Daily Ertugrul Tour from Istanbul

If you’re a fan of the Turkish series “Diriliş: Ertuğrul” or just curious about the roots of Turkish history and culture, this daily Ertugrul tour from Istanbul might be just what you’re looking for. Offered as a private experience, it promises a full day of exploration, storytelling, and immersive fun, all while traveling comfortably in air-conditioned vehicles. Many travelers who’ve taken this tour rave about the guides, the delicious food, and the chance to visit key filming locations and historical sites.

What we love about this experience is how well-organized it is. First, the expert guides really bring the story of Ertugrul alive, sharing insights with a personal touch that helps you connect to the history. Plus, the inclusion of authentic costumes for photos adds a unique, playful element that many reviews highlight as a fun memory. The well-planned itinerary covers significant sites like Ertugrul’s mausoleum and filming locations, making the day both educational and visually engaging.

However, there are a few considerations. The tour is quite packed into just one day, which means a lot of bus time and moving from site to site. If you prefer a slower pace or want to spend more time at each spot, it might feel a bit rushed. Also, the non-refundable policy means if weather turns bad or your plans change, you won’t get your money back, so it’s best to commit only if you’re sure about your schedule.

In general, this tour suits travelers who are passionate about Turkish history, television fans eager to see series locations firsthand, and those who enjoy guided day trips that cover a lot of ground. If you like the idea of learning from knowledgeable guides and don’t mind a full day on the move, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Expert Guide: Led by a professional licensed guide with deep knowledge of Ottoman and Islamic history.
• Cultural Experience: Includes costume photos and visits to significant historical and filming sites.
• Comfort & Convenience: Door-to-door pickup and drop-off with WIFI-equipped, air-conditioned transport.
• Food & Refreshments: Breakfast and lunch are included, with reviewers praising the quality.
• Limited Refunds: The tour is non-refundable, so plan ahead and check the weather forecast.
• Popular & Well Rated: With a perfect 5-star rating from 154 reviews, it’s clearly a favorite among travelers.

A Detailed Look at the Daily Ertugrul Tour from Istanbul

Starting Point & Timing

The tour kicks off early at 7:00 am from a centrally located meeting point in Sultanahmet, which is easy to reach by public transport. The group size is capped at 15 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience where guides can give personalized attention. After pickup, you’ll board a climate-controlled vehicle equipped with WiFi, making the ride comfortable and connected.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day is structured to maximize your time at each stop while maintaining a manageable pace. While the full itinerary can vary slightly, here’s what you can generally expect:

Morning Pickup & Breakfast

Once you’re picked up from your hotel or designated meeting point, the tour begins with a delicious breakfast. Multiple reviews highlight the quality of the meal, appreciating the care put into the food. It’s a good way to fuel up for the day ahead, especially since you’ll be on the move.

Ertugrul’s Mausoleum & Filming Locations

The first major stop is the mausoleum of Ertugrul, where you can pay respects and better understand the man behind the legend. The guide shares stories about Ertugrul’s life and his significance in Turkish history, which many reviews find compelling and enlightening. Following this, the tour visits actual filming locations used in the hit TV series, allowing fans to see where the magic happened on screen. The experience of walking in the same spots seen in the series lends a tangible connection to the story.

Sogut, Bilecik & Bursa

You’ll visit Sogut and Bilecik, regions rich with Ottoman history. The scenery at these sites is often praised for its authenticity and historical value. The tour includes photo opportunities, especially when dressed in Alp and Hatun costumes. Reviewers mention the fun of these costume sessions—an unexpected highlight for many fans.

Lunch & Cultural Context

Lunch is included as part of the tour, and many reviewers comment on the quality and authenticity of the food. Expect traditional Turkish dishes that satisfy after a morning of sightseeing. The guide’s explanations help you appreciate the cultural background, making the experience both enjoyable and educational.

The Return & Drop-off

After a full day of exploration, the tour wraps up with a return to Istanbul, arriving back at your pickup point in the late afternoon or early evening. The drop-off is seamless, making it easy to plan your evening in the city.

What Our Readers Say

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, with one describing the guide as having a “personal connection” to the history, which makes the storytelling more engaging. Many mention their positive impression of the meals, especially breakfast, which stands out as a highlight. The cost of around $247.86 isn’t cheap, but considering the full meal, transportation, guide, and visits, the value is often seen as fair by travelers.

One reviewer, who identified as a fan, noted, “This tour was worth every penny,” and appreciated the fun costume photos and the chance to see real-life filming locations. Others appreciated the smooth organization, with Cengiz, the guide, praised for his friendly and informative approach.

Transport & Group Size

Traveling in a small group ensures a more personal experience, and the WiFi on board means you can share photos immediately or look up additional info during transit. The comfortable vehicles make the long drives much more bearable, especially in Turkey’s warm weather.

The Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality guides with expert knowledge
• Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation
• Inclusion of meals, with some reviews calling the food “fabulous”
• Unique photo opportunities with costumes
• Efficiently organized with a clear schedule
• Visits to both historic sites and TV series filming locations

Cons

• The day can be quite full and busy, leaving little free time
• Non-refundable policy can be restrictive if your plans change or weather is poor
• The price might seem high to budget travelers, but many feel it’s justified by the experience

Final Thoughts

This Ertugrul tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines history, culture, and entertainment. If you’re a series enthusiast or someone interested in Turkish history, you’ll likely find it both fun and informative. The knowledgeable guides, quality food, and immersive visits give you a comprehensive look at the roots of one of Turkey’s most iconic stories and figures.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy guided trips, are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing, and appreciate a mix of education and entertainment. Families, history buffs, and TV fans will especially appreciate how much they get out of this tour.

If you’re after a day that’s both enjoyable and insightful, this Ertugrul tour could be a memorable highlight of your Istanbul trip.

FAQ

Is pick-up and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers door-to-door transfers from your Istanbul accommodation or specified meeting point.

How early does the tour start?
It begins at 7:00 am, so be prepared for an early start to make the most of the day.

What’s included in the price?
Your cost covers breakfast, lunch, a licensed guide, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi, and costume photo opportunities.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the fun costume photos and light educational focus suggest it could be enjoyable for older children and teens interested in history or TV series.

How long is the drive between sites?
The tour involves traveling in a comfortable vehicle with WiFi; the exact timing varies, but you’ll spend a good portion of the day in transit.

What if the weather is bad?
If the weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, per the policy.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s designed for most travelers, but since it involves a full day of sightseeing, consider your children’s stamina and interest levels.

The Daily Ertugrul Tour from Istanbul offers a balanced mix of storytelling, history, and fun, making it a worthwhile addition to your Turkish adventure if you’re eager to see the series’ iconic locations and learn about the man behind the legend.