Exploring Crete Traveller Reviews

This holiday was meant to introduce a small group to archeological sites under the guidance of a Greek historian and an archeologist.We visited many interesting sites and nearby museums and learned from an expert the basic principles of archeology as an evidence based science that attempts to discern how people of the past lived. The other focuses of the trip were nature and food. During the two weeks, we sampled foods from many different areas of Crete. We also experienced the natural variation in topography of the region through extensive travel in rural areas and by staying in accommodations in traditional Cretan villages. The small group allowed for many interactions and the develop,ent of close relationships with people of like minded interests.

This is a very professional, well organized tour that offers a variety of wonderful experiences that encompass archeology, culture and nature. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone!

The tour met our expectations of learning more about the history of Crete. The knowledge and experience of Heinrich Hall and Maria Girtzi, both experienced archaeologists enabled us to understand the Minoan sites so much better than if we had visited them on our own. The comprehensive design of the tour program is to be commended.

Our experience with Peter Sommer Travels was very positive and when the tour program had to be changed on one day due to two bridges having been washed away the guides took part of their day off to organize a replacement program. Our dealings with head office was very responsive.

We had a fantastic tour of Crete with Peter Sommer Travels. The guides provided in-depth, engaging and highly knowledgeable interpretation of each site, with a good deal of humour and passion thrown in. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed and very well prepared. The choice of destinations, food and accommodations were excellent, with awesome and really interesting settings. We could not have chosen a better way to see and learn about Crete!

Peter Sommer Travels provided excellent organization and logistics, smoothly delivered. The food and accommodation were top notch, the guides were also top notch, the transportation by bus was very comfortable with expert driving, airport trasnfers were well organized and smooth, and the overall experience was terrific.

Experienced archaeologists interpret almost 4000 year old Minoan and Dorian sites from a perspective that no other guide could give. Because they have done many excavations themselves, they really know their subject. One a PHD and lecturer at the Hellenic Open University and the other a co-editor of the Blue Book on the Aegean. Maria gives great perfomances while presenting Greek mythology in the context of the site visit. Heinrich is a wealth of knowledge.

they obviously have done a great job planning. What Michelin describes as a 3 week adventure, they accomplish in 10 days in depth.

As ever the trip was a well balanced itinerary of ancient and contemporary Crete, and Heinrich's profound depth of knowledge and evidence based commentary was excellent. This was scholarship at its best - expert subject knowledge, impartial analysis and great story telling. The hotels were also a delight, each giving a different experience and capturing a different facet of this diverse island. I also enjoyed some fantastic food and (more surprising to me at least) wine. The effort that goes into sourcing great local food (as opposed to just opting for standard international fare) is always a highlight of your tours and adds enormously to appreciation and understanding of the culture.

Peter Sommer Travels focus on providing enjoyable, enriching and mind expanding travel. They have great attention to detail and deliver a very personal service. As a single traveller I very much appreciate the highly sociable ambience the tour leaders create on every trip.

All aspects were excellent.

All was excellent.

The tour of Crete was fabulous! The tour and country exceeded my expectations. The accommodations were great......from a modern hotel with all the amenities to small villages with very comfortable, interesting apartments. The food was incredible.......the local produce, cheeses and meats and seafood were well prepared and copious. Our fellow tour-mates were great travel companions: we represented the USA, UK and Canada. Crete was wonderful with widely differing terrain and fascinating archeology.

Our tour guides were outstanding. Maria and Heinrich were well-matched and complimented one another well. I really enjoyed the mythology presented by Maria. The tour was well planned with every detail addressed.

A well led trip by two thoroughly professional and sociable guides. The accommodation was a treat with stays in old mansions and converted mountain village homes.

This is our third trip with Peter Sommer and recommend them highly to firends.

A wonderful first visit to Crete, guided by experts as part of a small group (10 guests) to visit key sites throughout the island. Superb accommodation, meals and company. No reservations in recommending this holiday.

Peter Sommer Travels arranges the most interesting and attractive tours. Clients are treated like family members and no effort is spared to make everything as good as it can possibly be.

I found Crete to be very interesting enhanced by the two guides. I especially enjoyed the culinary aspects. Our guides were interesting, engaging, and fun!

Peter Sommer offers terrific value for the money. Easy planning. Some of the best guides. True professionals in every way.