Peter Sommer Travels launches three new tours in Croatia and Greece

– Explore with the Experts in 2018 –

Cultural and archaeological tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels has further expanded its programme of expert-led European trips, adding three new itineraries for 2018: Easter in Athens, A Gastronomic Gulet Cruise in Croatia, and Walking and Cruising the Dodecanese.

Each of the new trips offer the same successful blend of fascinating sightseeing, superb cuisine and small group ambience for which Peter Sommer Travels is renowned. All are accompanied by professional guides who are true specialists in their field, and have an infectious enthusiasm to share their knowledge of history, art, gastronomy and/or archaeology with their guests.

NEW for 2018:

Easter in Athens

Explore ancient Athens and experience a traditional and exuberant Orthodox Easter during this seven-night tour of the Greek capital. Athenian experts, Heinrich Hall and Dr. Maria Girtzi will bring stories of the ancient city to life on walks around the Acropolis, the Agora, the old town of Plaka, the National Archaeological Museum and other wonders. Join the Easter festivities listening to beautiful choral singing and witnessing the local processions as well as dramatic performances. Tuck into traditional Lenten dishes, the Easter Sunday feast and the very best Greek food and wine. Accommodation is at a wonderful five-star hotel in the heart of Athens. Departing 2 April, the price for this 7-night tour is from £2,695 pp*.

A Gastronomic Gulet Cruise in Croatia

From visiting local producers and discovering traditional dishes and delicacies to participating in cooking classes and sampling wines at selected konobas (traditional Dalmatian wine cellars), this week-long holiday reveals the delights of Croatian cuisine from the comfortable base of an elegant hand-built gulet. Led by Dr. Helena Tomas or Filip Budic, guests will also visit UNESCO World Heritage site The Stari Glad Plain, the vast Roman Palace of Diocletian, the medieval towns of Korčula and Ston, and more. Departing 29 September, the price for this seven-night foodie trip is from £3,495 pp*.

Walking and Cruising the Dodecanese

Enjoy a trip which combines the pleasure of a laid-back gulet cruise around some of Greece’s prettiest islands with thrilling walks through the fascinating region. Featuring scenic swims, tasty local cuisine and expert tours led by Dr. Michael Metcalfe, discover the lesser-known island of Leros and its turbulent history on Mount Patela, with its mysterious tunnels and 1930s ‘acoustic mirror’ technology. Explore on foot an early Byzantine clifftop stronghold at Agios Konstantinos on the tiny islet of Telendos, volcanic Nisyros and off-the-beaten-track sites on Kos, from the impressive eyrie of Palaio Pili to some of the island’s splendid ancient temples, tombs and theatres. Departing 22 September, the price for this seven-night trip is from £2,775 pp*.

Peter Sommer Travels’ top picks for 2018 in Croatia and Greece also include:

Cruising the Coast of Dalmatia: from Šibenik to Zadar

This week-long voyage takes guests far away from the main tourist centres, across one of Croatia’s most diverse coastal regions. Led by Dr Helena Tomas or Dr Ivana Jevtic, explore Šibenik’s cathedral and hilltop fortresses, the tiny rock islets that form the Kornati archipelago, Trogir’s preserved medieval cityscape and the Krka Valley’s incredible waterfalls. Other highlights include the tiny island of Nin, one of Croatia’s medieval capitals, as well as delicious Croatian cuisine and wine, served both on-board and ashore. Departing 26 May and 15 September, the price for this seven-night trip is from £3,495 pp*.

Exploring the Peloponnese

Discover the cultural riches and superb natural beauty of mainland Greece’s southern region in the company of expert guides during this 15-day cultural escorted tour. Led by Heinrich Hall and Dr. Maria Girtzi, highlights include visits to six UNESCO World Heritage sites, the cliff-top monasteries of Arcadia and the Mani Peninsula’s famous frescoed churches, with fine Greek food and wine served throughout. Departing 2 May and 10 October, the price for this 14-night trip is from £4,425 pp*.

Cruising to the Cyclades

Boasting ancient sites, Byzantine churches, Crusader castles and stunning natural beauty in equal measure, this 15-day trip visits more than a dozen carefully-chosen Aegean islands. Led by Heinrich Hall and Dr. Maria Girtzi, cruise through the Dodecanese and Cyclades archipelagos and visit the better-known islands of Santorini, Kos and Delos, as well as rarely-visited Astypalaia, picturesque Nisyros and tiny Anafi. Departing 19 May and 1 September, the price is from £4,395 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 offers 27 expert-led tours to Croatia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Turkey, and the UK, including food 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).