Turkish is the country’s official language. English is generally understood in tourist areas, but we recommend having a guide for travel and interactions.
Direct flight: 9h30 to 10h30
Connecting flight: 12 to 16 hours (depending on connection times)
Turkey time zone: UTC+3
8h ahead of Quebec (EST)
7h ahead of Quebec (EDT)
Turkish lira (TRY)
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and businesses in tourist areas. It is recommended to carry some Turkish lira for markets, bazaars, small shops and restaurants, public transportation, taxis, and other everyday purchases.
In Turkey, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated and part of local customs, especially in tourist areas. In restaurants, it is common to leave 5–10% if the service charge is not included. Travellers usually tip guides and drivers between 250 and 450 TRY per day. For taxis, it is customary to round up the fare, and around 100 TRY is typically given to porters.
In Turkey, travellers are advised to exercise caution, especially in crowded places and tourist areas where scams and pickpocketing can occur. Border regions near Syria and Iraq should be avoided, and walking alone at night is not recommended. For transportation, it is best to use buses, ride-hailing apps, or official taxis. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended outside seaside resorts.
*In the context of ongoing hostilities in the Middle East and the recent U.S. strikes in February 2026, we advise Canadian travellers to register with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service. This allows them to receive important updates during their stay regarding possible changes to the country’s security rating, transportation disruptions, and local emergency instructions.
Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Turkey Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.
Ephesus is an archaeological jewel of Turkey and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Library of Celsus and the vast Great Theatre dominate the site. Walking along its paved streets feels like stepping into the heart of the Greek and Roman civilizations. An unmissable stop for history enthusiasts.
Salda Lake amazes with its crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand, and surrounding mountains. Its mineral-rich sediments, known for their skin benefits, give the water its stunning turquoise hues. A unique natural site for relaxation and hiking.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale is a unique natural wonder. Its travertine terraces filled with warm turquoise waters offer soothing benefits, while the ancient ruins of Hierapolis add a touch of history. A place where nature, culture, and wellness come together.
Perched over 2,000 metres high in southeastern Turkey’s mountains, Mount Nemrut amazes with its colossal statues dating from the 1st century BC. Sculptures of gods and kings, set against breathtaking panoramas, offer a unique and memorable experience, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Ephesus is an archaeological jewel of Turkey and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Library of Celsus and the vast Great Theatre dominate the site. Walking along its paved streets feels like stepping into the heart of the Greek and Roman civilizations. An unmissable stop for history enthusiasts.
Salda Lake amazes with its crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand, and surrounding mountains. Its mineral-rich sediments, known for their skin benefits, give the water its stunning turquoise hues. A unique natural site for relaxation and hiking.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale is a unique natural wonder. Its travertine terraces filled with warm turquoise waters offer soothing benefits, while the ancient ruins of Hierapolis add a touch of history. A place where nature, culture, and wellness come together.
Perched over 2,000 metres high in southeastern Turkey’s mountains, Mount Nemrut amazes with its colossal statues dating from the 1st century BC. Sculptures of gods and kings, set against breathtaking panoramas, offer a unique and memorable experience, especially at sunrise and sunset.
“I returned from Turkey with unforgettable memories. My favourites: a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia at sunrise and the soothing turquoise waters of Pamukkale’s terraces, a truly unique natural haven in the world.”
A staple of Turkish street food, kebabs come in several varieties, including şiş kebab and döner kebab. Both are made from lamb or beef marinated in lemon, yogurt, cumin, and oregano, then flame-grilled on a skewer. Şiş is served on skewers, while döner is thinly sliced and served in pita bread.
Often called “Turkish pizza,” pide is an elongated, boat-shaped bread topped with melted cheese, spiced ground meat, or vegetables (bell pepper, tomato, parsley, etc.). Baked until golden and crispy, it is served hot straight from the wood-fired oven in a convivial atmosphere.
Turkish mezze are all about sharing. Served in small bowls, they bring together hummus, eggplant purées, herbed yogurt, marinated vegetables, meatballs, and other delicious bites. Colourful and full of flavour, they set the tone for a warm, Mediterranean atmosphere.
Soft and slightly chewy, Turkish delights are a traditional sweet known for their vibrant colours. Available in a variety of flavours such as rose, lemon, and coffee, they are delicately dusted with icing sugar and often filled with pistachios or walnuts, pleasing both the eye and the palate. They are most often enjoyed with Turkish tea.
Turkish tea is known for its beautiful amber-red colour and bold, slightly tannic flavour. Slowly steeped and served piping hot in a tulip-shaped glass, it is sipped in small amounts, without milk, sometimes with a cube of sugar. Often offered spontaneously to guests, it reflects a strong sense of hospitality and social connection.
A staple of Turkish street food, kebabs come in several varieties, including şiş kebab and döner kebab. Both are made from lamb or beef marinated in lemon, yogurt, cumin, and oregano, then flame-grilled on a skewer. Şiş is served on skewers, while döner is thinly sliced and served in pita bread.
Often called “Turkish pizza,” pide is an elongated, boat-shaped bread topped with melted cheese, spiced ground meat, or vegetables (bell pepper, tomato, parsley, etc.). Baked until golden and crispy, it is served hot straight from the wood-fired oven in a convivial atmosphere.
Turkish mezze are all about sharing. Served in small bowls, they bring together hummus, eggplant purées, herbed yogurt, marinated vegetables, meatballs, and other delicious bites. Colourful and full of flavour, they set the tone for a warm, Mediterranean atmosphere.
Soft and slightly chewy, Turkish delights are a traditional sweet known for their vibrant colours. Available in a variety of flavours such as rose, lemon, and coffee, they are delicately dusted with icing sugar and often filled with pistachios or walnuts, pleasing both the eye and the palate. They are most often enjoyed with Turkish tea.
Turkish tea is known for its beautiful amber-red colour and bold, slightly tannic flavour. Slowly steeped and served piping hot in a tulip-shaped glass, it is sipped in small amounts, without milk, sometimes with a cube of sugar. Often offered spontaneously to guests, it reflects a strong sense of hospitality and social connection.
The best times to travel to Turkey are spring and autumn, particularly in May, September, and October. Temperatures are mild, the landscapes are stunning, and tourism is less crowded. These months are ideal for taking a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, strolling through Istanbul’s bazaars, or enjoying the Mediterranean beaches at a relaxed pace. It is recommended to avoid June through August due to intense heat and heavy tourist crowds.
Turkey has a diverse transport network that makes getting around easy. Flights quickly connect Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and Izmir. Long-distance buses and high-speed trains provide a comfortable and safe way to explore major cities, while renting a car is ideal for discovering the Mediterranean coast, the Lycian coast, and remote regions.
10 to 14 days.
This duration allows you to visit the main regions such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Mediterranean coast, while also exploring the beaches, Pamukkale, Ephesus, and a few charming villages.
Mediterranean Sea
Departure: Sep 09, 2026
On demand price
Türkiye
Departures: Aug 07, 2026, Aug 21, 2026 + 3 other dates
Price from $2,539 $2,412
Türkiye
Departure: Apr 14, 2027
Price from $6,189 $6,114
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