Walking & Cruising Lycian Shore Traveller Reviews

I had a great and educational time looking at archeological ruins along the Aegean coast of Turkey.

Peter Sommer tours: knowledgeable and professional, personable and enthusiastic. Peter delightfully explained what we were looking at.

This was my fifth Peter Sommer trip and my fourth on a gulet - "Walking and Sailing the Lycian Way". It encompass all I want for my perfect holiday, boats, walking/hiking and seeing ancient remains. It was a very professional and wonderfully organised experience and every detail was catered for. I had to do nothing, but get up in the morning. The gulet was very comfortable and I loved the sailing between the various beautiful locations. I could relax and watch others go for swims, snorkelling or paddle boarding. I was amazed how a small boat could produce such fresh and appetising food, even though Greek/Turkish food is not my thing. I never went hungry. One of our guides Cem, introduced us to wonderful Turkish wines. We also had many meals in local restaurants or on picnics, meeting local Turkish people. We even called into a bakery and saw our bread being made. I am not sports minded, but walking is my delight. We walked/trekked through forests, open landscapes. Sometimes easy walking, sometimes across rugged territory. Many of the tracks were ancient roads and we walked where people had walked for thousands of years. The most bizarre thing was seeing a wizened old shepherd with his flock of sheep, while scrolling through his smart phone! We walked up hill and down dale, with so many wonderful views, that my phone camera could not capture the magnificence of the scenery. We walked along old roads, past numerous tombs, through ruined ancient Greek settlements and it is here that our guides, Cem and Peter Sommer himself came into their own. They have been doing these tours for decades and have selected the best sites and walk combinations. The depth of their knowledge was astounding. Knowledge is one thing, however, but they also had the ability to put it over and bring dead sites to life. This coupled with a deep understanding of the often complex history put them into context and made the tour unforgettable. Another important aspect of the tour was meeting people of similar interest and from various countries across the world. The small size of the group was important, as it allowed you to get to know each other, make friendships and explore other aspects of life in a way that larger tours can not. I can not recommend these tours highly enough. I am also booked on another one next year and thinking of adding another one as well.

Peter Sommer organises and runs superb tours through the ancient world, either on land or sailing with gulets. He employs wonderful guides who are both knowledgeable, enthusiastic and able to make dead sites ‘come to life’. They only take small numbers allowing you to get to know each other, make friendships and explore other aspects of life in a way that larger tours can not.

Our 14-day "Walking and Sailing the Lycian Way" tour was a vivid journey through ancient Lycia. My husband and I came away with a richer appreciation for both historic and modern Turkey. These tours attract glowing reviews and I understand why. The attention to detail in everything from site selection to culinary experiences (often combined as when our guides prepared a delicious picnic in a quiet site overlooking a the ruins of an Ancient Greek theater), to historical insights and the beautiful anchorages with spectacular swimming opportunities - all combine to create a unique and unforgettable experience. An eerie 1923 ghost town echos the (relatively) recent displacement and loss of a traumatic population exchange - while more ancient ruins whisper of long-ago human striving, creativity, prosperity as well as turmoil, conflict and catastrophic loss. The setting is stunning, the camaraderie with fellow travelers is engaging and fun. We are actively debating which tour to sign up for next!

Peter Sommer Travels crafts exceptional archaeological tours, blending meticulous itineraries with deep historical insight. Their expert guides, true scholars, bring ancient sites to life with researched narratives, navigating complex histories with clarity and passion. From obscure ruins to authentic cultural experiences, every detail—hikes, meals, and anchorages—is thoughtfully designed to immerse travelers in the region’s past and present. The company’s commitment to small, engaged groups fosters camaraderie, making each journey both educational and personal. Highly recommended for history enthusiasts seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures.

The coastal walks overlooking the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea were stunning. Walking into a deserted remote archeological site one often had the feeling we were the first modern visitors. Our guides enthusiastically delivered historical knowledge helped bring these ancient sites to life for us. Traditional Turkish meals in small villages and on the boat were excellent. Afternoon swims from our gullet after a day's walk were a highlight. Congenial dinners over wine finishing out each magical day. Overall, an amazing trip, exceeding our expectations. We plan to book again on another tour.

Well organized and planned, amazing guides. Overall exceeded our expectations.

We spent 14 days on a traditional Turkish gulet with 10 other guests, 2 guides and 4 crew. We cruised the Eastern Mediterranean around Gemiler Island, Sidyma, Patara, Pinara, Apollonia, Kekova Island and Ucagiz. We enjoyed wonderful foods prepared by the crew as well as in some local restaurants and with a local family. The tramping was on some rocky/uneven ground but was on the fabulous marked Lycian Way.

We were very pleased with the advance information provided by Peter Sommer Travels , including recommendations on the level of fitness required, items to pack and what to expect in terms of tramping conditions. Everything was accurate and helpful. The booking and payment instructions were easy and the guides were extremely knowledgable and good companions for the entire trip.

Combination of gullet sailing and hiking on the Western Lycian Way in Turkey. Well organised and excellent information about ancient cultures and Turkish history and culture.

Well organised and we felt well looked after. Hiking was strenuous at times and temperatures were hot, but activities were paced well.

Walking and cruising the Lycian Shore for two weeks with Peter Somers himself was the perfect holiday for us. Starting the day with a swim in the clear blue water , then an excellent Turkish breakfast on board our Gulet and on to explore some lesser known ancient ruins all the while being regaled by Peter as he brought the ancient past to life brilliantly. Often this was followed by a lunch hosted by a Turkish family - my personal favourite, a way to experience Turkish culture first hand. All this was followed by another swim or two and interesting chats with the other guests on board and a G & T while we watched the sun setting over the Mediterranean in a gorgeous pink display. Two weeks of bliss. We plan to return next year!

Peter Somers is engaging and knowledgeable

Well-chosen walks in a wonderful location. Great opportunities for swimming. Delicious food both on-board and in carefully chosen family restaurants. A relaxing and stimulating holiday. The gullet was beautiful, with a very professional and helpful crew.

Highly professional and well-organised From initial contact to post holiday follow up. Our guides were excellent, both in terms of subject knowledge and as entertaining and welcoming hosts

We cruised and walked Turkey’s Lycean Shore with Peter Sommer Travel. It was an extremely well organised tour, led by Peter Sommer whose knowledge of the region, its history and archaeology is absolutely superb. In addition, the gullet crew were great and the food was a real treat - including varied on-board fare and excellent lunches in small restaurants and families on the walks, very special.

Very well organised, fantastic subject-matter expertise, all-round great company. Everyone we met or interacted with was extremely helpful and professional.

An excellent combination of cruising in a gulet, walking, learning about ancient Lycia, led by two great guides who ensured we had a fabulous time. Wonderful food, local encounters and a comfortable gulet, run by friendly highly competent people

Peter Sommer tours do everything really well; a great itinerary, guides who are experts and very sociable , excellent communication and great organisation. Highly recommend