Peter Sommer Travels announces five new expert-led tours for 2013

Nov. 21, 2012 - PRLog -- Cultural and archaeological tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels has introduced five new itineraries for 2013, including new tours in Turkey and Greece, a brand-new gulet cruise which combines the two countries in the south-east Aegean, plus a new take on the company’s signature Alexander the Great tours.

A Crete tour focusing on archaeology, nature and food, from £2,735 pp*
Explore Crete on this brand-new land tour led by expert guide and archaeologist Heinrich Hall. Heinrich has spent over a decade excavating, surveying and travelling around Crete, so you’ll explore the largest of the Greek islands with an expert in tow. Staying in small, beautiful hotels – from Venetian palazzo to traditional inn – the itinerary takes in ancient sites, such as famous prehistoric Minoan palaces, Rethymno’s Ottoman mosque and Venetian palace and Mount Ida – the birthplace of Zeus. Admire spring flowers on gentle walks, visit wineries and try your hand at traditional Cretan cooking.
Departs 16 April 2013 for 11 nights.

Greek Isles and Turkish Shores, from £2,250pp*
Combine two countries on this expert-led tour of the south-east Aegean, which cruises both the Turkish coast and Greek islands, and delves into the area’s colourful history, too. Starting in the typically-Turkish fishing village of Gümüslük, the well-appointed gulet will head to the Greek island of Kos and the tiny, volcanic island of Nisyros. Anchor off an uninhabited island for the night, visit the paleontology museum of Tilos – dedicated to the island’s extinct pygmy elephant – and explore the harbour town of Symi with its colourful neo-classical buildings and traditional tavernas. Back in Turkish waters, you’ll visit the impressive settlement of Knidos (a former Greek city) and ancient Halicarnassus (modern-day Bodrum).
Departs 21 September 2013 for seven nights.

Walk Turkey’s Lycian Way with an archaeologist, from £2,065 pp*
The Lycian Way features on many a walker’s ‘to do’ list, and this week-long tour combines the famous route with gulet cruising and archaeological visits. Averaging out at around five to six miles each day – often with a delicious picnic lunch to look forward to – the traditional gulet is always present offshore to provide stylish dining and accommodation, plus the option of a day off from walking, if need be. Reach remote archaeological sites on foot, such as the ruins of Sidyma – a 2,500-year-old Lycian town – and the ghost town of Kaya. You’ll also retrace the route of a Roman aqueduct, walk through ancient burial grounds to an Ottoman castle and trek along stunning postcard-worthy coastal paths. And, after all that walking, there’s plenty of time for refreshing swims.
Departs 5 October 2013 for seven nights.

In 1994, Peter Sommer retraced Alexander the Great’s route on foot, walking from Troy to the battlefield of Issus. This soon became Peter Sommer Travels’ signature tour, with Peter Sommer himself, leading groups along Alexander’s famous route. Originally both this tour, and a separate Alexander itinerary in Greece, were three-week tours; 2013 sees the launch of two shorter 11-day tours: a condensed version of the Greek one, plus a ‘part one’ of the Turkish itinerary.

Alexander the Great tour in Greece, from £2,670 pp*
Condensed into a 10-night trip, but still packed with archaeological adventures, this informative and inspiring tour retraces Alexander the Great’s early life from his birth to the start of his conquest to Asia. Taking in his place of birth at Pella in Macedonia and Mieza – where Alexander was tutored by the philosopher Aristotle – the tour includes visits to the world-famous sites of Delphi, Olympia and Mycenae, as well as smaller archaeological museums, fantastic restaurants and lush, shady forests. The itinerary explores both ancient and modern Greece and is led by the Greek-speaking historian and archaeologist Dr. Michael Metcalfe.
Departs 15 April 2013 for 10 nights.

Alexander the Great tour in Turkey, from £2,650 pp*
Rather than condensing this trip, the Turkish Alexander the Great tour has been divided into two parts and retraces Alexander’s footsteps across Asia Minor. Led by Peter Sommer himself, part one of this historical voyage starts in Istanbul and ends in Bodrum, with highlights including visits to Achilles’ tomb at Troy, the Lydian kings’ royal capital Sardis and Ephesus at sunset. Along the way, stop to admire majestic scenery, and for traditional Turkish meals.
Departs 29 April 2013 for 10 nights.

*Prices (based on two sharing) include transfers, B&B accommodation (aboard a gulet for the Lycian Way trip and for the south-east Aegean cruise), most meals, all entrance fees and expert guiding. Flights extra.

For further information about Peter Sommer Travels, or for a copy of the 2013 brochure, call 01600 888 220 (http://www.petersommer.com).

ENDS – 21 November 2012

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