Step into Ottoman TV sets for a day. This full-day tour turns two famous Turkish series into a real place you can walk around, with costumes, props, and filmed-set details explained by a guide. You’ll start with coach pickup in Istanbul, then head out for a long, story-filled visit that moves at a comfortable pace.

I especially like the licensed guidance inside the sets. In the best moments, you’re not just looking at scenery, you’re getting the meaning behind it, plus practical pointers for where to look and what to notice. I also love that the day ends with live performances on-site, including a standout horse show.

One drawback to consider: this is also a place with extra-cost options and a shop that can run pricey. A couple of people noted that some activities and even the promised sherbet were not automatic, so bring a little cash and plan to ask what’s included before you pay for add-ons.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Two major series settings in one day, focused on Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi
• Licensed guide time plus free time to explore at your own speed
• Lunch included with a soft drink, and a sherbet taste that may require asking
• Hands-on activities are part of the experience, but some extras can cost more
• Live show at the set is the emotional payoff, with horse performances as a highlight
• Costume and photo add-ons can be tempting, so set a budget before you shop

The 8-Hour Rhythm from Istanbul, With Two Pickup Options

You’re looking at an 8-hour day, and it starts with pickup at either Cağaloğlu or Taksim. The options are in front of Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu (9:40-9:50 AM) or in front of Ataturk Cultural Center Taksim (10:10-10:15 AM). Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan to reach one of those meeting points on time.

This is a full-day coach-style outing, not a quick half-day sprint. One guest described the drive as about 40 to 50 minutes, which matches what you’d expect for a day trip that stays focused on a single site. As you travel, some groups even get music related to the series during the journey, which helps the mood click into place early.

A practical tip: since you may want extra time later for shopping, photos, or hands-on activities, you’ll feel better if you treat the morning as the time to keep energy high and questions ready for your guide. Wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll be walking around tents, camps, and set spaces for much of the day.

Getting On-Site: Set Entry, Guide Style, and Your Best Time to Ask Questions

Once you arrive, you’ll enter the movie set grounds and get moving with a licensed guide. The tour setup is designed so you get both guided storytelling and time to roam. People praised guides for answering questions about filming and for pointing out details that are easy to miss if you just walk quickly.

A few guide names came up in the experience info, including Burak, Hakan Serim (noted as Gunkut Alp in one account), Abdullah Bha, and Oscar. Even if the exact guide differs on your date, the common theme is clear: you’ll get better value when you ask questions early, especially about how the series translates to the physical sets you’re seeing.

There’s also a real-world note: at least one guest mentioned that one set was being filmed on their day, so they couldn’t go in. That doesn’t mean you’ll be blocked everywhere, but it does explain why it’s smart to stay flexible and focus on what is open rather than chasing a single location.

Ertugrul and Osman Sets: Costumes, Tents, and Camp Life You Can Walk Through

The heart of the tour is seeing the Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi film sets as tangible, walkable spaces. You’re guided through ornate set areas, with an emphasis on the life around the story, including tents and camp-style scenes. Several people highlighted that seeing the actual costumes and props used in the show makes the whole thing feel unusually real.

The tour is structured to cover both eras and locations associated with the dramas. Accounts mention moving through older tents tied to Ertugrul, then continuing into areas associated with Osman, including castles and camp zones. One person described starting with older tents, then walking through an older Kayi camp and castle sets.

If you care about photo moments, this is where they happen. Many of the best shots come when the group pauses near set features and when you’re allowed time to explore on your own. Just know that additional costume dressing and custom photo options exist and can cost extra, so don’t assume every photo opportunity is included.

One meaningful detail for visitors with faith needs: a guest specifically noted finding a Kayi Alp tent used as a mosque during prayer times. Even though setups can vary by day, it’s worth knowing that the site may make space for prayer, which can make the experience feel more respectful and comfortable.

Hands-On Activities: Iron, Archery, Horse Riding, and Photo Options

The experience includes hands-on activities as part of the day, but there’s an important money warning. The general description suggests complimentary time for activities such as iron forging and archery, while the listed add-ons also state archery is not included and horse riding costs extra. On top of that, some people reported they could not do iron forging, and archery may have been paid for on their date.

So here’s the practical way to plan: expect some type of hands-on session, but treat horse riding and any extra training-style activities as “bring cash, pay if needed.” Horse riding is explicitly listed as not included, and professional photography is also not included.

A couple of guests described dress-up experiences and role-play, sometimes guided by someone associated with the cast. If you want to do that, confirm pricing on-site before you start, especially because there are also on-site costume photo options like professional photographer sessions. One guest even mentioned extra-cost costume photo pricing around $50.

Bottom line: this is not just watching from the sidelines. It’s built for participation, but the exact mix of free versus paid activities can vary. If you’re the type who hates surprise fees, ask early what’s included before you commit to any add-on.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Included Soft Drink, Sherbet, and Realistic Timing

Lunch is included, and you also get a soft drink with it. Several people said the food was good, with one comment praising the lunch at an on-site restaurant and another calling it delicious. But you should also plan for typical group-tour dynamics, like food served while the site is busy.

Sherbet is mentioned as part of the experience, but one guest said they had to ask for it separately and still were not charged. That tells you something useful: treat sherbet as likely available, but don’t wait passively for it to appear. If sherbet matters to you, ask right away at the table or counter.

Timing is part of the value here. You’ll be fed mid-day so you can still enjoy the later show without feeling wiped out. Still, a couple of accounts mentioned lunch could be adequate or even close to cool, which is common when groups are served in waves. If you’re picky about hot food, eat what’s there quickly, then save your appetite for the main event at the end.

The Live Show and Horse Performance: Why the Day Ends with a Big Smile

This tour’s ending is what sells it. Live shows happen against the film-set backdrop, and multiple people called the horse show a highlight. One guest described the final 15 minutes show as worth every penny, and another simply said the live show was by far the highlight.

If you’re a fan of the series, this is where the stories turn from “props and costumes” into real stage performance. You’re not just seeing the world, you’re watching it performed. Several people also mentioned epic storytelling and captivating scenes, which helps explain why even non-hardcore fans still rated the experience highly.

One account noted that the extravaganza show happens around 4:30, and that there can be waiting time before it. That’s a good heads-up for your energy planning: after lunch and activities, you may have some downtime as the group positions for viewing. Bring patience, and consider using that time to browse set areas or double-check where you want to sit for the best sightlines.

Shops, Costume Extras, and How to Spend Without Getting Stung

There’s an on-site shop, and at least a few people warned that it can be expensive. One guest called the shop good but quite pricey, and another described it as extortionate. The same theme shows up with costume dressing and custom film-style photo experiences, which are not included in the base tour price.

The smart move is to treat shopping like optional entertainment, not a requirement. Decide on a small budget before you step in, and only then look for items you truly want. If you’re buying gifts, set a cap and prioritize the most unique, series-related pieces.

For photo extras, confirm the total cost before you commit. Some participants noted being offered costume dressing for an additional fee, so if photos are a big deal for you, factor that into your total trip math. Also, keep your camera ready during the included set exploration time, since you’ll have plenty of opportunities without paying for a staged photo package.

Value for $118: What You’re Paying For, and What Might Cost Extra

At $118 per person, the value comes from bundling a lot into one day: round-trip transportation, movie set entry fees, a licensed English guide, lunch with a soft drink, and live shows. That’s a decent package for a single-site immersion day trip, especially when you consider the price of set entry alone in many popular tourist experiences.

The catch is that your final spend depends on add-ons. Horse riding is listed as extra, professional photography is extra, and some hands-on options can also be paid depending on what’s available on your date. So if you want the full experience with participation plus photos plus horseback riding, expect to spend more than the base rate.

Still, the overall ratings suggest most people feel the day is worth it when you’re genuinely interested in the series or enjoy live performance spectacles. Fans consistently mention the sets feeling authentic and the atmosphere turning the dramas into something you can physically experience.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Might Skip It

Book this if you’re a Ertugrul or Osman fan, because you’ll likely care about costumes, props, and camp-style details. This is also a great pick for families who want an action-packed day with a show at the end and interactive moments along the way.

You’ll probably enjoy it even if you’re a lighter fan, because the live show and horse performances can work as entertainment on their own. One guest even suggested it’s worth visiting as a piece of Ottoman-era storytelling made tangible, even for people who are not deeply following every plot line.

Skip it if you dislike waiting around or if you strongly prefer museums over staged experiences. A couple of comments pointed out downtime before the main extravaganza, and one person said it felt pricey for what it is. If your travel style is “more wandering, less paying,” you might prefer a classic architecture and history route in Istanbul instead.

Should You Book It? My Decision Checklist

If you want a single-day Istanbul trip that feels like stepping into a TV world, this is a strong bet. The live show plus horse performance is the anchor, and the licensed guide helps you get more meaning from the sets than just taking photos.

Before you book, check your own “extras tolerance.” If you don’t want to pay for costume photos, horseback riding, or any additional activities, go in knowing you may still have a great time with the included set walking, lunch, and show.

Finally, bring a little cash and ask early about sherbet and any hands-on options that might be paid. Do that, and you’ll turn this into a smooth, fun day rather than a day you spend negotiating the fine print.

FAQ

How long is the Istanbul Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

Where do I get picked up in Istanbul?

Pickup is included at one of two meeting points: in front of Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu (9:40-9:50 AM) or in front of Ataturk Cultural Center Taksim (10:10-10:15 AM).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll meet at the selected meeting point and return to it for drop-off.

What meals are included?

Lunch is included, along with 1 soft drink.

Are live shows included?

Yes, live shows are included.

Is professional photography included?

No, professional photography is not included and is available for an additional on-site fee.

Is horse riding included?

No, horse riding is available for an additional on-site fee.

Is archery included?

Archery is available for an additional on-site fee.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

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