Istanbul: Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour with Lunch

Traveling to Istanbul often means exploring its legendary past, vibrant markets, and stunning architecture. But for fans of Turkish TV series or history buffs, a visit to the Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi movie set tour offers a totally different kind of adventure. This full-day experience combines the magic of film sets, historical storytelling, traditional Turkish cuisine, and fun activities—all wrapped into around 8 hours of immersive entertainment.

What makes this tour stand out? For starters, you’ll get to walk through elaborately designed film sets that bring to life the adventures of the hero Ertugrul Ghazi and his son Osman Ghazi. Plus, there’s the chance to try on authentic costumes, watch live performances, and learn about the historical figures behind these popular series. We love how the guides are knowledgeable and engaging, making the entire day feel both fun and informative.

On the flip side, some might find the schedule a bit packed, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want extra free time for exploring. The tour’s focus on highlights rather than exhaustive touring means you’ll see the main attractions without feeling overwhelmed. This experience is ideal for TV series fans, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Turkey’s Ottoman heritage, but not perfect if you’re seeking a slow, in-depth exploration.

This experience offers excellent value for its price of $113 per person, especially given the included lunch, activities, and live shows. It’s a great option for those wanting a mix of culture, entertainment, and a peek behind the scenes of Turkey’s most beloved historical series.

Key Points

• Authentic Sets and Costumes: Get a behind-the-scenes look at meticulously designed film sets and traditional clothing.
• Engaging Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Abdullah Bha, who explain the stories and history passionately and in detail.
• Interactive Activities: Participate in sword forging, archery, and iron forging, with optional extras like horseback riding.
• Cultural Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal with a complimentary sherbet, adding a taste of local hospitality.
• Live Performances: Witness captivating shows that bring the series’ stories to life right before your eyes.
• Convenient Scheduling: Pickup options at Taksim or Bilgins Leather, with a flexible booking and cancellation policy.

Detailed Review of the Tour Experience

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

Starting with pickup from centrally located points in Istanbul—either in front of Bilgins Leather or the Ataturk Cultural Center—the tour begins with a scenic drive to the filming set. This part of the journey is smooth, with group sizes typically kept manageable, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Once at the sets, the guides—like Guntuk Alp and others—bring stories to life, explaining the historical significance of Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi, iconic figures of Turkish history. Their tales aren’t just dry recountings; they’re filled with interesting details, such as how the sets are designed to resemble the ancient Ottoman world, with traditional tents, castles, and tents packed with authentic-looking artifacts.

We particularly appreciated the attention to detail here. Reviewers mention walking through Ertugrul’s old tents and visiting the Kayi camp, which feels like stepping into the series. The set for Dundar Bey’s tent is a highlight, with options to dress up in costumes for photos—though this costs an additional $50, many find it worth the expense for a memorable keepsake.

Another notable stop is the castle sets in Inegol, where viewers can see the throne of Aya Nikola, which they recognized from the series. These moments provide a tangible connection to the stories, making the series’ epic battles and tales feel much more real.

The Cultural and Interactive Aspects

One of the most praised parts of the tour is the variety of hands-on activities. Tour guides like Abdullah Bha are often singled out for their enthusiasm and knowledge, explaining not just what you see but how it ties into history. You’ll get to forge a sword, try your hand at archery, and learn about traditional crafts.

The lunch is another highlight, with a meal served at a local restaurant. Guests report the food as “pretty good,” with the added delight of sampling sherbet, a classic Turkish drink. Several reviews note that the meal offers good value, especially considering it’s included in the price.

Post-lunch, the tour offers a lively live performance, with actors demonstrating traditional horse riding and storytelling scenes that elevate the experience. Some guests, like those in the reviews, mention the performance as “epic” and a perfect conclusion to the day.

The Pros and Cons

While most reviews are glowing, some mention that not all sets are open—a common issue due to filming schedules. One reviewer noted that half of the sets were closed, which can be disappointing if you’re eager to see everything. The tour tends to prioritize key highlights, so don’t expect to see every nook and cranny.

Timing can also be tight; guests comment about waiting periods, especially before the live show. An observation from a reviewer is that “most of the waiting” happens around the encampment and set viewing, which could be improved with a more relaxed schedule. However, the guides’ explanations keep things engaging throughout.

Pricing for extras—like horseback riding or costume photos—is on-site and not included in the base fee, so budget accordingly if these activities appeal to you. The gift shop is described as somewhat “extortionate,” so if you’re looking to buy souvenirs, keep an eye on prices.

Authenticity, Value, and Who Should Join

The tour’s value hinges on your interest in TV series, Turkish culture, or Ottoman history. The cost of $113 covers transportation, entry fees, the guide, lunch, and the live show, making it a fairly comprehensive package. Although some reviews mention the lunch was “okay” and the free time limited, most agree that what you get feels like good value.

The guided commentary adds depth, especially with guides like Abdullah Bha, who share detailed insights that go beyond surface-level facts. For fans of Ertugrul or Kurulus Osman, this tour feels like a VIP backstage pass, giving a rare glimpse of the scenes and costumes seen on TV.

In terms of accessibility, it’s suited for most, but not for wheelchair users, and travelers should bring passport or ID plus some cash for extras. The tour’s 8-hour duration makes it suitable for a full day but might be tiring for those with limited stamina or tight schedules.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For TV series fans, this tour is a treasure trove. Seeing the sets, trying costumes, and watching live performances create a very memorable experience. The knowledgeable guides like Abdullah Bha enhance the tour with interesting stories and contextual insights, making it far more than just a sightseeing trip.

If you’re interested in Turkish history, Ottoman culture, or simply want a fun, interactive day out, you’ll find this tour delivers good value for money. The included lunch and live entertainment add extra layers of enjoyment.

However, if you prefer a leisurely, unhurried visit with plenty of time to explore without scheduled activities, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, be prepared for optional paid extras if you want to dress up or participate in certain activities.

This tour offers a balanced mix of entertainment, cultural insight, and authentic set visits—making it a fantastic choice for fans, history lovers, or curious travelers looking for a different way to experience Istanbul’s lesser-known side.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes return transportation from the selected pickup points in Istanbul.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience runs for approximately 8 hours, starting from pickup until drop-off.

Are there options for extras during the tour?
Yes, you can pay on-site for activities like horseback riding and costume photos.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, passport or ID, and some cash for extras or souvenirs.

Can I customize my experience?
The tour is structured with set highlights, but you can choose to participate in optional activities like horse riding or dress-up photos, for additional fees.

Is this suitable for children or disabled travelers?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users and may be more enjoyable for adults and older children interested in the series or history.

What is the food like?
Guests generally find the lunch tasty and filling, with a Turkish meal and a complimentary sherbet included.

This tour offers a captivating peek behind the scenes of Turkey’s most famous series, wrapped in a package of history, culture, and fun activities. Perfect for fans and curious travelers alike, it makes for a memorable day in Istanbul.