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PETER SOMMER TR AVELSEXPERT-LED ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL TOURS, GULET CRUISES & PRIVATE CHARTERS TOUR OPERATOR 2018 OF THE YEAR 2016 1 TOUR OPERATOR OF THE YEAR 2015w w w.peter sommer .com

WELCOMETO PETER SOMMER TRAVELSPeter Sommer 2017 was an especially exciting year for Peter Sommer Travels as no less than three countries, Croatia, Ireland and the United Kingdom, graced the pages of our brochure for the very first time. I’m delighted to say we received rave reviews for our wide range of new trips in these countries; two gulet cruises in Croatia, two tours in the UK and one in Ireland, as well as for the two new cruises we offered in the Dodecanese islands of Greece and for our new cruise in the Aeolian islands off the coast of Sicily. You can read a selection of the comments from guests on the pages of this brochure – or you can view our website to look through more than 250 independent reviews submitted by guests. We love sharing so many special places and experiences with you, our guests, year after year. For 2018, we are proud to announce two new tours. In Greece, we have created a new gulet trip, Walking and Cruising the Dodecanese, which builds upon the range of walking gulet cruises that we started in Turkey way back in 2005 and that also includes our Walking and Cruising Southern Dalmatia that we ran in Croatia for the first time in 2017. Our new Dodecanese walking trip brings together the best experiences this area can offer: the elegant and laid-back pleasure of a gulet cruise, the thrill of walking through an array of wonderful landscapes, the region’s fascinating multi-faceted history, the joy of swimming in the blue waters of the Aegean and the delights of fresh local cuisine, enjoyed both on and off the gulet. It is a unique opportunity to explore these island landscapes on foot and to discover superb archaeological sites far from the beaten track. In Croatia, we are launching a new gulet trip, A Gastronomic Gulet Cruise. It follows our first such culinary cruise, in southwest Turkey, that has been running to great acclaim since 2010, and our gastronomic land tour of Eastern Sicily, part of our offerings since 2011. This new tour allows a small group of travellers the opportunity to enjoy all the delights of a gulet holiday while also discovering the region’s fascinating cuisine, itself an expression of the very diverse historical and cultural influences that have shaped the Adriatic over the centuries. From the freshest of seafood to delicious cheeses and cured meats and the finest of olive oils, not forgetting Croatia’s celebrated wines, you’ll savour and relish Dalmatia’s coast and islands in a whole new way. In 2016 we won the Tour Operator of the Year Gold award, given by AITO, the UK’s Association of Independent Tour Operators, based on exceptional customer reviews. I’m delighted to report that in February 2017 we won the Tour Operator of the Year Silver award. This is the result of independent feedback from guests who have travelled with us. That almost 100% of you consider our tours ‘Excellent’ makes us incredibly proud. We will continue trying to improve our trips so that they exceed your expectations.2 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

In our quest to do so, to offer the best-prepared cultural tours and cruises wherever we travel, we have now brought theexceptional Paul Beston on board as part of our small full time team. Some of our guests have already had the pleasure oftravelling with Paul in 2016 and 2017, as he has been an expert guide on our tours in Rome and in the UK. Paul’s deep andwide-ranging historical knowledge, his spectacular skills as a narrator, his gift of being able to connect ideas across time andspace, and his ever-present sense of humour make him an excellent addition to Peter Sommer Travels.As ever, I would like to thank all our loyal guests who travel with us. We very much look forward to welcoming you and manynew guests on our tours in 2018.OLD TOWN OF DUBROVNIK 3

WHY PETER SOMMERTRAVELS?VIEW FROM BODRUM CASTLE, TURKEYAttention to Detail Small GroupsWe offer a select mix of escorted tours, all of which have been We take only small groups of like-minded people – typically betweencarefully researched and meticulously planned. 10 and 14 on our gulet tours (max 18 on our 12 cabin Cruising the Cyclades/Dodecanese trips) and between 10 and 18 on our land tours –The Personal Touch travelling in an easy-going informal style.We strive for the very best in personal service and assure you of Value for Money - No Surchargesindividual care and attention. As a previous traveller told us:“The hospitality was exceptional, we felt like guests rather than Our tour prices include almost everything except airfares. Customerscustomers.” tell us they are great value for money. The old adage ‘you get what you pay for' is especially true when it comes to holidays and adventureExpert Guides travel. We will not levy surcharges for fluctuations in exchange rates or fuel prices or for any other reason. The price of the trip is the priceOur tour leaders, archaeologists and historians, are great you pay.communicators, passionate enthusiasts and friendly hosts as well asbeing extremely knowledgeable. Responsible TravelBeautiful Boats We believe our tours are a positive force, holidays with a cultural purpose, bringing economic benefits to local people. We try whereWe use hand-crafted traditional Turkish gulets of the highest standard: possible to minimise our impact on the environment. You can readstylish and characterful, with modern conveniences and friendly and our Responsible Travel policy online.experienced crews. Alongside our scheduled trips, we offer expert-led gulet charters for private groups, large or small. We are happy to Experience & Qualityassist with any logistics you might require. Peter has been organising cultural tours since 1996. We aim to provide the very finest expert-led archaeological tours and gulet cruises. We want you to travel with us again and again – as a great many of our customers do.4 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

TOURS 2017 “IT WAS RATHER QUITE WONDERFUL TO BE SO INDULGED. NOT HAVING TO BE PRE- “ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP TEN EDUCATIONAL HOLIDAYS”OCCUPIED WITH USUAL DAILY TRAVEL ROUTINES ALLOWED US TIME TO REFLECT ON NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICWHAT WE HAD JUST SEEN OR HEARD AND TO SPEND TIME REFLECTING ON WHAT WAS STILL TO COME. MOREOVER, TO BE ABLE TO HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH ALL OUR “A '100 BEST HOLIDAYS' COMPANY 2016, 2015, 2014 & 2011”FELLOW TRAVELLERS ABOUT ALL THAT WE WERE SEEING WAS JUST MARVELLOUS…” Diane Leary, VeTrmHontE, USSAUNDAY TIMESCroatia 26 - Jun 2 Cruising the Coast of Dalmatia: 54 Ireland 11 - 21 Exploring Ireland 84 8 - 15 Šibenik to ZadarMay 15 - 22 52 June 8 - 21 Exploring Sicily 90September Split to Dubrovnik 52 7 - 20 Cruising the Aeolian Islands 94September 2-9 Dubrovnik to Split 56 Italy Cruising the Amalfi Coast 98 15 - 22 A Gastronomic Gulet Cruise 58 A Gastronomic Tour of Sicily 100June 22 - 29 Walking and Cruising Southern Dalmatia April Exploring Rome 104September OctoberSeptember 22 - 29 Walking and Cruising Western Lycia 112 June 23 - 30 A Gastronomic Gulet Cruise 114September 29 - Oct 6 September 1-8 Cruising to Ephesus 116SeptemberSeptember 29 - Oct 6 September 22 - 29 Cruising the Carian Coast 118 29 - Oct 6 Cruising the Lycian Shore 120Greece Walking and Cruising the Lycian Shore 122 2-9 Easter in Athens 62 November 3 - 10April Exploring Crete 64 Exploring Hadrian's Wall 126 16 - 28 Exploring the Peloponnese 66 Turkey 19 - 26 Exploring Wessex 130April 26 - Jun 2 2 - 16 Cruising to the Cyclades 70 MayMay 10 - 24October Cruising the Aegean: from Kos to Patmos 72 May 19 - Jun 2May 1 - 15 Cruising the Aegean: Family Tour 74 June 2-9September Walking and Cruising the Dodecanese 76 September 8 - 15 26 - Jun 2 Cruising the Dodecanese 78May 2-9 June 9 - 16June 1-8 September 15 - 22September 28 - Aug 4 September 1 - 15JulySeptember 22 - Sep 29 September 29 - Oct 13September 22 - Oct 6 United Kingdom June 23 - 30 July 1 - 7 5

ABOUT PETER SOMMER TRAVELSPeter Sommer Dr. Michael Metcalfe We are a UK-based Our Local PartnersJulie Brown Heinrich Hall tour operatorElin Sommer Lynda Downing specialising in For our tours in Greece we work with Dolphin Hellas, a travelJosh Maunder Paul Beston expert-led cultural agency of long standing offering a complete range of travel land tours, gulet services. Our point person there, Aliki Hamosfakidou, assists cruises and private us in shaping and then coordinating perfect itineraries for our charters. cultural tours throughout Greece. Our expertise stems from In mainland Italy, we work with Plaghia Charter, a family-run an intimate knowledge of company led by Alberto Esposito, which owns a number of the countries we work in Turkish gulets refitted with Italian panache. In Sicily, we work - their geography, history, with Agave Travel Creative, run by Marcello Baglioni who people and much more. specialises in slow travel, an in-depth exploration of Sicily's Peter Sommer led his first culture and cuisine. All our Italian tour logistics are coordinated historical tour in Turkey in through a team of local companies committed to outstanding 1996. Since then we have customer service. created a rich and varied collection of escorted For our tours in Croatia we work with Ventula Travel run by small group tours with a Robert Bralić. They are a relatively small company with a team difference. of designated and experienced experts. Their specialities are tailor-made trips and highly personal service.A small family-run firm, we take pride in our personalapproach, treating our customers as guests with extra special In Turkey, we work with Travel Atelier, a travel agency run bycare. Julie Brown is our Office and Operations Manager, at the Murat Özgüç and his wife Pinar. We have worked with themheart of all we do and generally your first point of contact. for many years and rate them very highly. Murat organises hotels, transfers and all other travel arrangements for ourDr. Michael Metcalfe, an historian and archaeologist specialising guests. He helps us both with our scheduled tours and ourin ancient inscriptions, is the innovative and organisational custom created tours. Cem Yücesoy is our logistics co-force behind our tours in Italy. He is responsible for our ordinator and tour manager extraordinaire. He has organisedprivate charters and is one of our principal tour leaders. all our Turkey tours to date, from choosing minibus drivers toHeinrich Hall and Paul Beston focus on tour design, creative booking local guides.content, social media and marketing and are both core tourleaders. Elin, Peter’s wife, oversees general strategy and health Picture Acknowledgements:and safety. Lynda helps with our admin and keeps our financesin order. Josh is our digital maestro, focusing on our website In addition to our own photographs and those supplied by The Nationaland media content and of course there’s Peter himself. Trust, English Heritage, VisitEngland The Irish Tourist Board and the Croatian Tourist Board, many of the images in this brochure and on our website were very kindly sent in by our guides and guests. The full list of our contributors is available on our website. Very many thanks to you all.6 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

AITO QUALITY CHARTER Peter Sommer Travels is a member of the United Professional Service & Continual5100 Kingdom's Association of Independent Tour Improvements Operators. AITO is the Association for independent and specialist holiday companies. Our member All members are committed to high standards of companies, usually owner-managed, strive to create service and believe in regular and thorough training overseas holidays with high levels of professionalism of employees. Members continually seek to review and a shared concern for quality and personal service. and improve their holidays. They listen to their The Association encourages the highest standards in customers and always welcome suggestions for all aspects of tour operating. improving standards. Exclusive Membership Monitoring Standards AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards quality which must be satisfied before new companies regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday are admitted to membership. All members are questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice the Association. which encourages high operational standards and conduct. Responsible Tourism Financial Security All members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Responsible Tourism guidelines, which recognise the An AITO member is required to protect money social, economic and environmental responsibilities paid by customers to the member for any holiday of tour operating. Those demonstrating their sold under the AITO logo. This protection applies achievements beyond the pure acceptance of this to customers who are in the UK at the time of principle are recognised by the award of 2 to 5 star booking or to overseas customers who have booked status. Peter Sommer Travels are proud to have been directly with the member. Members have to comply awarded 3 stars for Sustainable Tourism by AITO. with UK Government Regulations in this respect. Members submit details of their bonding or guarantee Customer Relations arrangements to the Association on a regular basis. All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with Accurate Brochures & Web Sites any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a All members do their utmost to ensure that all their customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low- brochures and other publications, print or electronic, cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may clearly and accurately describe the holidays and be called upon by either side to bring the matter services offered. to a speedy and acceptable conclusion. For more information visit www.aito.com or call 020 8744 9280. 7

TESTIMONIALS AND PRESS“We spent seven days aboard a gulet “We thoroughly enjoyed the “An unforgettable holiday. A perfectcruising from Split to Dubrovnik. We Exploring Wessex tour provided by mix of walking, swimming andvisited unspoilt islands and splendid Peter Sommer tour. The tour was fantastic food. The stunning watersarchaeological sites led by an expert well organized, expertly planned and of the Mediterranean, the impressiveguide as we learnt about the history exceeded our expectations. What archeological sites along the way,and culture of this beautiful region. makes Peter Sommer Travel tours an exceptional guide and interestingThe magnificent Palace of the Roman exceptional, in addition to their fellow travellers. This takes someEmperor Diocletian in Split, the itinerary, is the care and concern beating. We will definitely be back!”charming walled city of Korcula for the clients and follow throughand the bustling city of Dubrovnik on all details of client comfort. We John & Sara Loveys Jervoise, Hampshire, UKwere only some of the delights that were most pleased with the tour andawaited us. Relaxing aboard the recommend it to those seeking a “Exploring Ireland was our fifthgulet, swimming off the boat and historical tour of the Wessex area.” tour and it did not disappoint! Weenjoying the local cuisine in carefully enjoyed the food, history, andchosen restaurants completed a Don & Mary Jo Briselden, USA beautiful countryside of Ireland, ledwonderful week.” by two fabulous and personable “I had very high expectations for this guides and in the companyMichael & Susan Davies, Victoria, AUS holiday and I would have to say that of interesting and fun fellow not only were those expectations passengers.”“Cruising to the Cyclades in an met but they were exceeded.extraordinary odyssey. A wonderful Everything was of the highest Russ & Melanie Chapman, Louisiana, USAway to immerse ourselves in the quality - the food, the boat and thehistory, archaeology, and culture itinerary - and the balance between “Our experience was simplyof the Aegean from classical times rest, relaxation and stimulation was exceptional. The people...the sites..to the present, with plenty of time perfect for us. It has given us one the friendships..the laughter..theto relax, and great food, company, of the most unforgettable holidays knowledge..the food...everythingand conversations. We thoroughly we have had in many years and was beyond our expectations andenjoyed this second holiday with many memories to treasure. We we will return for another adventurePeter Sommer Travels, and we are will certainly be back. I would also soon...congratulations on getting italready looking forward to the next” like to say thank you for providing right!!!!” champagne and cake for our 25thJames Pringle & Sally Griffith, PA, USA anniversary which enabled us to Ian & Samantha Beare, BC, Canada share the event with everybody on“Just finished two weeks of board. The holiday was more than “I heartily recommend these tourswonderful ancient sites in Turkey, we dreamed it could be and we'd to anyone interested in the history,swimming in the warm Aegean Sea, dreamed a lot.” culture and cuisine and who like towith great companions to share travel in the company of thoroughlyterrific wine, food and the day's Stephen Killick & Sarah Barnes, UK professional, knowledgeable andadventures.” likeable guides who keep you spell- bound from start to finish.”Elly de Gooyer, AUS Neil & Joyce McRae, UK8 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

“Top Drawer Tourism, with a “Set sail off the coast of Croatia\"Glut of Pleasure.” True Travelling this year aboard a Turkish gulet, aPedigree!” two-masted, hand-crafted wooden vessel operated by Peter SommerSidney Morning Herald Travels. If that name sounds familiar, it should. In the spring of 1994,“Cruising by gulet is a wonderful British archeologist and filmmakerway to explore places like Croatia, Peter Sommer spent four and aGreece, Italy and Turkey. Peter half months walking 2,000 milesSommer Travels specializes in such across Turkey, retracing the routeadventures and offers small-group of Alexander the Great. Today hisjourneys to explore the cultural company is an award-winning UK-and archaeological treasures of based tour operator specializingthose countries. For an even more in expert-led small group culturalinteresting experience, the company tours, gulet cruises, and privatewill do custom gulet charters.” trips in Croatia, Greece, Italy, and Turkey.”The Chicago Tribune The Boston Globe“The 50 greatest art, food andculture holidays on Earth...Cruising “On a crisp spring afternoon mythe Aegean from Kos to Patmos 16-year-old son Ned and I left- From Kos (Greek temples, the Acropolis, strode throughmemories of Hippocrates) to the the Agora, and headed down theextraordinary Byzantine monastery remains of the Panathenaic Way…on Patmos, the gulet sails in style via We had come to the Greek capitalrocky Kalymnos, Leros and other for a five-day immersion in classicalislands. A profound past supplies the Athens... Heinrich Hall, our guidelandscapes’ subtext. The food is ace had a Homeric love of storytellingand there’s luxury enough for the and an infectious enthusiasm for allexacting.” things Athenian. For a happy hour or so in the Kerameikos, the ancientThe Telegraph Athenian Cemetery, we followed him and his impassioned Greek“Cruising the Amalfi Coast offers colleague, Nota Karamaouna,top-notch history tourism in around the old walls and listened tosuper-luxe comfort. Tick off Capri, their stories. In the late afternoonPompeii and Amalfi in the company sun, amid clouds of butterflies, theyof an expert and dangle your feet in brought the ruins to life.”the azure waters of the Med.” Alec Russell, Editor, FT WeekendNational Geographic Traveller Magazine 9

OUR GUIDESThe guides who lead our escorted tours are true specialists - primarily archaeologists and historians -natural enthusiasts steeped in each region's history and culture. We choose our tour guides because theyare great communicators and friendly hosts - not just because they are extremely knowledgeable. Theyare there to bring the history and archaeological sites to life. They are also there to make your holiday asenjoyable, relaxing and inspirational as possible.This is just a selection of our guides, for the full list please see the guides’ page on our website. Peter Sommer Dr. Michael Heinrich Hall Metcalfe Peter studied Ancient Fluent in four languages History and Archaeology Michael earned his PhD (including Greek), at Birmingham University at University College Heinrich has lectured at before completing London, focusing on Trinity College Dublin a Masters on the the ancient Greek cities and was for many years archaeology of Central of western Turkey. For the Assistant DirectorAsia. He has taught at Birmingham University many years Michael was Assistant Professor of the Irish Institute at Athens. A resident ofand Istanbul’s Boğaziçi University. Two years in Ancient History at The Mediterranean Athens, he is active as a journalist, reportinginto a PhD at University College London, Center for Arts and Sciences in Sicily, before archaeological and cultural developments inon the archaeology of northwest Turkey, he joining Peter Sommer Travels full time in print, online as well as on radio and TV.was lured into television to work on In the January 2009. He is currently involved in theFootsteps of Alexander the Great (BBC/PBS). study of Greek and Latin inscriptions from all Heinrich has excavated throughout the over the Mediterranean. He co-edited the Eastern Mediterranean and has an infectiousAn award winning documentary producer/ recent Blue Guide to the Aegean Islands and is enthusiasm for the history, traditions, cuisine,director, Peter has worked around the world the editor of the new edition of the Blue Guide music and modern culture of the area. He isfor acclaimed series such as Millennium: to Sicily. especially interested in the Neolithic periodA thousand years of history (BBC/CNN), and in the dynamic interaction betweenCommanding Heights: the Battle for the World Michael speaks Greek, Italian and Turkish. natural landscape and human culture. AnEconomy (PBS/BBC) and Tales from the Green Not only is he ‘enthusiastic, charming and experienced and popular tour guide, he isValley (BBC). As a development producer knowledgeable’ he is also a natural born currently finishing his PhD for Universityhe has turned books like Guns, Germs and organiser. College Dublin and is Co-editor of the BlueSteel and 1421: The Year China Discovered the Guide to the Aegean Islands.World, into TV documentaries. Peter is also a “MICHAEL METCALFE IS A GEM...Afreelance writer and speaker who gives talks SENSATIONAL AND ENTHUSIASTIC “HEINRICH HALL IS A SUPERBabout travel, history and filmmaking. TEACHER...GENEROUS IN TIME GUIDE WHO BALANCES DEEP AND KNOWLEDGE AND MADE KNOWLEDGE OF GREEK HISTORY “PETER SOMMER IS INCREDIBLY EXPLORING SICILY A WONDROUS AND ARCHAEOLOGY WITH A WRY ADVENTURE.” SENSE OF HUMOUR AND GOOD KNOWLEDGEABLE, PASSIONATE LOGISTICAL SKILLS.” Lee Coleman & John Pandolfini, Victoria, AUS ABOUT THE SUBJECT, AND A MASTER Elizabeth & Michael Nigro, Virginia, USA STORYTELLER.” Paul Sinclair & Mona Marshall Texas, USA10 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

Serdar Akerdem Since then, Marcello has focused on cultural thrilled to have him as one of our specialist travel in Sicily, focusing on ‘Slow Food’ and guides. Peter first worked with ‘Slow Travel’. He’s been selected as Sicily’s Serdar in 1999, when he top travel specialist by Condé Nast Traveller “RICHARD'S ABILITY TO DESCRIBE was the arrangements magazine and one of their World’s Top 126 WAS REALLY MAGNIFICENT - HIS specialist on a BBC/ Travel Specialists. DETAILED EXPERTISE REALLY CNN series Peter was ADDED TO OUR EXPERIENCE.” filming around Antalya in “THE TOUR WAS EXCEPTIONALLYTurkey. Serdar is a genteel and knowledgeable WELL PLANNED AND EXECUTED David Blank, Ohio, USAarchaeologist, as well as a highly experienced ALL THANKS TO MARCELLO, HElocation manager and tour guide. HAD SUCH A GOOD IDEA OF Prof. Julian HOW TO GIVE US A SENSE OF BennettHe has lectured at a number of Turkish SICILIAN LIFE AND CULTURE.”universities and excavated and surveyed Julian studied Archaeologywidely along Turkey’s south coast, at sites Wendy & Matthew Lincoln, Kent, UK at the University ofincluding Patara, Tlos and Kaunos. His Newcastle upon Tyne andmajor passions are Roman architecture and Dr. Richard has excavated in Britain,maritime archaeology. Serdar is a very valued Bayliss Germany, Romania and Turkey. He has taughtmember of our team of tour leaders. at Bilkent University in Ankara since 1995 After a degree in and has a particular interest in the history, “SERDAR, WHAT AN AMAZING MAN archaeology Richard lived archaeology and architecture of Roman and WITH A LIFETIME OF KNOWLEDGE in Turkey working at the Byzantine Anatolia. ABOUT ANCIENT HISTORY IN THE British Institute in Ankara AREA, KIND, HELPFUL AND GREAT as a resident archaeologist. He has travelled Julian has appeared in TV documentaries for COMPANY, WE ALL ADMIRED HIM widely around the country over many years, the BBC, The History Channel and National TREMENDOUSLY.” surveying and excavating many celebrated Geographic. A well-travelled and experienced sites, from a church with its mosaics falling tour leader, he has escorted groups Malcolm & Elizabeth Prince, into the sea at Sinop, to the hidden rock-cut throughout the Mediterranean for institutions South Australia villages of Cappadocia and the Byzantine such as the Smithsonian and the Metropolitan palaces, fortifications and aqueducts of Museum of Art. Marcello Baglioni Constantinople. “JULIAN BENNETT, OUR Marcello first began his His PhD focused on the rise of Christianity ARCHAEOLOGICAL GUIDE, WAS love affair with Italian in the Roman cities of Asia Minor (modern HIGHLY PERSONABLE AND IMMENSELY food and wine as an Turkey). After lecturing at Newcastle KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE SITES 8-year-old sous-chef University, Richard has gone on to work in WE VISITED AND THE CULTURES THAT in the kitchen of his building design and heritage conservation. An HAD INHABITED THEM.” father’s Italian restaurant. experienced tour leader, he has led a wideHe has lived in Sicily for the last ten years, range of groups on our tours in Turkey. Noted David & Deborah Diamond, California, USAimmersing himself in the island’s history, food for his knowledge and enthusiasm we areand culture. Marcello worked for many yearsas a Program Director at The MediterraneanCenter for Arts and Sciences in Syracuse. 11

OUR GUIDES Paul Beston Filip Budić Prof. Jim Crow Inspired by finding a Steeped in the history Jim Crow is Professor of musket-ball in Gibraltar, and archaeology of Classical Archaeology Paul spent his childhood Croatia, Filip has at Edinburgh University drawing Spartans, walked and travelled with special research watching historical extensively across the interests in Byzantine documentaries and mainland, coast and Archaeology and Romandevouring archaeology books. Certain that islands of his homeland. Passionate about Frontier Studies. A graduate of Birminghamlife ought to revolve around his passion for history and archaeology since his childhood, and Newcastle Universities he has workedthe ancient world he studied Ancient History he has worked on multiple excavations and in Turkey for over twenty years and recentlyat King’s College, London, gaining a first and surveys throughout Croatia as well as at completed a major research project on thethen earned a distinction in his Masters. His sites in Kosovo, Germany, Greece, Israel and Water Supply of Byzantine ConstantinoplePhD research on Hellenistic history was the Russian Federation. Filip holds a BA and and the city’s hinterland fortification systempaused when children intervened. MA in Archaeology from the University of ‘the Anastasian Wall’. Zagreb, where he has won numerous awardsAlongside lecturing posts at King’s and Royal and where he is currently completing his PhD He directed the archaeological excavationsHolloway in London, he has acted as an on Hadrian’s Wall for the National Trust forhistorical adviser for TV including HBO’s Fire Filip is a man of many gifts: apart from his some 5 years earlier in his career, and has ledfrom Heaven. He has a lively interest in all native Croatian, he is fluent in English and study tours to Istanbul and lectured on guletperiods and regions, but a particular passion German. A true enthusiast, persuasive cruises in Lycia and for Cunard around thefor Late Antiquity, Roman Britain and the public speaker and charming host, he has Eastern Mediterranean.Near East. long expertise guiding at ancient sites both in Croatia and also abroad in Greece, Sicily “JIM MADE THIS TOUR OUTSTANDING. “PAUL,THE ANCIENT ROMAN HISTORY and Turkey. We are truly delighted Filip will I HAD ALWAYS STUDIED BYZANTINE GUIDE, WAS EXTRAORDINARY. FILLED be sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge of ART AND ALWAYS WANTED TO VISIT WITH KNOWLEDGE AND PASSION, the history, culture and landscapes of Croatia ISTANBUL. NOW I LOOK FORWARD AND GOOD STORIES.I FELT HE SAW with our guests this year. TO RETURNING FOR FURTHER AUGUSTUS WALKING IN THE FORUM.” EXPLORATION.” Joan Kahr, New York, USA Liz Eastmond, Auckland, New Zealand12 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

Dr. Sophy sculpture and the art and archaeology of Dr. Alan Downes Anatolia (ancient Turkey). Greaves Sophy gained her BA Cathie has worked as a researcher and Senior lecturer in from Oxford, her MPhil lecturer at the University of Oxford. She Archaeology and Head from Cambridge and her is also working on a number of books that of Dept. at the University PhD from the Institute of focus on the imagery on ancient monumental of Liverpool. In 2005Archaeology, at University College London. In tombs. Cathie likes nothing better than Alan was one of 502014 she was appointed temporary Teaching exploring Turkey’s ancient sites in fine British university lecturers to win a NationalFellow in Classical Archaeology, School of company. We are very pleased to welcome Teaching Fellowship for their inspiringHistory, Classics and Archaeology, at the her to our team. teaching. He has spent many years excavatingUniversity of Edinburgh. She has also been sites right across Europe – in France, the UKVisiting Lecturer at the American University Dr. Maria Girtzi (at Hadrian’s Wall) and especially in Turkey.of Rome, Visiting Lecturer at the Institute of He knows western Turkey intimately, havingArchaeology, at University College London Born in Thessaloniki, spent 9 summer seasons digging at Miletosand Residential Postdoctoral Fellow at the Maria is an Archaeologist and has written one of the definitive books onBritish Institute of Persian Studies in Tehran. and professional tour the history of this most influential of ancient guide. She studied Greek metropolises.Sophy's research and teaching interests Archaeology and Art atinclude the Art and architecture of Classical the Aristotle University Dr. OlivierGreece and Achaemenid Persia and the of Thessaloniki and did her postgraduate Henryreception of archaeology in Romantic studies on Greek Archaeology (MA andliterature. We are delighted that Sophy will be PhD) at the University of Birmingham in the Olivier holds a degreeleading our gulet cruises in Italy and sharing UK. She has taught History, Archaeology in ancient history, twoher passion and interest with our guests. and Art history at the Universities of masters degrees in Thrace, Birmingham (UK), Cornell (USA), Ancient History and “WE ENJOYED THE COMPANY ON the Hellenic Open University and the Open Classical Archaeology THE BOAT AND THE CONSIDERATION University of Cyprus as well as working and a PhD from the University of Bordeaux OF THE CREW AND IN PARTICULAR as a field archaeologist on excavations in focusing on the region of Caria in south-west THAT OF SOPHY. SOPHY WAS TRULY Macedonia, Thrace and on Crete. Maria is the Turkey. Fluent in French, English and Turkish EXCELLENT, HER PEOPLE SKILLS author of the book “Historical Topography of he is a specialist on ancient (Karian) funerary MATCHED HER ARCHAEOLOGICAL Ancient Macedonia”. architecture and published extensively. KNOWLEDGE.” He now works at the French Institute for Brendan and Anne Reidy, Victoria, AUS “MARIA WAS PHENOMENAL. NOT Anatolian Studies, coordinating all French ONLY IS SHE A HIGHLY TRAINED archaeological activities in Turkey. Dr. Cathie ARCHAEOLOGIST WHO BRINGS Draycott LIFE TO THE PAST IN CREATIVE Olivier has excavated in Turkey since 1998, AND FUN WAYS, SHE USES THAT and has been the Excavation Director at Before moving into HISTORY AS A FOUNDATION TO Labraunda since 2012. archaeology, Cathie first INTRODUCE YOU TO PRESENT-DAY trained as an artist with CRETE. I STILL DREAM ABOUT THE “OLIVIER HENRY WAS PASSIONATE, a Bachelor of Fine Arts WONDERFUL FOOD!” INTELLIGENT, AND CURIOUSfrom the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Her ABOUT HIS FELLOW-PASSENGERS, ADoctorate in Classical Archaeology at Oxford Valerie Ventre-Hutton, California, USA WONDERFUL CONVERSATIONALISTUniversity focused on Greek and Roman - I CAN’T IMAGINE A BETTER GUIDE FOR THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES.” Craig, Texas, USA 13

OUR GUIDESLucia Iacono Prof. Ivana Jevtic Nota Karamaouna Born and bred in Siracusa Growing up in the (Sicily), Lucia studied for former Yugoslavia, Ivana Born and bred in Athens, a BA in foreign languages nurtured a passion for Nota has been travelling and literature at the art and developed a to Turkey, especially University of Catania. particular interest for the Cappadocia, for many She is a qualified tourist history of the Balkans. years, captivated byguide, specialising initially in the South-Eastern She studied art history at the University of its multicultural history, the spectacularprovinces of Ragusa and Siracusa. Belgrade before receiving her PhD at the landscape and the warm local hospitality. University of Paris 1-Panthéon Sorbonne. A With a degree in Archaeology and Art HistoryLucia has over 20 years’ experience in this specialist in Byzantine art, architecture and and a Masters in Byzantine Archaeology, shefield, but still works with the same passion and history, Ivana has been teaching in Istanbul at is currently finishing her PhD at the Écoleenthusiasm with which she began. She loves Koç University since 2010. Pratique des Hautes Etudes in Paris, focusingintroducing people to the unbelievable wealth on the Byzantine churches of Cappadocia.of art, archaeology and culture that Sicily Ivana has escorted many of our guests inhas to offer and is always on the lookout for Istanbul over the years and received high Nota has excavated and surveyed at asomething new, exciting and interesting that praise. Not only has she led numerous tours number of sites in Cappadocia and elsewherereveals the true quirks of Sicilian culture. in Turkey, she is internationally accomplished in Turkey and at sites in Greece, ranging having led tours throughout Greece, across from the island of Kos to central Athens.Lucia joins us on our Exploring Sicily and the Balkans including Serbia, Kosovo and Alongside her academic studies she hasGastronomic Tour of Sicily and is a core member Macedonia, as well as Rome and Ravenna. worked for a specialist Byzantine photolibraryof the Peter Sommer Travels team. Ivana has a deep love for the Dodecanese and the Byzantine Museum of Athens. We are Islands and knows them intimately. very pleased Nota will be sharing her passion and expertise with our guests.LUCIA WAS INVALUABLE, SHE GAVE US “IVANA WAS MAGICAL. SHE BROUGHT “NOTA WAS TERRIFIC. WE ALLMANY INSIGHTS INTO SICILY'S PAST ISTANBUL TO LIFE. HER PASSION WAS LOVED HER. HAVING SUCH AAND FUTURE. WITH HER WE ENJOYED CONTAGIOUS. HER EXPERTISE IN ART, KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDE ADDEDTHE CULINARY DELIGHTS OF SICILY, HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE WAS DEPTH TO THE EXPERIENCE WHICHITS SEAFOOD, REGIONAL DISHES AND TRULY IMPRESSIVE.” WAS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR ME.”EXCELLENT WINE...” JJ, Auckland, New Zealand Barbara Sutherland, MA, USAJane and Peter Whaley, Victoria, AUS14 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

Dr. Spencer documentaries for the BBC such as Alexander Prof. Helena Pope The God King, Flightpaths to the Gods and Tomas Egypt’s Lost City. Spencer received his PhD After graduating in in Classical Archaeology His published books include Greece: An Archaeology and Ancient from Brown University, Oxford Archaeological Guide, The Complete Greek language and after studying and living in Greek Temples, The Oxford Classical Dictionary literature at the University both Greece and Italy he and the bestselling Versailles: A Biography of of Zagreb, Croatia,is now Associate Professor in the Department a Palace. Tony has excavated on Crete and Helena gained a D.Phil. degree at the Universityof Classics at McMaster University in Ontario Sicily and has considerable experience as a of Oxford. In 2006 she was appointed as a(Canada). A specialist in Greek architecture, tour leader across the Mediterranean. We are Lecturer in the Department of Archaeologyurbanization and the development of the extremely pleased that he will be sharing his at the University of Zagreb. Since then shebuilt environment, his research focusses on enthusiasm and expertise with our guests. has been promoted to Associate Professorthe expansion of the Greek world and the and appointed Head of Department. She hasestablishment of overseas settlements in Sicily “FROM THE READINGS OF been granted a variety of fellowships in the US,and Southern Italy. PREVIOUS TESTIMONIALS, I HAD Germany and Greece and won a number of HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF A GOOD awards including the Michael Ventris MemorialSpencer has excavated extensively in Italy and TOUR OF SICILY AND THOSE Award from the University of London. We arespends several months a year in Rome, Sicily EXPECTATIONS WERE NOT MET delighted she will be sharing her expertise andand Athens. The author of several articles - THEY WERE EXCEEDED!! THE passion with our guests.on Greek and Indigenous Sicily as well as EXPERT, ANTHONY SPAWFORTHGreek financial inscriptions, he is completing RESURRECTED THE ANCIENT “A WONDERFUL TRIP AND OURa monograph on the frontiers of the Greek WORLD AND MADE HISTORY SEXY.” GUIDE HELENA TOMAS SHOWED UScities of Sicily in the Archaic and Classical ALL THE HERITAGE OF CROATIAPeriods. We are delighted that Spencer is able Jit Lim & Yoke Lee, Malaysia THAT IS HER PASSION..”to lead some of our Italian tours. George & Cindy Boults, NJ, USA “SPENCER, OUR GUIDE, WAS Dr. Nigel Spivey MAGNIFICENT, HIS KNOWLEDGE MIND- Francesca Del BOGGLING AND HIS VERY SHY, DRY Nigel is a Fellow of Vecchio SENSE OF HUMOR, SO VERY APPEALING. Emmanuel College, HE THOROUGHLY SPOILT US.” Cambridge University, Francesca is an art where he teaches historian and tour guide Anna Gunther, USA Classical Art and who also specialises in Archaeology. His museum education and Prof. Tony research interests cover the breadth of art communication in Spawforth the Greek and Roman world and he has the Campania region of Italy. Francesca has excavated at several Etruscan sites. been working with us for several years on Tony Spawforth is our Cruising the Amalfi Coast tours and we professor of Ancient His books include The Ancient Olympics, Greek are delighted to have her as part of the Peter History at Newcastle Art and Panorama of the Classical World. Nigel Sommer Travels team. University, UK, Visiting is a renowned TV presenter, whose credits Fellow at the British include the BBC’s How Art Made the World, Fluent in English and French, she also speaksSchool at Athens (2015) and a former Kings and Queens and Heroes of World War II. basic German and Spanish and is an excellentfellow of the Institute for Advanced Study, Nigel has been leading tours for us for many communicator able to provide an enlighteningPrinceton. A freelance writer, lecturer and years and his knowledge and passion make commentary about the ancient and modernbroadcaster he is well-known for presenting him an ideal guide in bringing the ancient landscape of the region. world to life. 15

GULET CRUISES “IF YOU LIKE SAILING THE SOUTH-WESTERN COAST OF TURKEY ON A BEAUTIFUL GULET, One of the defining characteristics of a gulet trip with Peter EATING WELL PREPARED TRADITIONAL Sommer Travels is the 'back to nature' appreciation of the simple TURKISH FOOD, SWIMMING IN CRYSTAL CLEAR things: the fresh salty air, the canopy of stars at night, the time TURQUOISE WATER, WALKING THROUGH THE to lie back and unwind. Naturally, alongside the visits to ancient COUNTRYSIDE TO EXPLORE ANCIENT RARELY sites, there are plenty of stops for swimming or more active water VISITED SITES, AND LEARNING ABOUT THE sports. A day on a gulet is one long list of heavenly pleasures: a ARCHAEOLOGY OF THESE SITES AS WELL AS morning dip into warm turquoise waters, a spot of snorkelling LOCAL TURKISH CUSTOMS FROM EXCELLENT beside a rocky shore, or a short expedition in the kayak to scout AND ENTERTAINING GUIDES, THEN THIS IS FOR out a hidden inlet. Of course, if you want to conserve your energy, YOU. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.” there are relaxation opportunities galore, from reading and sunbathing to gazing at the changing horizon - or a gentle snooze. David & Ellen Farr, Maryland, USA We use beautiful wooden gulets ranging from 4 to 11 cabins for our tours. We inspect these boats personally and select them for their style, character and comfort, as well as the experience and hospitality of their crews. Handcrafted and constantly maintained to the highest standards, they are elegant vessels whose beautiful lines hark back to the great days of sail. Their traditional character does not preclude creature comforts. The cabins are cosy, well equipped and all are en-suite. All the gulets we use carry a range of watersports equipment including snorkels, masks and flippers and usually a kayak and/or windsurfer. All gulets possess a spacious central saloon, have a canopied/ shaded area for dining, relaxation and lounging at the stern and ample space for sunbathing. The gulets, together with others displayed on our website are also available for private charter. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to charter them for your own private tour! Crews They cast off, cruise and moor, keep everything spick and span and cook for you. All you need to do is lie back and relax as you cruise from swimming cove to idyllic bay.16 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

CRUISINGTHROUGH HISTORYThe shores we travel along offer some of the most spectacular cruising in the Mediterranean,Aegean and Adriatic, replete with stunning views and beautiful coves. Studded with antiquities,large stretches of these coastlines, (especially along Turkey’s south coast), remain largelyundeveloped, still lapped by the clear waters on which the great names of the classical worldonce sailed: Mark Antony, Julius Caesar, St. Paul...As we cruise on Homer’s “wine-dark sea”, or “I AM BACK HOME AFTER SPENDINGset off to explore the stunning interior, we enter THE PAST TWO WEEKS CRUISINGa forgotten land and discover a lost world of THE CYCLADES ON A PETER SOMMERtemples, tombs and theatres. In many places you TOUR - I FOUND THIS FASCINATING,can literally stroll through an olive grove, stumble INFORMATIVE , AMUSING ANDupon a Roman temple still standing proud and MEMORABLE AND OVERALL ANhave the place all to yourself. OUTSTANDING HOLIDAY.”On our expert-led gulet tours we usually cruise Tony Graves, South Australiafor about three to four hours a day. Generally wemotor to keep to schedule. If wind, weather conditions and itinerary permit, we like tosail. Throughout, the friendly and experienced captain and crew will look after youwith characteristic and traditional hospitality. 17

EXPLORING TOURS Starting with our Exploring Crete and Exploring Sicily several years ago, we have established a new and original type of travel experience and we have spent years establishing and honing their characteristics. Our ‘Exploring Tours’ are now a distinctive and much-appraised speciality available in four countries: Greece, Ireland, Italy and the UK. Based on our long experience in the field, they are designed to be the best-prepared cultural tours available. Whether in Britain, Greece, Ireland or Italy, our ‘Exploring Tours’ are all based on the same unbending principles: We provide Expert knowledge: our guides, be they academic scholars or local experts, have spent years travelling, researching, living and working in the regions we present. Our ‘Exploring Tours’ are the result of painstaking preparation and attention to detail, founded in intimate knowledge of a region: they are normally the result not just of years of preparation, but of decades of engagement with an area. They are characterised by our tour experts’ love for the regions travelled and their passionate ambition to present our guests with the best, the most interesting, the most insightful, the most authentic experience of an area, its history, its nature and its tradition, but also its contemporary life, brought together in a lively and approachable narrative. We apply a holistic view of land and culture, bringing landscape, historic sites, gastronomic experiences and much more together in a connected narrative and a series of hands-on (or feet-on) experiences of the region and its sites. On our ‘Exploring Tours’, our guests enjoy the most careful selection of accommodations in fine city hotels, historic buildings, agritouristic properties, traditional village inns and so on, chosen not for the convenience of the tour operator, but to offer the most insightful, authentic and memorable experience in the region travelled. Likewise, they get many opportunities to sample the best and most authentic local cuisine at carefully-chosen restaurants, based on local produce – another key way to experience a region, along with carefully-selected wine, ale or whiskey tastings, where relevant.18 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

HADRITAHNE'SHWAAGLHLI,ANSOORPTHHIAU, MISBTAERNLBAUNL,DT,UENRKGELYAND TEMPLE OF HERA, SELINUNTE, SICILYA key ingredient that goes into these trips is bold \"outside MYSTRAS, PELOPONNESE, GREECEthe box\" thinking: always favouring the best experience – the 19most interesting story, the best dishes, the most beautiful andinformative site tours, the most characteristic accommodation– over commercial convenience. Our ‘Exploring Tours’ areperfect as a profound introduction for a visitor who has neverbeen to the region, but they are also a superb refresher for theconnoisseur, the person familiar with an area from previoustravels.Our ‘Exploring Tours’ are all of this: the best-preparedcombination of the geography, nature, culture, archaeology,history, gastronomy, tradition of a place, accompanied andtold by experts who know the region intimately. We normallyschedule these trips at the perfect travel seasons, when theweather conditions are ideal to fully enjoy the region in question.In Greece and Italy, that means we favour the Mediterranean’sbrilliant spring (April/May), when landscapes are strewnwith wild flowers, or the luscious late summer/early autumn(September/October), when the summer heat and the summercrowds have been and gone and a balmy calm prevails formany golden weeks. In Ireland and the UK, we use the summermonths (June and July).Join us for one of these unique experiences, of knowingexactly where you are in time and space and context, and ofexperiencing and enjoying it to the utmost. Exploring in the truesense of the word: that's what we do at Peter Sommer Travels. ROCKFLEET CASTLE, COUNTY MAYO, IRELAND

WALKING TOURSVIEW OVER ÖLÜDENIZ, TURKEY On our walking tours, the ever-changing landscapes we visit are not just the background - they are the stage itself: theVIEW FROM AMOS, TURKEY enfolding tree-strewn hills that make natural amphitheatresWALKING THE LYCIAN WAY, TURKEY of so many sites, the awe-inspiring, craggy rocks and fig- shaded paths, and the amazing views down from heights to20 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS broad valleys or sparkling bays as we visit our destinations. On these, such vistas and the feel of the land’s bones become a central part of the voyage. You’ll experience the terrific scale of towering limestone hills under deep blue Adriatic skies, expansive island-filled Mediterranean bays, or lowering British crags and dappled lanes in some of the prettiest or most inspiring places you can imagine. You’ll walk these grand sites accompanied by all the usual features of a Peter Sommer Travels Tour: an expert guide, with a deep-rooted knowledge of the place, a fine array of sites to visit, fantastic food and great company. Our walking tours are carefully selected and meticulously prepared to offer a superb combination of varied walks through stunning views, visits to fascinating archaeological and historical sites and great food and drink as a well-earned reward, all done at just the right pace. Our guides’ love for exploring these trails themselves and their easy familiarity with the rich history of the places we have specially-selected to visit means you can drink in the majesty of place at one moment, then to absorb the fascinating story of where you are. And throughout these varied, experience-filled days, you have our trademark superb meals at an array of the finest spots that our local expertise produces, the perfect places to relax and chat after a day well-spent.

VIEW FROM PALAIO PYLI CASTLE, KOS, GREECEOVERLOOKING THE RIVER IRTHING, NORTHUMBERLAND, UK THE WALLS OF STON, CROATIA 21

FAMILY TOURS Our family holidays are designed to be relaxing and stimulating, fascinating and fun for all ages. What could be more fun for your family than to experience an unforgettable real-life adventure, exploring ancient mysteries and glorious landscapes, playing and relaxing, while travelling on a wooden boat? And what could be a better holiday for you than to share all that fun in a perfectly stress-free setting? We started organising expert-led cultural gulet cruises for families a number of years ago, as many of our guests had asked us to create tours they could enjoy together with their children and grandchildren. Since then, they have become a regular feature of our yearly tours – and one of our favourites! Like our other escorted tours, Peter Sommer Travels' family holidays are cultural gulet cruises, led by an expert guide. Visits to ancient sites will take you and your children deep into the past and offer you a vivid and hands-on glimpse of antiquity. “THIS TRIP WAS MY FAVORITE TRIP I HAVE EVER TAKEN, MY FAVORITE PART WAS SWIMMING IN THE OCEAN AND JUST HANGING OUT AND RELAXING ALSO THE FOOD WAS AMAZING LIKE HAVING STUFF I HAD NEVER HAD AND THEN IT WAS JUST MELT IN YOUR MOUTH, IT FELT LIKE I WAS IN HEAVEN OR AN AMAZING DREAM.” Matt Lautze - aged 11 “I WENT ON MY FIRST FAMILY GULET CRUISE WITH PETER IN JUNE 2006 WHEN I WAS 13. SIX YEARS ON AND TWO OTHER CRUISES LATER (MEANING THAT I HAD COVERED ALMOST ALL OF SOUTHERN TURKEY ON A BOAT), I HAVE JUST HEARD THAT IN OCTOBER I WILL HEAD OFF TO STUDY ARCHAEOLOGY AT CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY. PETER’S ENTHUSIASM AND WONDERFUL WAY OF EXPLAINING THE SITES WE VISITED SPARKED AN INTEREST THAT CONTINUES (OBVIOUSLY) TO THE PRESENT DAY. THANKS PETER FOR GETTING ME HOOKED ON ARCHAEOLOGY - ANY CHANCE OF A JOB WHEN I FINISH?!” Kate Wilson, Cambridge, UK22 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

“ONE OF THE 3 BEST FAMILY HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME” - CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER“ONE OF THE 20 BEST FAMILY HOLIDAYS” - THE TIMESYou’ll explore the world of the Greeks and Romans in colourful Our scheduled family tour for 2018 is Cruising the Aegean:detail, from the grand scale of culture and history to the nitty- A Family Adventure, a fabulous tour that offers a completegritty of daily life: what they ate, how they built temples or panorama of the ancient world as well as time to play, swim,homes, what their toilets were like, how they were treated at snorkel, read, sunbathe, nap, or simply enjoy the beautiful boatthe doctor's and lots of fun facts. All this and more in places and the wonderful scenery in the company of friends and lovedboasting some of the era's finest artistic and architectural ones - the holiday of a lifetime.achievements.Alongside our archaeological adventures, there is the sheer “THE PETER SOMMER TRAVELS CARIAN COAST TOUR WASjoy of the cruise itself, gliding across the sea aboard a beautiful RECOMMENDED TO US AS A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME FAMILYtraditional Turkish gulet. Our gulet holidays offer plenty of EXPERIENCE. IN ALL RESPECTS, OUR EXPECTATIONS WEREopportunities for guests of all ages to swim, kayak or snorkel EXCEEDED. EVERYTHING, THE CREW, THE FOOD ANDin azure waters, to lie back and read as the world goes by, to THE DAILY ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOURS WAS AMAZING.observe the perfectly clear sky at night (perhaps even some THE INTIMACY OF A SMALL GROUP, THE GULET ANDshooting stars) and to enjoy the delicious home-cooked food FRIENDLY CREW, COUPLED WITH THE REMOTENESS OF THEfreshly prepared on board. When we hike off into the hills, LOCATIONS AND THE DEEP BLUE WATERS MADE US FEELwe’re almost certain to encounter goats, tortoises and various WORLDS AWAY. IN ADDITION, THE EXPERT AND LOCALcreepy-crawlies and while at sea there is always the chance we’ll GUIDE EDUCATED US AND MADE US FEEL WELCOME ANDsee dolphins and turtles! COMFORTABLE. THANK YOU FOR BEING AN IMPORTANT PART OF WONDERFUL FAMILY MEMORIES.” Kevin & Emily McBride, Oregan, USA 23

WE TAKE FOOD VERY SERIOUSLY2 42 4P EPTEETRE RS OSMO M ME RE RT RTARVAEVLESL S

Along with the sites and itineraries, good food plays a key role in the refreshing dips and salads; stuffed roast lamb prepared especially fordesign of our tours and cruises. For us, meals are much more than a us on a small Greek island; original pizza served in a tiny Neapolitanpractical necessity: they are a pleasure to be shared with our guests restaurant; fresh pomegranates, cherries or peaches just picked fromand moreover a central aspect in experiencing the local culture and the tree; subtly seasoned Turkish meatballs on a rooftop terracethe area's gastronomic wealth. In that sense, each of our itineraries is a overlooking Old Istanbul; delicate stuffed zucchini flowers in a Cretanculinary exploration. mountain village; organic olives and their aromatic oil; handmade Turkish baklava; the sweet baby tomatoes of Santorini; freshly caughtOn our gulet cruises, the on-board cooks freshly prepare a wonderful crab overlooking the Northumberland Coast; mature, tangy cheddersvariety of dishes in the ship's galley using fine local ingredients. These and ripe local cheeses from the West Country or the whole range ofdaily delights are complemented by shore meals in excellent and handmade Italian pasta...atmospheric restaurants and tavernas along the itinerary. If gastronomy is a special interest of yours, you should join one ofOn our land and city tours, you’ll enjoy meals at a range of carefully our designated culinary itineraries - but every one of our tours is aselected venues, usually our guides' personal favourites, based on pleasure for all the senses!in-depth local knowledge. They represent the full scope of the region'sculinary achievements and specialities, ranging from authentic “home “THE QUALITY OF THE FOOD AND WINE OFFERED IN ATMOSPHERICcooking” to truly gourmet food, always rooted in local tradition and RESTAURANTS, WINERIES AND TAVERNAS WAS SUPERB. IT WASbased on the strengths of the area's produce. WONDERFUL TO MEET THE OWNERS AND CHEFS OF THE SMALLER TAVERNAS AND FEEL CAUGHT UP IN THEIR PASSION FOR THE LOCALThere are countless delights you will taste on our tours: succulent PRODUCE.”fish, freshly grilled or barbecued, accompanied by a whole array of Peter & Anne Burton, Victoria, AUS 25

Designated Gastronomic Tours For the “foodies” among our guests, we offer a growing range of special gastronomy-themed tours and cruises. Like all our trips, they are centred on expert-guided visits to important and beautiful ancient sites. At the same time, they offer you a deeper understanding of the local culinary tradition. By exploring local markets, picking wild foods, visiting traditional producers and participating in the preparation of delicious meals, you will gain a profound insight and specific knowledge of a region's culinary culture. “A+ GUIDES, COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATIONS, GORGEOUS SCENERY, FASCINATING ARCHAEOLOGY AND OUT OF THIS WORLD FOOD!!” Caroline Chamalaes, California,USA26 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

Wine: Ancient Tradition and Local CultureWine culture goes back to the Bronze Age and was a centralaspect of Greek and Roman life, society and culture. Today,wine still holds a distinctive and evocative role in the areaswe travel. Italy is famed for its venerable vintages; Greece hasrecently rediscovered and redeveloped its ancient traditionof advanced viniculture; Turkey has fledgling but dynamicwine producers and the UK's wine industry is flourishing withsparkling wines becoming a speciality.On all our tours, we serve a select range of wines representingthe products of the country we travel. When we visit wine-producing regions, we also organise wine tastings at hand-picked estates. It is our firm conviction that savouring andenjoying the local wines is a key way to appreciate a region'sculture - an experience we love to share with our guests. “THE FOOD WAS OUTSTANDING IN EVERY RESPECT. THE CHOICE OF PLACES, MOST OF WHICH WE WOULD NEVER HAVE FOUND ON OUR OWN, WAS TERRIFIC AND THE CHOICE OF EACH MENU, HIGHLIGHTING PARTICULAR SPECIALITIES OF WHEREVER WE WERE COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE PERFECT.” Joan Lancourt, Massachusetts, USA 27

PRIVATE TOURSAre you looking for a very special holiday “EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS TRIP WAS FLAWLESS- a uniquely memorable experience to - COMMUNICATION WITH MICHAEL, THE GULET,share with your loved ones, your family, THE FOOD AND MOST OF ALL THE PEOPLE.your friends, or your colleagues? If so, a THE WARMTH OF THE CREW AND GUIDE,Peter Sommer Travels' private tour is PARTICULARLY IN THEIR INTERACTIONS WITHyour ideal choice! OUR CHILDREN (9 AND 14) MADE THE TRIP. THANK YOU.”Peter Sommer Travels’ tailor-made trips are renownedfor their carefully crafted itineraries and the superlative Jill Horwitz, California, USAknowledge and skills of the guides who lead them. Theyare crafted by people who have devoted their lives totravelling as extensively as possible through the citiesand regions of Greece and Italy, Turkey and Croatia,the UK and Ireland. They have explored the numerousarchaeological sites and museums, strolled through themany towns and villages, walked the country lanes andhiking routes and have sought out the very best food andwine on offer in each and every season.If you and your family or friends would like to takeadvantage of this experience, we would be delighted tocreate a specially arranged expert-led tour, perfectlysuited to your precise interests and desires. You canchoose a land tour or a private gulet charter or acombination of the two.Working closely with you to determine the perfectshape your trip shoud take, we will craft an itinerarythat contains everything that you wish for, together withexperiences and sights that you would never otherwisehave known existed. Our expert guides and local guideslook forward to welcoming you.28 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

BY LAND BY SEAOur tailor-made expert-led land tours can focus on a single Our private charters feature the same qualities that distinguishregion or city, or we can create an itinerary for you that our scheduled gulet cruises: comfortable and stylish boats,weaves together several different regions within one country painstakingly prepared itineraries, a perfectly balanced mixe.g. Athens and Crete in Greece, Istanbul and Cappadocia of relaxation and activity and of course – delicious food, allin Turkey, Sicily and Rome in Italy, Zagreb or Dubrovnik in accompanied by our expert guides and local guides. OurCroatia and many of the regional centres across the United charters are available from late spring (April/May) to earlyKingdom and Ireland. Maybe you’d like to combine the autumn (September/October). Charter prices vary accordinghighlights of several different countries, such as a tour of the to the season. Since the best boats book up well in advance weclassical capitals of Europe, combining Rome with Athens and recommend you get in touch as early as you can.London? We provide a range of fully crewed boats, maintained to theFrom boutique hotels and country houses to 5-star hotels, highest safety standards, ranging from 4 to 11 cabins (6 to 20we will find the accommodation that suits your needs. We guests). You can follow one of our established itineraries, modifypride ourselves on our flexibility and capacity to arrange all it to suit your personal interests, or ask us to design your dreamaspects of your journey so you can sit back and relax knowing tour from scratch. We will then organise everything: the fully-everything is taken care of. Whatever your interests, we can crewed boat, airport transfers, access and transport to the sites,create a tour to suit your tastes and desires. and of course meals onboard and ashore. 29

PRIVATE CHARTERSIN CROATIA Croatia's Adriatic Coast is a superb area for boating, due to the country's complex geography and many islands (there are over 1,000 islands, islets and reefs), Croatia's coastline is the third longest on the entire Mediterranean (after Greece and Italy). Encompassing three of the country's historical regions, Istria, Croatia Proper and Dalmatia, the area offers an extraordinarily rich variety of experiences. Remote coves and popular beaches, tranquil historical towns and upmarket resorts, rocky slopes and lush forests: there is much to discover for any traveller, no matter what their tastes and interests might be. Croatia's geographic diversity is complemented by its unusually varied history, making this stretch of shore a meeting place and melting pot of many peoples and cultures throughout time, scattering the coast with a treasure trove of historical and archaeological heritage. Are you dreaming of a trip that allows you to experience and explore a fascinating historical region, but also to relax and simply enjoy yourself? In that case, you should consider a private gulet charter with Peter Sommer Travels in Croatia. While our scheduled tours in Croatia follow set itineraries, a private charter is designed according to your very own wishes and ideas, making it an immensely personal high-quality option, your very own trip. We provide a lovely gulet with a seasoned crew as well as Peter Sommer Travels' trademark team of expert guides. We make you aware of what options, routes and site visits are available, and in a process of careful preparation we create your dream holiday.30 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

“WE LOVED BEING WITH OUR GUIDE, SHE WAS INSIGHTFUL,KNOWLEDGEABLE AND WONDERFULLY ENTHUSIASTIC...THE GULET WAS SENSATIONAL -MUCH MORE THAN WEEVER EXPECTED AND THE CREW EXCELLENT. THE FOODWAS FABULOUS. BEN AND I BOTH AGREED THAT THIS WASOUR BEST MOST MEMORABLE VACATION AND WE‘VE HADMANY IN THE LAST 50 YEARS OR SO -BOTH ON AND OFFSAILBOATS. THANKS SO MUCH.”Joan Giordano, New York, USA 31

PRIVATE CHARTERSIN GREECEThe Greek islands are justly famed for their fresh and The Cycladic islands are the iconic image of insular Greece,healthy cuisine, their history reaching back across the with their villages of blue-and-white painted churches andmillennia, their relaxed pace of life and the beautiful seas houses, their distinctive landscapes set between sea, rocksthat surround them. A prime destination for sailing holidays and sky and their world-renowned archaeological sites.and gulet cruises, their lively harbour towns, evocative They can be difficult to navigate during the high-summerruins and beautiful museums provide something for months when a strong prevailing wind blows through theeveryone; and each island has a distinctive character of its central Aegean, but are a perfect destination in May, Juneown. and September.The Dodecanese islands, stretching in a scattered row Only a handful of gulets operate from Greek ports,around the Turkish coast, are a fascinating region to visit. leaving most of the market to the larger and more flexibleRetaining much of their traditional outlook, these islands Turkish gulet fleet. However, all Turkish gulets that cruiseare distinguished by a genuine and generous hospitality. through the Greek islands must by law pass throughTheir wonderful local cuisine, is perfectly offset by the Turkish customs once during each cruise. As the majormagnificent scenery that varies from verdant valleys Dodecanese islands are all located within a few hours ofto starkly rocky shores, even including a still-rumbling a Turkish port, it is easy to cruise among them for nearlyvolcano, and by a surprising wealth of historical sites from all of a one- or two-week trip. In fact, they are so closemany periods and superb museums. With one or two that we often visit one or two of them on private cruisesweeks to hand, a cruise through these islands is an ever- that are otherwise focussed entirely on the delights of thechanging feast for the senses that can be indulged in from Turkish coastline!late May to early October.32 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

“THE COMBINATION OF OUR BEAUTIFULGLEAMING GULET, A TOTALLY PROFESSIONALCREW, A TALENTED CHEF PRODUCINGEXQUISITE YET SIMPLE DISHES, OUR LOVELYLOCAL GUIDE AND OUR SCHOLAR TOURLEADER WHO LED US INTO THE MAGIC OFTHE ANCIENT WORLD WITH CHARM ANDHUMOUR WAS A RARE PRIVILEGE. EVERY NIGHTONE’S HEAD WAS REELING WITH WHAT ONEHAD SEEN AND HEARD. WHAT MORE CAN ISAY? I SHALL NEVER FORGET IT.”Katherine Wyld, West Sussex, UK 33

PRIVATE CHARTERSIN ITALY The names of the famous Italian coastlines, islands and towns exude an air of extravagant indulgence that has been carefully nurtured by countless films and novels: Capri, Ischia, the Amalfi Coast, the Pontine islands, the Costa Esmeralda, the Tuscan Riviera, Panarea, Stromboli, Lipari… They are the epitome of everything that we imagine about Italy – beautiful art houses, filled with delicate treasures; narrow lanes negotiated with unaffected nonchalance by a vespa-riding, stylishly-dressed population at consummate ease with itself; and a beautifully rich cuisine prepared with love and devotion to recipes passed down through the generations. All this, set against a clear blue sky, a verdant landscape bursting with agricultural riches and an ever-changing emerald sea. Cruising along these coastlines and through islands on your own private gulet allows you to offset the occasionally frenetic pace of life ashore with a relaxed and peaceful time afloat, enjoying the waters in coves and bays that are far from the jet- set crowd. A week-long cruise will allow you to explore any of the principle cruising areas at leisure, be it northern Sicily, the Aeolian islands, the Bay of Naples and Amalfi coast, or the Pontine islands. Two weeks will allow you to combine some of them together to create a unique voyage, allowing you to discover two very different parts of this uniquely varied country. Our select Italian gulet fleet consists of the three best gulets currently available for charter in the entire country, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a uniquely stylish and cultural experience.34 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

“THE COMBINATION OF THE ARCHAEOLOGY, THEFOOD AND WINE EXPERIENCES, THE SWIMMINGAND THE GENERALLY RELAXED ATMOSPHEREMADE FOR A VERY ENJOYABLE TOUR. THERE WASA HIGH ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND OUR TOURGUIDE WAS VERY ENTHUSIASTIC AND HIGHLYQUALIFIED..”Dr. Robert Parsons, Victoria, AUS 35

PRIVATE CHARTERSIN TURKEYThe coastal waters of south-western Turkey are renowned for their The Carian coast of Turkey is an untouched and verdant delight to thegentle waves and predictable seasonal winds. They have consequently senses, perfect for a relaxing cruise visiting spectacular sites such asbecome a haven for waterborne vacations and the growing gulet grandiose Knidos, or off-the-beaten-track gems such as the seasideindustry has led to the development of new marinas and harbours to fortress of Loryma, still only reachable on foot or by boat.complement the small coastal towns and villages that have dotted thiscoastline from time immemorial. The Lycian shore, home to iconic funerary monuments set in glorious isolation, has a wealth of beautiful coves and bays in which your guletThe choice of gulets in Turkey is unrivalled in scope and quality, as can drop anchor for the night, together with some lively harbourare the number of cruising itineraries that can be tailor-made for you. towns for those interested in indulging in some evening entertainmentThe principal cruising area stretches from Kuşadası (the modern port ashore.for ancient Ephesus) located half-way up the western coast, to thebustling city of Antalya near the mid-point of the southern shore. On the western coast you can visit a string of world-famous ancient cities including Ephesus, Priene and Miletus, enjoying the greatestThe famously clean and clear waters of the Turquoise coast from highlights of the ancient world from the relaxed comfort of your gulet.Bodrum to Antalya provide the perfect conditions for swimming,kayaking and snorkelling and this opportunity is gratefully taken A one- or two-week gulet cruise along any of these coastlinesadvantage of on all of our tours. can easily be combined with a visit to one or more of the Greek islands that lie tantalisingly off-shore, giving you the opportunity to experience two of the most timeless cultures of the Mediterranean.36 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

“DON'T WAIT TOEXPERIENCE A PETERSOMMER'S TRIP! IT WASA ONCE IN A LIFETIMEEXPERIENCE THAT WILLBE REMEMBERED ANDCHERISHED FOREVER! THEGUIDES WERE AMAZING ANDTHE BOAT WAS FABULOUS,NOT TO MENTION THEBEAUTIFUL AEGEAN SEA ANDTHE WONDERFUL TURKISHLANDSCAPE!”Alissa Bushnell, California, USA 37

GULETS INCROATIA CROATIA CROATIA - 7 CABINS • 4 double, 3 twin • Up to 12 guests • Built 1998 • Length: 32m (105ft) Made of beautiful materials, she can accommodate up to 14 guests in 4 doubles and 3 twins. She is one of the largest gulets available in Croatia, with copious deck space throughout, open for sunbathing in the front and covered at the back. Her special features include a jacuzzi on the front deck. CROATIA38 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

PERLA LINDAPERLA LINDA- 7 CABINS - 7 CABINS• 5 double, 2 triple • 7 double (2 can convert into twins)• Up to 12 guests • Up to 12 guests• Refit 2007 • Refit 2015• Length: 26m (85ft) • Length: 34m (110ft)The Perla is an elegant 7-cabin gulet, with a A beautiful traditional gulet decked throughout in teakbeautiful teak deck and mahogany hull. She is sleek and mahogany, she offers comfortable accommodationand comfortable with 5 doubles and 2 twin cabins for up to 12 guests in seven double cabins, two of whichaccommodating up to 12 guests. She is spacious, can be converted into twin cabins. All cabins are air-full of character and is fitted out with all standard conditioned with ensuite bathrooms.mod cons.PERLA LINDA 39

KADENA MALENAKADENA MALENA- 6 CABINS - 5 CABINS• 1 master, 1 double, 2 twin, 2 triple • 4 double, 1 twin• Up to 10 guests • Up to 10 guests• Built 2008 • Built 1995• Length: 32m (105ft) • Length: 26m (85ft)Kadena is a gorgeous gulet and one of the largest Malena is a 26 meter classically designed gulet.in Croatia. With 6 elegant and well-appointed Air-conditioned throghout, she offers spaciouscabins, she can accommodate up to 10 guests accommodation for up to 10 guests in 4 doublein comfort and style. She provides ample space cabins & 1 twin cabins. Each cabin has its ownabove and below decks so you can relax in private bathroom with shower.splendour as you cruise along the Adriatic coast.KADENA MALENA40 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

DOLCE VITA ANĐEODOLCE VITA ANĐEO- 5 CABINS - 5 CABINS• 2 master, 2 double, 1 triple • 5 double• Up to 10 guests • Up to 8 guests• Refit 2015 • Built 2000• Length: 34m (110ft) • Length: 27m (89ft)A luxury-class gulet offering spacious accommodation The Anđeo is a luxury-class gulet re-fittedand great style. Her 2 master, 3 double and 1 triple with elegance and style. She has 5 extremely(double & single bed) cabins are beautifully crafted from comfortable double cabins and all the latestmahogany and come equipped with TV, DVD player and modern conveniences. Outside is a spaciousminibar. She even has a jacuzzi on deck. sundeck and dining area.DOLCE VITA ANĐEO 41

GULETS INGREECE &TURKEY AEGEAN CLIPPER AEGEAN CLIPPER - 11 CABINS • 4 double, 8 twin • Up to 22 guests • Built 1999 • Length: 41m (134ft) The largest gulet we regularly use (she has a 33m long deck), she is truly magnificent and is kept in gleaming condition by her Owner/Captain Ergün, who has a vast wealth of experience of cruising in Turkey, Greece and beyond. AEGEAN CLIPPER42 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

OĞUZ BEY KAYHAN 11OĞUZ BEY KAYHAN 11- 11 CABINS - 10 CABINS• 4 double, 6 twin, 1 single • 6 double, 4 twin• Up to 22 guests • Up to 20 guests• Refit 2014 • Built 2002• Length: 39m (128 feet) • Length: 34m (110ft)A classical, traditional gulet beautifully refitted in Retaining the elegant lines and character of a2014 with elegant interiors, contemporary decor and traditional gulet, while providing ample space for acomfortable cabins. She is spacious with plenty of large group of guests (a maximum of 20) to relaxroom for relaxing on deck and ideal for exploring the and enjoy the seas in comfort, the Kayhan 11 isGreek Islands or coast of Turkey. one of our most-requested vessels.OĞUZ BEY KAYHAN 11 43

SUNWORLD IX SULTAN ASUNWORLD IX SULTAN A- 8 CABINS - 8 CABINS• 4 double, 4 triple (double & single bed) • 4 double, 4 twin• Up to 20 guests • Up to 16 guests• Built 1999 • Built 1995• Length: 30m (98.5ft) • Length: 28m (92ft)A gorgeous gulet that is perfectly suited to host Handcrafted from mulberry, mahogany and teak,large or small groups on all of our Turkish and this beautiful gulet unites traditional characterGreek tours. She is elegant, spacious and of classic with modern conveniences. One of our mostdesign with beautiful mahogany fittings and stylish popular gulets for private charters, she is frequentlyfurnishings. requested by name by guests who return year after year.SUNWORLD IX SULTAN A44 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

SUNWORLD 8 SUNWORLD 6SUNWORLD 8 SUNWORLD 6- 8 CABINS - 7 CABINS• 5 double, 2 twin, 1 triple (double & single bed) • 3 double, 4 triple (double & single bed)• Up to 17 guests • Up to 18 guests• Built 1997 • Built 1995• Length: 30m (98.5ft) • Length: 30m (98.5ft)Virtually identical to her sister ship (the Sunworld A lovely, spacious gulet with a beautiful honey-IX) this is a splendid gulet with gorgeous coloured pine interior. Elegant and full of character,mahogany woodwork. She provides ample space she is perfectly designed for private charters.above and below decks where you can relax incomfort while cruising or at anchor.SUANEWGEOARNLDCL8IPPER SUNWORLD 6 45

SKUANYWA OGRULNDER6I V DURAMAZKAYA GÜNERI V DURAMAZ- 6 CABINS - 6 CABINS• 2 master, 2 double, 2 twin • 2 master, 2 double, 2 twin• Up to 12 guests • Up to 12 guests• Built 2009 • Built 2005• Length: 39.5m (130ft) • Length: 30m (98.5ft)A high-class gulet, the Kaya Güneri V is elegant and A sister ship of Kayhan II, Duramaz offers veryvery stylish. She is beautifully crafted with spacious comfortable accommodation with a large salooncabins made from mahogany and her crew will and lots of deck space. She is perfect for families andensure that your time on board is truly memorable. medium-sized groups looking for a private charter.SKUANYWA OGRULNDER6I V DURAMAZ 46 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

SALMAKIS GEMIBAŞISALMAKIS GEMIBAŞI- 6 CABINS - 4 CABINS• 1 master, 3 double, 2 twin • 1 master, 3 double• Up to 12 guests • Up to 8 guests• Built 1997 • Built 2008• Length: 30m (98.5ft) • Length: 23m (75.5ft)A large, elegant and very spacious gulet, with An excellent smaller gulet, she is stylish,beautiful woodwork and a lovely honey-coloured characterful and perfect for a smaller grouppine interior. Stylish and characterful she is perfect seeking a relaxing gulet cruise. The owners of thefor private charters for smaller groups and families. Gemibaşı also run what we consider to be the best seafood restaurant in Bodrum and the food on board is predictably superb.SALMAKIS GEMIBAŞI 47

GULETS INITALY DERIYA DENIZ DERIYA DENIZ - 6 CABINS • 4 double, 2 twin • Up to 12 guests • Built 2002 • Length: 27m (89ft) A beautiful and spacious Turkish gulet with elegant mahogany woodwork, she has been refitted with great style by her Italian owners. We are delighted we can use such a lovely boat for our scheduled tours in Italy. DERIYA DENIZ48 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS

MARIA GIOVANNA SILVER STAR IIMARIA GIOVANNA SILVER STAR II- 6 CABINS - 4 CABINS• 2 double, 4 twin • 1 master, 2 double, 1 twin• Up to 12 guests • Up to 8 guests• Built 1997 • Built 2006• Length: 24m (79ft) • Length: 24m (79ft)A beautiful and traditional Turkish gulet, the Maria A luxury-class gulet, the Silver Star II offersGiovanna has been extensively modified, restyled and spacious and stylish accommodation in her well-refitted by her Italian owners. She is an ideal vessel for equipped cabins. Crafted from beautiful mahoganylarger groups looking for a private charter in Italian wood, this is the most elegant gulet available forwaters. small-group private charters in Italy.MARIA GIOVANNA SILVER STAR II 49

ABOUT CROATIACroatia, with its long Adriatic to name but a few. Each of those culturesshoreline and countless islands, has left its own distinctive imprint, makinghistoric harbour towns, remote Croatia a wonderful country to discover andcoves and ever-changing enjoy.scenery, is ideal terrain for agulet cruise. Croatia's attractions are too many to list. The country has superb landscapes, fromAlthough Croatia has a long tradition and snow-capped mountains via lush forests andmuch expertise as a travel destination, its placid lakes to an intricate coastline withvisibility had been languishing at rather low over a thousand islands, forty-seven of themlevels in recent decades. All this is now inhabited. The archaeological and culturalchanging, and this beautiful country – a heritage includes prehistoric strongholds,crossroads of cultures and a rich panorama traces of Greek settlements, vast Romanof experiences – is re-entering the horizon, monuments, the charming churches of thegoing from strength to strength. No wonder: first Christian Croatians, the grand edifices ofCroatia has very much to offer to travellers, the Venetian-influenced Republic of Ragusaand it does so in a way that combines (modern Dubrovnik) and innumerableunfailing quality with a distinctively friendly, medieval and post-medieval cities of greatpersonal and relaxed style. interest and prettiness, each with its own character and beauty, be it inland, on theThe country's unique position within Europe coast or even on an island.and the Balkans – neither East nor West,neither North nor South – has imbued it ZAGREBwith a unique mix of geographic featuresand cultural influences, making it a place of PULA CROATIAgreat diversity in every regard. Over themillennia, it has been a home or a frequent ZADARdestination for Illyrian and Dalmatiantribes, Greek colonists, Roman legionaries ŠIBENIK(and emperors!), Byzantine bishops, Slavic SPLITwarriors, Croatian Dukes, Ottoman andVenetian traders, Italian artists and Austrian ITALYengineers, DUBROVNIK50 PETER SOMMER TRAVELS