Istanbul: Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour with Lunch

Ottoman legend plays out in real sets. This full-day tour from Istanbul takes you through the Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi filming world, then wraps up with live performances.

I love the on-site storytelling from a licensed guide, especially when guides like Hakan Serim (Gunkut Alp in Ertugrul) explain what you are seeing and why it matters. I also love that lunch is built into the day with a proper meal and sherbet flavoring so you are not scrambling for food.

One drawback to plan for is extra-cost time sinks, the gift shop can feel pricey, and several signature photo or hands-on moments cost extra on site.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Coach ride with TV-set vibes: music from Ertugrul and Osman plays during the drive, which helps fans get in the mood.
• You walk real sets, not just a viewpoint: costumes, props, and tent camps are part of the experience.
• Meet-and-greet moments can happen: depending on the day, you might meet actors or cast members connected to the production.
• Prayer-friendly touchpoint: you may find the Kayi Alp Tent set up for prayer during prayer times.
• Lunch is included, sherbet is usually easy to get: sherbet may be offered automatically or you may need to request it.
• The horse show is the closer: live performances and a strong final show often land as the highlight.

A Full Day Inside the Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi World

This is not a museum-style stop where you pass quickly and move on. The point here is to slow down and look at the craft behind the stories you know from Turkish TV. You tour constructed camps and castle scenes tied to the series, then finish with live entertainment on the same set backdrop.

If you are a serious fan, you get the best of both worlds: place-based sightseeing plus storytelling from someone who can point out how productions use details like tents, uniforms, and set dressing. Even if you are not a diehard viewer, you still get something tangible, built sets, authentic-looking costumes, and a final show that feels like part spectacle and part live theater.

Istanbul Pickup and the Coach Ride That Sets the Tone

Your day starts with an included pickup, and the timing is early-ish for a reason. You will meet your group at either:

• In front of Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu, 9:40 to 9:50 AM
• In front of Ataturk Cultural Center Taksim, 10:10 to 10:15 AM

From there, you ride to the movie set area. Many visitors describe the drive as roughly 40 to 50 minutes, so it is a real day trip but not a full-morning slog. One nice touch is that the coach ride often includes music from Ertugrul and Osman playing on the journey, which makes the hours feel themed instead of just practical transit.

Practical tip: bring a small amount of cash. The tour includes lunch and entry fees, but add-ons are common on site, from costume photo moments to paid activities.

Touring the Sets: Camps, Castles, and Costume Details You Can See Up Close

Once you arrive, the tour becomes a walking route through the world of Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi. You are not just looking at structures from a distance. You move through areas that feel like reconstructed history, with ornate tents and set pieces meant to look like they belong to the story.

A major reason this experience works is the guide. You get a licensed guide who explains context as you walk. People mention that guides are able to answer questions about filming and point out details beyond what you would notice on your own. If you get a guide connected to the series cast, the explanations can feel extra personal. For example, some days you may encounter performers such as guides who played characters like Gunkut Alp, and that can turn the set walk into something closer to a behind-the-scenes story.

What you might see includes:

• Old tent areas that match the early era vibe of the dramas
• Camps tied to the Kayi group, including a Kayi Alp Tent area where prayer times may be supported
• Castle-related set zones, and in some show content you might even spot references like Aya Nikola’s throne area (mentioned in connection with the live program)

Time on site usually includes guided segments plus free roaming. Some visitors felt they had a fair amount of time to explore around the sets on their own, which matters because the detail level can reward slower looking, especially around costumes and props.

One real consideration: parts of the set can be unavailable if filming is happening. On some days, a set might be closed while production continues, so your itinerary of areas could shift slightly.

The Guided Walk Plus Free Time, and Why the Balance Matters

This tour tends to mix structured guidance with room to wander. The guided portions help you connect what you are seeing to the story. The free-time portion lets you take photos, examine costumes, and replay scenes in your head without feeling rushed.

The best version of this day is when you use both modes. Start with the guide while things are fresh, so you understand what each camp or castle area represents. Then take your free-time lap slowly. That is when set textures and costume construction start to feel real rather than TV-like.

One practical note from real-world pacing: some people mention waiting before the main show. If you are sensitive to downtime, plan to bring water and keep your expectations flexible after lunch.

Lunch at the Local Restaurant, Plus the Sherbet Detail

Lunch is included, and it is served at a local on-site restaurant. You also get 1 soft drink with the meal, which helps this day feel complete rather than snack-based.

Sherbet is part of the experience, described as a complimentary taste of this traditional Turkish drink. One detail to know: on at least some days, sherbet is not automatically delivered with lunch. You might need to ask for it separately, though at least one visitor reported they were not charged when they requested it. So if it sounds important to you, speak up calmly after you sit down.

Food quality sounds good overall, but there are small variations. Some people described the lunch as excellent, while others felt it ran busy and could be served colder than ideal. That is the kind of small risk that comes with popular group tours, especially at venues where lots of tour coaches arrive around similar times.

After Lunch: Hands-On Activities, Optional Horse Riding, and Photo Packages

The tour keeps moving after lunch with activities. What is on offer depends on what the day’s setup allows, but the description includes complimentary time for:

• Forging iron
• Archery

And then there are optional paid add-ons, including:

• Horseback riding
• Professional photography

A key reality check: on some days, visitors found that certain hands-on activities were treated as paid, and not everyone could do the full set of options. So if forging iron or archery is the main reason you booked, keep a flexible mindset and confirm what is available once you arrive.

You may also encounter other interactive moments at the site. For instance, one visitor mentioned glass blowing. Another described a costume and role-play style experience where an actor guided the activity, with additional costume photo dressing available for a fee.

Paid add-ons mentioned in the experience include:

• Dressing up and taking photos in costume, including an extra fee around $50 (reported)
• Horse riding, offered for an additional on-site fee
• Professional photography, offered for an additional on-site fee

Budget reality: this tour can start feeling pricier if you add everything. If you want the essentials only, focus on what is included: entry fees, licensed guide, lunch with soft drink, and live shows.

Live Shows on the Set, and the Horse Performance That Usually Wins

After your set walk and lunch, you watch live performances with the set as the backdrop. This is where the day can feel like the stories you love have become stagecraft.

Multiple visitors flag the live show and especially the horse performance at the end as a standout moment. One person even called the horse show the icing on the cake, and described it as unexpected but worth it. Another mentioned that the final part of the day is fabulous.

Timing can vary slightly, but at least one visitor notes the extravaganza show happened around 4:30. If you can, arrive to the seating area promptly when they tell you, because the good views can be first-come.

If you get lucky, you might also see production figures connected to the show. One visitor mentioned that Mehmet Bozdag was present on their tour day, which is the kind of detail that fans remember long after they forget the gift shop.

Price and Value: Does $118 Make Sense?

At $118 per person for an 8-hour day, the value depends on what you want most: entertainment, access, or hands-on activities.

What you typically get for the base price:

• Return transportation
• Movie set entry fees
• A licensed English guide
• Lunch plus 1 soft drink
• Live shows

That is a lot of structure for one ticket. You are paying for access to the constructed film-world, guided interpretation, and a scheduled entertainment finale, not just a casual walk.

Where value can slip for some people is when the most fun moments are also the most expensive add-ons. If you plan to do horse riding, buy costume photo sessions, or purchase extra professional photography, your final spend climbs quickly. Also, the on-site shop can feel pricey, and it is sometimes positioned early in the day.

My advice is simple. Decide in advance what you want to pay extra for, if anything. If you only want the set walk, included lunch, and the shows, this ticket can feel like a good deal for fans who want a full-day experience without planning logistics.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Skip It

This tour is best for you if you fall into one of these groups:

• You are a fan of Ertugrul and Osman and want a place-based day around the series
• You like the craft side of TV sets, costumes, and props
• You enjoy live performance and want the day to end with energy
• You want a guided experience in English that explains what you are seeing

It can still work if you are not a fan, since the set build and live show can be fun on their own. But if you want only quiet sightseeing and no crowds, you may find it a bit too “event-like.”

Important for comfort and planning:

• It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.
• Expect a group format with some waiting time, particularly before the show.
• Parts of the set may be closed if filming is happening.

One thoughtful detail for Muslim visitors: you might find the Kayi Alp Tent set up for prayer around prayer times, which can make the experience feel more considerate and easier to manage during the day.

Should You Book the Ertugrul and Osman Movie Set Tour?

If you are a genuine fan and you want a complete day, this is an easy yes. You get guided set walking, included lunch, and live entertainment at the end, plus the chance for meet-and-greet type moments or actor-led interactions on some days.

If you are hoping for guaranteed hands-on participation like forging iron, double-check availability once you arrive. If you hate extra-cost add-ons or expensive shopping, go in with a budget mindset and set your priorities before the shop opens.

For the right person, this tour hits the sweet spot of TV world turned physical world, with the horse show landing as the memorable finale.

FAQ

How long is the Istanbul Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi movie set tour?

The tour lasts 8 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

Return transportation, movie set entry fees, a licensed guide, lunch with 1 soft drink, and live shows are included.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where are the pickup meeting points in Istanbul?

You can be picked up at one of two meeting points: in front of Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu (9:40 to 9:50 AM) or in front of Ataturk Cultural Center Taksim (10:10 to 10:15 AM).

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Lunch is included at a local restaurant, and it includes 1 soft drink.

Is sherbet included?

The experience description includes a complimentary taste of sherbet, though on at least some days you may need to ask for it separately.

What activities are included after lunch?

The description includes complimentary activities such as forging iron and archery, along with a live performance.

What costs extra on site?

Professional photography and horseback riding are listed as available for an additional on-site fee.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera, your passport or ID card, and cash.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.