Follow Alexander the Great through Turkey

 The adventure was inspired by Peter’s 2,000 mile walk across Turkey in 1994, retracing Alexander’s route, and by his work on the BBC documentary of the same name.

 The 20-day tour, reserved for just 15 guests, has been rated one of the world’s ‘Top Ten Learning Retreats’ by National Geographic Traveller and provided the inspiration for 18 other cultural and historical tours now offered by Peter Sommer Travels in Turkey, Greece and Italy.

 Departing from Istanbul on April 25, In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great costs £4350 per person double (approximately US $6,900) and mirrors the first leg of the Macedonian King’s epic conquests, exploring Turkey’s ancient history, archaeology and architecture along the way.

 Traveling by private van, the tour visits Troy, where Alexander ran naked around Achilles’ tomb, and Ephesus, one of the best preserved classical cities in the world. It offers a chance to walk along the sacred way to Apollo’s great oracular temple at Didyma and to look out on Alexander’s hill at Sagalassos, from where he launched a bloody siege.

 Other highlights include five nights on a traditional wooden gulet cruising along the scenic coast of Lycia and a chance to explore the surreal landscapes and towering rock formations of Cappadocia.

         Catering for small groups of up to 18 people, Peter Sommer Travels offers specialist tours and gulet cruises among the historic sites of the Mediterranean, led by expert guides including archaeologists, historians and travel writers.

          Other upcoming itineraries include Cruising to the Cyclades, a 15-day gulet cruise among the Greek islands (May 19 to June 2, £3675 per person double or approximately US $5,800), and A Gastronomic Gulet Cruise, an eight-day culinary journey along the Turkish coast (May 26 to June 2, £1995 per person double or approximately US $3,160).

Peter Sommer studied ancient history and archaeology at Birmingham University in the UK before completing a Masters on the archaeology of Central Asia. He has taught at Birmingham University and Bogazici University in Istanbul.

As an award-winning producer/director, Peter has produced documentaries and television series for broadcasters including the BBC, CNN and PBS.

 Tour prices include all meals and accommodation aboard gulets, road transfers, all crew and guide services, and all entrance fees and tips on excursions. Airfare is not included.

 For full details and bookings, contact Peter Sommer Travels in the UK by phone 011.44.1600.888.220; email info@petersommer.com; or visitwww.petersommer.com.