Turkey is a land of vast history, the birthplace of many civilisations and the home of some of history's greatest empires. Turkey delights visitors with its dizzying natural scenery, intriguing ruins from throughout human history, exquisite food and unique handicrafts. Every year, thousands of Canadian visitors are warmly welcomed to Turkey with open arms.
Alaturka Turkey offers a wide range of day tours, cruises, and airport-to-airport package tours to help you make the most of your time in Turkey and discover the vast array of wonderful experiences that Turkey holds.
- Alaturka package tours operate from airport-to-airport. From the moment you arrive in Turkey until the moment you leave, your every need will be catered for by Alaturka, however our tours do not include flights to and from Turkey.
- Please note that Alaturka does not provide visa services. You will need to obtain a visa before entering Turkey, Canadian government travel advisory can aid with the process.
- To see our full range of single day and package tours, please scroll to the bottom of the page, or click here.
What to see in Turkey
Istanbul has been a major cultural hub for nearly 2000 years, and a crucial site of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The most famous sights in Istanbul include the Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), the Hagia Sophia Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Byzantine Wall.
Istanbul offers world-class shopping in its Grand Bazaar, along Istiklal Avenue and the famous Taksim Square, as well as many modern malls.
Alaturka offers a wide selection of tours beginning and ending in Istanbul.
Ephesus is one of the world's best archaeological sites, at one time being the second-largest city in the Roman Empire and home to the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Here you can also visit the 24,000 seat Great Theatre and the luxurious Terrace Houses with their beautifully preserved wall frescoes and floor mosaics. Many of Alaturka's tours include Ephesus in the itinerary, and there are also tours beginning from there.
Pamukkale is famous for its unusual white cliffs (travertines) and hot springs, which have been used as a spa for over 2000 years. It also features the ancient Roman ruins of Hierapolis. Alaturka has tours to Pamukkale beginning in Istanbul, Ephesus and Fethiye.
Cappadocia is a stunning region of canyons, amazing rock formations, vast underground cities, with houses, churches, monasteries and even a castle carved into the mountainsides. It is also the world's premier location for hot air ballooning. This surrealistic landscape is the must-see destination of Turkey. Almost all of Alaturka's tours visit spectacular Cappadocia.
Antalya is a charming and gorgeous town on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Antalya offers vast insights into ancient times with a wealth of Roman sites in the surrounding areas, including Perge, a city featuring baths, acropolis and a well preserved stadium, as well as Aspendos, which is the best preserved ancient Roman theatre in the world. With its fertile location surrounded by mountains and cliffs, Antalya also boasts beautiful national parks and waterfalls. Alaturka offers a variety of tour options for Antalya.
Fethiye is a simply stunning town on the Mediterranean coast. Famous for its natural beauty, hiking, sailing, seafood, mud baths and its proximity to the Oludeniz Blue Lagoon. Also near Fethiye is the Saklikent Gorge, which is the longest and deepest gorge in Turkey (20km long). You can visit Fethiye with Alaturka, or you may also start your tour there.
Food in Turkey
Turkish cuisine is world famous with a rich blend of European and Asian influences. Indeed Istanbul is one of the best culinary destinations in the world. The most popular dishes are kebap and pide (Turkish pizza), which consists of flat, crusty bread with beef, lamb, chicken, eggs, cheese or vegetables. Don't forget to try the Turkish delight as well!
Almost all food in Turkey is halal, and there are plenty of options available for vegetarians.
When to visit Turkey
Turkey is a large country with many different climatic regions. The north and east of Turkey have cold winters, while the coastal areas of the Aegean Sea boasts a temperate climate with pleasant weather all year round. The Mediterranean region can get very hot in summer.
The most popular time to visit Turkey is in the summer, from April to October. Tulip season in Istanbul is from late March to early May. The Mediterranean coastline is especially nice in spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) with temperatures between 20ºC and 30ºC.
Travel to Turkey from Canada
Turkish Airlines operate one direct flight per day from Toronto to Istanbul. Flight time is 10 hours.
British Airways and KLM both fly one-stop to Istanbul from Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary.
Air France operates from Toronto and Montreal with one-stop flights to Istanbul.
Lufthansa offer one-stop flights to Istanbul from Toronto and Vancouver.
Turkish visa for Canadian citizens
Canadian passport holders can obtain a 90 day, multiple entry e-Visa here. Visa conditions can change without notice, so it is best to consult your nearest Turkish embassy or consulate before you travel.
Turkish Embassies and Consulates in Canada
Turkish Embassy in Ottawa
197 Wurtemburg Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 8L9
Canada
T:+1 613 244 24 70
Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00
Turkish Consulate General in Montreal
1250 Boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest,
Bureau 3045,
Montreal, QC H3B 4W8
T:+1 514 379 4448
Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00
Turkish Consulate General in Toronto
10 Lower Spadina Avenue, Suite 300
Toronto ON M5V 2Z2
T: +1 647 777 4106
Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00
Turkish Consulate General in Vancouver
Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00
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