Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Istanbul Culinary Institute is an educational and vocational centre for the culinary arts. Dedicated to promoting Turkish cuisine nationally and globally, introducing different culinary cultures to local audiences, and training professional cooks for the industry, it offers a diverse range of certificate programs and cooking courses.

A taster of the sorts of food you could be learning to prepare are:

Vermicelli soup with tahini

Braised bonito

Phyllo with spinach and feta ( Su Böregi )

Apple and walnut baklava

Marjoram scented roasted red pepper soup

Sea Bass fillet with orange and parsley sauce

Lebanese style fattoush salad

Baked halva with carrots and walnuts

The Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi) in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and 5,000 shops, and attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It is well known for its jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops. Many of the stalls in the bazaar are grouped by type of goods, with special areas for leather, gold jewellery and the like. The bazaar has been an important trading centre since 1461 and its labyrinthine vaults feature two bedestens (domed buildings), the first of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The bazaar was vastly enlarged in the 16th century, during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and in 1894 underwent a major restoration following an earthquake.

The complex houses two mosques, four fountains, two hamams, and several cafés and restaurants. In the centre is the high domed hall of the Cevahir Bedesten, where the most valuable items and antiques were to be found in the past, and still are today, including furniture, copperware, amber prayer beads, inlaid weapons, icons, mother-of-pearl mirrors, water pipes, watches and clocks, candlesticks, old coins, and silver and gold jewellery set with coral and turquoise. A leisurely afternoon spent exploring the bazaar, sitting in one of the cafés and watching the crowds pass by, and bargaining for purchases is one of the best ways to recapture the romantic atmosphere of old Istanbul.

A totally unique experience is meeting the craftsmen and artists in their ateliers. Let our guide take you to meet them for a truly authentic experience.

The impressive expanse of water that separates Turkey’s Asian and European halves; sailing along the Bosphorus is a great way to get a new perspective of Istanbul. As you pass through this fascinating waterway, take in the fishermen along the busy Galata Bridge, the impressive tankers, groups of dolphins, and see the stunning mosques and palaces from sea level.

Whilst this is a brilliant day-time excursion, its possible to hire boats for the evening, in which you can enjoy the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace being dramatically lit, and watch as the sun goes down across the waters of the Golden Horn.

Its Turkish name Yerebatan Sarayi translates to the “sunken Palace” and the basilica cistern in Istanbul is definitely a unique landmark. In the centre of the old part of Istanbul amongst the famous Hagia Sophia and blue mosque, the Basilica hides 500 feet below, and is a brilliant place to have a break from the city heat.

Built in the 6th century, this large cistern was the water filtration system for the palace of Constantinople and the surrounding city. Atmospherically lit, spend and hour or so wondering through the cistern, and spot the famous carved heads of Medusa, and the schools of goldfish that inhabit its waters.

The Hammams in Istanbul are long-established bathhouses. A traditional custom, these baths are used by locals and Istanbul has some of the oldest Hammams in Turkey. Large, marble rooms are filled with steam, and the typical hammam dome allows shafts of light into this calm oasis; you will feel a million miles from the bustling city of Istanbul.

The Çemberlitas Hammam is one of the oldest, built by architect Sinan in 1584, it was originally planned as a double hammam, with identical separate entrances for men and women. Its inner dimensions are shaped by twelve columns, and the Çemberlitas Hammam features private bathing cubicles, and four separate chambers. Once there, there are many different bathing prices depending on what you choose, we recommend to be washed by an attendant in the baths, and it’s a good idea to have an oil massage as well.

This is not a typical relaxing spa experience, and whilst you lay on the cool slab of marble in the centre, the attendants vigorous exfoliating and washing will leave you feeling not particularly relaxed, but definitely very cleansed. Another old and beautiful hammam is the Cagaloglu Hammam, which was one of the last baths to be built in the Ottoman Empire; upon entering you will be greeted by its impressive camekan entrance hall. When visiting the Cagaloglu Hammam in Istanbul, be sure to try the pistachio-oil soap.

A new opening is the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan, a 16th century hammam also built by the architect Sinan. Our contact in Turkey describes this hammam as a once in a lifetime experience. On offer are various massage packages, we like the sound of "Aroma Explosion – Redbud Aromatherapy Massage" - by activating the lymphatic system, the aroma therapeutic massage aims to remove the toxins from your body, decrease the fluid retention within the body and offers you a pleasant and relaxing séance with its balminess redbud essence oil. Sounds divine!