One day trip. Two famous Ottoman-era legends. This tour turns TV history into walkable, photo-friendly sets for Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi, with a licensed guide, lunch, and live performances at the end. I especially like the on-site access to the actual props and costumes plus the fact you get some free time to explore, not just stand in a group line. A possible drawback: part of the time can feel like waiting for the big final show, and the on-site extras (horse riding, photos, costume sessions) can add up.

You’ll start from central Istanbul meeting points—either Taksim (Ataturk Cultural Center) or Cağaloğlu (Bilgins Leather & Fur)—then ride out to the Bozdağ film set world. English-speaking guides can be top-notch; I saw names like Burak, Hakan Serim, Abdullah Bha, and Oscar mentioned, which matters because the best part of these sets is the story they attach to every tent and banner. If you’re a wheelchair user, this isn’t set up for you, and if your day is tightly packed, the full 8-hour schedule may feel long.

Key Points That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

• Actual TV sets and costumes: you’re not looking at a screen recap; you’re walking through built scenes.
• Licensed English guide: the guide helps you connect the visuals to the characters and context.
• Lunch + a soft drink: built into the day, so you’re not hunting for food mid-tour.
• Hands-on activities included: forging iron and archery show up as part of the experience (with extra options for more).
• Final live performances: including an end-of-day horse show vibe, which is often the highlight.
• On-site extras cost more: professional photography and horseback riding are paid add-ons.

From Taksim Or Cağaloğlu To the Ertugrul and Osman Film World

Plan for a full day. This is a straight 8-hour trip with round-trip transportation included, but you’re not getting hotel pickup. You’ll meet at one of two convenient hubs in Istanbul:

• In front of Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu: 9:40–9:50 AM
• In front of Ataturk Cultural Center Taksim: 10:10–10:15 AM

That timing matters because you’re leaving the city and heading to the film set area outside Istanbul, so being late means you’ll miss the on-time start the group depends on.

On the ride out, you can settle in. Some days include TV-series music playing on the coach (it’s an easy mood-setter), and the drive itself is usually handled well by the driver. The best tip here is boring but true: bring patience. The day has a big “arrival to showtime” arc, and the pacing is part of the overall rhythm.

The On-Set Walkthrough: Costumes, Tents, and the Story Behind the Scenery

This is the core of the tour: you visit the filming location for the Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi series. You’ll walk around ornate sets and see traditional costumes and props up close, plus learn the significance of what you’re looking at from your licensed guide.

What makes this feel different from a museum is scale and detail. These sets are built to be lived in—tents, camp areas, castle-like stronghold backdrops, and the visual language of the characters. One review described a setup that included old tents and a Kayi camp feel, plus castle scenes. Even if your route varies slightly day to day, the intention is consistent: you’re stepping into the world you already know from screen.

A practical note: sometimes a set may be actively being used for filming, so access can change. If you’re dreaming of seeing every corner, keep expectations flexible. You’ll still get a solid tour of the most important areas, but filming operations can affect what’s open at that moment.

Also, don’t ignore the small religious and cultural moments. One guest specifically appreciated finding a Kayi Alp Tent used as a mosque for prayer times. If that matters to you, it’s a nice reminder that this place is used by real people during the day, not just staged for tourists.

Your Guide Matters: Listening for the Little Connections

I learned from guests’ experiences that the guide can make or break the day. When the guide is sharp, you’ll understand why certain props show up, how the production re-creates eras, and what to look for while you’re walking.

You might get a guide who’s also connected to the production world. Names like Hakan Serim (mentioned as playing Gungut Alp in Ertugrul), Burak, Abdullah Bha, and Oscar show up in feedback as examples of guides who gave clear explanations and kept the group moving at a good pace.

So here’s what you should do: ask questions early, before the day gets busy. If you like Ottoman-era storytelling, ask how the series turns legends into visual scenes. If you’re more into film craft, ask how they keep props and sets looking consistent for long filming days. Your guide’s answers will make your photos feel smarter later.

One more pacing tip: many guests say there’s a good mix of guided walking and time to explore on your own. That’s a big deal. It means you can slow down for details (textiles, weapon props, banners, tent interiors) without feeling rushed.

Hands-On Activities: Forging Iron and Archery (Plus Paid Extras)

After the set walk, you’ll get into activities. Included activities listed for this tour are forging iron and archery. This is where the day becomes more than observation—less standing, more doing.

For most people, forging and archery feel like the “fun filter” that turns your interest into a memory you physically share with the group. Even if you’re not particularly athletic, you’ll get guided participation.

Then there are optional paid experiences on site. The tour data lists add-ons such as:

• Horse riding (additional fee)
• Professional photography (additional on-site fee)

Some guests also mention extra costume and role-play style photo sessions with actors or performers, sometimes for an added cost. The consistent message is simple: you can choose to spend more if you want the full movie-star moment, but the tour already gives you enough to enjoy without going all-in.

The best practical move: bring cash. You’re told to bring cash, and on-site extras are exactly the type of thing you’ll be asked to pay for there.

Lunch and Sherbet Break: Comfort Food, Not a Gastronomy Exam

Lunch is included, and you’ll get it at a local restaurant. The tour description says lunch includes 1 soft drink, and it specifically calls out sherbet as a typical Turkish drink. In practice, there can be small friction—one guest noted they had to ask for sherbet separately, but weren’t charged extra.

So how should you handle it? Ask politely when you sit down: Do you have sherbet included with lunch today? That quick question saves time and confusion.

As for the food itself, guests’ feedback is generally positive, though with some variation in how warm it felt and how busy the restaurant was during peak group arrivals. Plan for “good and filling,” not a long plated-course meal.

If you care about timing, eat at a steady pace. Since the final live show happens later, you don’t want to be stuck finishing dessert when everyone else is heading toward the seating area.

Live Shows and the Horse Performance Ending

The last stage is the reason many fans remember this day. You’ll watch live shows set against the backdrop of the film set, featuring epic storytelling that connects back to Ertugrul and Osman.

A standout repeated theme is the horse show at the end. Expect a performance energy level that’s more “festival” than “lecture.” Even if you only half care about the TV series, the spectacle can win you over because it’s visual and high-energy.

Do keep one consideration in mind: some people report the time leading up to the show can feel long. If you’re the type who hates waiting, bring small distractions—water, a snack if allowed, and a camera battery. Use the set area time to take photos, check out costumes up close, and enjoy the atmosphere.

If you’re hoping to catch maximum show time without stress, don’t plan another outing immediately after. This tour is designed as a single block.

Price and Value: Is $118 a Fair Deal for an 8-Hour Day?

Let’s talk money without the fluff. The price is $118 per person for an 8-hour experience that includes:

• round-trip transportation from central Istanbul meeting points
• movie set entry fees
• a licensed English guide
• lunch with 1 soft drink
• live shows

That bundle is where the value sits. You’re paying for guided access to built sets, not just a generic bus ride. The included lunch also helps; you’re not forced to budget for food while you’re stuck on a timetable.

Where cost can creep upward is with extras. Horse riding, professional photography, and costume-based photo sessions are paid add-ons. If you’re the type who always wants the “one perfect photo,” budget extra before you go. If you’re happy with your own camera and the included activities, the base price feels more reasonable.

One more value question: how big of a fan are you? If you’re a hardcore Ertugrul/Osman fan, the set details and storytelling connections can make the day feel almost like a fan pilgrimage. If you’re casual, you’ll still likely enjoy the spectacle and hands-on elements, but you may feel the day is “fun and impressive” rather than life-changing.

What to Bring, What Not to Do, and Small Day-Saving Tips

Bring:

• Camera
• Passport or ID card
• Cash

Not allowed:

• Electric wheelchairs
• The tour is also not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan alternative arrangements if mobility is a concern.

Day-saver tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking set areas and camp-like spaces.
• Keep your camera charged. Optional professional photography exists, but your best shots will come from your own timing.
• Expect variable access. If a set is being filmed, you may not be able to enter every area.

And if you’re curious about religion and rest breaks, ask your guide about prayer timing and the best place to step aside. One guest noted the presence of a mosque-style tent for prayer, which is reassuring.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This tour is a great match if:

• you love the Ertugrul Ghazi and Osman Ghazi series and want to connect the screen to real built sets
• you like guided explanations and want context, not just photos
• you enjoy hands-on activities like forging iron and archery
• you want a full-day outing with a strong ending performance

You might think twice if:

• you’re not interested in Ottoman-era storytelling at all and hate being in organized tours for most of the day
• you dislike waiting around for a scheduled show block
• you’re sensitive to added on-site fees for extras

Should You Book This Tour?

If you’re choosing between “more Istanbul sightseeing” and “something wildly specific,” this wins on specificity. For fans of the series, it feels like the show stepped off the screen and into a walkable world—complete with costumes, tents, and a performance finale.

My advice: book it if you’ll actually use the included parts (guide + set time + forging/archery + lunch + live show). Skip the paid extras unless you’re sure you want them. And do go in with flexible expectations about access—production needs can affect which areas are available on the day.

If you want a fun, story-driven day trip with photos you’ll genuinely remember, this is one of the more satisfying options leaving Istanbul.

FAQ

What time do I need to meet for pickup?

You choose one meeting point: Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu at 9:40–9:50 AM, or Ataturk Cultural Center Taksim at 10:10–10:15 AM.

Where are the meeting points in Istanbul?

The tour pickup is in front of Bilgins Leather & Fur Cağaloğlu, or in front of Ataturk Cultural Center Taksim.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

Is lunch included, and is sherbet part of it?

Lunch is included with 1 soft drink. The tour description also mentions sherbet as a typical Turkish drink, but you may need to ask at the restaurant to get it as part of your lunch order.

Does the tour include the activities like archery and iron forging?

Yes. Archery and iron forging are listed as included complimentary activities. Horse riding and professional photography are additional on-site paid options.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, the live tour guide speaks English and is licensed.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No. Electric wheelchairs are not allowed, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

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