Peter Sommer Travels adds Wales for 2019

New brochure introduces the Principality for the first time…
and revisits an old favourite in Turkey

Cultural and archaeological tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels (www.petersommer.com) has launched the 2019 edition of its recently-redesigned brochure, featuring a new UK itinerary and the reintroduction of its signature, Alexander the Great-inspired tour in Turkey.

Discover the history on your doorstep this year, with Peter Sommer Travels’ first-ever Welsh tour. Telling the unique story of south and west Wales, this six-day escorted itinerary 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. Retire each evening to a comfortable hotel base to feast on delicious traditional dishes.

Departing 14 July, Exploring Wales: Millennia Under the Gaze of Mountains costs from £2,695 pp (two sharing), including accommodation, minibus travel, entrance fees and tips, excursions with expert guides, breakfast daily, five lunches and three dinners.

Peter Sommer Travels’ new Wales tour joins a UK programme which also includes Exploring Hadrian’s Wall: Romans, Reivers and Romantics, an eight-day tour led by Paul Beston and Peter Sommer himself that departs on 22 June, from £2,825 pp; and Exploring Wessex: From Neolithic Avebury to Georgian Bath, a seven-day tour led by Paul Beston and Dr Michael Metcalfe, that departs on 30 June, from £2,795 pp.

For those wishing to venture further afield in 2019, Peter Sommer Travels offers an array of escorted itineraries – both on land and at sea – to some of Europe’s most coveted destinations. This year, these include its signature Alexander the Great-inspired tour through Turkey, which returns after a three-year hiatus.

In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great: The Conquest of Asia Minor – Part One
Explore Turkey’s historic Asia Minor region, retracing the steps of Alexander the Great through the country’s beautiful landscapes on this 12-day tour. Expert guide Peter Sommer will lead guests from vibrant Istanbul to the coastal city of Bodrum, visiting fascinating ancient and cultural sites – such as the city of Troy, the tomb of Achilles and the temples of Artemis at Ephesus and Apollo at Didyma – enjoying authentic Turkish cuisine and staying in charming, characterful hotels en route.

Departing 29 April, this tour costs from £3,675 pp (two sharing), including full-board accommodation, airport transfers, all entrance fees and excursions with expert guides. Flights extra.

On Turkey’s revival, Peter Sommer says: “We’re already experiencing a significant rise in bookings and enquiries for Turkey for 2019, both for scheduled tours and private, tailor-made trips. Travellers can see that things there are more settled and are now wanting to go back to explore the country’s remarkable archaeological sites, savour its sensational cuisine and enjoy the customary hospitality of its people. We’re so pleased to be offering our In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great tour in Turkey again. My own 2,000-mile walk from Troy in 1994, that inspired this trip, is the reason I fell in love with travel and began organising cultural tours.”

Peter Sommer Travels’ Turkey itineraries also include A Gastronomic Gulet Cruise, an eight-day tour, led by Serdar Akerdem, that departs on 1 June, from £2,395 pp*, Cruising the Carian Coast: From Mediterranean to Aegean, an eight-day tour led by Dr. Cathie Draycott, that departs on 22 June and 14 September, from £2,395 pp*, and Walking and Cruising the Lycian Shore, a fifteen-day tour led by Peter Sommer himself, that departs on 28 September, from £4,075 pp*.

* Prices are based on two sharing and all cruises include full-board accommodation, all crew services, expert-led excursions, entrance fees and transfers. Flights are extra.

Peter Sommer Travels’ top picks across the rest of its European programme for 2019 include:

In CROATIA…

Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: From Šibenik to Zadar
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 pp (two sharing), 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. Flights extra.

In GREECE…

Walking and Cruising the Dodecanese
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 28 September, this seven-night tour costs from £2,845 pp (two sharing), 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. Flights extra.

In ITALY…

Cruising the Amalfi Coast
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 pp (two sharing), including full-board accommodation, airport transfers, entrance fees and tips on land, and excursions with expert guides. Flights extra.

In 2019, Peter Sommer Travels offers 28 expert-led tours and gulet cruises to Croatia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Turkey and the UK (some tours with multiple departure dates), including gastronomic tours, walking holidays, family adventures and private charters.

For further information and to talk to an expert, call Peter Sommer Travels on 01600 888 220 (www.petersommer.com)

Press:  For further information, high-res photography or to discuss a possible commissioned press visit, please call Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 and speak to Steph Punchard, or email s.punchard@travelpr.co.uk.