REVIEW · ISTANBUL
From Istanbul Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour
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If you love Diriliş, this day feels tailor-made. This Istanbul tour takes you into the real Ertugrul/Kuruluş Osman filming world, then slows down at key set zones so you can actually take it in, not just speed past it. You also get the live performances staged on the filming plateau, which helps the whole thing feel like a story, not a roadside photo stop.
I especially like that the program mixes time inside the set areas with enough structure to keep things moving, and the included meal is more than a snack—think a proper 4-course lunch. The one drawback to plan around is the day can involve upselling (like paid add-ons for photos or optional activities), and on at least one visit the tour start shifted due to traffic.
In This Review
- Key highlights before you go
- A day inside the Diriliş and Kuruluş Osman filming world
- Start at Atatürk Culture Center: the easiest way to begin
- Open areas where scenes are made: where the scale hits
- Spending hours at the real Kuruluş Osman filming location
- Castle and house set areas: what you should look for
- Live performances on the film plateau: the story turns on
- Lunch: included 4-course meal (yes, it’s a lot)
- Optional extras: photography, horse riding, and paid add-ons
- Price and value: is $124.21 a fair deal?
- Logistics that matter: group size, language, and timing
- Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)
- Booking tips to make the day smoother
- Should you book this Istanbul movie set tour?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- What time does the Istanbul Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour start?
- Where is the meeting point for the tour?
- How long does the tour last?
- Is lunch included?
- What is included in the price besides the movie set admission?
- What is not included?
- Is horse riding available to add on?
- Is professional photography available to add on?
- What language is the tour offered in?
- How many people are in a group?
- Is free cancellation available?
Key highlights before you go

- Real set areas, not just outside views: you spend hours in the filming zone, including castle and house sets
- Live plateau show time: you’ll watch staged performance segments on the film grounds
- Included 4-course lunch: a full meal is built into the day, not an afterthought
- Small max group size: capped at 35 people, which helps the experience feel more manageable
- Optional paid extras on site: photography and horse riding are available for an added fee
A day inside the Diriliş and Kuruluş Osman filming world

This is the kind of tour you book because you’re a fan. Not the casual fan who thinks the series is nice, but the one who cares about the look of the sets, the feel of the grounds, and how the show worlds are actually built.
What I like about this experience is the balance: you’re not only looking at buildings from the edge of the property. You get scheduled time where the production look is the point—open filming areas, then longer time in the Kuruluş Osman zones where you can see how the spaces are arranged for scenes.
You also get live performance moments staged on the plateau. That part matters because it changes the tone. Even if you’ve seen episodes a hundred times, watching characters-style performances in the same kind of setting helps the day click into place.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Istanbul.
Start at Atatürk Culture Center: the easiest way to begin

The day starts at Atatürk Kültür Merkezi (Ataturk Kultur Merkezi). You meet in front of the main door, then the group boards an air-conditioned vehicle and heads to the movie set.
Two practical things to know:
- It starts at 9:30am, and it ends back at the meeting point.
- The meeting point is near public transportation, so you’re not locked into a hotel transfer.
You’re also on a set schedule—about 8 hours total—so this is ideal if you’d rather spend the day on one organized route than piece together rides and timed entry yourself.
One thing to keep in mind: the flow of the day depends on traffic. On at least one visit, the start time ran later than advertised, though the organizer communicated the updated start ahead of time. So if you’re the type who hates surprises, I’d build in a little buffer.
Open areas where scenes are made: where the scale hits
After you depart, you get a quick first look at the filming grounds—open areas where scenes are created. It’s brief, but it sets context fast: you see how the space works when it’s being staged, not when it’s standing still.
This is also a good moment to orient yourself. If you’re a die-hard fan, this is the part where you’ll start mentally matching spaces to what you recognize from the screen. If you’re new to the shows, it helps you understand why the later, longer stops feel so specific.
In a place like this, the “value” isn’t just seeing. It’s getting enough time and sequence that you don’t feel lost.
Spending hours at the real Kuruluş Osman filming location

The heart of the tour is your longer visit to the Kuruluş Osman filming location. This is where you actually slow down and walk around the set areas for about 4 hours, with entry included.
This longer block is what makes the tour worth it if your goal is more than selfies. With enough time on the grounds, you can:
- compare construction details between different zones
- pause and re-check what you’re seeing
- take breaks without the day collapsing into rushed movement
If you’re the type who likes to read the “why” behind the scenes, this segment does that job. You’ll notice that the set is organized for filming—space matters as much as props.
Castle and house set areas: what you should look for

Next comes a focused walk through Kuruluş Osman set areas that feel more enclosed: castle and house zones. This segment lasts about 1 hour, again with entry included.
The reason this part feels satisfying is simple: it’s where the world becomes more tangible. The structures give you cues for characters’ routines—where groups gather, where entrances are staged, and how backgrounds are framed for camera angles.
If you’ve watched the series and always wondered what certain locations look like in real life, this is the moment you’ll recognize fast. Even better, you’ll get the “built over time” feeling—new set construction and additions are part of the ongoing life of the property.
And yes, it looks like someone took pride in keeping set pieces in usable condition—because later crews need it to stay workable. That matters if you care about the continuity of the look.
Live performances on the film plateau: the story turns on

By the time you reach the live show segment, the day reaches its zenith. You spend about 45 minutes watching performances set against the backdrop of the filming grounds, with admission included.
This is the part that helps the whole tour go from factual to emotional. You’re not only touring locations—you’re seeing a version of the show’s world performed in place. It also makes it easier to connect the physical set to what’s happening in the series.
One detail built into the experience: the included program also lists watching live show segments on the film plateau for 15–20 minutes. So plan on at least one performance-focused window during this phase of the day, not just a quick glance.
Lunch: included 4-course meal (yes, it’s a lot)

Lunch is included, and it’s a real meal. On the visits described, it’s a 4-course lunch, and people called it way too much good food to be comfortable about it.
This matters because many “set tours” treat lunch like a token stop. Here, it’s structured into the day, so you’re not left hunting food while your group moves on. After a few hours on set grounds, this kind of meal break is exactly what you want.
That said, be aware of the on-site shopping culture. In at least one visit, it felt like the driver strongly encouraged purchasing from the gift shop. If you’re not into shopping, just treat it like a separate option you can ignore.
And if you do like sweet treats: there’s mention of an excellent coffee shop on site, including a standout brownie. So if you have time between show segments or after your meal, you might want to check it out.
Optional extras: photography, horse riding, and paid add-ons

This tour includes set admission and the live show portion, but some popular extras are not included.
Not included options:
- Professional photography service (starting price listed as 15 euro)
- Horse riding (listed as 20 minutes / 20 euro)
- Personal expenses
There’s also a culture of paid add-ons in the gift shop and activity areas. That’s not automatically bad—it’s how the set supports itself—but it can feel pushy if you’d rather just enjoy the day.
My practical take: if you want the show-world experience, decide in advance what you’ll pay for. If you don’t want surprises, politely keep your choices to what’s already included.
Price and value: is $124.21 a fair deal?
At $124.21 per person, you’re paying for a full day with:
- air-conditioned vehicle transport
- pick up and drop off at the meeting point
- set admissions included for the main zones
- live performance time on the plateau
- lunch included
The value is strongest if you want a structured, fan-focused visit without coordinating your own tickets and timing. You also get a time block long enough to feel like you actually saw the place, not just checked it off.
Where the value can feel weaker is if you’re sensitive to upselling moments or if your priorities are mainly casual sightseeing. In that case, you might spend extra money without realizing it, especially if your group guide time gets pulled into paid photo moments or if the on-site shop pulls you in.
Logistics that matter: group size, language, and timing
This tour is offered in English, which is a big deal for a set experience where you’ll want explanations about what you’re seeing. The group has a maximum size of 35 travelers, so it’s not a tiny private tour, but it’s also not a huge crowd.
The tour is listed as most travelers can participate and you should receive booking confirmation at the time you book.
Timing tip: the day runs close to a full workday—about 8 hours. Also, the program includes “goodbye” meeting points later in the evening (around 19:00–19:30) for other tours, so don’t plan a tight evening schedule right after you expect to finish.
Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)
You’ll likely love this tour if:
- you’re a serious fan of Diriliş Ertuğrul and Kuruluş Osman
- you want more than a quick photo visit and prefer hours on set areas
- you like live performance segments staged in real set spaces
- you want lunch handled so you can stay focused on the experience
You might want to reconsider if:
- you dislike add-ons and upselling pressure
- you’re mainly seeking Istanbul landmarks and this is a one-day taste
- you’re not interested in the series world enough to notice set-building details
Booking tips to make the day smoother
A few smart moves that match how the experience is run:
- Arrive early enough to meet at the Atatürk Kültür Merkezi main door without rushing.
- If you’re hoping for certain photo or activity add-ons, decide before you go—so you’re not reacting mid-day.
- Wear shoes you’ll be comfortable in for longer walking blocks during the main set visit.
- Bring an open mind about timing. Traffic can shift the start, but communication is part of the process.
Should you book this Istanbul movie set tour?
Book it if you want a structured, fan-focused day in the real filming world of Ertugrul Gazi and Osman Gazi—with real set time, live performances, and an included 4-course lunch. The price makes sense when you factor in transport, admissions, and the performance component.
Skip it (or book with extra caution) if you mainly want standard Istanbul sightseeing, or if you strongly dislike shopping and paid add-ons popping up during the day. The set is fun, but the experience can lean commercial on site.
FAQ
FAQ
What time does the Istanbul Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour start?
The tour starts at 9:30am.
Where is the meeting point for the tour?
You meet in front of the main door at Atatürk Kültür Merkezi (Ataturk Kultur Merkezi).
How long does the tour last?
It runs about 8 hours (approx.).
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included.
What is included in the price besides the movie set admission?
The package includes an air-conditioned vehicle, pick up and drop off from the meeting point, watching live shows on the film plateau (15–20 minutes), entrance fees mentioned by the itineraries (movie set), and entry for Istanbul.
What is not included?
Hotel transfers are not included. Professional photography service and horse riding are also not included, along with personal expenses.
Is horse riding available to add on?
Yes. Horse riding is listed as 20 minutes for 20 euro.
Is professional photography available to add on?
Yes. Professional photography service is listed as starting from 15 euro.
What language is the tour offered in?
The tour is offered in English.
How many people are in a group?
The tour has a maximum of 35 travelers.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.




























