From Kos to Patmos Traveller Reviews

I have travelled extensively in Greece by myself, but this trip combined islands that not easily reachable by plane or ferry, and so this was the perfect itinerary for me. Then I knew the absolute great quality of Peter Sommer Travels and it was again confirmed this time. Dr Maria Girtzi was the perfect host to her country, with her knowledge of archeology, mythology, food and everything else about Greece. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and Dr Nigel Spivey provided us with thoughtful insights. The combination of visits and swimming time in secluded bays was perfect. The crew of 4 was perfect, as the freshly caught fish and rest of the food cooked on board. Dr Girtzi also always found the perfect choice of restaurants ashore. A thoroughly enjoyable week.

It was my fourth tour with Peter Sommer Travels and the experience is always perfect

Our holiday was, for us, the perfect combination of time spent cruising on the boat, sightseeing, swimming and enjoying local food and wine. Our tour leader, Dr Maria Girtzi, was extremely knowledgeable and provided expert guidance at the sites we visited and we also benefited from talks from both her and Dr Nigel Spivey during our visits and whilst on board. Dr Girtzi also ensured that we got the chance to savour local food specialties and drink local wine. The crew of the vessel were helpful, pleasant and very accommodating.

The arrangements ran smoothly and any queries we had were dealt with promptly. We are looking forward to travelling with Peter Sommer again.

The Kos to Patmos tour brought together travellers from the Uk, Italy and North America, who visited the beautiful Dodecanese islands aboard a comfortable Turkish gulet where the crew treated us courteously and treated us to the most bountiful meals. The historic sites and rich culture were enhanced by our outstanding lecturer Dr. Spivey and our tour leader Dr. Girtzi who engaged us with lectures and steeped us in the culture of these Greek islands. The vistas, the sites, the excellent weather, the amazing staff aboard our ship, the food and wine, the archaeological sites, the lectures and the company if like-minded travellers made for an extraordinary trip!!

Peter Sommer Tours clearly goes out of its way to find excellent ships and crews, ensures wonderfully bountiful meals, exceptional wines, careful organization at the hands If his your leader, and secures outstanding lecturers. Dr. Nigel Spivey, a Classicist who specializes in ancient art and archaeology, is a renowned specialist in his field and to have the opportunity to learn from him while enjoying the carefully chosen sites of the Dodecanese was a privilege. Peter Sommer has found a niche in creating tours which engage both the mind with lectures and conversation, and the soul with peaceful cruising among beautiful vistas.

A great experience with a small passenger group, filled with ancient Greek history, brilliantly explained by our resident archaeologists. The crew were very professional and attentive complimented by excellent food on board. Would thoroughly recommend this tour.

Very helpful and professional, with prompt communication.

This cruise embodied a perfect balance of relaxation, amazing scenery, culture, historical education and great varieties of cuisine. With only ten passengers, two archeologists as our tour guides and a small crew who were responsive to our every need, this trip definitely ticks all the boxes.

Very professional and organised. We were pleased that the original price was honoured from our 2019 booking.

From swimming in the perfect blue waters in quiet coves in the South Aegean to listening, wrapt, to our archeologist guides spin history into living tales, this was a magnificent trip! Our boat's captain was also an excellent chef and delighted us with beautifully prepared Turkish cuisine and other specialties. The crew took great care of us, and the atmosphere among guests on board was congenial and convivial.

Peter Sommers team thoughtfully prepared a wonderful itinerary and all the practical arrangements seamlessly. Excellent communication and very helpful throughout.

A magical seven days sailing the Aegean with stops at historical sites, private coves for swimming and beautiful dining on and off the gulet. Our fellow travelers were friendly, well traveled people from several nations.

Maria, Tassos and Cem were very informed about the areas we visited and beyond. They were always available and engaged for questions and conversations.

The cruise was intimate and informative: a Turkish gulet with 8 other guests plus two archeologists. The itinerary was well planned and full, the cruising between islands was relaxing, the guided tours always on point whether related to ancient Greece, the Byzantine Empire or World War II, food on board and onshore was remarkable, and, finally, the swimming was great. I would recommend this trip without reservation.

Given Covid restrictions our communications with Peter Sommer Travels were extensive over a three year period. The company was always responsive to questions and kept us informed during this difficult time. The trip itself was meticulously planned and our guides were excellent even in the face of making a big change to the tour due to rough seas. They didn't miss a beat. It was great to have someone else take responsibility for all aspects of our trip. We felt absolutely, wonderfully, taken care of.

We chose Peter Sommer’s Cruising the Aegean: from Kos to Patmos because of our love of the Greek Islands and classical archeology. Peter’s travel team arranged a beautiful, educational, as well as very relaxing trip. We were so fortunate to have two expert guides, as our local guide Tassos, is a specialist in Byzantine archaeology. Our expert guide, Tony Spawforth is an accomplished author and expert on classical history. He was delightful and had a great sense of humor. This was our first time on a gullet, and we thoroughly enjoyed the barefoot experience, delicious family style meals, camaraderie with fellow passengers and guides, and being pampered by the excellent crew. Peter Sommer’s cruises are definitely a repeater and we are already planning next year’s cruise.

We chose Peter Sommer’s Cruising the Aegean: from Kos to Patmos because of our love of the Greek Islands and classical archeology. Peter’s travel team arranged a beautiful, educational, as well as very relaxing trip. We were so fortunate to have two expert guides, as our local guide Tassos, is a specialist in Byzantine archaeology. Our expert guide, Tony Spawforth is an accomplished author and expert on classical history. He was delightful and had a great sense of humor. This was our first time on a gullet, and we thoroughly enjoyed the barefoot experience, delicious family style meals, camaraderie with fellow passengers and guides, and being pampered by the excellent crew. Peter Sommer’s cruises are definitely a repeater and we are already planning next year’s cruise.

Cruising the Aegean: From Kos to Patmos Dates 26th May 2018 to 2nd June 2018 The trip really began several days earlier when we booked into a small but very beautiful hotel “Su” in Bodrum recommended by Peter Sommer. The staff were exceptionally attentive and the food outstanding. Our cabin on SUNWORLD IX was larger than we expected given our previous trips in Gulets and made life extremely easy. The captain, crew and guides were all interesting and went out of their way to accommodate our every wish. I had been having walking problems and the guides did everything possible to make sure I did not stand too long or walk too far. Michael Metcalfe’s lectures and conversations were a pleasure to attend and Nota Karamaouna, a native of Greece added a sense of fun to every trip. Meal times were an event; the regional cooking was exceptional and occasionally outstanding; cooking of fresh fish perfect. Visits to restaurants and vineyards were unique and introduce us to great wines and some very good fine dining. In particular on Leros we visited the winery Domaine Hatzidakis which makes only a few thousand bottles a year but on site tasted fantastic. Also on Leros Michael gave a very detailed account of the invasion of the island by the Germans during WWII and we visited the Associated Common Wealth war cemetery. As soon as I am fit I will be booking my next trip.

Outstanding concern for clients wellbeing