History sets in Istanbul are real.

This Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour turns TV drama into walkable streets, and I really like that it includes lunch plus set access so you are not paying for every step. You also get live performances staged right on the film plateau, so the day feels like more than just standing around for photos. One thing to plan for, though, is that it is outdoors and you are on a set schedule, so good weather matters and the day can feel long if you hate waiting.

What makes this tour extra appealing is the mix of viewpoints. You start near Taksim Square, cross into the Asian side, then spend the main chunk of time at the actual filming area instead of only brief photo stops. The vibe is friendly too, and I like that the group stays small, with a maximum of 28 people, which keeps it from feeling chaotic. The main tradeoff is you do not get hotel pickup, so you will need to get yourself to the meeting point on time.

Quick highlights

• Europe to Asia transfer early in the day, so you see more than one side of Istanbul during the tour
• Main filming area visit as the centerpiece, not just quick look-at-it stops
• Castle and house set zones that fans can recognize on screen
• Live performances on the film plateau, included, built into the schedule
• Lunch and set entry included, which helps the price feel more “all-in”
• Small group limit of 28, easier to manage than bigger bus tours

Taksim Square start: your day begins near Ataturk Culture Center

The tour starts at 10:00 am with meet-up in front of the main door of the Ataturk Culture Center, by Taksim Square. That is a helpful choice because Taksim is easy to orient around, and the meeting spot is close to public transportation.

If you are thinking about logistics, this is one of the easiest formats. You do not need a complicated “wait at a hotel lobby” plan. You just need to show up, check in, and get on the air-conditioned vehicle.

Tip: arrive a bit early. Set tours run on a clock, and your best odds are just getting there calmly rather than sprinting through Taksim.

Crossing Istanbul: from Europe viewpoints to the Asian side

Right after departure, you will head from the European side toward the Asian continent. This is not just travel time. It is the opening of the day’s theme, because the tour is designed to feel like you are moving with the story, not only sitting in traffic.

There is a short stop along the way where you see open areas used for filming. It is brief, but it helps you shift your brain from tourist mode into “how they shot this” mode.

What I like here is the pacing. You get an early taste of the movie world, then you do the long visit where it matters.

Kurulus Osman filming location: the main attraction

The biggest portion of your time goes to the Kurulus Osman filming location, where you actually visit the area used for the series. Expect about 5 hours here. That is a real chunk of time, which matters because it gives you a chance to slow down and see the set layout, not just rush past “cool looking rocks.”

Also, this is where the tour earns its fan appeal. You are not only looking at scenery. You are in filming space, with castle-like buildings and set structures that are meant to read clearly on screen.

Practical expectations:

• Wear comfortable shoes. Set surfaces can be uneven, and you will likely do plenty of walking.
• Plan to take a mix of photos and short “stand back and observe” moments. The viewing angles on screen are usually intentional, and it helps to check where you stand relative to the buildings.

If you are not a diehard fan, you can still enjoy it as a location tour. But the payoff is clearest if you recognize scenes and want to compare what you see live versus what you saw on TV.

Castle and house set areas: where the drama feels physical

After the main filming stop, the tour moves into additional set zones. You will visit multiple castle and house movie set areas for about 1 hour. This segment is shorter, but it is strategically placed so you get variety after the long location time.

This is often the moment where photos get better. When you have already seen the “core” filming area, these extra zones feel like supporting chapters. You start noticing textures, entrances, and the way space is organized for movement and camera angles.

If you are someone who cares about details, this is your window. Step aside from the busiest spots, look for symmetry, and take a photo from one extra distance. Some of the set layouts look dramatically different when you do not stand right next to them.

Live performances on the film plateau: the included show

Then you reach the part of the day that many people remember as the most fun. The schedule includes a stop with live performances staged against the film set backdrop. The itinerary mentions a 45-minute segment here, and the included features specify live show viewing around 15 to 20 minutes.

So what does that mean for you in real life? You should expect a brief performance moment that is the highlight, plus some time in the surrounding area before and after. If you love theater energy, this is a good spot to position yourself early.

Why this is valuable, even if you care less about the series: live shows break up the walk-and-photo rhythm. They give you a reason to slow down, watch, and enjoy the place rather than treating it like an outdoor museum.

Bonus for fans: performances often bring the set to life in a way photos alone cannot.

Meeting-up again at Ataturk Culture Center: wrapping up around 19:00 to 19:30

Near the end of the day, you return to the Ataturk Culture Center meeting area for the wrap-up. The schedule puts this meet-back time around 19:00 to 19:30, so you are planning a full day, not a quick half-day detour.

That matters when you are scheduling dinner or other plans in Istanbul. Build in some flexibility for getting back, especially if your evening plans require a taxi or multiple transfers.

Comfort, food, and group size: how to enjoy the long day

This tour runs about 8 hours total, so comfort is not optional. The good news is air-conditioned vehicle is included, and lunch is also included. Those two items alone make a difference, because a set tour often means long hours and limited nearby options.

Group size is capped at 28 travelers, and that is a sweet spot. It is big enough to have energy, but small enough that your day usually feels organized rather than like free-for-all line management.

A review I especially liked highlighted that it is a fun trip and not rushed, with staff being friendly and attentive from pick-up onward, even for people 60+. That aligns with the way this schedule is structured: it has a clear progression, long main stop, then shorter segments, instead of trying to do everything in one sprint.

My practical advice:

• Bring a light layer. Even if it is warm, movie set areas can have cooler indoor spaces nearby.
• Keep water handy if you think you will need it, especially during the longer filming-location portion.
• If you are carrying a lot of bags, travel light. You will likely want your hands free for photos and walking.

Price and value: what $120.16 includes, and what costs extra

At $120.16 per person, the value is mostly in what is included, not in surprises. You get:

• Lunch
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Pick up and drop off at the meeting point
• Entrance fees for the film set areas mentioned
• Watching the live shows on the film plateau (roughly 15 to 20 minutes)

That matters because set tours can turn expensive once you add entrances, food, and transport. Here, those core items are bundled, so you can budget without constant “nickel and dime” moments.

Now the extras, so you do not get surprised:

• Professional photography service starts at 15 euro
• Horse riding is optional, listed as 20 minutes for 20 euro
• Personal expenses
• Hotel transfers are not included, so you must reach the meeting point yourself

Also note: souvenirs can be a cost center. One common comment is that souvenirs and extra experiences can be pricey, but people still found them worthwhile. My take: if you love memorabilia, set a small souvenir budget ahead of time, so the moment of temptation stays fun rather than stressful.

Who should book this tour, and who might skip it

Book it if:

• You are a fan of Ertugrul or Kurulus Osman and want to see recognizable locations in real space.
• You want a guided, timed experience with the main filming area as the focus.
• You prefer a small group day with friendly help and a not-too-rushed flow.

You might skip it if:

• You only want quick photos and do not want a full day. This is closer to an all-day outing.
• You hate outdoor waiting time. The experience depends on good weather, and that can affect plans.
• You cannot or do not want to travel to the meeting point yourself. Hotel transfers are not provided.

If you are traveling with family, this can work well because the structure is clear and the live show breaks up the schedule. If you have mobility concerns, wear supportive shoes and be ready for walking. (No special accessibility details are provided, so think about your comfort level for set terrain.)

Booking tips: timing, photos, and managing the extras

Start time is 10:00 am, and the day ends back at the same meeting point. That means you should plan your morning in Istanbul around that start, not around a late breakfast.

Because this is an outdoor set experience, build in weather flexibility. If conditions are poor, the tour may be rescheduled or you may be offered a full refund. That is exactly the kind of tour where being flexible helps you enjoy it more.

For photography, consider your approach:

• If you want pro photos, you are paying extra, starting at 15 euro.
• If you plan to rely on your own camera, you might still want to pay attention to timing during the live performance, since that is usually when lighting and action create the best shots.

Horse riding is optional and costs extra. If you are curious, decide early so you do not lose track of the day while debating.

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

If you are a series fan, I think this is an easy yes. It gives you the main filming area for hours, adds castle and house set zones, and throws in a live performance moment, all with lunch and set entry included. The small group size helps, and the day’s pacing is friendly for people who do not want to feel rushed.

If you are not a fan, you can still have a good time, but go in with the right expectations. This is not a generic sightseeing tour. It is built around the film world of Kurulus Osman and the places where scenes are made.

My suggestion: book it if you want a guided, story-focused day in Istanbul that feels like you are stepping into the show’s geography. Skip it if you want a fast, purely sightseeing experience or if you need hotel pickup.

FAQ

What time does the Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am, and the tour returns to the meeting point around 19:00 to 19:30.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $120.16 per person.

Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet in front of the main door of the Ataturk Culture Center near Taksim Square, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. It is offered in English.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to come yourself to the meeting points.

Are there optional extra activities or services?

Yes. Professional photography is extra (starting at 15 euro), and horse riding is optional (20 minutes for 20 euro).

What is the cancellation policy and does weather matter?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.