Istanbul: Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour with Lunch

Watching these stories on screen is one thing; seeing the sets in real life is another. This full-day coach tour from Istanbul takes you to the movie-set world of Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi, with a licensed English guide, lunch, and live performances.

What I like most is the mix of guided storytelling plus time to wander. The sets are staged in a way that makes the characters feel close-up, and your guide (names I heard included Burak, Hakan Serim, and Abdullah) can explain the production details and the historical backdrop in plain language.

One potential drawback: the day runs like a production schedule. You’ll do a lot, and some parts may be unavailable if filming is happening, plus the on-site shop and costume/photo add-ons can add up fast.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Two meeting points in Istanbul mean easier logistics if you’re already near Taksim or Cağaloğlu
• A licensed English guide helps connect the drama to the story of the Ghazis
• Hands-on activities like archery and iron-forging are part of the experience, with other add-ons available on site
• Lunch includes a soft drink, and you’ll likely be offered sherbet as part of the day’s drink experience
• Live shows at the film set are a major highlight, with a horse-focused finale
• Optional paid extras (horse riding, professional photography, costume moments) are where you can spend more

Getting Out of Istanbul: The Coach Ride That Sets the Mood

This tour is built for a full day away from the city, starting with pickup at one of two set locations. If you’re aiming for a more central start, you can join at Ataturk Cultural Center (Taksim) between 10:10–10:15 AM. If you’re closer to the old city shopping streets, there’s a pickup at Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu between 9:40–9:50 AM. Either way, you’ll get return transportation, so you don’t have to figure out the timing or driving yourself.

The drive itself helps you shift gears from Istanbul modern life into Ottoman-era storytelling. One guest described music from the series playing during the journey, which honestly makes sense: it’s a themed day, and the transfer is part of the build-up. It’s also a good moment to settle in, charge your camera, and decide what you want most from the set visit—historical context, photo time, or the interactive activities.

Practical tip: the tour includes movie set entry fees, but it does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to make it to your chosen meeting point on time. Bring passport or ID card, a camera, and some cash for on-site extras and shopping.

Arrival at the Sets: Seeing Ertugrul and Osman in 3D

Once you reach the filming area, the big payoff starts fast. You’re not just watching reconstructions from a distance—you’re walking through places built to feel lived-in by the drama. With your licensed guide, you’ll get context for both Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi, and you’ll learn why these stories stuck so hard with Turkish audiences.

Here’s what makes this kind of tour work: you get a guide who explains not only the legend, but also the production logic. That means you’ll understand why certain tents are positioned a certain way, why costumes look the way they do, and what details matter to the storytelling. In conversations I’ve heard on similar set visits, the best moments come when someone points out props and design choices that you’d never notice as a casual viewer.

You’ll also have time to see costumes and props up close. This is where the day can feel slightly surreal—in the best way. The sets are ornate, and the styling is consistent with what you know from the shows, which is exactly why fans get emotional about it.

One realistic note: filming doesn’t always pause for tourists. There can be times when a specific set area is in use, so you may not be able to walk into every section the way you imagined. The tour still works even if one area is off-limits, but it’s worth keeping expectations flexible.

Guided Walk vs. Free Time: How to Get the Best Photos

The tour does a smart thing: it doesn’t leave you stranded with a guide who talks nonstop. After the guided portion, you get time to explore on your own. That freedom matters because not everyone wants the same pace—some people want broad views for photos, while others care about details like weapons, clothing textures, or tent layouts.

In at least one on-site experience, I heard that there can be a strong emphasis on walking through multiple themed areas—tents, encampments, and castle-style locations. You might also encounter areas tied to key story settings (for example, Sogut-themed areas and castle sets were mentioned by guests), and you may spot standout props and staged features during the walk.

Photo strategy that works:

• Start with the guide’s route so you don’t miss the most photogenic angles.
• Use free time for close-ups: costumes, signage, armor, fabric stitching, and set textures.
• If you want costume shots, check the on-site add-ons before you pay. Prices and options are on site, and the shop can be pricey.

Also: one guest specifically praised a Kayi Alp Tent being used as a mosque for prayer times. If that’s important to you, it’s comforting to know that the site can make space for worship during the day.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Simple, Scheduled, and Filling

Lunch is included, and it comes with one soft drink. In practice, this means you’ll get a sit-down break rather than a quick snack. It’s also timed so you still make the afternoon entertainment.

The lunch quality reads as solid rather than gourmet. Some people described it as delicious, while others noted it was adequate or could feel busy-cold depending on timing and crowd flow. Either way, it’s enough to keep you going through the second half of the day—especially because the live show portion can be exciting and surprisingly active.

A small but helpful detail: the tour description highlights sherbet. Some guests reported it as complimentary, while others said they had to ask for it separately but weren’t charged. So if sherbet matters, just ask at lunch without waiting for it to magically appear.

What I recommend: eat earlier if you can, even if it feels slightly rushed. You’ll protect your energy for the interactive parts after lunch.

The Interactive Zone: Archery, Iron Forging, and Paid Add-Ons

After lunch, the experience shifts into hands-on territory. The tour includes complimentary activities, including iron forging and archery. This is a big part of why the day feels more than just a guided sightseeing walk—it gives you a chance to play with the “how did they do this?” side of the story.

Now, here’s the practical truth: interactive sessions are still managed like a working site. If an activity session is limited or not operating at the moment you arrive, you may have to pivot to what’s available. That’s why I like doing the included activities first, then deciding whether to spend extra.

Optional paid add-ons exist on site. Based on what I’ve seen reported, the most common higher-cost upgrades include:

• Horse riding
• Professional photography
• Costume photo or role-play style experiences (these can be expensive, and pricing varies on site)

Some guests also mentioned extra costume/photo moments where they could dress like characters. If you care about this, bring extra cash and go in with eyes open: it’s a themed set, and the business model includes paid experiences.

One more tip: wear shoes you don’t mind getting dusty. You’ll be walking around sets and themed areas, and you’ll likely spend more time on your feet than you expect from a “museum-like” description.

The Live Show Finish: Why the Horse Performance Pulls the Day Together

The tour doesn’t end at sunset with a quiet stroll. There are live shows included, and they’re one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip if you love the series.

Guests often described the final horse show as a standout—an unexpected high point that feels like part celebration, part storytelling, and part live performance. The pacing also matters: you’ll usually get the show after lunch and after the interactive portion, so your energy and attention need to stay up through the waiting time.

One practical scheduling reality: the day can include periods where you’re waiting—especially right before the main show. If you’re someone who gets restless, bring a little patience. The show itself is what you’re waiting for, and it can be worth it.

When the performance starts, the set becomes the stage. You’re watching epic scenes in the exact environment the drama was built for, and that connection is the whole point of a film-set tour.

Price and Value: Is $118 Worth Your Time?

At $118 per person for an 8-hour day, this tour isn’t a bargain. But it’s also not just “entry tickets and a bus.” You’re paying for a bundle: round-trip transportation, movie set entry fees, a licensed English guide, lunch with a soft drink, and live shows.

So where does the value land?

• If you’re a fan of Ertugrul or Kurulus Osman, the set visit plus live performance can feel like a full story experience, not just a photo stop.
• If you’re into Ottoman-era origins and you like learning how productions build historical worlds, the guide explanations can make the day worth it even if you’re not the most obsessive fan.
• The budget risk is the extras. The shop is described as pricey, and activities like horse riding and professional photography come at an on-site cost. If you ignore those optional upgrades, the tour can feel more fairly priced.

My advice: treat it like a day package. Decide ahead of time what you’re willing to pay extra for (if anything). Bring cash so you don’t feel pressured at the last second.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This tour is ideal if you:

• Know the series and want to see where the magic is built
• Want an easy day trip from Istanbul without planning transportation
• Like guided storytelling, especially with production details and costume/prop explanations
• Don’t mind a structured schedule and aren’t easily bored by waiting in the middle of a day

It might not be ideal if you:

• Expect to access every set area at all times (filming can affect access)
• Hate add-on sales pressure—because the on-site shop and optional activities can tempt you
• Need wheelchairs or electric wheelchair access (the tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed)

If you’re in the middle—curious rather than obsessed—the guide and the live show are still strong reasons to go, as long as you keep your expectations realistic about time and costs.

Should You Book This Tour? My honest take

I’d book this if you want a day that feels like stepping into the series world, with a guided set walk, lunch, and live performances that actually anchor the experience. The best part isn’t only the sets—it’s how the day connects story, costumes, and real staging into one full afternoon.

I’d think twice if you’re on a tight schedule or on a tight budget for add-ons, because optional extras (horse riding, professional photography, costume moments) can inflate the final spend. And if you need total freedom to roam every area, be aware that parts of the set may be in use.

Bottom line: for fans and for history-drama lovers who enjoy guided experiences, this tour is a fun, memorable use of a full day in Istanbul.

FAQ

How long is the Istanbul Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour with Lunch?

The tour duration is 8 hours.

Where do I meet the tour group in Istanbul?

You can choose one pickup meeting point: in front of Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu (9:40–9:50 AM) or in front of Ataturk Cultural Center Taksim (10:10–10:15 AM).

What’s included in the price?

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

Is professional photography included?

No. Professional photography is not included and is available on site for an additional fee.

Are horse riding and archery included?

Archery is listed as part of complimentary activities. Horse riding is available for an additional fee.

What about lunch and sherbet?

Lunch is included with 1 soft drink. Sherbet is mentioned as part of the experience, though you may need to ask for it at the restaurant.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

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