Special Interest Weeks

New in 2010, Truffle is introducing a number of Special Interest Weeks for guests who are looking for something a little different for their holiday to Kalkan and the Turquoise Coast!

We have put together two very different weeks; whether you want to explore a bygone era steeped in history or put on canvas the breathtaking scenery of Kalkan and its surrounding area.

The programme we have developed for 2010 during the cooler spring and autumn months includes:

	Truffle Ancient Lycian Culture Week Accompanied by cultural anthropologist, Dr Tricia Emptage The area around Kalkan is rich with ancient Lycian sites. Join us to experience a bygone era steeped in history. Download PDF

	Truffle Watercolour Painting and Drawing Week Enjoy the delights of Kalkan and its surrounding areas, whilst you develop your brush skills and capture it all on canvas. Download PDF

Based at Truffle Residences apartments in Kalkan, each week includes 3 1/2 days organised activity.

Group sizes will be a minimum of 4 persons and a maximum of 12 or 16 persons.

We can arrange any of these Special Interest Weeks in 2011, subject to accommodation availability and a minimum number of guests. Please contact Truffle with your specific requirements.

Ancient Lycian Culture Week

Cultural Week Description

The outstandingly beautiful area of Turkey surrounding Kalkan is at the heart of ancient Lycia. Lycia, a federation of around 40 cities established around 1400 BCE, stretched from Antalya in the East to Fethiye in the west.

The headquarters of the Lycian federation was originally at the city of Xanthos, a 25 minute drive from Kalkan but was later moved to Patara, about 15 minutes drive away. Kalkan, therefore, is ideally placed for visiting a number of these fascinating archaeological sites.

The unique Ancient Lycian Culture week is ideally suited to Truffle guests who have a general interest in history and archaeology. No foreknowledge is needed to enjoy the interesting cities of Lycia, as all the visits will be accompanied by cultural anthropologist, Dr Tricia Emptage, who will explain each of the sites and their unique history in an informative and informal manner.

Some, but not all, of the city sites have been partially excavated and obviously much more is known of these than the places that have been identified but not yet fully explored. And therein lies much of the charm of the places that have not been excavated and where Turkish village life goes on in the time-honoured way in and amongst the ancient relics. Many of the sites are located in places of spectacular natural beauty and in the autumn and spring the ruins are vibrant with a range of wild flowers.

Tricia was formerly Senior Lecturer in Cultural Anthropology at the University of Hull, from where she gained her PhD. She has lived in the area for nine years, researching and teaching Turkish history, and so knows the area very well. She has recently published a book 'The Road to Ruins: Lycian Turkey - Fethiye to Kas'. Truffle guests will receive a complimentary signed copy of her excellent book.

In brief, known Lycian history starts before 2000 BCE when Tlos, the earliest city, was founded - according to Homer, Lycians fought in the Trojan wars. The Lycians had their own language, culture and religious cults. The area was later integrated into the Persian Empire in 540 BCE until 334 BCE when Alexander the Great arrived. Later still it became part of the Roman Empire, and under Roman control the Lycian headquarters was moved from Xanthos to Patara, which was one of the most important ports in the Eastern Mediterranean. The area was home to some of the earliest Christians and amongst the ruins of the ancient Pagan temples are some of the world's earliest Christian churches.

The itinerary for the Ancient Lycian Culture Week will include 3 ½ days of accompanied visits to the local archaeological sites. Each day will begin with a coffee and a brief presentation giving the background to that day’s destination. Lunches will be picnics or taken at local restaurants where appropriate.

Price includes (on the tour days):

Transport and admission fees
Morning coffee and afternoon tea
Lunch (excluding drinks)
A complimentary copy of Dr Tricia Emptage’s book, ‘The Road to Ruins: Lycian Turkey – Fethiye to Kas’

Minimum Places: 4 Maximum Places: 16

Weeks Available in 2011 - subject to availability.

Price of Tour: £ 295.00 per person

Not included in price:

Flights
Transfers - Truffle can arrange these for you
Accommodation – select which of the apartments at Truffle Residences you wish to stay in.

Non-participating partners and family are more than welcome to stay with us, should they not wish to book on the Ancient Lycian Culture week.

Interesting Reading:

Xanthus: Travels of Discovery in Turkey by Enid Slatter (ISBN: 9780948695308)

This book follows the journey of the celebrated classic traveler Charles Fellows who collected the Lycian Marbles from Asia Minor and looks at the events that lead to the dispatch of two expeditions to Xanthia.

Birds Without Wings by Louis De Bernieres (ISBN: 9780099478980)

Set against the backdrop of the collapsing Ottoman Empire, the Gallipoli campaign and the subsequent bitter struggle between Greeks and Turks. It traces the fortunes of one small community in south-west Anatolia – a town in which Christians and Muslims live and traditions have co-existed peacefully for centuries. When war is declared and the outside world intrudes, the twin scourges of religion and nationalism lead to forced marches and massacres, and the peaceful fabric of life is destroyed. “Captivating and compelling….a masterpiece” (Independent on Sunday).

Cultural Week Itinerary

Itinerary

(Subject to change due to weather conditions)

Day 1 – Arrive in Kalkan

Arrive in Turkey and transfer to Kalkan where you will be personally met by our representative at Truffle Residences. The rest of the day is free to unpack, rest, relax and explore Kalkan.

Day 2 – Patara (half-day)

Morning is free.

12.00 Meet with Tricia for lunch before departing for Patara (about 15/20 minutes).

Patara is a huge site and much of it has not yet been excavated. There is a fine amphitheatre and the agora is in quite a good state of preservation, but at certain times of the year some of it is below the water table. There are the remains of a huge granary built by the Emperor Hadrian and of a lighthouse that may well have been destroyed by tsunami. A forest fire in 2008 revealed much that had previously been hidden by undergrowth and a full exploration of the enormous site would take several days. The main sights are included in this half day accompanied visit.

17.00 Return to Kalkan for drinks and further discussion.

Day 3 - Cadianda and Kaya Koy

09.00 Meet for coffee and brief introductory talk before departing for Cadianda.

Cadianda was founded before the 6th century BCE. It was not as large or as important as Tlos or Patara but it occupies.

A position with incredible views over the bay of Fethiye and of the coastline – on a clear day you can see as far as Patara. There are fewer visible remains than at other sites but there is a well-preserved stadium and the arched remains of a Roman bath house. The walk is quite steep in places and sturdy shoes are a must.

Lunch will be either a picnic or taken at a nearby wine bar.

After lunch drive to Kaya Koy (approx. 1 hr 20 mins). Modern Kaya Koy was the setting for Louis De Bernieres' book, Birds Without Wings. Once home to a large community of Greeks, Kaya Koy is now a ‘ghost town’, abandoned when the Greeks were expelled from Turkey in 1923. The area has been occupied since at least 2,000 BCE but not a lot is known from this period of its history. Ancient sarcophagi litter the area. The ghost village is a poignant and fascinating ‘still-life’ of a town that was forcibly evacuated by its population without notice.

17.00 Return to Kalkan for drinks and discussion.

Day 4 - Free Day

A free day for you to relax or explore Kalkan and the local area. You could visit Kas or the Greek Island of Meis or, alternatively, have a relaxing day enjoying a Turkish Bath and massage or experience a boat trip (depending on the time of year).

Day 5 – Xanthos, Letoon and Pydnai

09.30 Meet for coffee and introductory talk before departing for Xanthos (about 25 minutes).

Xanthos was the original headquarters of the Lycian administration built on an acropolis overlooking the Xanthos River. It was destroyed by the Persians in 540 BCE and again by Brutus about 500 years later. Xanthos has some fine monuments and monumental tombs with Lycian inscriptions. It also has a theatre dating from the Hellenistic and Roman periods and an early Christian church of cathedral proportions with fine mosaics.

From Xanthos to Letoon, a Unesco-designated World Heritage site and the religious cult centre of Lycia sacred to the nymph Leto and her twins offspring, Apollo and Artemis. Letoon boasts one of the largest amphitheatres in the area, as well as the remains of three temples. From Letoon we go to Pydnai (20 minutes), the Lycian fort that once protected the western coastline from pirates or other invaders. . Pydnai has some of the best existing examples of Lycian stone work. The perimeter walls are mostly intact and have commanding views of the valley across to Patara. There are the remains of an early Christian church, but the fort has not been excavated. In the spring the whole area is full of lovely wild flowers.

Lunch will be a picnic or taken at a nearby restaurant.

17.00 Return to Kalkan for drink and discussion.

Day 6 – Pinara and Tlos

09.00 Meet for coffee and a talk before departing for Pinara (about an hour).

Pinara is located high in the mountains and is best known for its plethora of tombs carved into the mountainside. There are the ruins of a number of temples, a small amphitheatre and other buildings, but most of the extensive site has yet to be fully surveyed or excavated. There is a larger amphitheatre visible in the nearby forests. Pinara dates back at least to the fifth century BCE.

Lunch at the Yaka Park, a trout farm and restaurant high in the mountains overlooking the valley to the south. It is the source of mountain water which gushes out of the ground just above the restaurant and through and around it.

Tlos was the oldest and one of the largest cities in the Lycian League and boasted some of Lycia’s best artists and sculptors. It is in the process of excavation and the newly revealed tombs can be seen. In 2006 and intact tomb was discovered there complete with all of its treasures. Work is ongoing and only part of the site is accessible to visitors, but it is magnificent to observe layer upon layer of history and is a great place for sensational photography.

17.00 Return to Kalkan for drink and discussion.

Day 7 - Free Day

Day 8

Depart from Truffle Residences and transfer to the airport for the return flight home.

Cultural Week Important Information

Important Information

Passports & Visas

All nationalities must have at least 6 months validity left on their passport from the date they arrive in Turkey.

British and Irish passport holders have to obtain a 3 month multiple entry visa on arrival at Dalaman (or Antalya) Airport.

Before you go through passport control, you have to obtain your visa from the separate visa desk (which is located to the right of passport control). The cost is £10 per person which you must pay in sterling cash (they will only accept £10 and £20 notes). Other nationality passport holders please refer to the Turkish Consulate website: www.turkishconsulate.org.uk/en/visa.htm#touristvisa1

Travel Insurance

We advise that you are fully insured for travel. It is in your own interests to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance as Truffle cannot accept any responsibility for loss or damage to your property. When you purchase your travel insurance please ensure that the policy provides adequate cover for hospital treatment (medical cover), repatriation flight home in the event you are ill or suffer injury, tour cancellation for personal reasons, personal accident, personal baggage and associated valuables.

Safety on Holiday

You should be aware of potential hazards on holiday as walking amongst historical ruins and hills involve an element of risk. The weather can deteriorate unexpectedly and may cause paths to become slippery.

Terrain underfoot can also vary and be different from what you are used to. Please ensure that you bring practical walking clothes and shoes.

Dietary Requirements

If you have special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, coeliac) you must inform Truffle at the time of booking the course.

Medical Conditions

If you have any medical conditions or are taking any medication, you must inform Truffle at the time of booking the tour. You must ensure you have sufficient medication with you for the duration of the tour. This includes medication for allergies to bee and wasp stings. Truffle does not accept any responsibility or liability for any loss or costs arising from guests suffering a medical condition.

Clothing & Equipment

The Ancient Lycian Culture week takes place in the spring and autumn months, when the weather in Turkey is cooler. There will always be the possibility of a mixed climate, hot sunny weather and rain depending on the time of year.

You are advised to bring suitable clothing including:

Sensible shoes, rucksack/day pack
Waterproof jacket or kagool
Lightweight fleece
Sun hat and sun screen
Folding umbrella

Download Itinerary

Download/View PDF

Watercolour Painting and Drawing Week

Watercolour Week Description

Watercolour Painting and Drawing Week

Set against the backdrop of the spectacular Taurus Mountains, Kalkan and its surrounding area has a wealth of Ottoman and Greek buildings, a picturesque harbour, many historical sites and in the spring and autumn, colourful flora.

Kalkan is a great location from which to develop your drawing and water colour painting skills, which will appeal to all artistic tastes and levels. Beginners and more accomplished sketchers and painters are welcome.

The itinerary for each week is leisurely with plenty of time to explore the local area, it includes 3 ½ days of drawing and painting, including visits to Islamlar and Tlos. Lunches will be picnics or at local restaurants, depending on the weather and availability.

A supply of water colours, brushes, pencils, water colour paper and sketching paper is available, boards with ready stretched paper will be provided. Guests can bring with them their own materials and brushes if they wish.

Price includes (on the tour days):

Transport
Morning coffee and afternoon tea
Lunch (excluding drinks)

Minimum Places: 4 Maximum Places: 12

Weeks Available in 2011 - subject to availability.

Price of Course: £ 275.00 per person

Not included:

Flights
Transfers - we can arrange these for you
Accommodation – select which of the apartments at Truffle Residences you wish to stay in. Non-participating partners and family are more than welcome to stay with us, should they not wish to book on the Watercolour Painting and Drawing course.

Watercolour Week Itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Kalkan

Arrive in Turkey and transfer to Kalkan where you will be personally met at Truffle Residences. The rest of the day is free to unpack, rest, relax and explore Kalkan.

Day 2 – Kalkan Old Town and Harbour

The morning is free for you to recover from travelling, for those that arrived late, or just relax and explore at your leisure.

12.00 Meet for lunch and to get to know your fellow guests.

13.00 Wander through Kalkan’s wonderful streets and alleys on the way to the picturesque harbour. Where there are lots of opportunities for sketching and the taking of photographs to use in later drawing and painting sessions.

Day 3 - Islamlar

10.00 A short journey up into the mountains behind Kalkan to the picturesque village of Islamlar for a day’s painting. Islamlar has spectacular views of the countryside down to the sea and islands in Kalkan bay. Lunch will be at one of Islamlar’s famous trout farms.

16.00 Return to Kalkan.

Day 4 – Free Day

Day 5 – Tlos

10.00 A trip to the historic ruins of Tlos, one of the largest cities of Lycia, which predates 600 BCE. It is in the process of excavation by a Franco-Turkish team of archaeologists and in 2006 an intact tomb was discovered there, complete with all of its treasures. Work is ongoing and not all the site is accessible to visitors, but it is magnificent to observe layer upon layer of history and is a great place for sensational scenery for photography, drawing and painting. Lunch will be a picnic, weather permitting, or at a local restaurant.

16.00 Return to Kalkan

Day 6 – Kalkan

10.00 Meet at the The Parc in Kalkan for the whole day. This will give the opportunity to complete drawings and paintings with assistance and advice required. Tea and coffee and a lunch of local Turkish cuisine are provided.

Day 7 – Free Day

A free day for you to enjoy at your leisure, however, further painting time to complete your art projects can be arranged.