Istanbul: Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour with Lunch

This tour is interesting because it turns two of Turkey’s biggest historical TV sagas into a real, walkable place, complete with tents, costumes, and staged scenes you can see up close. I especially love the film-set walk-through where you can study props and outfits, and I love the live performance and horse show that give the day a clear, dramatic payoff. One thing to consider, though, is that set access and activities can vary day to day, depending on what is being filmed or staged.

I went into this expecting a straightforward sightseeing stop, but I quickly noticed the tour’s edge is the guidance and pacing. When guides like Hakan Serim (who is known for playing Günkut Alp) are part of the group, you get answers that go beyond surface trivia, plus you learn what you’re looking at while you’re looking at it. Still, there is usually a bit of waiting between lunch and the big show, so build in patience if you do not love long stretches with buses and lines.

Key things to know before you go

• Two TV eras in one day: You focus on the stories of Ertuğrul Ghazi and Osman Gazi through the sets and characters.
• Licensed English guide: You get a guided route through the filming world, not just free time.
• Lunch plus a Turkish drink: Lunch includes a soft drink, and sherbet may be served if you ask.
• Hands-on Ottoman activities: Iron forging and archery are listed as complimentary, while horse riding is an added-fee option.
• Live shows at the end: Plan for the “big finish” late in the day, including performances and a horse show.
• Extra photo and costume options: Dressing up for photos or professional photography usually costs extra on site.

Entering the Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi film world, not just looking at it from far away

If you like historical stories, this tour works because it feels like you are stepping into the production design, not browsing a static exhibition. The set is built to mirror the eras connected to Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Gazi, and the details are the point: tent life, military-style clothing, and props that make the scenes make sense.

I like that you are guided through the complex parts first. A licensed English guide walks you around the movie sets so you understand what you are seeing while you are seeing it. If you get a guide with cast experience, like the kind of on-site leadership some days from people such as Abdullah Bha or Hakan Serim, the explanations can feel more practical than textbook, because they tie the visuals to how the show is made.

One more reason this is fun: you are not limited to watching. You get time for exploring and you may also get hands-on experiences like iron forging and archery (with other extras available for an additional on-site fee). That active element helps if you get bored quickly in “tourist photo stops.”

Getting to the set: meeting points in Istanbul and how the day moves

This is a full-day outing from Istanbul, listed at 8 hours total. The schedule is built around bus transport both ways, with two different meeting points so you can choose what’s easiest:

• In front of Bilgins Leather and Fur Cağaloğlu (Cağaloğlu): 9:40 to 9:50 AM
• In front of Atatürk Cultural Center (Taksim): 10:10 to 10:15 AM

Hotel pickup is not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point you picked. After the set visit and the show, the tour ends with drop-off back at the meeting points.

From my read of how this day usually flows, you should expect a chunk of time in transit, then a guided set walk, then lunch, then the show block at the end. Some people love the structure. Others find they want a bit more morning momentum before the main event begins.

The guided set walk: ornate tents, costumes, and the stories behind them

At the film set, the day is centered on the world of Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Gazi. Your licensed guide brings the scenes to life by pointing out what’s designed for the show and how the setting connects to the story.

What I really like here is that you do not just pass by the sets. You get time to walk around and study details, like the style of the camp tents and the way the production builds a believable space. One of the most memorable moments for some visitors is the feeling that the camp areas are used with real ritual and routine, not just as a set dressing.

In particular, a Kayi camp area may include a tent being used for prayer at prayer times, and that matters if you want a day trip that respects your schedule. It also adds a layer of authenticity to the overall experience.

If you are a fan, you might notice the cast and character references show up in the way guides talk about locations, costumes, and props. People have even reported meeting cast members in their roles or getting actor-led moments during the day, which can turn a standard tour into a personal memory.

When filming is happening: what you should and should not expect

A practical note so you do not go in with the wrong mental picture: this is primarily a visitor experience. You should not count on watching long segments of active filming or full “behind-the-scenes” production work. If a set area is being used that day, access can be limited, and you may find some sections are closed.

That said, you will still get plenty of set viewing and photo opportunities. The main point is to see the production world, not to expect the inside view of how every scene gets shot.

Kayi camp details and photo time that can cost extra

There’s usually a mix of guided time and space to wander. The set areas include tents and camp scenes connected to the Kayi theme, and you might get the chance to dress in costumes or role-play as part of the experience.

Here’s the catch: not every costume or photo opportunity is automatically included. Some options, like dressing up in full character attire for photos, are often priced separately on site. Professional photography is also listed as an add-on, not part of the included package.

So my advice is simple: if dressing up and a pro photographer matter to you, bring extra cash and decide early whether you want the added-fee memory. If not, you can still have a great day by focusing on walking the sets and the included guidance.

Lunch at a local restaurant, plus sherbet expectations

Lunch is included, and it comes with 1 soft drink. People report that the lunch is generally good, but timing and crowding can affect the temperature and pace. This is not a quiet, sit-down restaurant experience with long service. It’s more like a well-organized lunch stop inside a busy entertainment day.

About sherbet: the tour description connects sherbet with the included experience, but in practice you may need to request it separately at the restaurant. The good news is that when people asked, they were not charged for it. Still, don’t assume it will automatically appear on your table without asking.

A smart move: drink your included soft drink with lunch, then ask for sherbet if you want it. That avoids the end-of-meal awkwardness and keeps you on schedule for the show.

Hands-on activities: iron forging, archery, and what costs extra

After lunch you shift from walking to doing. The tour lists forging iron and archery as complimentary activities. However, real-world access can vary depending on what’s running that day and what staff have available.

Also, there are optional paid add-ons:

• Horse riding is listed as additional on site.
• Professional photography is listed as an additional on-site fee.

Some visitors also mention that certain activities like archery or iron forging can be paid depending on conditions, so treat the day like this: the tour includes the core experiences, but the hands-on options beyond what’s clearly active for your group can come with extra fees.

If you are excited about horseback riding, plan for it financially. If you are trying to keep costs down, focus on the complimentary activities and the set walk, and skip the extras unless you are sure you want them.

Live shows and the horse performance: the big finish

This is where the day earns its keep. The tour includes live shows, and many people highlight the horse show as a standout moment that makes the day feel special in a way museum visits rarely do.

What to expect is a performance block built around the same historical storytelling vibe as the series. You’ll often find that the energy peaks late in the day, after the set exploration and lunch. So even if the morning feels like sightseeing, stick with it through the end.

If you are traveling with kids, or with anyone who likes spectacle, this is the part that tends to convert a “I’m only here because of the show” into a “wow, that was actually fun.”

Value check: is $118 for an Istanbul day trip a smart buy?

At $118 per person for a full day (with round-trip transportation, set entry fees, a licensed English guide, lunch, and live shows), this is not a bargain price. It is more like a paid experience day, similar to other themed attractions.

The value shows up when you fall into at least one of these categories:

• You are a serious fan of Ertugrul or Kuruluş Osman, and you want to see the worlds you watch on screen.
• You want more than photos, meaning you like guided explanation and hands-on activity.
• You care about the ending show experience, especially the horse performance.

Where value can slip a bit:

• The on-site shops can be pricey, and costume or professional photo add-ons can add up fast.
• If you are not a fan of the show, you might feel the day is too entertainment-driven and not enough “walk at your own pace in history.”

My take: if you go in expecting a theme park style day with real storytelling and real set viewing, you’ll likely feel satisfied. If you want only quiet culture and monuments, you might prefer a different Istanbul plan.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you:

• Are into Ottoman-era TV storytelling and want to see how the production builds a believable camp and castle world
• Want a guided day out in English without having to organize transport yourself
• Enjoy hands-on activities, even if you skip the paid extras

It is less ideal if you:

• Want to focus on purely historical architecture sites rather than a film set experience
• Dislike crowds and a structured schedule with lunch and show timing

Mobility note: it is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. If mobility is an issue, plan another route.

Practical tips that make the day smoother

A few small things help you enjoy the experience more.

Bring:

• A camera
• A passport or ID card
• Cash for add-ons like horse riding or professional photography

Dress for:

• Walking inside set areas and camp-like paths
• A full day outdoors, since the show block and walking happen across multiple parts of the site

Go in ready for:

• Extra spending if you want dressing up for photos or a professional photo package
• The possibility that some set areas may be closed if filming or scheduling requires it

Also, if you care about sherbet specifically, ask at lunch. That small step can save you from disappointment.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you are a fan of Ertugrul and Osman, because the real win is the guided walk through TV-built worlds, plus the end-of-day live performances and horse show. The included lunch and transportation make it easier than trying to organize the trip on your own, and the licensed guide helps you understand details instead of just snapping pictures.

Skip it if you want monuments and quiet historical streets above all, or if the idea of set add-ons and on-site shops sounds like more hassle than fun. Also skip or reconsider if mobility needs are significant, since wheelchair access is not supported.

If you want a day that feels like a story come to life, this is one of the stronger “TV to real life” experiences around Istanbul. Just go in with flexible expectations, carry some cash, and plan to stay through the big show at the end.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Istanbul Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour?

The tour runs for 8 hours.

Where do I meet the group in Istanbul?

You choose one meeting point:

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

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included are return transportation, movie set entry fees, a licensed English guide, lunch with 1 soft drink, and live shows.

Is lunch and sherbet included?

Lunch is included with 1 soft drink. Sherbet is mentioned in the experience details, but you may need to ask for it at the restaurant.

Are horseback riding, archery, and professional photography included?

Horse riding, archery, and professional photography are listed as available for additional on-site fees.

What language is the tour guide?

The tour guide provides English commentary.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.