Set sail on an unforgettable 2017 cruise

Peter Sommer Travels introduces five new cultural 2017 cruises in Croatia, Greece & Italy

Cultural and archaeological tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels has introduced five new cultural gulet holidays to its 2017 cruise programme, weighing anchor in Croatia, Greece and Sicily, and returning to Turkey with some of its most popular and classic itineraries.

Each trip combines fascinating tours – led by enthusiastic expert guides, archaeologists and historians – a scenic sea voyage and plenty of local food and wine. The journeys proceed at a gentle pace, catering to small groups (maximum of ten in Croatia and Italy,14 in Greece and Turkey) and avoiding crowded tourist areas in favour of unspoilt landscapes and lesser-known gems.

Peter Sommer Travels’ gulets are very well appointed, with comfortable cabins, private en suite facilities, and air conditioning. All hosts have academic backgrounds in history, art and archaeology; equally important, they are affable, easy-to-get-on-with people who enjoy sharing their knowledge.

Peter Sommer Travels’ 2017 cruises include:

CROATIA

NEW: Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: from Šibenik to Zadar – this one-week voyage invites just ten guests on an off-the-beaten-track tour of one of Croatia’s most diverse coastal regions, offering a wealth of historical and natural wonders, sparkling seascapes and impressive architecture. Led by archaeologist Dr Helena Tomas, discover 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 and, of course, delicious Croatian cuisine, served on board and ashore. Departing 16 September 2017, the price is from £3,395 pp.*

NEW: Walking and Cruising Southern Dalmatia – this one-week trip introduces Peter Sommer Travels’ first Croatian ‘Walking and Cruising’ itinerary, combining the comfort of a gulet cruise with fascinating escorted walks exploring ancient forts, beautiful towns and magnificent castles, all brought to life by expert guide Dr Helena Tomas. Discover the Stari Grad Plain on Hvar (a UNESCO World Heritage site), set foot atop the 5km wall at Ston and admire the lakes and beautiful medieval monastery on the verdant island of Mljet. A cornucopia of delicious local produce and fine wines is served onboard and ashore. Departing 30 September 2017, the price is from £3,395 pp.*

 GREECE       

NEW: Cruising the Aegean: from Kos to Patmos – this one-week cruise around the Dodecanese islands features awe-inspiring vistas of picturesque villages, soaring cliffs and volcanic craters. Led by expert guides Professor Tony Spawforth and Nota Karamaouna, guests will explore the many-layered archaeological riches of Kos, Crusader castles built by the Knights of St John, and visit the sacred island of Patmos – a UNESCO World Heritage site crowned by an extraordinary Byzantine monastery. Anchoring in beautiful coves and harbours, freshly prepared meals are served on board and in specially-selected tavernas on the islands themselves. Departing 27 May 2017, the price is from £2,525 pp (or 16 September 2017 from £2,575 pp).*

NEW: Cruising the Aegean: A Family Adventure – this one-week family cruise in Greece invites children and adults alike to sail the seas like Captain Jack Sparrow, discover archaeological gems like Indiana Jones and confront Grecian myths like Percy Jackson. The mysteries of ancient Gods and tales of giants and monsters will be brought to life by expert guides Dr Helena Tomas and Dr Maria Girtzi, along with the region’s vibrant past. With fresh meals prepared on board, opportunities to snorkel in the warm waters and time to relax on deck, this is the perfect family holiday. Departing 22 July 2017, the price is from £2,695 pp (children up to 12: £2,550 pp).*

 ITALY AND SICILY

NEW: Cruising the Aeolian Islands – this one-week cruise explores the remarkable volcanic archipelago of the Aeolian Islands, just off the north coast of Sicily. Led by historian and archaeologist Dr Michael Metcalfe, guests will visit verdant Salina with its spectacular foods and wines as well as majestic Stromboli with its smoking craters, hiking trails and fiery lava flows stretching to the sea. There is a beautiful Bronze Age village in sparsely-populated Filicudi and unexpectedly renowned night-life to discover in gorgeous Panarea. Each island has a vibrant identity and distinctive experience to offer; it’s all brought together with exceptional meals, local wine, swimming and cruising. Departing 24 June or 1 July 2017, the price is from £3,975 pp.*

Cruising the Amalfi Coast – this one-week cruise differentiates itself from the crowd, as holidays around the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast are typically on land. Peter Sommer Travels has created a trip for just ten guests which allows them to see the beautiful Italian coastline from the water. Led by experts Dr.Sophy Downes and Francesca Del Vecchio, visit famous sites including Capri, Pompeii and Amalfi, and lesser-known gems including the Imperial Villa Baia and the outstanding Roman frescoes of the Villa Oplontis. Departing 2 September or 9 September 2017, the price is from £3,975 pp.*

 TURKEY

A Gastronomic Gulet Cruise – this one-week cruise invites gastronomes with a taste for Turkish history and culture to look no further for a tasty experience in the Mediterranean. Guests will be treated to delicious meals prepared by the on-board cook, as well as fantastic cookery demonstrations at local restaurants, and will learn how to conjure up regional specialities. Led by expert archaeologist guide and foodie Serdar Akerdem, visit impressive historic sites such as the rock-cut temple tombs of Kaunos and beautifully preserved Knidos. Departing 20 May 2017, the price is from £2,365 pp.*

Walking and Cruising the Lycian Shore – this two-week tour is one of Peter Sommer Travels’ most renowned and cherished trips, now in its 11th year and an ideal tour for walkers and lovers of the sea. Escorted by Peter Sommer himself, guests will visit a series of archaeological highlights – including the Lycian city of Pinara, the Roman port city of Patara and the Ottoman castle of Kale – trace the routes of 2,000-year-old aqueducts, and follow in the footsteps of characters from Alexander the Great to the nomadic herders of recent centuries, along with ample time to swim in the pristine waters. Departing 30 September 2017, the price is from £3,995 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.

Prefer a private charter?

For families and groups of friends seeking a tailor-made gulet cruise holiday, Peter Sommer Travels is very happy to help. Each itinerary is carefully crafted to reflect a party’s particular preferences, incorporating experiences and sights that they would never otherwise have known existed. And, as is the case with all of Peter Sommer Travels’ trips, good food and wine plays a pivotal role. After a fascinating walk, refreshing swim or visit to an historic site, what could be more sublime than sharing a delicious lunch or supper, shared with one’s nearest and dearest, on a sun-kissed deck or at a beachside taverna?

Peter Sommer Travels offers private charters on a range of fully crewed boats – maintained to the highest safety standards, and ranging in size from four to 11 cabins (six to 22 guests) from late spring (April/May) to early autumn (September/October) – and will organise every aspect of the holiday. Early booking is recommended to secure the best boats.

For further information and to talk to experts on all of the specialist company’s wide range of trips (30 trips planned for 2017 – including food tours, walking holidays and family adventures) and private charters, call Peter Sommer Travels on 01600 888 220 (www.petersommer.com).