Ancient Mediterranean adventures

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EXPLORE the great wonders of past civilisations led by expert guides including archaeologists, historians and travel writers.

Cultural and archaeological tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels have just introduced four new itineraries for 2012, which explore the historic sites and spectacular landscapes of the Mediterranean.

The four new itineraries are among 19 different tours and gulet cruises offered in Turkey, Greece and Italy, catering for small groups of no more than 18 people. They include 10 sailing itineraries aboard traditional wooden gulets, plying the azure waters of the Mediterranean between ancient sites and secluded coves while enjoying fine food served by a private on-board chef.

New tours offered by Peter Sommer Travels in 2012 include:

1. Cruising to the Cyclades (May 19 to June 2) - a quintessential Greek island experience, sailing clear blue waters to more than a dozen Aegean islands in the Dodecanese and Cyclades archipelagos. Led by archaeologist Heinrich Hall, the itinerary includes glorious Santorini, laid-back Kos and mountainous Naxos. 
2.  Cruising the Carian Coast (July 21 to 28) - a special family sailing led by archaeologist Peter Sommer, visiting Turkey's south-west coast where ancient sites are scattered among beautiful towns and spectacular coastline, with plenty of opportunity for families to enjoy swimming and walking.
3. Exploring Cappadocia (September 3 to 8) - an adventure among the remarkable geological formations and ancient cave dwellings of Cappadocia, hosted by historian Dr Michael Metcalfe and featuring an early morning balloon flight over Turkey's most celebrated landscape. 
4. A Carian Odyssey (September 8 to 22) - a gulet cruise along the magnificent Carian coastline of Turkey led by archaeologist Heinrich Hall, visiting spectacular sites like the marbled harbour city of Knidos and the cliff-face tombs of Kaunos, with time to enjoy quiet coves, scenic walks and fine food.

Among popular itineraries returning in 2012 is Peter Sommer's signature tour In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great: the Conquest of Asia Minor, a 20-day journey through Turkey chosen by National Geographic Traveller magazine as one of the world's 10 best educational holidays in 2008.  A complimenting 20-day tour, In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great: from Boy to King, explores the ruler's early life in Greece through the ancient sites of Macedonia.

The new brochure also features Italian itineraries including the eight-day Cruising the Amalfi Coast and the eight-day A Gastronomic Tour of Eastern Sicily, as well as profiling a selection of magnificent timber gulets available for private sailing charters in Italy, Turkey and Greece.

For more information visit Peter Sommer.

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