A movie-set day near Istanbul. I like that this Ertuğrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour turns Kuruluş Osman fandom into a structured outing, with live performances built right into the schedule. It is a long enough day to see real filming areas, not just a quick photo stop.
What I really like is the air-conditioned vehicle and the friendly, attentive feel right from pickup. One thing to plan for: there is no hotel transfer, so you need to meet at Taksim Square on your own, and add-ons like photography or horse riding can raise the final cost.
Key Tour Highlights I’d Focus On
- Kuruluş Osman set time you can actually walk around: hours on the plateau areas, not a token glance.
- Live stage moments included: you get a set of performances timed into the day.
- Small group size: maximum 28 travelers keeps the experience from feeling chaotic.
- English mobile ticket for easy check-in: practical for visitors who want a smooth start.
- Add-ons are optional but not cheap: professional photos and horse riding cost extra.
Movie Sets, Real Timing, and Why Fans Get More Than Photos
This is not a drive-by tour where you stop for five minutes and move on. The format is built around time on the filming areas tied to Diriliş and Kuruluş Osman, with a clear rhythm from the city pickup into the set world and back again.
If you are a fan, you will likely enjoy how the day is organized around what the shows use on screen, including set areas and filming spots. If you are not a hardcore fan, you can still have fun because it is basically a guided day tour with sightseeing and live performances, plus lunch thrown in to keep you fueled.
One of the smartest bits of value here is that the schedule keeps you on the action long enough to feel like you participated, not just watched from the edges. The live performances portion also gives the day an energy spike, and it helps break up the longer set viewing.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Istanbul.
Taksim Square Start: Getting There Matters More Than You Think
The tour starts at 10:00 am back at your meeting point area in Taksim Square, specifically in front of the main door of Atatürk Culture Center. The end point is the same meeting point, with the wrap-up meeting time running around 19:00 to 19:30.
Two practical points that affect your comfort:
- You should plan to arrive a bit early to find the exact pickup point without rushing.
- Since there is no hotel transfer, you are responsible for getting yourself to Taksim Square.
This matters because the tour itself is long, about 8 hours total. When the start point is fixed and you are not picked up from your hotel, you want a stress-free morning setup so the day stays fun.
Good news: it is described as near public transportation, so you can usually reach it without a complicated itinerary. Also, the day is offered in English, which helps if you want to follow along without struggling.
Europe to Asia: The Ride That Sets the Tone
Early on, you move from the European side of Istanbul to the Asian continent. That crossing is not just logistics. It helps you reset mentally, going from a real city start into a very specific themed outing.
Right after the transfer portion, there is a short stop tied to the meeting point area, then you head toward open filming zones. One of the nice elements is that this day is paced, so you are not immediately thrown into a tight schedule the moment you arrive.
Also, you are traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a big deal in Istanbul weather swings. Even if the set areas are the main attraction, the comfort of the ride affects how you experience the whole day, especially since this tour has multiple phases and a long core block.
Stop for Movie-Making Open Areas: Quick, Helpful Orientation
One of the earlier segments includes a stop where you can see open areas where movies are made. This portion is short, about 15 minutes, with admission marked as free.
Think of this as your visual warm-up. Even without deep technical knowledge, you can start recognizing what makes a filming area usable. It gives you a framework so that when you later enter the main set environment, you know what you are looking at.
A short stop like this also keeps the day from stalling. You get just enough time to get your bearings fast, and then you transition to the longer visits that do the real work.
Kuruluş Osman Filming Location (5 Hours): This Is the Core Block
The longest part of the day is the Kuruluş Osman filming location, scheduled for about 5 hours, and it includes admission.
This is where you should pay attention to what is included versus what is optional. The tour gives you the chance to spend a meaningful chunk of time in the actual filming setting areas, guided by the overall flow of the day.
Why this block is valuable:
- It is long enough to explore at a comfortable pace.
- You have time to watch how the spaces are arranged for production.
- You can take your time deciding where you want photos, and where you want to just look and absorb the setting.
One practical consideration: five hours is a long visit. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring sun protection if the weather is clear, and if conditions are hot, plan to pace your photos.
The tour also notes that it needs good weather. If the day gets adjusted for weather, you will want flexibility in your Istanbul plans so you can accept a different date if offered.
Castle and House Set Areas (1 Hour): Walk the Scenes
After the main filming location time, you get another included set segment focused on castle/house movie set areas, about 1 hour.
This is a good stop if you like architecture details and scene structure. It is also a break from being only in one kind of space. Set areas like these tend to feel more immersive because they are designed for dramatic storytelling, and that makes walking around more interesting than just standing still.
Because this portion is shorter, I suggest using that hour actively. Don’t just aim for one photo spot. Spend a few minutes looking up, check the layout, then take pictures after you understand the angles.
If you plan to buy souvenirs, this kind of stop is often where you will see the widest selection, because visitors tend to pass through set-related areas in concentrated waves.
Live Performances Moment (45 Minutes): The Part That Gets People Smiling
The tour’s day peaks with live performances set against the film set backdrop, about 45 minutes, and it is included.
This is the segment I would prioritize even if you are more of a casual viewer. Live performances add human energy, and they give the day a final storytelling beat after hours of walking around filming areas. It also gives your group a shared moment, which helps make the day feel complete.
This is also where the tour format makes sense for different ages. In one of the standout notes from real feedback, someone 60-plus said the trip felt fun and not rushed, and that is exactly the kind of timing that helps older visitors: you get a full day of meaningful seeing, then a shorter performance block to enjoy.
If you want photos here, plan for limited time. This is one of those moments where you will want to watch first, then shoot once you know where you want your view.
Lunch, Included Fees, and How Add-Ons Affect Value
Lunch is included, which is one of the simplest ways this tour improves value. When you factor in a full-day schedule, including a meal can save both time and decision fatigue.
What you also get included:
- Watching the live shows on the film plateau (listed as 15-20 minutes)
- Pick up and drop off from the meeting point
- Entrance fees mentioned by the itinerary for movie set areas
Now for the part you should plan around: extras.
Not included add-ons include:
- Professional photography service, starting at 15 euro
- Horse riding, 20 minutes for 20 euro
- Personal expenses
A key detail from the experience feedback is that souvenirs can feel expensive, and extra experiences cost extra. The good news is that these are optional. If you are the type who likes memorabilia or wants a specific kind of photo, budget for it early so you do not feel surprised later.
If you want a practical cost approach: treat the tour price as the baseline, then decide whether you want one add-on. If you pick more than one, the day can become pricier than you expected.
Group Size, Pace, and Who Will Enjoy It Most
With a maximum group size of 28 travelers, this tour is large enough to feel like a social day out, but small enough to stay manageable. That size often means better logistics around entrances and meeting points, and it fits the kind of feedback about the trip feeling friendly and attentive.
The pace is designed so it does not feel like a sprint. One piece of feedback highlighted that it was not rushed, which is important on a long, set-based tour. If you prefer a calmer day, this style fits.
Who it is best for:
- Fans of the Ertuğrul Gazi and Osman Gazi stories, especially if you want to see where the production looks real
- People who like guided structure and want help navigating filming areas
- Visitors who can handle a long day with a big main block (about five hours)
Who might find it less ideal:
- People who want deep historical context rather than set exploration and performances, since the day is clearly themed around the filming areas and show moments
- Anyone who dislikes optional add-on pricing and souvenir shopping, because extras are part of the environment
Weather, Comfort, and Small Tips That Keep the Day Smooth
This experience depends on good weather, so plan your Istanbul calendar with a little flexibility. If your trip schedule is tight, you might want to leave buffer time for a possible date adjustment.
For comfort, keep it simple:
- Bring comfortable shoes for walking set areas.
- Carry water and sun protection if you tend to get overheated.
- If you want professional photos or horse riding, decide before the day starts so the decision does not become stressful mid-tour.
Also, because the tour begins at a fixed point in Taksim Square and ends back at the same place, it helps to plan dinner near your meeting point so you are not scrambling at the end of the day.
Should You Book This Movie Set Tour?
If you are a fan of Ertuğrul and Osman Ghazi stories, I think this tour is worth serious consideration. The structure gives you real set time, a focused filming location block, castle and house set areas, and an included live performances segment that helps the day feel satisfying.
If you are not a dedicated fan, it can still be fun because it is essentially a guided, themed Istanbul day with lunch, air-conditioned transport, and a performance element. The key is knowing what you are signing up for: it is about filming areas and show moments, not a museum-style history lecture.
My recommendation comes down to two practical checks:
- Can you comfortably get to Taksim Square meeting point on your own?
- Are you okay with optional extras, especially photography and horse riding, if you decide you want them?
If those are yes, then this is a strong choice for an entertaining day that feels closer to the screen than most Istanbul excursions.
FAQ
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends back at the meeting point in front of the main door of Atatürk Culture Center at Taksim Square. The tour start time is 10:00 am, and you meet there again around 19:00 to 19:30.
How long is the Ertuğrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour?
The duration is approximately 8 hours.
Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch is included.
Is pickup from hotels included?
No. The tour includes pick up and drop off from the meeting point only, and you need to come yourself to the meeting point.
What language is the tour offered in?
The tour is offered in English.
Are there extra costs during the tour?
Yes. Professional photography service starts at 15 euro, and horse riding is listed as 20 minutes for 20 euro. Souvenirs and personal expenses are also not included.
What happens if the weather is poor?
This tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
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