Istanbul: Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour with Lunch

The best part of this day is stepping into the world of Dirilis Ertugrul and Kurulus Osman, with timber tents, castle sets, costumes, props, and actors nearby. I like the live horse show at the end and the chance to walk through the sets at your own pace after the guided visit. The day also includes a proper Turkish lunch and return transport from central Istanbul.

The main catch is value. At $118 per person, this is a good buy for devoted fans, but less convincing if you only have a passing interest in the series. Some sets may be closed for filming, and paid extras such as horseback riding, costume photography, and shop purchases can push up the bill.

Key points at a glance

• See the Ertugrul and Osman sets: Walk through Kayi camp, historic tents, castle facades, and filming areas used for the two television series.
• Guides with unusual access: Guides have included Hakan Serim, who played Gunkut Alp, along with Abdullah, Burak, and Oscar on different departures.
• The horse show is the finale: A short live performance with trained riders gives the day its most polished entertainment.
• Lunch is included: You receive a traditional meal and one soft drink, with sherbet available on request.
• Extras cost more: Horse riding, professional photographs, costume sessions, and some activities require cash.
• Allow a full day: The outing lasts about eight hours, including the drive from Istanbul and the return journey.

Why fans enjoy this set visit

This is not a standard Istanbul sightseeing trip. You will leave the mosques, bazaars, and ferry piers behind and spend the day at a working film attraction devoted to two huge Turkish historical dramas.

The appeal is simple. If you watched Ertugrul Ghazi or Osman Ghazi, you already know the tents, tribal camps, warriors, castles, and family names. Seeing those places at full size gives the shows a physical setting. You can stand beside the props, inspect the costume work, and take photographs in places that previously existed only on your screen.

I especially like the mix of guided explanation and free time. The guide leads you through the main parts of the set and explains the characters, filming, and story background. Then you get time to look around, take photographs, and revisit the corners that interest you most.

The day works best when you treat it as a fan experience, not as an archaeological visit. The sets recreate a medieval world for television. They are designed for atmosphere and storytelling, not as surviving Ottoman buildings. That distinction matters, particularly if you are expecting a traditional museum or a genuine historic fortress.

Meeting in central Istanbul and heading out

Pickup is not from your hotel. You choose one of two central meeting points:

• In front of Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu, from 9:40 to 9:50 a.m.
• In front of Ataturk Cultural Center Taksim, from 10:10 to 10:15 a.m.

The drive to the set takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes, though the full day runs for about eight hours. Return transport is included, which removes the hassle of finding your own way back from a film site outside central Istanbul.

The coach journey is part of the mood. Music from the two series may play during the ride, and guides such as Hakan have used the time to explain what you will see. Still, you should expect a long outing rather than a quick half-day stop. If you have an evening reservation in Istanbul, leave plenty of room around the advertised schedule.

Bring your passport or identity card, a camera, and cash. Cash matters because the optional activities and shop purchases are not included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided, so you need to reach one of the stated meeting points on time.

Entering Kayi camp and the old tents

The visit usually begins with the Ertugrul and Osman camp areas. You may see the old tents connected with Ertugrul, Osman, and the Kayi tribe, along with the camp layout used in the shows.

This section gives you the strongest sense of being inside the series. The tents are decorated for the period, and the arrangement of the camp helps you understand where the characters lived, met, and made decisions. It is also a good place for photographs, especially if you bring a camera rather than relying only on your phone.

The guide adds useful context about the people represented in the dramas and how the production uses the sets. Some guides have been closely linked to the show. Hakan Serim, for example, has played Gunkut Alp, while other departures have included guides or actors connected with the production. Your guide will vary, so do not book solely on the expectation of meeting one particular performer.

A useful feature is the chance to ask questions about filming. You can learn how the tents and props are used on screen, rather than simply walking past them with no explanation. On the other hand, the exact route can change. Production work may close parts of the set, and one section was unavailable to a visitor because filming was taking place.

Castles, props, and costume photographs

After the camp, the route may continue to castle and town sets connected with the Osman series. Inegol Castle has been a particular favorite, with recognizable details such as Aya Nikola’s throne. Sogut and other castle areas may also be included, depending on access on the day.

These facades are most enjoyable when you know the shows. You will recognize places from major scenes, and the guide can point out details that might otherwise look like a collection of wooden walls and decorated rooms. For a newcomer, the experience is still attractive, but the emotional impact will be smaller.

You may have time to explore independently. This is important because the guided walk can move quickly, while the best photographs often require a few quiet minutes without the group. One drawback is that free time may feel uneven. Some people have wanted longer to explore the castles, while others felt there was too much waiting before the final show.

Costume sessions are available for an additional fee. You can dress as a character and create photographs, sometimes with a professional photographer. One costume package has been quoted at around $50, though prices can change and should be confirmed on site. The photographs can be worthwhile for a devoted fan, but they are not part of the $118 tour price.

Lunch, sherbet, and the onsite shop

Lunch is included at a restaurant on the site, along with one soft drink. The meal has generally been a strong part of the day, though service can slow when several groups arrive together. One useful tip: the description includes sherbet, a traditional sweet fruit drink, but it may not arrive automatically. Ask for it when you sit down. It has been provided without an extra charge.

Food quality and temperature can vary. Some meals have been called excellent, while another was served almost cold. I would regard lunch as a convenient and pleasant part of the package rather than the reason to book the excursion.

The shop is usually part of the visit. It sells themed items and other Turkish goods, but prices can feel high. You do not need to buy anything to enjoy the sets, so decide in advance how much you want to spend. Bringing cash is sensible for the shop and optional activities, but do not assume every extra is included simply because it takes place within the tour.

Iron forging, archery, and horseback riding

The activity description refers to complimentary hands-on activities such as iron forging and archery. The included and excluded sections are not fully consistent about archery, and experiences have varied. Some visitors have taken part in forging, while another could not do it. Ask your guide what is operating that day and whether a fee applies before you join.

Horse riding is an optional paid activity. It can add a memorable touch, especially if you want a photograph in costume, but it is not essential to seeing the sets. Professional photography is also extra. If you want both, set aside a separate budget and ask for the combined price before changing clothes or mounting a horse.

These add-ons suit fans who want a role-playing experience. If you prefer the history and film locations themselves, save your money for the included tour and show. The basic day already offers enough to see.

The live show is the day’s strongest finish

The final performance is the most reliable highlight. Riders perform action scenes with horses against the film-set backdrop, giving you a short burst of the drama’s style and energy.

It is not a full television episode, and you should not expect to watch scenes being filmed for the next series. This is a scheduled live presentation for visitors. Still, the combination of horses, costumes, music, and the castle setting gives the day a proper finish.

The show comes late in the schedule, often around the end of the afternoon. That timing explains why the day can feel longer than the actual set visit. If you are impatient with waiting, the middle hours may drag. If you enjoy the camp, lunch, photographs, and independent wandering, the wait is easier to accept.

What the $118 price really buys

The $118 price includes return transport, entry to the film set, an English-speaking licensed guide, lunch with one soft drink, and the live shows. For a fan who would otherwise need to arrange transport and entry independently, that is a fair package.

The price becomes harder to justify if you do not know the programs. The site is outside central Istanbul, and much of its appeal comes from recognizing the locations and characters. A casual television viewer may feel that the main set walk is shorter than expected, particularly if areas are closed for filming.

Keep extra costs in mind:

• Costume photography is not included.
• Horse riding is not included.
• Some descriptions say archery is included, while other information lists it as an extra.
• Shop purchases are separate.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

For the best value, confirm the available activities at the start, enjoy the included set tour and lunch, and treat the paid extras as optional rather than expected parts of the package.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it first to fans of Dirilis Ertugrul and Kurulus Osman, especially families or groups who want photographs, costumes, and a playful day outside Istanbul. Meeting actors or production staff can make the experience special, but that opportunity cannot be guaranteed on every departure.

It also suits visitors who want a different side of Turkish culture and television. You do not need to know every character to enjoy the tents, costumes, horses, and live performance. You will get more from the guide if you already understand the basic stories.

I would hesitate if you have limited time in Istanbul or little interest in the shows. The eight-hour schedule takes a full day, and the drive, waiting periods, and paid extras affect the value. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted.

For Muslim visitors, the Kayi Alp tent has been used as a prayer space at prayer times, which can be a thoughtful practical detail. Confirm arrangements with the guide on your date rather than assuming the space will always be available.

Final verdict: a fan day with a clear price limit

You should book this tour if seeing the Ertugrul and Osman sets is high on your Istanbul wish list. The guide-led walk, themed camps, castle sets, included lunch, and horse show create a full day with plenty of atmosphere.

You should skip it if you want genuine historic buildings, a short excursion, or a tour focused on Istanbul’s major monuments. For everyone else, I would book it with realistic expectations: some areas may be closed, the shop and extras can be expensive, and you will not watch a new television scene being filmed. For a committed fan, though, the chance to stand inside the world of the series makes the $118 fare reasonable.

FAQ

How long does the Ertugrul and Osman set tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including transport from Istanbul, the set visit, lunch, activities, the live show, and the return journey.

Where can I meet the tour?

You can meet the group in front of Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu between 9:40 and 9:50 a.m., or in front of Ataturk Cultural Center Taksim between 10:10 and 10:15 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must reach one of the two listed meeting points in Istanbul. Return transportation to the meeting point area is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch at a local restaurant and one soft drink are included. Sherbet is listed as part of the experience, but ask for it at the restaurant because it may not be served automatically.

Are horse riding and professional photographs included?

No. Horse riding and professional photography are optional paid activities available on site.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes. The tour includes an English-speaking live guide.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

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