Step onto the Ottoman TV sets in Istanbul. This day trip takes you from central meeting points out to the film grounds for Ertugrul and Osman film sets, where you walk through crafted tents, costumes, and castle-style scenes tied to Turkey’s best-known historical dramas. I especially like the way the licensed, English-speaking guide connects what you’re seeing to the stories, and I like the included lunch with Turkish hospitality plus a taste of sherbet. One consideration: not everything is guaranteed all day because sets can be partially filming, and add-ons at the site (photos, horseback, extra activities) may cost extra or work on an on-site basis.

What makes this work is the human factor. You may meet guides and performers with real connections to the drama world, including names like Burak, Hakan Serim (who played Günküt Alp), Abdullah Bha, and Oscar, depending on the day. That can turn a standard set walk into something closer to a story lesson you can actually see.

Finally, plan your expectations for the day. You’re going for set life, not for watching production cameras run full time, and you’ll want a bit of cash for the shop and any extras.

Key highlights before you go

• Two major TV worlds in one place: you’ll see both Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi film-set areas in a single day.
• A licensed English guide: you get on-the-spot explanations about sets, filming, and story details.
• Lunch built into the flow: a local restaurant stop includes lunch and a soft drink, plus sherbet as part of the experience.
• Hands-on activities plus options: iron forging and archery are part of the program, with additional paid add-ons available on-site.
• Live performances at the end: the day ends with shows performed right against the film-set backdrop.
• Good odds of actor-led moments: some days include interaction that makes the experience feel more personal.

Getting to the movie set: Istanbul pickups and the Bozdağ drive

The tour starts with a coach ride, not a quick metro hop. You’ll be picked up at one of two central points: Cağaloğlu (Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu) around 9:40–9:50 AM, or Taksim (Atatürk Cultural Center) around 10:10–10:15 AM. That difference matters because it shapes your whole day timing, including when you’ll arrive for the first set walk.

Most of the time, the drive is a short chunk of your morning (one guest clocked it around 40–50 minutes). On the way, it’s not a silent ride. You can expect music from the Ertugrul and Osman productions playing during the journey, which helps you get into the mood before you even step off the bus.

Practical tip: be ready at your pickup point a few minutes early. When the coach is ready, they move on. Bring what you need for the site day—at minimum a camera, your passport or ID, and cash—because extras are sold on-site.

Walking the Ertugrul and Osman film sets like you mean it

The core of the experience is the set walk. This isn’t just a photo stop. You’re guided through the crafted areas tied to Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi, with time to look on your own and time with your guide to ask questions.

Here’s what tends to make it feel special for fans: the details. You’re not seeing historical costumes in a museum case—you’re seeing the actual style of the tents and props that TV viewers recognize. Guests often mention the feeling that it’s close to stepping into the era, with wardrobes and camp-style spaces that look built for the camera.

One thing to know up front: filming can affect access. Some days, at least one section may be closed because the set is actively being used. If your priority is seeing every single area, keep your expectations flexible. You may still get plenty, but you might not get every corner.

Two examples of what you’ll likely experience during your walk:

• Camp/tent areas and castle-style scenes connected to the stories.
• Areas where you can spot set details and costumes up close, plus some staff-led interaction.

Also pay attention to the culture on site. Some guests appreciated the presence of a Kayı camp tent used as a mosque for prayer times. If you plan your day around prayer, it’s worth being aware that these spaces may be available.

Guides who bring the story to life (Burak, Hakan Serim, Abdullah Bha, Oscar)

A good set tour lives or dies by the guide. This tour is set up with a licensed guide, and the best versions of the day tend to be guided by people who can answer questions and explain filming decisions like how the sets are laid out, what you’re looking at, and why certain details matter.

You might be guided by someone like:

• Burak, praised for professional, kind handling of the group.
• Hakan Serim, noted as very engaging while traveling and particularly meaningful for fans because he played Günküt Alp in the drama.
• Abdullah Bha, praised for polite, detailed explanations.
• Oscar, mentioned as knowledgeable, especially on days where not every set area was accessible.

How to get more value out of your guide time: ask practical questions while you walk. For example, ask what’s currently filming (if anything), which areas are original set work versus re-used scenery, and what the guide recommends you notice in costumes or props. If you’re curious, these guides usually have answers ready.

Lunch at the local restaurant: what’s included and how to pace it

You’ll get lunch at a local restaurant on-site after your first set exploration. What’s included is clearly stated as lunch with 1 soft drink.

Sherbet is also part of the story. The tour description says you get a complimentary taste of a signature Turkish drink, sherbet. In practice, you might find you have to ask for it at the restaurant counter. One guest reported they requested it separately but were not charged—so it’s not a situation to panic about, just something to be aware of if sherbet is on your mental checklist.

Timing is the part to watch. A few guests found the tour pace left them waiting afterward, and at least one person felt lunch could be cooler due to the busy flow of large groups. You can’t control that, but you can plan your expectations: eat, take your time, and don’t plan on rushing straight into extra activities right after.

Helpful move: if you have dietary needs, it’s smart to know that your lunch is part of a set program, so options may be limited. The tour data doesn’t spell out menu choices, only what’s included.

Hands-on time: iron forging, archery, and the optional add-ons

After lunch, the program includes hands-on activities. You’ll have chances connected to forging iron and mastering archery as part of the experience, and then there are optional paid activities available on-site.

Some of these optional add-ons you should keep in mind from the tour details:

• Horse riding is available for an additional on-site fee.
• Archery may also be available as a paid option on-site.
• You can also pay for professional photography at the site.

A real-world note: on a day when sections were partially closed for filming, one guest said some activities were paid while other parts (like iron forging) were not available to their group. That’s the best reason to bring cash and keep flexibility in your schedule.

If horseback riding is a must for you, treat it like a separate decision, not an automatic included perk. It’s available, but it’s not listed as included in the base cost.

Also, you may get opportunities to dress up in costume for photos. One person said they were offered a costume photo session for an additional fee (they cited around $50). Again, that’s on-site and day-dependent, so consider it optional unless you’re committed to it.

Live shows at the set: the late-day payoff

The tour doesn’t end with walking. You’ll get live performances set right against the film-set backdrop. This is where the day often clicks into place, because you stop thinking about it as a “tour” and start thinking about it as performance-space.

Guests frequently call the final show a highlight. One guest specifically mentioned the horseback show running at about 4:30, and another described the overall end-of-day show as worth the money, especially because it was unexpected.

What you’ll like most about the live part is scale and atmosphere. Instead of looking at scenery as a set piece, you see it used as a stage. If you’re a fan of the drama, it can feel like a reward: the stories you’ve been hearing about while walking suddenly play out in front of you.

If you’re not a fan, don’t worry. The show is still a structured entertainment block, and you’ll likely enjoy it as a cultural performance tied to the production world.

The $118 value question: what you get, what costs extra, and who it fits

At $118 per person, you’re paying for a full day: round-trip coach transport, movie set entry fees, a licensed English guide, lunch with a soft drink, and live shows. That’s a lot more than a typical “photo stop” excursion.

Where the value can wobble:

• Add-ons are real. Horse riding, professional photography, and paid versions of activities are listed as extra.
• On-site shops can be pricey. Several guests mentioned a gift shop that felt expensive, even if it’s convenient.
• Not all sets may be open if something is filming that day, which can reduce how complete your visit feels.

Where the value shines:

• Fans get a lot of payoff from seeing real set-built tents and props tied to what they already love.
• Even non-fans often find it worthwhile because it’s a performance space plus historical-costume world, not just a background location.
• The quality of guidance matters here. When you get a strong guide like Hakan Serim or Abdullah Bha, the walk becomes more than sightseeing.

My practical “value check” for you: if you’re hoping for photos, costuming, or horseback riding, bring extra cash. If you’re happy with the guided set walk, included lunch, and the live performance, the base price feels closer to fair.

Who should book this Ertugrul and Osman movie set tour

This is a strong match if you:

• Are a fan of Dirilis Ertugrul and/or Kuruluş Osman and want a full, structured day around the set world.
• Like tours where someone explains what you’re seeing (guides are a big part of the experience).
• Want an all-in-one day: transport, set time, lunch, and a show.

It may be a weaker fit if:

• You expect to see active filming scenes like a production crew walking by every minute. One guest specifically cautioned that you should not count on seeing scenes being shot.
• You have limited patience for scheduled waiting time around set viewing and the end show.
• You need full wheelchair access. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Should you book this tour?

If you’re excited about Ottoman-era drama, this tour is an easy yes. The included combo—set access + licensed guide + lunch + live show—makes it a clean day plan without extra planning headaches.

Book it especially if you:

• Want to walk through both Ertugrul and Osman worlds in one trip.
• Care about guided interpretation, not just selfies.
• Will enjoy the show at the end as a payoff for the day.

Skip or reconsider if you:

• Are only interested in watching filming happen in real time.
• Don’t want to handle on-site upsells (photos, horseback, paid add-ons).
• Need accessibility support for wheelchairs.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Istanbul Ertugrul and Osman movie set tour with lunch?

The tour lasts 8 hours.

Where are the pickup meeting points in Istanbul, and what time does the tour start?

You can choose one meeting point:

• In front of Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu, 9:40–9:50 AM
• In front of Atatürk Cultural Center Taksim, 10:10–10:15 AM

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included with 1 soft drink.

Is sherbet included?

The tour description states you’ll receive a complimentary taste of sherbet. On-site, you might need to ask for it at the restaurant, but it was reported as not charged.

Does the tour include live shows?

Yes. Live performances are included.

Are horseback riding and professional photography included?

No. Horse riding and professional photography are available for an additional on-site fee.

Are archery and iron forging included?

The tour description includes hands-on activities after lunch, including forging iron and mastering archery, and it also lists optional paid activities on-site. If you’re interested in a specific paid level of archery, check what’s available on the day.

What is included in the tour price?

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

What should I bring with me?

Bring a camera, your passport or ID card, and cash.

Is the tour wheelchair-friendly?

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

What’s the cancellation and payment flexibility?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers reserve now & pay later.

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