In March, 30 years ago, archaeologist Peter Sommer set off on his 2,000-mile (3,219-kilometre) trek across Turkey, retracing Alexander the Great’s route through the region’s breathtaking landscapes and ancient sites. The journey inspired Peter Sommer to begin leading archaeological tours to the country and eventually to start his own travel company.
In this anniversary year, Peter Sommer Travels is offering four walking tours in Turkey, two of which will be led by Peter Sommer himself. The departures are:
• Walking and Cruising Western Lycia: Eight days departing May 12, 2024, and starting at £2,895 (approx. AU$5,597) per person based on double occupancy. Led by Peter Sommer.
• Walking and Cruising the Lycian Shore: Fifteen days departing September 29, 2024, and starting at £5,125 (approx. AU$9,908) per person based on double occupancy. Led by Peter Sommer.
• Walking and Cruising the Carian Coast: Eight days departing September 29, 2024, and starting at £2,925 (approx. AU$5655) per person based on double occupancy. Led by Dr. Richard Bayliss.
• Walking and Cruising Western Lycia: Eight days departing Oct. 6, 2024, and starting at £2,895 (approx. AU$5,597) per person based on double occupancy. Led by Dr. Richard Bayliss.
“Apart from one family holiday at a Spanish resort, I’d never been abroad, though I had studied Alexander’s life and empire. I expected my journey to be an adventure, and it was, filled with incredible views of the land and sea, and the stunningly well-preserved remains of cities from centuries gone by,” Mr Sommer said.
“But the Turkish people proved to be the greatest revelation, welcoming me, a young foreigner, into their homes and sharing their meals with me. These chance encounters, and the entire experience, were life-changing and led to the birth of my travel company.”
Tours include accommodations and crew services aboard Turkish gulets, meals, excursions with expert guides, entrance fees and tips on land, airport transfers on the first and last day, and more.
IMAGE: Peter Sommer on Alexander the Great Walk in 1994
