airport transfers, all crew services on board, entrance fees and tips on land, and excursions with an expert guide.

Cruising the Dalmatian Coast from Dubrovnik to Split https://www.petersommer.com/tours/dubrovnik-cruise-croatia is a spectacular tour, offering the same combination of experiences that has become the hallmark of Peter Sommer Travels’ gullet cruises elsewhere: a beautiful traditional Turkish gulet, fascinating archaeological and historical sites explored in the company of dedicated experts, a wonderful maritime landscape and – of course – delicious local food and wine!

Departing 31 August (May 25 departure is sold-out), this seven-night tour costs from £3,395 (approximately $US 4,435/$CA 5,920) per person double, including full-board accommodation on a traditional gulet, airport transfers, all crew services on board, entrance fees and tips on land, and excursions with an expert guide. Reverse itinerary from Split to Dubrovnik departs 21 September.

In GREECE…

Cruising the Dodecanese https://www.petersommer.com/tours/dodecanese-cruise-greece
This spectacular gulet cruise takes you from the famous island of Kos through the entire Dodecanese chain, including eleven of the most beautiful and evocative of the Greek islands and no less than three UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites. The islands’ strategic location has made them a well-connected cultural interface throughout history. Carians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, the Crusader Knights of St. John, Ottomans and Italians visited or settled them, leaving behind a rich legacy of grandiose ancient sanctuaries, mighty castles, serene monasteries and traditional villages, all set within an ever-changing maritime scenery.

Departing 31 August (May 25 departure is sold-out), this 14-night tour costs from £4,250 (approximately $US 5,783/$CA 7,703) per person double, including full-board accommodation on a traditional gulet, airport transfers, all crew services on board, entrance fees and tips on land, and excursions with an expert guide.

Walking and Cruising the Dodecanese https://www.petersommer.com/tours/walking-cruising-greece
Discover the best of the stunning Dodecanese islands on this eight-day walking and cruising tour. This itinerary provides guests with an insight into the historical depth and hidden gems often overlooked by visitors to the region. Led by expert guide Dr. Michael Metcalfe, guests will discover the islands’ scenic valleys, hike to breathtaking summits and visit fascinating archaeological sites by day before returning to the comfort of a traditional gulet, where tranquil dips in the Aegean Sea and delicious cuisine, eaten at a relaxed Mediterranean pace, await.

Departing September 28, this seven-night tour costs from £2,845 (approximately $US 3,715/$CA 4,960) per person double, including full-board accommodation on a traditional gulet, airport transfers, all crew services on board, entrance fees and tips on land, and excursions with expert guide.

In ITALY…

Cruising the Amalfi Coast https://www.petersommer.com/tours/amalfi-coast-cruise-italy
Observe one of the world’s most famous coastlines from an alternative perspective on this eight-day cruise of the Amalfi Coast and its islands. Led by expert guides Dr. Sophy Downes and Francesca Del Vecchio, explore some of the coasts most well-known areas including Capri, Pompeii and Amalfi, as well as lesser-known, yet equally grand, sites such as the ancient Roman town of Baia and the outstanding Villa Oplontis.

Departing 31 August and 7 September, this seven-night tour costs from £3,795 (approximately $US 4,960/$CA 6,620) per person double, including full-board accommodation, airport transfers, entrance fees and tips on land, and excursions with expert guides.

A Gastronomic Tour of Sicily https://www.petersommer.com/tours/gastronomic-sicily-tour
Eastern Sicily is home to a vibrant culinary tradition that mixes delicious local produce with cooking styles drawn from its many foreign rulers, from the Byzantines to the Arabs, and from the Normans to the Spanish. Expert guides on this food tour have lived and worked in this region for many years. They have drawn deeply on their personal knowledge of land and people to craft an itinerary that combines practical cooking experience with the highlights of the region’s cuisine and visits to key historical and cultural sites.

Departing 21 September, this seven-night tour costs from £3695 (approximately $US 4,912/$CA 6,542) per person double, including full-board accommodation, airport transfers, entrance fees and tips on land, and excursions with expert guides.

Cruising the Aeolian Islands https://www.petersommer.com/tours/cruising-aeolian-islands-sicily
The Aeolian Islands, a gorgeous volcanic archipelago off the Northern Coast of Sicily, are renowned for offering a relaxed and luxurious retreat to rich and famous Italians, while also being home to some fascinating archaeological sites from the ancient cultures of Southern Italy. Strung out in two intersecting lines, with a handful of their fellow islands always visible on the wide horizons, they create one of the most perfect areas for gulet cruising in all of Italy, and one of the most varied set of island experiences that can be enjoyed in just a week of glorious cruising.

Departing 22 June, this seven-night tour costs from £3795 (approximately $US 5,045/$CA 6,720) per person double, including full-board accommodation, airport transfers, entrance fees and tips on land, and excursions with expert guides.

In TURKEY…

Peter Sommer Travels’ Turkey itineraries include A Gastronomic Gulet Cruise, https://www.petersommer.com/tours/food-tour-turkey an eight-day tour, led by Serdar Akerdem, that departs on 1 June, from £2,395 (approximately $US 3,130/$CA 4,180) per person double; and Cruising the Carian Coast: From Mediterranean to Aegean, https://www.petersommer.com/tours/carian-cruise-turkey an eight-day tour led by Dr. Cathie Draycott, that departs on 14 September (June 22 sailing is sold-out) from £2,395 (approximately $US 3,130/$CA 4,180) per person double.

In the UK…

Peter Sommer Travels’ first-ever Welsh tour traces the unique story of south and west Wales on a six-day escorted itinerary which explores some of the Principality’s finest historic sites set amidst stunning landscapes. Led by expert guide Paul Beston, explore what remains from the settlements of the Romans, Vikings, Normans – and the English! Visit Roman forts, medieval chapels and an array of fascinating castles, with highlights including Chepstow Castle, Tintern Abbey, Caerphilly Castle and the attractive remains of Bishop de Gower’s remarkable palace.

Departing July 14, Exploring Wales: Millennia Under the Gaze of Mountains https://www.petersommer.com/tours/wales-exploring costs from £2,695 (approximately $US 3,520/$CA 4,700) per person double, including accommodation, minibus travel, entrance fees and tips, excursions with expert guides, breakfast daily, five lunches and three dinners.

The new Wales tour joins a variety of UK itineraries which include Exploring Hadrian’s Wall: Romans, Reivers and Romantics https://www.petersommer.com/tours/hadrians-wall-tour-england, an eight-day tour led by Paul Beston and Peter Sommer himself that departs on 22 June, from £2,825 (approximately $US 3,690/$CA 4,925) per person double; and Exploring Wessex: From Neolithic Avebury to Georgian Bath, https://www.petersommer.com/tours/exploring-wessex-england a seven-day tour led by Paul Beston and Dr Michael Metcalfe, that departs on 30 June, from £2,795 (approximately $US 3,650/$CA 4,875) per person double.