European tour specialist Peter Sommer Travels has a fabulous line-up of tours of Croatia planned in June, September and October this year, offering Australian travellers a chance to escape the cooler months and cruise the coast of Dalmatia – with highlights including Dubrovnik, Zadar and Split – on a traditional wooden gulet.
A recent, repeat winner of the UK’s prestigious AITO Tour Operator of the Year gold award, Peter Sommer Travels’ itineraries are led by engaging hosts, each an expert in the region’s local history and culture, while traditional food and wine shared with good company on board the gulet and at local restaurants make each adventure an unforgettable European experience.
Dalmatia, the southern part of Croatia’s Adriatic Coast, is a region of immense natural beauty and historical significance. A province of mountains, sea and islands, Dalmatia was strategically important and valuable for ancient traders and is ideal for a gulet cruise. Peter Sommer Travels offers 4 tours exploring the region’s history and local gastronomy:
- Cruising The Dalmatian Coast: From Šibenik to Zadar An 8-day historical and cultural tour of one of Croatia’s most diverse coastal regions, taking in beautiful Šibenik, graced with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed cathedral and trio of mighty fortresses as well as Zadar’s Venetian walls that protect a breathtaking heritage. The Krka Valley boasts astonishing series of waterfalls. Archaeologist Professor Helena Thomas, leads the expeditions departing 8 and 15 September 2018. Fares from £3495 per person twin share (approximately AU$6380). Maximum: 10/12 guests.
- Cruising The Dalmatian Coast: From Split To Dubrovnik (and from Dubrovnik to Split) This 8-day tour offers the combination of experiences that has become the hallmark of Peter Sommer Travels’ expeditions: a traditional Turkish gulet, fascinating archaeological and historical sites explored in the company of experts and like-minded guests, a spectacular maritime landscape and delicious local food and wine. Led by archaeologist Professor Helena Thomas, Split to Dubrovnik departs 9 June 2018 and in reverse 15 September 2018. Fares start at £3525 per person twin share. Maximum: 10/12 guests.
- Walking and Cruising Southern Dalmatia An 8-day gulet cruise combined with walks through the region’s landscape, rich in history and culture. At Ston, a walk atop the 14th century 5-kilometre-long wall offers views of valuable salt pans and vineyards, while on Mljet paths connect historical sites ranging from prehistory and Roman to medieval. On Hvar, guests explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stari Grad Plain, a living archaeological landscape. The tour departs on 29 September 2018 with fares from £3495 per person twin share. Maximum: 12 guests.
- A Gastronomic Gulet Cruise in Croatia An 8-day trip offers visits to local producers and a chance to discover traditional dishes, participate in cooking classes and sample wines, revealing the delights of Croatian cuisine from the comfortable base of a hand-built gulet. Led by archaeologist and keen foodie, Filip Budic, guests also visit historical sites including the Roman Palace of Diocletian and the medieval towns of Korčula and Ston. The tour departs 29 September 2018, with fares from £3495 per person twin share. Maximum: 10 guests.
Specialising in small-group expeditions, Peter Sommer Travels offers 28 different expert-led gulet cruises and land tours in Croatia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Turkey and the United Kingdom.