Turkey is a spectacular country with great food and wine and a variety of ancient ruins and geological wonders. The locals are friendly and budget travel is easy.
Çiya Sofrasi is one of Istanbul's most frequented restaurants for traditional Turkish food but it requires a little patience to locate it in Kadiköy's busy back streets.
In the same area as the famous Aya Sofia, Blue Mosque and Underground Cistern, this charming museum of rugs, ceramics and calligraphy is often overlooked by visitors.
The male tourist can take advantage of the world's best barbers without speaking a word of Turkish. A close shave, trim and head massage come at a very cheap price.