Lycia Research Expedition
Ancient Cities & Wild Flowers
A seven-day design-led field journey through Lycian ancient cities, coastal ecologies and Mediterranean wild flowers.
Gunseli Studio Flora, Culture and Design Journeys
Mediterranean & Anatolia Ancient Civilizations and Flora
Gunseli Studio Flora, Culture and Design Expeditions investigate the civilizations, flora and craft traditions of Anatolia and the Mediterranean through field expeditions and direct observation. Throughout the expeditions, botanists, artists, archaeologists, and art historians are invited to contribute, forming a multidisciplinary framework for research and interpretation.
The Anatolian and Mediterranean field expeditions are translated into collections. These collections are later presented through exhibitions, installations, and runway presentations. Participants follow the process from within, engaging through private invitations, workshops, and intercity gatherings. The structure supports a continuous dialogue between design, art, and ecological research.
Lycia & Mediterranean Expeditions: Ancient Civilizations, Flora & Crafts
This journey focuses on Lycia and selected Mediterranean sites, exploring the connection between ancient Lycian civilization, landscape, and wild flora.
Botanist Başak Gardner will guide us through the flora journey.
Through site visits and field observation, it examines how geography, culture, and material traditions intersect, and how these relationships inform contemporary design thinking.
Hosted by Günseli Türkay
Günseli Türkay is a designer and creative director who develops research-based collections and objects rooted in ancient cultures, flora and local crafts, supported by curated journeys. She shares these research expeditions through Gunseli Studio Journeys. Visitors have the chance to join a carefully curated trip led by a fashion designer.
Botanist Başak Gardner from Vira Natura Tours will guide the flora expeditions for three days.
Who is this journey for?
This journey is designed for designers, artists, architects, creative directors, collectors and culturally curious travelers interested in Mediterranean ecology, ancient civilizations, material culture and contemporary design.
It is suited for people who prefer slow observation, field research, shared conversations and meaningful encounters over conventional sightseeing.
Experience
The journey is shaped around five layers: ancient landscapes, wild flora, coastal memory, design research and shared evenings.
Ancient Cities
Termessos, Phaselis, Olympos, Myra, Xanthos and Letoon are approached not only as historical sites, but as living landscapes where architecture, geology and vegetation continue to speak together.
The journey reads these ancient settlements through their relationship with mountains, forests, water, stone and coastal memory.
Flora
Throughout the route, we observe Mediterranean and alpine plant species in their natural habitats, documenting their forms, colors, textures and ecological conditions.
These observations become part of Gunseli Studio’s ongoing visual archive of Mediterranean wild flowers. Botanist Başak Gardner from Vira Natura Tours will join us as the botanical guide for our flora expeditions.
Coastal Memory
From Çıralı to Kekova, the route follows the meeting point of ruins, sea, pine forests and submerged histories.
The coastline is approached as both an archive and a living terrain, shaped by light, salt, stone and vegetation.
Design Research
The expedition is part of Gunseli Studio’s creative research process, where fieldwork becomes a source for textile prints, collections, photography, film and spatial installations.
Participants are invited to witness how observation, landscape and material culture can evolve into design.
Long Table Garden Dinners — Conversations on Art, Nature and Design
We will gather around long table dinners during Mediterranean evenings, engaging in conversations on the relationship between nature, ancient cultures, crafts, and their influence on contemporary design.
Accommodation
Guests will stay in carefully selected local accommodations along the route, including Antalya, Çıralı and Kaş.
The accommodations are chosen for proximity to the landscape, calm atmosphere and ease of movement along the route rather than conventional luxury.
The aim is to remain close to ancient sites, coastal routes and field observation points throughout the journey.
Itinerary
Each day follows the rhythm of the landscape. The route may shift slightly depending on weather, access and local conditions.
Day 1 | Termessos Ancient City / Beydağları
Group arrival at Antalya Airport.
After meeting at the airport, we will head to the ancient city of Termessos, approximately 1.5 hours away. Located within Beydağları National Park, this site is one of the most striking examples of untouched maquis vegetation. Among the plant species we may encounter are Ferula tingitana, Psilostemon chamapeuce, Papaver gracile, and Ophrys reinholdii.
Group welcome dinner and trip orientation.
Settle into our beautiful rooms at Antalya.
Breakfast in the garden.
Gunseli Turkay talk : Botanical Expressions
Private transportation to Saklıkent (a scenic rural drive of approximately 1.5 hours). We will observe alpine and montane flora species such as Onobrychis cornuta and Papaver lateritium. In May, the region is further enriched with species of Salvia, Centaurea, wild orchids (Orchis, Ophrys), and thyme (Thymus). This diversity creates a strong ecological gradient over short distances, from valley floors to dry mountain slopes in the Saklıkent mountain area.
Group dinner.
Accommodation in Antalya
Group breakfast in the hotel gardens.
Gunseli Turkay Talk: Art and Craft in Ancient Lycian Civilizations
Private transportation to Phaselis Ancient City (a scenic rural drive that is approximately 1,5 hours).
Phaselis Ancient City is a Lycian coastal settlement where three natural harbors and a forest-integrated urban layout allow for a combined reading of maritime trade, harbor architecture, and coastal landscape. The remains of water channels and harbors make the human–nature relationship in the Mediterranean visible at a coastal scale.
At the foothills of Beycik Village and Mount Tahtalı, cedar forests and highland ecosystems begin. Within the Cedrus libani zone, species such as Dorystoechas hastata, Nepeta phyllochlamys, and Papaver rhoeas can be observed.
Farewell group dinner at another wonderful restaurant.
Accommodation in Antalya
Day 4 | Olympos & Maden Bay
Olympos Ancient City is a Lycian coastal settlement set within forest, where the theatre, baths, and rock-cut tombs are dispersed across a valley-shaped terrain. Instead of a rigid urban grid, the city follows the natural topography, forming a more organic settlement structure.
Maden Bay is a secluded cove along the Olympos coast, where dense forest meets the sea, allowing observation of maquis vegetation and rocky shoreline ecosystems.
The area is part of the Çıralı ecosystem and a nesting site for Caretta caretta, known for its protected and quiet coastal landscape.
Accommodation: Çıralı
Today we follow the Lycian route extending from Myra to Xanthos and Letoon.
Myra Ancient City reveals Lycian attitudes toward death and public life through its rock-cut tomb facades and Roman theater. Xanthos, the political center of Lycia, carries a strong historical memory expressed through monumental tombs and inscriptions.
Letoon is a sacred sanctuary dedicated to Leto, Apollo, and Artemis, where water and ritual landscape are experienced together.
Accomadation in Çıralı
We set out from Kaş by sea, following a route across Limanağzı, Aperlai, and the Kekova waters.
Limanağzı is a quiet cove where coastal vegetation merges directly with the sea.
Aperlai Ancient City is a settlement largely submerged, with harbor structures and Lycian remains scattered along the coastline, dissolving into the sea over time
Accomodation in Çıralı
Day 7 | Return Home
The journey closes with a return route and final reflections on the field observations gathered throughout the expedition.
Final group breakfast in the hotel garden.
Farewells and departures. We hope you join us again!
Trip Specifics
Practical details for registration, payment and participation.
Dates + Group Size
May 23-29, 2026
June 6-12, 2026
June 20-26, 2016
7 Days / 6 Nights
Group size: 10 participants
The group is kept limited to support a focused, intimate, and research-oriented experience.
Pricing + Deposit
2400 EURO per person | SHARED ROOM
2950 EURO per person | PRIVATE ROOM
Deposit: 1000 due at booking
The deposit secures your place. The remaining balance should be paid at least two weeks before the trip date.
What is Included
Accommodation
6 nights accommodation
Transportation
Private transportation throughout the program
Leadership & Support
Led by Gunseli Turkay and Burak Soley, in collaboration with botanist Başak Gardner and a Field Historian specializing in Ancient Mediterranean civilizations
Pre-departure support and preparation provided by the Gunseli Studio team
Field Visits
On-site visits to ancient cities, coastal territories and natural environments, approached through cultural, material and spatial observation
Botanical Field Insight
Interpretation of regional flora, ecosystems and plant knowledge in situ
Field Documentation Framework
Access to the Gunseli Studio methodology for observing, recording and translating field research into creative output
Talks by Gunseli Turkay
Botanical Expressions and Design Art and Craft in Ancient Lycian Civilizations
Research Walks
Guided walks focused on wild flora, ecology and material culture
Meals
All meals included, with a focus on locally rooted and context-driven dining experiences
Additional Expenses
Flights
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Extra meals and drinks
Museum and archaeological site entrance fees, unless stated otherwise
Private transfers outside the planned route
Payment
A €1,000 deposit is required to confirm your place. Full payment must be completed by 15 May.
Additional Information
A few practical notes before joining the journey.
Who is this journey for?
This journey is designed for designers, artists, architects, creative directors, collectors and culturally curious travelers interested in Mediterranean ecology, ancient civilizations, material culture and contemporary design.
It is suited for people who prefer slow observation, field research, shared conversations and meaningful encounters over conventional sightseeing.
The journey includes walking through ancient sites, natural landscapes, coastal areas and uneven terrain.
A moderate level of physical mobility is recommended.
Participants should plan to arrive in Antalya on 23 May.
The route begins in Antalya and continues through Termessos, Saklıkent, Phaselis, Olympos, Myra, Xanthos, Letoon, Kaş and Kekova.
No. Participants are responsible for booking their own flights.
Gunseli Studio will provide route details and arrival guidance before the journey.
Yes. Solo participants are welcome.
Twin-share and single room options are available depending on preference and availability.
You may arrange extra days independently before or after the journey.
Additional accommodation, transfers and personal travel arrangements are not included in the program fee.
Please inform us before booking.
We will do our best to accommodate dietary requirements during selected group meals, depending on local availability.
For questions about availability, accommodation, route details or participation terms, please contact us.
Reserve Your Place
Deposit: €1000 due at booking
The remaining balance is due before the final payment deadline.
For questions before booking, please contact us at gunseli@gunselistudio.com
Likya Araştırma Gezisi — Konaklama ve Gün Planı
23–29 Mayıs | 7 Gün / 6 Gece
1. Gün — ANTALYA
Termessos Antik Kenti / Beydağları Milli Parkı
Varış ve Termessos ziyareti
Konaklama: Antalya
2. Gün — ANTALYA
Saklıkent Dağı
Alpin ve yarı-alpin flora gözlemi
Gün sonunda Antalya’ya dönüş
Konaklama: Antalya
3. Gün — ANTALYA → ÇIRALI
Phaselis & Beycik
Kıyı antik kenti ve sedir ormanları kuşağı
Konaklama: Antalya
4. Gün — ÇIRALI
Olympos & Maden Koyu
Orman içinde dağılmış Likya kenti Kıyı ekosistemi gözlemi
Konaklama: Çıralı
5. Gün — ÇIRALI
Likya Hattı: Myra / Xanthos / Letoon / Patara
Likya’nın siyasi, dini ve anıtsal yapıları
Tam gün saha gezisi
Konaklama: Çıralı
6. Gün — ÇIRALI (KAŞ / KEKOVA TEKNE GÜNÜ)
Deniz rotası
Limanağzı – Aperlai – Kekova açıkları Batık şehir ve kıyı ekosistemi gözlemi
Gün sonunda Çıralı’ya dönüş
Konaklama: Çıralı
7. Gün — DÖNÜŞ Havalimanı transferi Program sonu
Özet yapı Antalya: 1, 2 ve 3. gün Çıralı: 4, 5 ve 6. gün
Tekne günü: Kaş çıkışlı, Çıralı dönüşlü
Lycia Research Expedition
Ancient Cities & Wild Flowers
A seven-day design-led field journey through Lycian ancient cities, coastal ecologies and Mediterranean wild flowers.
Gunseli Studio Flora, Culture and Design Journeys
Mediterranean & Anatolia Ancient Civilizations and Flora
Gunseli Studio Flora, Culture and Design Expeditions investigate the civilizations, flora and craft traditions of Anatolia and the Mediterranean through field expeditions and direct observation. Throughout the expeditions, botanists, artists, archaeologists, and art historians are invited to contribute, forming a multidisciplinary framework for research and interpretation.
The Anatolian and Mediterranean field expeditions are translated into collections. These collections are later presented through exhibitions, installations, and runway presentations. Participants follow the process from within, engaging through private invitations, workshops, and intercity gatherings. The structure supports a continuous dialogue between design, art, and ecological research.
Lycia & Mediterranean Expeditions: Ancient Civilizations, Flora & Crafts
This journey focuses on Lycia and selected Mediterranean sites, exploring the connection between ancient Lycian civilization, landscape, and wild flora.
Botanist Başak Gardner will guide us through the flora journey.
Through site visits and field observation, it examines how geography, culture, and material traditions intersect, and how these relationships inform contemporary design thinking.
Hosted by Günseli Türkay
Günseli Türkay is a designer and creative director who develops research-based collections and objects rooted in ancient cultures, flora and local crafts, supported by curated journeys. She shares these research expeditions through Gunseli Studio Journeys. Visitors have the chance to join a carefully curated trip led by a fashion designer.
Botanist Başak Gardner from Vira Natura Tours will guide the flora expeditions for three days.
Who is this journey for?
This journey is designed for designers, artists, architects, creative directors, collectors and culturally curious travelers interested in Mediterranean ecology, ancient civilizations, material culture and contemporary design.
It is suited for people who prefer slow observation, field research, shared conversations and meaningful encounters over conventional sightseeing.
Experience
The journey is shaped around five layers: ancient landscapes, wild flora, coastal memory, design research and shared evenings.
Ancient Cities
Termessos, Phaselis, Olympos, Myra, Xanthos and Letoon are approached not only as historical sites, but as living landscapes where architecture, geology and vegetation continue to speak together.
The journey reads these ancient settlements through their relationship with mountains, forests, water, stone and coastal memory.
Flora
Throughout the route, we observe Mediterranean and alpine plant species in their natural habitats, documenting their forms, colors, textures and ecological conditions.
These observations become part of Gunseli Studio’s ongoing visual archive of Mediterranean wild flowers. Botanist Başak Gardner from Vira Natura Tours will join us as the botanical guide for our flora expeditions.
Coastal Memory
From Çıralı to Kekova, the route follows the meeting point of ruins, sea, pine forests and submerged histories.
The coastline is approached as both an archive and a living terrain, shaped by light, salt, stone and vegetation.
Design Research
The expedition is part of Gunseli Studio’s creative research process, where fieldwork becomes a source for textile prints, collections, photography, film and spatial installations.
Participants are invited to witness how observation, landscape and material culture can evolve into design.
Long Table Garden Dinners — Conversations on Art, Nature and Design
We will gather around long table dinners during Mediterranean evenings, engaging in conversations on the relationship between nature, ancient cultures, crafts, and their influence on contemporary design.
Accommodation
Guests will stay in carefully selected local accommodations along the route, including Antalya, Çıralı and Kaş.
The accommodations are chosen for proximity to the landscape, calm atmosphere and ease of movement along the route rather than conventional luxury.
The aim is to remain close to ancient sites, coastal routes and field observation points throughout the journey.
Itinerary
Each day follows the rhythm of the landscape. The route may shift slightly depending on weather, access and local conditions.
Day 1 | Termessos Ancient City / Beydağları
Group arrival at Antalya Airport.
After meeting at the airport, we will head to the ancient city of Termessos, approximately 1.5 hours away. Located within Beydağları National Park, this site is one of the most striking examples of untouched maquis vegetation. Among the plant species we may encounter are Ferula tingitana, Psilostemon chamapeuce, Papaver gracile, and Ophrys reinholdii.
Group welcome dinner and trip orientation.
Settle into our beautiful rooms at Antalya.
Breakfast in the garden.
Gunseli Turkay talk : Botanical Expressions
Private transportation to Saklıkent (a scenic rural drive of approximately 1.5 hours). We will observe alpine and montane flora species such as Onobrychis cornuta and Papaver lateritium. In May, the region is further enriched with species of Salvia, Centaurea, wild orchids (Orchis, Ophrys), and thyme (Thymus). This diversity creates a strong ecological gradient over short distances, from valley floors to dry mountain slopes in the Saklıkent mountain area.
Group dinner.
Accommodation in Antalya
Group breakfast in the hotel gardens.
Gunseli Turkay Talk: Art and Craft in Ancient Lycian Civilizations
Private transportation to Phaselis Ancient City (a scenic rural drive that is approximately 1,5 hours).
Phaselis Ancient City is a Lycian coastal settlement where three natural harbors and a forest-integrated urban layout allow for a combined reading of maritime trade, harbor architecture, and coastal landscape. The remains of water channels and harbors make the human–nature relationship in the Mediterranean visible at a coastal scale.
At the foothills of Beycik Village and Mount Tahtalı, cedar forests and highland ecosystems begin. Within the Cedrus libani zone, species such as Dorystoechas hastata, Nepeta phyllochlamys, and Papaver rhoeas can be observed.
Farewell group dinner at another wonderful restaurant.
Accommodation in Antalya
Day 4 | Olympos & Maden Bay
Olympos Ancient City is a Lycian coastal settlement set within forest, where the theatre, baths, and rock-cut tombs are dispersed across a valley-shaped terrain. Instead of a rigid urban grid, the city follows the natural topography, forming a more organic settlement structure.
Maden Bay is a secluded cove along the Olympos coast, where dense forest meets the sea, allowing observation of maquis vegetation and rocky shoreline ecosystems.
The area is part of the Çıralı ecosystem and a nesting site for Caretta caretta, known for its protected and quiet coastal landscape.
Accommodation: Çıralı
Today we follow the Lycian route extending from Myra to Xanthos and Letoon.
Myra Ancient City reveals Lycian attitudes toward death and public life through its rock-cut tomb facades and Roman theater. Xanthos, the political center of Lycia, carries a strong historical memory expressed through monumental tombs and inscriptions.
Letoon is a sacred sanctuary dedicated to Leto, Apollo, and Artemis, where water and ritual landscape are experienced together.
Accomadation in Çıralı
We set out from Kaş by sea, following a route across Limanağzı, Aperlai, and the Kekova waters.
Limanağzı is a quiet cove where coastal vegetation merges directly with the sea.
Aperlai Ancient City is a settlement largely submerged, with harbor structures and Lycian remains scattered along the coastline, dissolving into the sea over time
Accomodation in Çıralı
Day 7 | Return Home
The journey closes with a return route and final reflections on the field observations gathered throughout the expedition.
Final group breakfast in the hotel garden.
Farewells and departures. We hope you join us again!
Trip Specifics
Practical details for registration, payment and participation.
Dates + Group Size
May 23-29, 2026
June 6-12, 2026
June 20-26, 2016
7 Days / 6 Nights
Group size: 10 participants
The group is kept limited to support a focused, intimate, and research-oriented experience.
Pricing + Deposit
2400 EURO per person | SHARED ROOM
2950 EURO per person | PRIVATE ROOM
Deposit: 1000 due at booking
The deposit secures your place. The remaining balance should be paid at least two weeks before the trip date.
What is Included
Accommodation
6 nights accommodation
Transportation
Private transportation throughout the program
Leadership & Support
Led by Gunseli Turkay and Burak Soley, in collaboration with botanist Başak Gardner and a Field Historian specializing in Ancient Mediterranean civilizations
Pre-departure support and preparation provided by the Gunseli Studio team
Field Visits
On-site visits to ancient cities, coastal territories and natural environments, approached through cultural, material and spatial observation
Botanical Field Insight
Interpretation of regional flora, ecosystems and plant knowledge in situ
Field Documentation Framework
Access to the Gunseli Studio methodology for observing, recording and translating field research into creative output
Talks by Gunseli Turkay
Botanical Expressions and Design Art and Craft in Ancient Lycian Civilizations
Research Walks
Guided walks focused on wild flora, ecology and material culture
Meals
All meals included, with a focus on locally rooted and context-driven dining experiences
Additional Expenses
Flights
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Extra meals and drinks
Museum and archaeological site entrance fees, unless stated otherwise
Private transfers outside the planned route
Payment
A €1,000 deposit is required to confirm your place. Full payment must be completed by 15 May.
Additional Information
A few practical notes before joining the journey.
Who is this journey for?
This journey is designed for designers, artists, architects, creative directors, collectors and culturally curious travelers interested in Mediterranean ecology, ancient civilizations, material culture and contemporary design.
It is suited for people who prefer slow observation, field research, shared conversations and meaningful encounters over conventional sightseeing.
The journey includes walking through ancient sites, natural landscapes, coastal areas and uneven terrain.
A moderate level of physical mobility is recommended.
Participants should plan to arrive in Antalya on 23 May.
The route begins in Antalya and continues through Termessos, Saklıkent, Phaselis, Olympos, Myra, Xanthos, Letoon, Kaş and Kekova.
No. Participants are responsible for booking their own flights.
Gunseli Studio will provide route details and arrival guidance before the journey.
Yes. Solo participants are welcome.
Twin-share and single room options are available depending on preference and availability.
You may arrange extra days independently before or after the journey.
Additional accommodation, transfers and personal travel arrangements are not included in the program fee.
Please inform us before booking.
We will do our best to accommodate dietary requirements during selected group meals, depending on local availability.
For questions about availability, accommodation, route details or participation terms, please contact us.
Reserve Your Place
Deposit: €1000 due at booking
The remaining balance is due before the final payment deadline.
For questions before booking, please contact us at gunseli@gunselistudio.com
Likya Araştırma Gezisi — Konaklama ve Gün Planı
23–29 Mayıs | 7 Gün / 6 Gece
1. Gün — ANTALYA
Termessos Antik Kenti / Beydağları Milli Parkı
Varış ve Termessos ziyareti
Konaklama: Antalya
2. Gün — ANTALYA
Saklıkent Dağı
Alpin ve yarı-alpin flora gözlemi
Gün sonunda Antalya’ya dönüş
Konaklama: Antalya
3. Gün — ANTALYA → ÇIRALI
Phaselis & Beycik
Kıyı antik kenti ve sedir ormanları kuşağı
Konaklama: Antalya
4. Gün — ÇIRALI
Olympos & Maden Koyu
Orman içinde dağılmış Likya kenti Kıyı ekosistemi gözlemi
Konaklama: Çıralı
5. Gün — ÇIRALI
Likya Hattı: Myra / Xanthos / Letoon / Patara
Likya’nın siyasi, dini ve anıtsal yapıları
Tam gün saha gezisi
Konaklama: Çıralı
6. Gün — ÇIRALI (KAŞ / KEKOVA TEKNE GÜNÜ)
Deniz rotası
Limanağzı – Aperlai – Kekova açıkları Batık şehir ve kıyı ekosistemi gözlemi
Gün sonunda Çıralı’ya dönüş
Konaklama: Çıralı
7. Gün — DÖNÜŞ Havalimanı transferi Program sonu
Özet yapı Antalya: 1, 2 ve 3. gün Çıralı: 4, 5 ve 6. gün
Tekne günü: Kaş çıkışlı, Çıralı dönüşlü
© 2024 GUNSELI STUDIO