Peter Sommer Travels 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 was led by Peter Sommer, whose unrivalled personal and professional knowledge of the area and its history was complemented by special experts of the highest quality in Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy and Smyrna. On top of this our guide, Cem, ensured that the logistics ran smoothly; that our accommodation, was the best available, with an emphasis on character; and that we ate and drank plentiful and delicious local fare.

The organisation was faultless, and while on tour great care was taken to accommodate our personal needs and interests.

An stimulating intellectual experience delivered by our two excellent guides Tony and Lucia. Learned extensively of the historical, archeological and antiquity of ancient Sicily. First class accommodation, seamless venue transfers, wonderful group and heaps of fun with our very personable guides.

A highly efficient organisational operation, administratively, prompt courteous communications on all matters. Attention to operational detail including transport management, quality venue locations and exceptional teamwork also Informative detailed technical handouts were invaluable complementing our travel experience.

This long-awaited holiday could not have been better. My knowledge of ancient history increased with the discussions and teaching of a renowned history expert, and the other leader was also extremely well-qualified, with local facts, history, dates, stories and details at her fingertips. Both were personable, animated guides with senses of humour. Others in the group were interested in the field, with varying degrees of knowledge, and we all had strong motivation to be there. Our small group got on well, and enjoyed many a delicious Sicilian meal together with fine wines. The accommodation was always comfortable, in either stunning rural locations, or convenient to a city's attractions. Quite a few special occasions punctuated our days, eg, chocolate-making in an historic town, free time to wander lanes of a hilltop village, rambling up Mt Etna with a vulcanologist, and becoming acquainted with olive oil production.

Peter Sommer Travels gives evidence of being an outstanding travel provider. It was easy to appreciate the care and consideration given to the needs of the group in the organisation that must have taken place behind the scenes. You could see the thought that went into designing a holiday for history buffs at the same time as providing treats for all the senses.

I had thoroughly researched several cultural tour options and read many great reviews about Peter Sommer Travels before booking so I expected a great tour. However, my experience was beyond what I had imagined. Having been to Rome several times already I was astonished at how much I’d missed during prior visits. Our host/guide took us daily on a lively, fascinating journey, sharing ancient Rome’s people, places, art, architecture, historic sites and mysteries. We experienced some of the world’s top restaurants and stayed in a lovely hotel that was built as a convent in the 15th century. The days flew by and I learned more than I could ever have imagined. This is a unique and unforgettable experience. I highly recommend Peter Sommer Travels, and hope to see them again in the future.

Super knowledgeable, an outstanding teacher, organized, conscientious, funny, gracious. We moved at a fast pace but never too fast, and he kept us on a tight schedule which ensured we could fit as much as possible into our days

I took this Easter in Athens trip as I wanted to see a bit more of Athens. I have visited many times in the past, and this holiday showed me things I couldn't have experienced on my own. We took part in candlelit processions, ate traditional Easter foods, listened to beautiful singing, all explained by a native Athenian.

Peter Sommer Travels is a small firm that I have used many times - they have really knowledgeable & helpful guides, excellent organisation, and lovely places to show.

I spent 7 days in Athens over the Easter period , experiencing the Greek Orthodox religion also we had a good variety of archaeological sites that were visited.

Peter Sommer Travels , excellent service , first class service & first rate guides.

This tour provided an excellent overview of the various civilizations that occupied Crete but concentrated on the Minoan period which was of special interest to me. The tour was well designed and for the most part we had the various sites to ourselves, avoiding conflicts with other tours. The tour was expertly guided by Heinrich Hall and Maria Girtzi who gave us freely of their knowledge and experience. A bonus was the extensive flowers throughout the island

This was the first time my husband and I had been with Peter Sommer having had a recommendation from others. We were not disappointed as the real strength was the quality of the two tour guide leaders not forgetting the experience of our driver, very expert in driving our bus through the small villages we needed to pass through to to get to out of the way sites

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.

I spent eleven days discovering fascinating development of life on Crete during the past 4,000 years

Both Maria and Heintich not only had the facts, but were able to present and explain the history. I loved Maria’s telling the myths,