Advisory

Please be advised that you may not be able to participate in certain activities after receiving your medical treatment. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the appropriate activities in which you can participate.

Pampering

On your visit to Turkey, a visit to the hamam is a must experience. Like the harem, this Roman and Byzantine tradition was adopted and then perfected by the Selcuk Turks, for whom the public bath took on an important role. It was not only a place where believers could fulfill the Islamic precept of cleanliness, it was a place in which to mingle, socialize and gossip. Women would proceed from their harem to the hamam with great ceremony, accompanied by servants heavily-laden with delicacies to tide the ladies over the hours they would spend lounging in the steam. Men would discuss the latest court scandal or talk business and politics. Contrary to popular ideas, hamams have always been either permanently designated for one of the sexes, or have a separate schedule for men and women.

Shopping

Istanbul is an absolute shoppers paradise. Here you will find a plethora of authentic bazaars, rug(carpet) and kilim workshops besides other traditional handicraft centers. The most well-known shopping center is Kapalicarsi, The Grand Covered Bazaar of Istanbul. The Spice Bazaar is also in the neighborhood.

World famous Turkish rugs and kilims are incomparable in respect of quality and beauty. Turkish leather and textile products reflecting the latest fashion are attracting visitors of malls with reasonable prices. The origin of jewelery goes back to the Neolithic age in Anatolia. Several designs have been created combining the ancient styles with those of the future. Silver and gold jewelery with precious stones are most popular items of shopping in Turkey.

There are a number of art and antique galleries in the neighborhood of the Grand Bazaar. They sell rare pieces of Ottoman engravings, silverware, needlework, illuminations, ceramics & tiles, paintings and contemporary art. Visiting the various merchants is highly recommended.

Another valuable item for shopping is hand-painted ceramics and porcelain, which is originating from Iznik, Istanbul & Kutahya. This traditional art presents many samples over hundreds of years to international collections. A number of souvenir shops offer a wide range of popular gift items at attractive rates, such as laces, kanavice (canvas embroidery) yemeni (color print cotton scarves), copperware and gifts made of brass and marble.

There are several shops and fashion boutiques at different malls in several cities. Galleria Atakoy, Akmerkez, Capitol in Istanbul, Karum and Atakule in Ankara, Oasis in Bodrum are some of these shopping malls. In these malls you can easily find modern shopping items at very attractive rates besides well-known brands from fashion centers of the world.

Shopping is very easy since you can use all major credit cards. If you do not wish to pay cash, many shopkeepers and other staff in retail shops speak English and they are attentive and willing to show and introduce their goods. Shopping in Turkey is a part of a great vacation.

Cuisine

It’s actually worth traveling to Istanbul for the food alone. Turkish cuisine is the very hearth and soul of eastern Mediterranean cooking, requiring the highest quality ingredients and careful preparation. From delicious mezes to elaborate vegetarian and seafood dishes, Istanbul will delight your palates and budget at the same time. During you stay, you have to try Haci Abdullah’s, This Istanbul institutions, which was established in 1888, is often reputed to be the best in the city.