Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour from Istanbul

A movie set day can be surprisingly organized. This tour is built for fans who want real production locations and the chance to watch live performances tied to the show’s world, without getting lost in logistics. Two things I especially like: the smooth start at Taksim Square and the fact that you spend real time at the filming areas, not just a quick peek. One trade-off: there’s no hotel transfer, so you have to reach the meeting point on your own.

What makes the day feel manageable is the pacing and the small group size, up to 28 people. You also get an English-friendly format and a mobile ticket, plus lunch and an air-conditioned vehicle. The overall plan runs about 8 hours starting at 10:00am, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Key things to know before you go

• Taksim Square meet-up: clear starting point at the Ataturk Culture Center entrance
• Europe to Asia in one day: you’ll cross from the European side to the Asian side before the sets
• Long time at the main filming area: about 5 hours in the Kuruluş Osman area
• Castle-and-house set wandering: built sets you can actually explore on foot
• Live shows on the film plateau: included, with a total stop of about 45 minutes
• Optional add-ons cost extra: professional photos start around 15 euro; horse riding is extra

From Taksim Square to the Asian Side: The Ride That Sets the Tone

Your day starts at Taksim Square, meeting in front of the main door at the Ataturk Culture Center. The timing is set for a 10:00am start, and the tour uses a vehicle with air-conditioning, which matters when Istanbul weather turns warm.

Once you leave, you’ll go from Europe to the Asian continent. That quick geographic shift helps the day feel like more than just a local visit; you’re heading into a more secluded production-area environment where the sets can be built and managed for filming.

The Short Stops Before the Big Sets: Getting Oriented Fast

Before you hit the main filming area, you’ll have a couple of brief moments to settle in and see how movie production happens on location. There’s a stop where you can view open areas where movies are made, and it’s intentionally short.

You also get a little time right after the initial meet-up (around 30 minutes) before the tour moves you toward the sets. For first-time visitors, these quick pauses are useful. You get your bearings early, so when you arrive at the filming zone you can focus on what you came for instead of asking the same questions again.

Kuruluş Osman Filming Location: What Five Hours Actually Gives You

The heart of the tour is the Kuruluş Osman filming location. This is where you’ll spend about 5 hours, and that long stretch is the big reason this tour feels worth it for fans.

In practical terms, five hours means you’re not stuck in a rushed line. You should expect time to walk around the production space, look at the way the set is arranged, and take in the scale of what gets filmed. You’ll also have enough time for small breaks—important when you’re standing, moving, and watching staff and performers work around the set.

One thing to keep in mind: you’ll be in a working, built environment. That’s different from a museum. Expect that some areas may be busy, busy enough that you move as a group, and you might see production-style organization rather than a quiet viewing space.

Castle-and-House Set Areas: Walking the Built World Like a Producer

After the main filming location, you move into multiple castle and house set areas. This section runs about an hour, and it’s designed for variety: you’ll see different parts of the built world tied to the show’s setting.

This is also where your fan attention to detail will pay off. You’re not just looking at a single structure; you’re seeing how the production team creates multiple “scenes” from physical sets. If you like comparing what you recognize on-screen to what you’re seeing in real life, this stop is a highlight.

A small reality check: since the time here is shorter than the main area, you’ll want to decide early how you’ll spend it. If you’re taking photos, give yourself a plan—otherwise you’ll lose track and end up circling the same space.

Live Performances on the Film Plateau: The Moment the Story Turns Loud

The tour culminates with live performances set against the film set backdrop. Total time at this stage is about 45 minutes, and the included live show block is listed as roughly 15–20 minutes.

This timing matters because it shapes your expectations. You’ll likely spend part of the stop getting into position, watching the featured performance, and then having a bit of time around it. That’s a good setup for fans because the show gives you the most cinematic feeling of the day, while the surrounding time keeps it from feeling like you only arrived for one short event.

If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t know the series well, the live element is the bridge. Even if you don’t recognize every detail, performances make the set feel active, not staged behind glass.

Lunch, Comfort, and a Small Group Size: Where Most Days Live or Die

This tour includes lunch, which is a big value piece. It removes the stress of hunting for food during a day that already has a packed schedule and multiple set stops.

You also ride in an air-conditioned vehicle. That’s not just comfort—it’s fatigue control. Long transit plus walking at the set area can add up, and having consistent temperature helps you stay in “tour mode” instead of turning cranky halfway through.

Finally, the group size is capped at 28 travelers. That tends to make a noticeable difference in how the day feels. You’re likely to move together as a unit, so the staff can keep things organized without the group turning into a herd.

Price and Value Check: What You’re Really Paying For

The price is $120.16 per person for about 8 hours. The best way to judge value here is to look at what’s included versus what you’re likely to add later.

Included features are the big ticket items: lunch, air-conditioned transport, entrance fees for the film set areas mentioned in the plan, and the live show on the film plateau (with a listed 15–20 minute performance). Pick-up and drop-off from the meeting point are also included, which is key since hotel transfers aren’t offered.

What’s not included is where your budget can change fast. Professional photography service starts at 15 euro, and horse riding is listed as 20 minutes for 20 euro. Personal expenses and anything not clearly tied to the included set entrances will add on.

My practical advice: if you’re a fan who wants the time at the filming areas plus at least one included performance, this pricing starts to make sense. If you’re the type who just wants photos and minimal standing, you might feel more tempted to add extras later—or you may decide a different, shorter experience could fit better.

What to Budget for On-Site: Photos, Souvenirs, and Optional Horse Riding

Souvenirs aren’t included, and the tour data suggests some extras can be pricey. The professional photography option starts at 15 euro, so if you want high-quality set photos without renting or positioning on your own, plan ahead.

Horse riding is another add-on. It’s listed as 20 minutes for 20 euro. I like that it’s optional—this tour can work as a pure filming-location walk even if you skip that activity.

A word on souvenirs: if you’re shopping, treat it like a dedicated stop, not a spontaneous impulse. Set-world items can be fun, but prices can feel steep compared with city markets. Decide what you truly want before you start spending time browsing.

Practical Tips to Get the Most from the Sets

This is a movie-set day, so practical comfort matters more than fancy sightseeing planning.

• Wear shoes you’re happy to walk in for hours. The set areas are made for filming and moving, not for leisurely mall strolling.
• Bring sun protection. Even if Istanbul isn’t blazing, you’ll be outdoors long enough to want it.
• If you want photos, choose your moments. You’ll have multiple set areas, but the time at each varies, so pacing helps.

Also, confirm your timing early. The start is 10:00am, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. The schedule is built to keep you on track for the filming-area blocks and the live performance segment.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour makes the most sense if you’re a fan of the stories behind Ertugrul Gazi and Osman Gazi and want to see the built sets connected to the series. The long time at the main filming location is a strong signal that the tour is designed for viewing and walking, not just observation from a distance.

It’s also a decent choice if you don’t want a breakneck “see ten things in one day” style. The day is structured around set time blocks, and that can feel calmer than typical city touring.

You may want to think twice if you’re traveling only for architecture or classic monuments. This isn’t a historical sightseeing day in the usual sense; it’s a production-world visit focused on the show’s set spaces and included performances.

Should You Book This Tour?

Book it if you want a fan-focused day with entrance fees included, lunch, and a real chunk of time at the Kuruluş Osman filming area. The value is strongest when you actually use what’s included—set time, the performance, and the organized pickup/drop-off from Taksim.

Skip it or compare alternatives if you hate walking outdoors for hours, or if you’re looking for a more traditional city-heritage tour. Also factor in the lack of hotel transfer: you’re responsible for reaching the Taksim Square meeting point yourself.

If your goal is to spend a full, well-paced day in the show’s world—this is the kind of tour that delivers.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

It starts at 10:00am and runs for about 8 hours (approx.). The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Taksim Square, in front of the main door of the Ataturk Culture Center.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price.

Is there a hotel transfer included?

No. Hotel transfers are not offered, so you need to come to the meeting point on your own.

Are live shows included?

Yes. Live shows on the film plateau are included (listed as about 15–20 minutes within the day’s performance time).

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.