Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour from Istanbul

If you’re a fan of the popular Turkish series about Ertugrul Gazi and Osman Gazi, or just curious about the historical epics behind the shows, this tour offers a chance to step behind the scenes and see where the magic happens. It’s a well-organized, full-day journey into the world of Turkish television’s most celebrated series, with visits to actual film sets and some entertaining live performances.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are its comprehensive itinerary—covering multiple filming locations—and the value for money it provides, including live shows and entry fees. However, it’s worth noting that the tour has a moderate duration of about 8 hours and involves a fair amount of time on the move, which may not suit travelers looking for a more relaxed pace.

This tour is best suited for series enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone eager to see authentic Turkish film sets that bring legendary characters to life. If you’re after an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience at a reasonable price, this could be an appealing option.

Key Points

• Authentic filming locations bring the stories of Ertugrul and Osman Gazi to life.
• The full-day itinerary includes visiting multiple sets and live performances.
• Entry fees are included, offering good value for access to the film sets.
• The tour starts early and lasts about 8 hours, making it ideal for a full-day activity.
• Group size is limited to 28 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Food, transportation, and live show experiences enhance the visit, though souvenirs and extras are optional.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour kicks off at Taksim Square, a familiar Istanbul landmark, where you meet in front of the Ataturk Culture Center. Once gathered, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned vehicle that whisks you across new cityscapes to your first real highlight—the film sets. The journey itself offers a glimpse into the diverse scenery used in these productions, including open areas where scenes are filmed and castles that set the stage for epic battles and storytelling.

Visiting the Film Sets

The core of the tour revolves around the Kuruluş Osman filming locations. You’ll spend roughly five hours exploring multiple castle and house sets, which are designed to reflect the medieval Turkish world of the series. Walking through these reconstructions, you’ll notice how detailed and authentic they appear, often built to withstand close-up filming.

Many travelers find the sets visually striking, with some commenting that they felt like stepping onto a live cinema set. The guide typically offers insights into the series’ production, helping you connect the dots between on-screen action and real-world locations.

Live Performances and Scene Re-creations

Midway through, you’ll get to witness live performances set against the backdrop of the film sets—a highlight that elevates the experience. These short scenes or storytelling moments help transport you further into the legendary world, making the history feel more tangible. One reviewer mentioned that this part “reached the zenith with captivating storytelling,” which indicates how engaging these moments can be.

Additional Stops and Scenic Views

The itinerary also includes a quick stop at Agva Merkez, an open area where movies are made, providing a taste of the outdoor filming environment. This brief detour allows travelers to see the scale and scope of open-air shoots, often with little or no admission fee, making it a quick but insightful peek into the production process.

Ending the Day

The tour wraps up back at Ataturk Kultur Merkezi around 19:00-19:30, giving you a chance to reflect on the day’s adventures. Some travelers have found the timing and organization smooth, making it easy to plan the rest of their evening in Istanbul.

Practical Details and Value

The tour includes lunch, transportation, and entry fees for all film set locations, which makes it a good value considering the full-day experience. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during transit, especially on warm days, and the small group size enhances the chance for personal interaction and questions.

It’s important to note that hotel transfers are not included—participants need to get themselves to the meeting point in Taksim Square. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum of 28 people, so it’s not overly crowded.

Extra costs such as professional photography or horse riding are available but not included, so if capturing memories is important, you’ll want to budget for those.

What Travelers Say

Feedback from past participants is generally positive. One reviewer, Shakila, appreciated the “fun trip” and noted how she enjoyed the experience even at age 60+, highlighting the tour’s accessibility and pace. Another said it was “a great experience for fans,” emphasizing the friendly and attentive guides. However, some mentioned souvenirs being a bit pricey, which is common at tourist spots.

How the Itinerary Breaks Down

Taksim Square: The starting point sets the tone and allows travelers to gather comfortably. The short 30-minute stop here is mostly logistical, but it’s a great chance to meet your guide and fellow travelers.

Agva Merkez: This quick 15-minute stop offers a glimpse into where outdoor filming happens, giving a sense of scale and environment. It’s a fleeting visit but adds context.

Kuruluş Osman Filming Locations: The main event, where you spend about 5 hours wandering through castles and sets. Expect to see reconstructed medieval homes, grand fortresses, and outdoor scenes, all designed to bring the series’ universe to life.

Live Performances: About 45 minutes of live storytelling or scene reenactments, often set amid the sets you’ve just explored. It’s designed to add excitement and storyteller engagement.

Ataturk Culture Center: The farewell point, giving you a comfortable spot to conclude your day with reflections or a bit of sightseeing before heading back.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This journey is best suited for fans of the series, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Turkish television and culture. If you enjoy seeing how films are made or love authentic historical set recreations, you’ll find this tour worthwhile.

Those looking for a relaxing, leisurely experience might find the full-day schedule a little intense, especially with a lot of walking and standing at set locations. But the organized nature of the tour ensures you won’t need to worry about logistics or missing key sites.

The Sum Up

The Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour from Istanbul offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines filming location visits, live performances, and scenic outdoor filming spots. It shines in delivering authentic set reconstructions and insightful production glimpses that will delight fans and curious travelers alike.

The value for the price—including transportation, entry fees, and a full day’s activities—makes it a wise choice for those who want to connect with the stories in a tangible way. It’s especially perfect if you’re a series enthusiast eager to see the legendary scenes come to life, or a history lover curious about the medieval Turkish world portrayed in these epic series.

While it’s a busy day with a lot of moving parts, the small group size and friendly guides help keep it manageable and personal. Just remember to come prepared for a full day of exploration, and perhaps bring extra charge for souvenirs or photos.

FAQs

Does the tour include hotel transfers?
No, hotel transfers are not included. Participants need to make their way to the meeting point in Taksim Square in Istanbul.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 10:00 am and ending around 19:00-19:30.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for the film sets are included in the price. You’ll only need to pay extra for souvenirs or optional extras like professional photography or horse riding.

What is the group size?
The tour has a maximum of 28 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with walking and spending a full day outdoors around the sets.

Are the live shows included?
Yes, live performances are part of the itinerary and last about 15-20 minutes.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and perhaps a camera for photos—note that professional photography services are extra.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

This tour is a fantastic choice for lovers of Turkish series, history, or culture, and it’s a great way to see some of Istanbul’s famous filming locations without fuss. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or simply curious about the stories, it promises a day filled with excitement, learning, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Turkey’s popular series-world.