Aegean Cruises – with Peter Sommer Travels

Explore Ancient Greece the traditional way – by sea

Archaeological tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels is about to weigh anchor on a series of unforgettable expeditions among the most remarkable islands and ancient sites of Greece, following in the footsteps of many Hellenic warrior kings.

The four spring/early summer and autumn Aegean cruises will set sail across the Aegean Sea aboard traditional wooden gulets, visiting breath-taking islands, picturesque villages and – the company’s key differential – fascinating ancient ruins in the company of expert guide hosts.  Peter Sommer’s hosts have academic backgrounds in history, art and archaeology; equally important, they are affable, easy-to-get-on-with people and enjoy sharing their knowledge.

Each tour combines the remarkable history of ancient Greece with an idyllic sea journey and plenty of superb local food and wine with which to fuel the proceedings. Catering to small groups of up to 18 guests, the explorations proceed at a gentle pace from island to island, avoiding the crowded tourist haunts to reveal unspoilt coves and lesser-known gems amidst these ancient lands.

Three different itineraries are available, with a choice of four departure dates.  Peter Sommer’s gulets are very well appointed, with private ensuite facilities, good sound proofing and air conditioning for comfort.

• Cruising to the Cyclades – a 15-day Greek island experience, combining clear blue waters and a stunning range of ancient and medieval treasures.  Visiting more than a dozen carefully-chosen Aegean islands – including famous destinations such as Santorini, laid-back Kos, mountainous Naxos and UNESCO-listed Delos, as well as rarely-visited secrets like remote Astypalaia, picturesque Nisyros and tiny Anafi – each has its own distinctive character.  Departs 30 April, returns 14 May, 2016, with prices from £3,775 per person (twin share).  

• Cruising the Dodecanese – a 15-day cruise through the entire Dodecanese chain, including eleven of the most beautiful of the Greek isles and no fewer than three UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites. Ancient Carians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Crusaders and Ottomans all visited or settled among these strategically-located islands, leaving a rich legacy of castles, monasteries and traditional villages. Departures run from 4  to 18 June, 2016 and 24 September to 8 October, 2016, with prices from £3,795 per person (twin share).

• Cruising the South-East Aegean – an eight-day expedition combining Greek islands in the eastern Aegean Sea with
  historical sites along the Turkish shores.  Discover the incredible sanctuary to the god of medicine, Asklepios, where Hippocrates practiced; the tiny island of Nisyros with its labyrinthine harbour village and its stupendous volcanic caldera; Symi, with one of the Mediterranean’s most picturesque ports, and the monumental site of Knidos, one of the greatest cities of the ancient Aegean. Cruise runs from 10 to 17 September, 2016; prices from £2,395 per person (twin share).     

Specialising in small-group expeditions, Peter Sommer Travels offers more than 20 different expert-led land tours and gulet cruises among the ancient sites of Turkey, Greece and Italy, complete with food and wine that’s much praised by previous guests.

For full details and to book, contact Peter Sommer Travels on 01600 888 220, www.petersommer.com, or email info@petersommer.com.

Prices include transport while on tour, accommodation, most meals, crew and guide services, and all entrance fees and tips on excursions. International airfares are excluded.