Traditionally, most restaurants in Turkey don’t have written menus. It is more usual to go to glass – fronted cabinet, which is usually near the entrance of the restaurant, to discuss with the waiter what is on offer. Occasionally, you may be invited into the kitchen to view the dishes. If you’d like something, which isn’t on the menu, please don’t be afraid to ask for it since many restaurants would be happy to oblige.

There are countless places to eat and drink ranging from first class restaurants to pizza places, harbour front tea gardens to cosy lokantas.....

Shopping is one of the great pleasures of being in Turkey. From the little “corner” shop (Bakkal) to the colourful street markets and bazaars there will be plenty to tempt you.

Main shopping hours are from 9am until 11pm. The Turks pride themselves on their hospitality so don’t be surprised if you are invited in out of the sun and offered a refreshing drink while the shopkeeper shows off his display. This is all part of what makes shopping in Turkey fun and you shouldn’t feel obliged to buy.

The weekly street markets are full of life and colour, with the local people bringing their produce to sell. You will find an abundance of seasonal fruit and vegetables, olives, cheese, honey, herbs and spices.

Turkey grows its own cotton and is excellent for cotton products. Turkey exports items such as bed linen and towels to chain stores in the U.K., so these are a particularly good buy at a fraction of the price you would pay at home