TV turns real at this Ottoman set day trip. This full-day tour from Istanbul takes you to the Ertuğrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi movie sets, where ornate sets, costumes, and on-site storytelling bring two famous Turkish historical dramas to life. I especially like how the day is guided by a licensed English guide, so you’re not just wandering props—you’re getting context as you move through the world of the Ghazis.

I also like the pacing: you get set time, then a straightforward lunch with a soft drink, and the day ends with live entertainment on the set grounds. One thing to consider is that some on-site experiences can cost extra, and in practice you may need to budget for add-ons like dress-up photo sessions, horseback riding, or other activities (even if the brochure wording suggests some items may be included).

Pickup is included from two Istanbul meeting points—either Cağaloğlu (Bilgins Leather & Fur) or Taksim (Atatürk Cultural Center)—and you’ll return to the meeting-area drop-off afterward. The whole day runs about 8 hours, so it’s a proper day trip rather than a quick stop.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• TV sets you can actually walk through rather than just view from the outside
• Licensed English guidance that explains costumes, set choices, and filming details
• Lunch plus sherbet-style refreshment timing can vary, so expect to ask on-site if needed
• Hands-on village-style activities like iron forging and archery, with potential add-on fees depending on the day
• Live performances at the end including a standout horse show
• On-site shopping exists, and it can feel pricey if you’re not expecting it

From Istanbul Pickup to the Film Set Outside the City

The day starts with coach pickup from one of two central meeting points: Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu (around 9:40–9:50 AM) or in front of Atatürk Cultural Center Taksim (around 10:10–10:15 AM). If you’re catching the Taksim option, plan to arrive early enough to find your group—this is a timed departure day.

Once you’re on the road, the ride is part of the experience. Several departures include music from Ertuğrul and Osman on the journey, which helps the day shift into story mode before you ever reach the gates. One review even clocked the drive at about 40–50 minutes, so you’re not spending the entire day stuck in traffic.

This is a classic “one big destination” day trip. You’ll want to treat it like an outing with a schedule, not a flexible hop-on hop-off plan.

Walking the Ertuğrul and Osman Ghazi Sets: What You Really See

The core of the tour is the Ertuğrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi filming location visit, where your licensed guide leads you through key areas and explains what you’re looking at. You’ll see ornate sets, traditional costumes, and props connected to the shows, and you’ll usually have time both with the group and to explore on your own.

Here’s the part that matters for your planning: this is not just a static museum-style stop. It feels more like a functioning production world, which is why on some days certain areas may be restricted. If one set is actively being filmed, you might find you can’t enter everything. That doesn’t usually cancel the value of the visit—it just changes what you personally can walk through.

Also, don’t expect to automatically watch actual filming the way you might picture it. You’re touring sets and scenes that were built for the series, and you’re learning how the show world was constructed.

Guides, Cast Moments, and Set Details That Make It Click

The guide can make or break this kind of tour, and this one has a strong track record. You may have guides such as Burak, Oscar, Abdullah Bha, or Hakan Serim (who is tied to the series as Günküt Alp), and the common thread is clear: expect lots of explanation about what you’re seeing and how filming works on site.

Some departures also bring a cast-like feel to the experience. People have described meet-and-greet style moments and photo opportunities with performers linked to the shows, including greetings involving Günküt Alp and other cast members. If you’re a superfan, that’s often what turns a set visit into a memory you’ll keep.

One neat detail: if you have prayer needs, you may find a Kayi Alp Tent area being used as a mosque for prayer times. That small touch made the day feel more thoughtful for at least one Muslim guest, and it’s the kind of on-site practicality you’ll appreciate once you’re there.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Simple, Filling, and Mostly Helpful

After your set walking time, you’ll head to lunch at a local restaurant. The tour includes lunch with 1 soft drink, which keeps the experience from feeling like a pay-as-you-go day.

Sherbet is part of the highlight list, and the experience can be slightly inconsistent in practice. One guest noted they had to ask separately for the sherbet, but were not charged for it. My practical advice: if sherbet is important to you, ask at the start of the meal rather than waiting.

Lunch itself is generally described as good, though it can also get busy because multiple groups arrive. If you’re someone who likes a relaxed sit-down, give yourself a little patience—this is a scheduled stop, not a quiet corner café.

Hands-On Activities: Iron Forging, Archery, and What May Cost Extra

After lunch, the tour shifts from watching to doing. The brochure highlights complimentary activities like iron forging and archery, and you may get hands-on time with traditional methods that connect to the show’s theme.

Here’s the balanced reality check: while the description lists forging and archery as part of the package, some on-site experiences have been reported as paid add-ons depending on the day. One guest couldn’t do iron forging, and another said archery and horseback riding were paid. That doesn’t mean you’ll definitely pay extra—but it does mean you should walk in ready for the possibility.

So how do you make this easy for yourself?

• Treat any activity that looks like a ticketed interaction as potentially extra.
• Have cash on hand for small add-ons.
• If you care about a specific activity (like archery), ask your guide what’s included that day before you start.

Optional add-ons can include horse riding and additional photo experiences with a professional photographer. If you’re planning a souvenir-style day, this is where your final “total spend” can creep upward.

Costumes, Photos, and the Gift Shop Reality Check

This tour leans into costumes in two ways. First, you’ll see people don authentic attire as you move through set areas. Second, you may be offered costume-based photo moments dressed as characters, sometimes for an extra fee.

There’s also an on-site shop. The shop shows up early enough to feel like part of the flow, and it can be pricey. I’d go in with two expectations:

1. You’ll probably have a chance to buy something because filming sites always have merch.
2. You should decide your budget before you walk in, not while you’re standing at a checkout.

If photography is your thing, the tour offers professional photography as an extra paid option. If you’re not trying to buy everything, your own camera can still capture a lot—especially in costume areas and in set interiors.

Live Performances at the End: The Horse Show Moment

The day doesn’t just end after set time. You’ll also watch live shows staged against the film set backdrop. This is often the emotional payoff of the tour, and multiple guests described the horse performance as a highlight.

In practice, the flow goes like this: you spend hours walking and learning, then you settle in for live storytelling and performance. One guest described the live show as fantastic and worth the price, while another described it as the icing on the cake.

If you like action and spectacle, this part is a big reason to book. If you prefer quiet, museum-style touring, you might find the ending show more intense than you expect—but the presence of the horse show makes it a memorable finish.

Timing, Comfort, and How to Make the Day Feel Worth It

This is an 8-hour day, and a chunk of it is travel plus set time plus lunch plus the live show. Reviews also suggest you may spend extra time waiting at certain points during the day, especially before the show window. That means you’ll enjoy the tour more if you come in ready to slow down a bit and follow the schedule.

A few practical notes that will help you feel prepared:

• Bring your camera, plus your passport or ID card.
• Have cash available for add-ons and the on-site shop.
• If you want a specific included drink like sherbet, ask your server early.

Also, remember that not every set area may be accessible every day if filming is happening. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s the kind of thing that can change your personal checklist of what you wanted to see.

Price: Is $118 Good Value for a Set Day Trip?

At $118 per person for an approximately 8-hour tour with return transport, movie set entry fees, a licensed guide, lunch, and live shows, the value comes down to what you’re buying.

You’re not paying for a single attraction. You’re paying for:

• Set access (not just outside views)
• Guided explanation tied to how the series is built
• A guided day structure including lunch
• Entertainment at the end

For dedicated Ertuğrul and Osman fans, the guide-led set walk plus the live performance can feel like a full day well spent. For casual interest, it can still be worth it because the production design is impressive and the culture is present in the costumes and camp-style scenes—but you’ll get more satisfaction if you’re ready for the showmanship and the occasional shopping add-on.

The main “value wobble” is add-ons. If you ignore extras, you can keep the day close to the advertised cost. If you add horseback riding, professional photos, and costume photo upgrades, your final total can climb quickly.

Should You Book This Istanbul Ertuğrul and Osman Movie Set Tour?

Book it if:

• You’re a fan of the series and you want to walk through the worlds behind the episodes.
• You enjoy guided context, not just self-directed sightseeing.
• You like a day trip that ends with a performance and a horse show-style finale.

Consider passing or at least go in with lower expectations if:

• You’re hoping to watch lots of active filming happening live (set access doesn’t guarantee that).
• You’re sensitive to extra spending on-site for add-ons like horseback riding or paid photo sessions.
• You want a very relaxed, flexible schedule without waiting between activities.

If you’re the type of traveler who loves TV locations, costumed history scenes, and guided storytelling, this is the kind of day that can feel like your favorite episodes turned into a real place.

FAQ

Where are the pickup points in Istanbul?

You’ll be picked up from either in front of Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu (9:40–9:50 AM) or in front of Atatürk Cultural Center Taksim (10:10–10:15 AM). After the tour, you return to the meeting points for drop-off.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

What’s included in the $118 price?

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

What might cost extra during the day?

Professional photography, horseback riding, and archery are listed as not included, so they may require an additional payment on-site. There is also an on-site shop where spending is optional.

Is the tour guide available in English?

Yes, the live tour guide language is English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

What should I bring, and is anything not allowed?

Bring a camera, your passport or ID card, and cash. Electric wheelchairs are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.