Make summer last longer on a cultural escape with Peter Sommer Travels

September & early October departures to Croatia, Greece and Turkey promise sun-kissed sightseeing, expert-led excursions and superb cuisine

If the recent heatwave has left you craving a summer that never ends, why not extend the season with a September sojourn to sunny Mediterranean shores? Cultural tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels has a few places remaining on an array of sublime gulet cruises and escorted holidays to Croatia, Greece and Turkey, led by archaeologists and historians, that are guaranteed to ease you effortlessly into autumn.

Each itinerary combines expert-led tours, spectacular scenery, comfortable boat or hotel accommodation and delicious, locally sourced food and wine. Travelling in a small group at a relaxed pace, explore fascinating ancient sites, visit pretty islands and historic cities, and swim in secluded coves, joining like-minded companions as you learn more about each destination from the accompanying tour guides, all of whom have academic backgrounds in history, art and archaeology.

Peter Sommer Travels’ collection of enticing late summer/early autumn escapes includes:

In CROATIA…

Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: from Šibenik to Zadar: departs 8 September, from £3,550 pp* Discover one of Croatia’s most diverse coastal regions on this seven-night gulet cruise, which offers a quieter, more intimate and off-the-beaten-track take on Dalmatia and its wonderful cuisine. Accompanied  by Dr. Helena Tomas, one of the world’s leading researchers in Aegean archaeology, visit the magnificent cathedral and trio of mighty fortresses in beautiful Šibenik, view one of Europe’s most outstanding collections of ancient glass in Zadar, gaze in awe at the near-fully preserved medieval cityscape of magnificent Trogir (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and travel to the tiny island of Nin, home to one of Croatia’s medieval capitals.

Walking and Cruising Southern Dalmatia: departs 29 September, from £3,495 pp* Combining a gulet cruise with walks through some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes, this seven-night holiday, led by Dr. Helena Tomas, brings Croatia’s rich and turbulent history to vibrant life. Walk atop a 5km wall dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries in Ston, enjoy ever-changing vistas and sites ranging from prehistory to the Middle Ages on Mljet, and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stari Grad Plain on Hvar. Travelling aboard a traditional and elegant gulet, there will also be ample opportunity to enjoy the pretty Dalmatian coast, and to sample its delicious fresh seafood, fine wines and superb meat and cheese dishes.

A Gastronomic Gulet Cruise in Croatia: departs 29 September, from £3,495 pp* Explore the wonderful cuisine of Croatia on this seven-night cruise along the Dalmatian Coast, working up an appetite for your next feast with a refreshing swim off the gulet in sparkling blue Adriatic waters… or simply relaxing on board. Led by Filip Budic and Dr. Ivana Jevtic, discover the gastronomic riches both of the islands and mainland: visit local producers and sample authentic regional dishes, fine wines and liqueurs, plus exquisite olive oils; participate in cooking classes led by experts; and dine at selected konobas (traditional restaurants).

In GREECE…

Cruising the Aegean: from Kos to Patmos: departs 1 September, from £2,775 pp* Arguably the most ethereally beautiful part of the Aegean, the Dodecanese islands boast a rich and intricate history, each with its own distinctive story to tell. On this seven-night cruise, visit mountainous Kalymnos, Nisyros – with its brooding volcanic cone, Patmos – crowned by its extraordinary UNESCO-listed monastery, and serene, secluded Pserimos. Expert guides Dr. Helena Tomas and Nota Karamaouna will lead you through the islands’ intriguing past during informative shore excursions, before returning to your elegant gulet to feast on delicious meals freshly prepared on board or heading out to specially selected tavernas.

Exploring the Peloponnese: departs 10 October, from £4,425 pp* Led by Heinrich Hall and Dr. Maria Girtzi, this 15-day holiday explores the southern part of the Greek mainland, a large peninsula with a long and spectacular history. Journey through stunningly beautiful scenery and visit no less than six UNESCO World Heritage sites: the gargantuan Bronze Age fortifications of Tiryns and Mycenae, the Classical splendours of Olympia (famous for the games that still bear its name), the grand Temple of Apollo at Bassai, Epidaurus (home to the finest of all ancient Greek theatres) and beautiful Byzantine Mystras, with its painted churches.

In TURKEY…

Cruising the Carian Coast: from Mediterranean to Aegean: departs 15 September, from £2,475 pp* Delight in a section of Turkey’s idyllic Turquoise Coast that remains mostly untouched by mass tourism and other modern developments on this seven-night gulet cruise, which blends superb archaeological experiences with a beautiful maritime landscape. Starting in the quiet resort town of Göcek on the Gulf of Fethiye, follow the intriguing Carian shoreline to Bodrum, visiting fascinating ancient sites en route, each of which has its own story to tell about the region’s past: from the famous cities of Knidos and Kaunos to more remote treasures such as the mighty Rhodian fortification at Loryma, and long-forgotten Lydae. Led by Professor Julian Bennett.

Walking & Cruising the Lycian Shore: departs 29 September, from £4,165 pp* Stretching 300 miles along one of Turkey’s most remote and untouched coastlines, the Lycian Way is considered by many to be among the world’s best walks. Experience many of its highlights, carefully chosen for their beauty and interest, during this two-week cruise. Led by Peter Sommer, most of the walks cover a distance of five to six miles and take around three hours to complete, at a comfortable pace, with plenty of time to stop for a swim or simply to take in the spectacular views. And, after a day exploring on shore, what better place to retreat than to the comfort of an elegant gulet for warm hospitality and wonderful food? * Prices are based on two sharing. All cruises include full-board accommodation, crew services, expert-led excursions, entrance fees and transfers. Land tours include hotel accommodation with breakfast, most meals, airport or train station transfers, all entrance fees & expert-led excursions, plus minibus travel. Flights are extra (where applicable).

For further information and to talk to experts on any of the specialist company’s wide range of escorted tours, cruises and private gulet charters, call Peter Sommer Travels on 01600 888 220 or visit www.petersommer.com.

For further information, high-res photography or to discuss a commissioned press visit, please call Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 and speak to Karen Carpenter or Lizzie Cooper, or email k.carpenter@travelpr.co.uk or l.cooper@travelpr.co.uk.