A Gastronomic Gulet Cruise Traveller Reviews

Started on 25Sep2025. In the six weeks we've been traveling through Turkey, the best part, by far, was the Gastronomic Gulet Cruise with Peter Sommer. A perfect blend of archaeology and gastronomy with true experts and local people who Peter and Cem have cultivated relationships with for decades. The boat was beautiful, all teak and mahogany. The meals were a cross-section of Turkish cuisines, and included local items from the locations we visited that day, like honeys, bread, vegetables, fish etc. Peter's expertise in history was unmatched, and his stories from the ancient writers, about the very places we were at, brought everything to life.

Peter Sommer and Cem were organized, efficient, and knowledgeable. Best we've ever had.

A seven day cruise along the Turquoise Coast in Turkey. Sailed aboard a classic-styled wooden gulet schooner, along with two guides, a crew of six, and eight total passengers. Started the cruise in the town of Gocek, Turkey, ending in Bodrum. Along the way, visited a number of archeological sites, along with an opportunity to swim in the beautiful waters off of the southern coast of Turkey.

A perfect mix of archeological and gastronomic experiences, while cruising the turquoise waters of the Turkish coast. Led by two outstanding guides that one could easily become friends with. What more could you ask for?

After 2 weeks of travelling through Turkey, I spent the third and final week sailing the coast of Turkey with Peter Sommers, starting in Bodrum and ending in Gocek. Gorgeous scenery, fabulous food and wonderful company. A wonderful mix of archeology site visits, hikes, sailing, and local experiences and hospitality with incredible generous people that one would never encounter without the warm and genuine relationships that Peter and his team have developed over many years. I felt rested, relaxed, invigorated and humbled by the end of the trip. Would love to do a two week walking and sailing trip!

Peter, Cem and the Sultan A crew were simply the best! The trip was well organized and expertly led with thoughtful and unique off the beaten track excursions. Peter and Cem were professional, enthusiastic, engaging, yet humble, and very funny! They are a great team and continually demonstrated leadership, diplomacy, safety and flexibility. I so appreciated their combined wealth of knowledge and enthusiasum in sharing many different perspectives of Turkish history and culture. Gem clearly loves his home country and is so happy to share it with others, while Peters' respect, fondness and admiration for Turkey and it's people is very evident. Beautiful people and a beautiful country. I would highly recommend having a trip (or two) with Peter Sommers Travel at the top of one's "Bucket List".

A very varied and interesting combination of local food, venues and archaeology I enjoyed the variety of venues for lunch each day, from farms to wine producers and sometimes helping with the cooking and learning new techniques. The archaeology was fascinating and I learnt a lot without realising it An amazing holiday and very much enjoyed

We were lucky enough to have Peter Sommer as our tour leader. His enthusiasm for his subject, archaeology, was very infectious and gave me an interest that I had not had previously. The crew on board the gulet could not have been more helpful and pleasant. Because of high winds causing difficult conditions our programme had to be modified but care was taken that we did not miss the features of our tour

We had a trip of a lifetime sailing the breathtaking Turkey Aegean Coast. We feasted on delicious Turkish food, and learned so much regarding ancient history while standing on the very soil where everything happened. We felt so fortunate to have had this experience and are yearning for more! I cried when our trip was over. The beautiful Turquoise Coast mimicked the excitement of learning about our civilization and wanting to learn more and to taste the delicious foods of Turkey and to yearn for another trip there - With Peter Sommer and his crew!

Our tour operator - Peter Sommer was brilliant. His depth of knowledge and ability to impart that was exciting. The planning and rhythm of the trip was great. Even when weather affected us we were flexible and always had a plan B. Because of the connections that the company has we were introduced to some very special people.

Best group tour we have taken. Peter's archaeological expertise and management skills made for an amazing gastronomical and educational trip. Group size was perfect and gulet boat is the ideal way to appreciate the environment and history of the area. Boat crew was attentive and professional. Gastronomic destinations were intimate, delicious, and well curated. Highly recommend this tour.

Peter Sommers is a great archaeological educator and tour organizer. He was also very nimble in adjusting our schedule to changing conditions on the water.

This was an amazing trip on board a magnificent mulberry, mahogany, and teak sailboat, Sultan A. Built in 1995 with 8 cabins (each with a shower, toilet and sink) plus accommodations for the crew of 5, our traditional gulet was comfortable as well as safe. Every meal was excellent with a variety of choices. My food allergy was respected! I highly recommend our gastronomic tour. In addition to learning how certain dishes were prepared, we watched our teachers pull roasted eggplants out of the fire with bare hands. We visited an olive oil press and learned how the process has changed over time. We also visited a vineyard. Fun. As we were in Turkey, it was fun to visit a few archeological ruins. Great trip!

Peter Sommers Travel did a great job communicating with us before our cruise and arranging for our transfers.

7 nights on gullet Bodrum to Dalaman. Well thought through programme well executed. Sirdar impressive guide and good company. Good food, activities and organisation.

Peter Sommer Ltd - had not travelled with them before but can see why they have their reputation.

If you're looking for a nice balance of history, cuisine and relaxation this cruise achieves that. Our attentive crew and great chef provided a very pleasant onboard experience while our guide, Serdar, provided engaging activities while ensuring we still had time for our pre-dinner swim.

From our initial booking communication through to the cruise experience itself, we found a consistent attention to detail that ensured the cruise not only matched expectations but certainly exceeded them.

A week's cruising at the end of May around Turkey with Seder our guide expertly showing us around some fabulous archaeological sites. The itinerary was so well balanced. There was just the right amount of time to relax, swim, read and sunbathe whilst also never feeling you were far from the next adventure - be that a new archeological site that was brought alive by Seder or a cooking lesson and just endless scrummy food. The boat was delightful - the perfect size to feel luxurious, whilst not too big that it didn't feel like a boat any more. The crew were warm, endlessly helpful and tireless in their efforts. It really was a magical experience and we all agreed it was a very very special holiday. We also loved meeting our other guests too - and for them putting up with so many English girls!

Very helpful, good communication The cruise should be renamed to highlight the archeological aspect and especially the guide