Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour from Istanbul

Traveller rating 4.0 (9)Duration8 hours (approx.)Price from$120.16Operated byAll Tours Istanbul-AzureBook viaViator

A movie set visit beats a museum stop. You get a Kuruluş Osman world in real space, not just on-screen. Two things I especially like: the long, on-site time at the actual filming area and the included lunch that keeps the day from feeling like a scramble. The one thing to consider is cost creep—extras like professional photography and horse riding are optional and not cheap.

This is a solid 8-hour day built around the sets, starting at 10:00 from the Atatürk Culture Center area and ending back near the same spot. Expect an air-conditioned ride, a small group (up to 28), and a plan that mixes travel time with set time and a live performance segment.

Key highlights worth planning for

  • Real filming-area time: You spend hours where the series is shot, not just quick look-and-photos.
  • Europe to Asia transit early: You cross from Istanbul’s European side to the Asian side at the start.
  • Multiple set zones: Castle and house set areas plus the main filming location are both part of the day.
  • Live performance segment: You watch live shows staged against the film set background.
  • Lunch included: Fewer “stop for food” surprises during a long day.
  • Small-group feel: Limited to 28 travelers, which helps the day stay organized.

Crossing Istanbul to reach the series world

If you’re a fan of Ertugrul Gazi or Kuruluş Osman, the appeal here is simple: you’re going to the place where the visuals are made. The day starts at 10:00 am with a meeting point in front of the main door of the Atatürk Culture Center near Taksim Square. From there, the group rides from Europe to the Asian continent, which is a big part of the “you’re really going somewhere” feeling.

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at that meeting point, so you’re not hunting for an office or trying to match up with a random location later. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters in Istanbul when the day runs long.

A small but important detail: this tour uses a mobile ticket, so plan to have your phone charged and accessible. Also, you won’t get hotel transfers—you’ll need to make it to the meeting point yourself (good to know so you don’t waste time figuring it out later).

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Istanbul.

Taksim Square orientation: quick start, then you’re moving

Stop 1 is Taksim Square, with about 30 minutes there. The focus isn’t sightseeing for hours—it’s a clean start and a departure point that keeps the schedule from drifting. You’ll meet right outside the main door at the Atatürk Culture Center, then get on the bus toward the filming region.

Two practical tips for this first segment:

  • If you want a calmer start, arrive a few minutes early. Your group size is limited, but delays still happen when people are late.
  • Bring layers. Even if the day looks warm at departure, timing shifts and outdoor waiting can happen as you move between parts of the set area.

This stop also signals the tone of the day: it’s structured. You’re not free-roaming across Istanbul; you’re on a mission to reach the film plateau and filming zones.

The Asian-side approach: open areas and how sets are staged

After that initial move across the strait area, there’s a short stop on the way with about 15 minutes to see open areas where movies are made. This isn’t a deep guided lecture. It’s more like a “here’s the landscape and staging logic” preview.

What I like about this approach is that it helps you understand what you’ll see later. When you arrive at the main filming location, you’re not starting from zero. You already have a sense that this is a whole production environment, not one single “attraction.”

Drawback to keep in mind: because this is a compact preview, don’t expect lots of time for wandering or detailed explanations here. If you want photos, this is where quick shots are more realistic than slow, careful exploring.

Kuruluş Osman filming location: the part that justifies the ticket

Here’s the heart of the day. Stop 3 is the Kuruluş Osman Filming Location, where you spend around 5 hours. Admission is included, and this is where the tour earns its reputation for being worth it, especially for series fans.

This is the best place to slow down and watch how a filming environment works. Even without a “behind-the-scenes documentary” style explanation, standing in the same kind of spaces where scenes are staged gives you a new appreciation for how productions build scale. You’ll also get that feeling that the show’s world isn’t only crafted in post—it starts in physical sets, paths, and backdrops.

Practical expectations for these long set hours:

  • Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be moving between set points.
  • Bring a light bag for water and essentials. Lunch is included, but set days still involve waiting and shifting around.
  • Expect some areas to be busy when filming or staging is happening. The tour keeps moving, so be ready to follow the group.

If your goal is to see the series setting in a way that feels more like stepping into the show than looking at a display, this long stop is what you should watch for.

Castle and house set areas: exploring the build

After the main filming location, you shift to Stop 4: Kuruluş Osman sets, described as visiting many castle/house movie set areas. This segment is shorter—about 1 hour—but it changes the perspective. Instead of staying focused on one filming point, you get a broader look at the variety of structures used to create different scenes.

Why this is valuable: series storytelling relies on contrast. You often get different moods—fortified walls, interiors, courtyards—depending on what the episode needs. This stop gives you a “map” of those physical options, so later, when you remember scenes, your brain has locations to attach to.

The main consideration here is time. Because it’s only an hour, you’ll want to prioritize what matters most to you:

  • If you love architecture and set design, you’ll enjoy spending your hour comparing structures.
  • If you’re mostly there for action scenes, you may want to focus on the areas that most match those moments you recognize from the episodes.

Live performance against the film backdrop

Stop 5 is where the day ramps up. You reach the zenith of the experience with live performances set against the movie set backdrop. This stop is about 45 minutes, and admission is included.

Also included is a mention of watching live shows on the film plateau in the 15–20 minute range, which lines up with how these performances are often scheduled as shorter staged moments within the broader performance window. Either way, you get the feeling that you’re not only observing a set—you’re seeing how the show’s drama is brought to life in front of an audience.

What I think fans appreciate most here is the atmosphere. When you watch a performance in the same visual environment as the filming, the series vibe becomes physical. And it’s a good time to let your “tour brain” switch off and just enjoy.

A quick heads-up: if you’re sensitive to crowds or standing for performances, arrive ready with good posture and water. The schedule keeps things tight, so you’ll want to settle in quickly once you’re there.

Wrapping up at Atatürk Culture Center

To end the day, you return to Atatürk Kultur Merkezi for about 30 minutes, and the tour notes a meet-back window around 19:00–19:30 for another tour. The activity finishes back at the meeting point.

This matters for planning your evening. If you’re going straight back into central Istanbul, you’ll want your dinner plans to be flexible. The tour runs long (about 8 hours total), and being back around the early evening means you’ll likely be hungry, a bit tired, and ready for something simple.

Because the end is at the same meeting zone you started from, you’re not stuck figuring out a new location. That’s a real convenience, especially on a day that’s already packed.

Price and value: $120.16 with lunch and set time included

At $120.16 per person, this tour isn’t a “cheap add-on.” You’re paying for what most set tours struggle to deliver: real time at the filming areas and a full day plan that includes the big-ticket components.

Here’s where the value comes from:

  • Long main stop (about 5 hours) at the Kuruluş Osman filming location. That’s the center of gravity.
  • Multiple set segments (including castle/house areas).
  • Lunch included, which saves you from spending your own budget on a long day.
  • Transport via air-conditioned vehicle with pick-up and drop-off at the meeting point.
  • Live performance segment included as part of the experience.

Where the cost can sneak up:

  • Souvenirs are described as expensive, and extras like paid photography and horse riding can add up fast.
  • Professional photography service starts from 15 euro.
  • Horse riding is optional: 20 minutes for 20 euro.

My advice: decide your budget before you arrive. If you want a specific extra (like the photography), pick one. If you’re not sure, skip the first temptation and reassess after you’ve seen what’s offered at the set.

Also remember: hotel transfers are not included. That doesn’t make the tour less valuable, but it changes how you should plan your day logistics and transport time.

Who this tour suits best

This works best if you are:

  • A fan of Ertugrul Gazi or Kuruluş Osman who wants to see the series locations in real life.
  • Someone who prefers a guided plan with set timing, rather than trying to organize filming-locations logistics on your own.
  • A group traveler who likes the small-group limit (max 28), where it’s easier to stay together.

It may feel less ideal if:

  • You’re only looking for a quick stop photo op. The day is built for sustained time at the filming areas.
  • You don’t like long outdoor-ish time blocks. The schedule includes multiple segments and a performance window.

One more note from how the experience is described: the staff and handling are friendly and attentive from pick-up onward. That matters on a day with several moving parts.

Practical tips so your day stays smooth

A film set tour sounds fun, but it’s still a full-day logistics exercise. A few practical moves can keep it enjoyable:

  • Wear comfortable shoes and plan for walking and shifting between set areas.
  • Bring a phone charger or power bank for the mobile ticket.
  • If you want photos, think about the timing: there are short segments (like the 15-minute open-area stop) where you’ll have limited time.
  • If you want to keep spending under control, set a cap for souvenirs and skip optional extras unless you truly want them.

If weather shifts, the tour depends on good weather. If it gets canceled for poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book this Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour?

Book it if you want a dedicated day built around Kuruluş Osman filming locations, not just a quick photo stop. The long time at the real set, the included lunch, and the live performance add up to a day that feels like more than a transfer to an attraction.

Skip or reconsider if you’re budget-sensitive once you factor in optional photography and horse riding, or if you’re not interested in spending hours in the set environment. Also, because there are no hotel transfers, make sure you’re comfortable getting yourself to the Taksim meeting point on time.

If you’re a serious series fan, this tour is one of the more straightforward ways to experience the world on the screen—while still getting a full, guided day plan.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 10:00 am.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet in front of the main door at the Atatürk Culture Center.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 8 hours.

Does the price include lunch?

Yes, lunch is included.

Is the movie set experience in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes, the maximum number of travelers is 28.

What’s included besides set entry?

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, pick-up and drop-off from the meeting point, lunch, and the live shows on the film plateau (15–20 minutes), plus the entrance fees mentioned by the itinerary.

Are hotel transfers included?

No, hotel transfers are not included. You need to come to the meeting point yourself.

Are horse riding and professional photography included?

No. Horse riding is optional, and professional photography service is extra. Horse riding is 20 minutes for 20 euro, and photography starts from 15 euro.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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