A unique experience with the Turkish Rose
At the end of spring, when the sun lifts the dew with its warm rays and the air is filled with the soft, gentle scent of blooming roses, Turkey invites us into an experience that awakens our senses and deepens our knowledge.
It is May: the beginning of the roseharvest in the Isparta region, where mountains and lakes alternate in the landscape. Here, the rose shines with its rich history and cultural significance. In this south-western corner of Turkey lies the source of one of the most refined and highly valued essential oils in the world: roseoil. For more than 25 years, Joanne has been intimately connected to this region, passionately sharing her knowledge and experiences
In this setting, we allow ourselves to be guided by the story of the rose and set out to experience her essence up close.
Together we distil the freshly picked roses. With our own hands, we fill the copper still and wait for the first drop to reveal itself. We experience the alchemical process from flower to oil at close range.
An experience never to be forgotten.
Rose fields where tradition and craft go hand in hand
Early in the morning, when the dew still rests on the roses, a beautiful scene unfolds at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. As soon as the sun appears, the surroundings slowly fill with a soft floral fragrance that drifts towards our noses.
Fields full of roses — Rosa Damascena Trigintipetala — with their silky petals and soft pink hues draw our attention. Almost effortlessly, we are guided towards a bush full of flowers, and before we realise it, a rose rests in our hand.
In May and June, this area is vibrant with energy. In the early morning hours, many people hand-pick the open roses, while distillation factories run at full capacity to process thousands of kilograms of roses.
We experience this heart-warming process up close. We feel, smell and live every step: from bloom and harvest to distillation and use. From active participation to sensory experience
Discover and learn what you don't find in books
Over the course of three full days, we explore and deepen our understanding of symbolism, production and the differences between conventional, organic and Demeter-certified rose oil.
We assist with the harvest and, in the traditional way, distil our own roseoil and rozenhydrolaat. Inspiring stories about origin and cultivation are shared, and we learn all the ins and outs of the craft.
During a guided visit to one of the largest distillation factories in the world, we experience the production processes up close and smell the differences in aroma and quality.A visit to the laboratory offers unique insight into the quality analyses of essential oil and hydrolate.
The programme is further enriched by a rose treatment and a creative session in which we work hands-on with essential oils.
“You discover and learn what cannot be found in books"
A journey full of discoveries, nature and culture
Everything takes place in a region rich in nature and culture. All our senses are engaged. Along the way, we encounter several aromatic plants, including rosemary, thyme, lavender and chamomile.
We stay in a cosy family-run guesthouse where traditional Turkish dishes are served and where there is space for rest, exchange and integration of all that we experience.
A rose tour for professionals and lovers
This rose study trip offers a unique combination of practical experience, professional knowledge and sensory exploration. The journey is offered in both Dutch and English and is suitable for experienced professionals as well as enthusiasts seeking deeper insight.
Immerse yourself in the story of the rose
During this multi-day rose study journey, we experience the full embrace of the rose and her surroundings. We follow the process from cultivation to final product, assist with the harvest and traditionally distil rose oil and rosewater ourselves..
This journey offers space to deepen knowledge and refine the senses, carried by nature, culture and essence. The programme is carefully designed for those seeking genuine experience, depth and inspiration.
For more information about the programme and pricing, you can email Joanne. If you have specific wishes, such as an extended stay or travelling with your own group, we are happy to think along with you.
What others say about this rose journey
“Everything around was different from ordinary things, concepts, phenomena… it is as if we have touched the true nature of our existence”
“I am overwhelmed with feelings of the new”
“Beautiful energy, knowledgeable lessons and we learned a lot about the Roses and ourselves”
Over AromaWise by Joanne
With over 25 years of experience in the world of natural fragrances and aromatherapy, Joanne is an experienced guide for those who wish to be touched by the power of nature. Since 1999, she can be found in Turkey during the rose season, among the rose fields and at the distilleries — sometimes alone, sometimes with groups or colleagues.
Professionals from all over the world come together here for masterclasses and in-depth learning. It is her passion to share this place, the people who live and work here, and the rose with her special story. In all her activities, experience, information and inspiration naturally flow together.
“The rose, full of love, strength and healing
the connector to everything and everyone
our inspirator to live from heart and soul
takes everyone into her ‘story’.
Roses are calling
With love Joanne“
