Istanbul: Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour with Lunch

Film sets in Turkey feel real fast. This full-day Istanbul outing takes you to the movie world of Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi, with a licensed guide walking you through the tents, castles, and costumes that power Kurulus Osman and the older Ertugrul stories. I especially love the on-site details, like seeing real props and getting time to wander the set layout. I also like the way the day ends with live performances, including a horse show that gives the whole place a pulse. One drawback to plan for: not every section may be open on the day you go, since some areas can be under filming, and certain hands-on activities can cost extra.

The day runs on coach travel plus a set schedule, not a loose museum stroll. You’ll get a guided route for context, then space to explore on your own, plus lunch at an on-site restaurant with a drink. If you’re a fan of the series, this is the closest thing to stepping into those dramatic outdoor scenes. One more consideration: you should bring cash for add-ons and on-site purchases, because the souvenirs and optional extras can add up quickly.

Here are the best parts to know before you book.

Key things I think you’ll notice right away

• Guided set walk with real context from a licensed guide, plus time to look around on your own
• Costumes, tents, and props up close, including camp-style areas tied to the story
• A lunch stop that keeps you moving, with a soft drink included and sherbet often offered as well
• Hands-on moments and optional extras, like horse riding and professional photos
• Live shows at the end, which many people consider the emotional high point of the day
• A day that can include actor appearances, depending on timing and the cast schedule

Movie-Set Time Travel from Istanbul, in an 8-hour rhythm

This is an easy concept, and it helps that the tour is built like a day trip: meeting points in central Istanbul, a coach ride out to the production site, guided time on set, lunch, activities, then live performances before the return drive.

You have two pickup options. The first is in front of Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu (9:40 to 9:50 AM). The second is in front of Ataturk Cultural Center Taksim (10:10 to 10:15 AM). Either way, you’re on the clock, and the schedule is designed so you get a full sampling of the set and the finale show.

The coach ride can set the tone. One review highlighted music from the Ertugrul and Osman productions playing during the journey, which sounds like a small touch, but it actually helps you shift into story mode before you arrive.

I also like the “know what you’re seeing” approach: you’re not just dropped at a theme park entrance. You have a licensed guide, and the guide talks through the Ghazis and the series legacy as you walk.

The practical side matters here. You’re going to spend real time outdoors, and the day is long enough that comfortable shoes beat cute shoes. If you’re sensitive to waiting around, keep expectations realistic: you’ll likely have some downtime between sections because it’s a coordinated show-day operation.

Entering the Ertugrul and Osman film world: tents, costumes, and what’s actually there

At the site, the biggest thrill is scale. You’re not looking at a few curated displays. You’re walking through the parts that were built for TV storytelling, with camp-style areas and larger set pieces that match what you recognize on screen.

What makes this tour work for me is the combination of two different ways of experiencing the set:

1) A guide-led route where you learn how the productions structure the world of Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi.

2) Free time where you can slow down, take photos, and look for those small details you might miss when someone is pointing constantly.

From the reviews you can see what fans care about most. People loved walking around and seeing actual costumes and props used in the dramas. Several guests also mentioned the chance to spend time at Kayi camp style areas, which is where the experience becomes very sensory: you see the texture and construction choices up close, not just a flat screen view.

You should also be ready for a reality check. One guest reported that one set was being filmed on their day, so they couldn’t go inside everything. That doesn’t mean the day is wasted. It just means flexibility helps. You might still tour a lot of the set, but the exact access can vary.

One cool detail I appreciate for personal comfort: there was mention of a Kayi Alp tent being used as a mosque for prayer times. That kind of accommodation can make a big difference when you’re spending hours on a site far from your usual routine.

And then there are the cast connections. Some reviews mention meeting actors or being greeted by people associated with the production. I can’t promise a specific face will be there every day, but the program has a reputation for blending set touring with real production energy.

The “local lunch” break, sherbet included (or close to it)

Lunch is included, and that matters because it keeps the trip from turning into a budget scavenger hunt. The tour includes lunch with 1 soft drink.

What about Turkish drinks? The tour highlights a signature sherbet taste. In at least one case, the included sherbet wasn’t automatic, and the guest had to request it separately but was not charged. So my advice is simple: if sherbet is a must-have for you, ask early after you sit down. Staff usually get it sorted.

How is the food itself? The reviews are generally positive, with multiple people calling the included lunch delicious or excellent. A couple guests described it more as adequate, and one note said the food was almost cold, which can happen when a site serves lots of groups on tight timing.

This is also where your strategy helps. If you want to fully enjoy the afternoon activities and show, eat at a steady pace, not an early sprint. You don’t want to be stuffed and then stuck waiting, but you also don’t want to grab a quick bite and lose energy before the finale.

Hands-on activities: forging iron, archery, and optional horseback riding

This is where the day can tilt from sightseeing into participation.

The tour description mentions hands-on activities, including iron forging and archery, and then lists certain items as paid add-ons. The reviews show how that plays out in the real world. For example, one guest said archery was paid and they couldn’t do iron forging. Another guest talked about activities being interactive, but also pointed out that extra activities cost more.

So you should go in with two expectations:

• There may be some included interaction time.
• If a specific activity matters to you most, plan for extra fees.

Horseback riding is clearly described as an on-site paid option. You should treat it as optional, not guaranteed included. Reviews also praise the day’s ending horse show, but that is different from the personal riding add-on.

If you want photos in costume, also expect extra cost. Some guests mentioned paying for dressing up or for custom costume experiences, and at least one mentioned an additional fee for taking pictures wearing character outfits.

If you’re coming as a family, this section is often the difference between a good day and a favorite day. Kids typically love the role-play and costume moments. Adults love the hands-on feeling, even if you only do one activity.

Bring some cash, because these optional bits are where costs can rise fastest.

The live shows and the horse finale that many people remember most

A big reason this tour earns strong ratings is the ending. The tour includes live shows at the film set backdrop.

On many visits, the finale show includes horse performance, and multiple guests called it the highlight of the day. Even people who cared mostly about the series seemed to agree: the live performance turns the set from a photo stop into a story experience with energy.

The show also changes the pacing of the day. After lunch and activities, you get a structured end point, which helps you feel like you actually completed something, not just visited a location and left.

One note to keep your expectations tuned: show timing can create waiting around. A reviewer mentioned that the period before the show felt like too much waiting and suggested the event should be shorter, so if you hate sitting and watching the crowd filter by, pack patience (or snacks you’re allowed to bring, if rules permit on the day).

Also, plan your camera use. You’ll likely want photos before the show, during quieter set moments, and then again at the finale. If you’re hoping for the best angles, arrive early to the show area when possible.

Price and value: is $118 fair for this Istanbul day trip?

At $118 per person for an 8-hour full-day tour, the value depends on one question: are you a serious Ertugrul Osman fan, or are you casual-curious?

For serious fans, this price can feel fair because you’re paying for several things at once:

• Set entry fees
• Return transportation from Istanbul meeting points
• A licensed guide
• Lunch with a soft drink
• Live shows

Also, the “real sets and costumes” part is the whole point. You’re not just learning a story in a classroom. You’re walking through the built environment that makes the TV drama look cinematic.

For casual visitors, the math can feel tougher, because some parts are optional add-ons. Gift shops can be pricey, and personal costume photo sessions, horseback riding, archery, and professional photography have extra fees. If you skip extras, you can keep the cost under control. If you buy everything, the day becomes more expensive quickly.

Another value signal: people praised organization and driver support, and they also praised the guide’s ability to answer filming questions. That matters, because it changes your experience from watching a set to understanding how the set is used for TV.

My practical advice is to set a budget before you arrive on-site. Decide what you want most, then say yes only to that. Souvenirs are nice, but the best memories usually come from the set time and the finale.

Who should book this tour, and who might want to pass

This tour is a strong match if you fall into any of these groups:

• You love Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi stories, especially if Kurulus Osman is part of your regular TV watch routine
• You like historical drama aesthetics, camps, castles, and costume details
• You want a structured day with lunch and a real show at the end
• You’re traveling with people who will enjoy interactive or role-play moments

It may not be the best fit if:

• You hate waiting and prefer highly efficient sightseeing blocks
• You need full accessibility support, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users
• You’re expecting to see every filming scene from every episode, because parts of the set can be under production and access can change

If you go in knowing it’s a TV-set experience plus a live show finale, you’ll be happier. If you go in expecting a quiet museum, you might feel rushed.

Quick tips before you go: camera, cash, and costume expectations

Plan to bring your camera, plus passport or an ID card. The tour also notes cash is useful.

Also, treat the on-site shop and costume/activities area as pay-your-own-pace. Some guests found the shop expensive, but that’s common in high-demand set locations. If you want a souvenir, buy one thing you truly care about, not everything you see.

If you’re sensitive to extra fees, keep an eye out for the paid options listed on-site, like professional photography and horseback riding. Even when something sounds included in a description, real-day access can vary, so ask before you start an activity.

If you’re worried about downtime, arrive on time at the meeting point. People who made it smoothly through the schedule seemed to enjoy the day more, because the rest of it flows better.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a day in Istanbul that feels like stepping into Ottoman-era TV drama, with real set spaces, a guide-led walk, included lunch, and a live show finale that many people call the best part.

Skip it or choose a different day trip if you mostly want classic sightseeing with minimal waiting, or if you’re traveling with accessibility needs, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. And if you’re on a tight budget, be selective about add-ons, because this kind of experience naturally encourages on-site spending.

If you’re a fan of Ertugrul and Osman, though, this is the sort of trip that turns screen love into something you can point at and say I was there.

FAQ

What does the tour include for the price?

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

Where are the meeting points in Istanbul?

You can meet at either location: 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 is sherbet included?

Lunch is included, and it comes with 1 soft drink. Sherbet is mentioned as part of the experience, and on at least one day it may be offered but you might need to ask for it separately.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

Are horseback riding, archery, and professional photography included?

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

Is there a live show during the day?

Yes. Live performances are included, and the day ends with show time at the set area.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.