Must-Experience Istanbul TV & Movie Tours for 2026
✨ Step onto the legendary sets of global TV sensations and iconic film locations. These exclusive behind-the-scenes tours sell out fast—secure your spot to walk where epic stories were born.
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Did you know?
Local Insight:Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern isn’t just ancient; it’s a Hollywood star. This 1,500-year-old underground palace served as a filming location for the 1963 James Bond film “From Russia with Love” and later for the thriller “Inferno,” starring Tom Hanks.
Highest Rated & Most Popular Tours
1.Top Rated Film Set – from €100 per person
Istanbul: Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour with Lunch
- ⭐ 4.4 stars from 140+ reviews & Likely to Sell Out badge
- Full-day immersion into Turkey’s most iconic historical TV series
- Explore intricate sets, try on authentic costumes, enjoy a local lunch
- Optional activities: horseback riding & professional photography
- Watch live performances that bring epic tales to life
- Round-trip transportation from central Istanbul included
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2.Cinematic Landmark – from €84 per person
Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Tour, Discovering Medusa
- ⭐ 4.9 stars from nearly 50 reviews & Top Rated badge
- Skip-the-line access to the hauntingly beautiful ancient cistern
- Discover where James Bond’s “From Russia with Love” was filmed
- Unravel the myths behind the famous upside-down Medusa heads
- Expert guide reveals cinematic secrets and ancient engineering
- 30-minute guided tour packed with history and movie trivia
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Feeling the Vibe?
The Bosphorus Bridge isn’t just a link between continents; it’s a cinematic icon. It has featured in countless films, but at night, during a dinner cruise, it transforms into a glittering backdrop worthy of its own starring role—especially on a Turkish Night Show tour.
Luxury & Premium Experiences
3.Private Series Tour – from €500 per group
Istanbul: Discover the places where Turkish series are shot.
- ⭐ 4.6-star provider rating for a completely private experience
- 7-hour chauffeured tour to iconic Turkish soap opera filming locations
- Visit the houses of Fatmagül, Elif, and Tahir from hit series
- Explore photogenic streets of Balat, Beyoğlu, and Çihangir
- Perfect for small groups of fans seeking an exclusive behind-the-scenes day
- Customizable itinerary focused on your favorite shows
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4.Luxury Yacht Cruise – from €125 per group
Istanbul: Private Bosphorus Cruise on Luxury Yacht
- ⭐ 5.0 stars from 34 reviews for an opulent private outing
- Exclusive 1-hour cruise on a 19-meter luxury yacht for up to 8 guests
- Sail past cinematic landmarks like Dolmabahçe and Çırağan Palaces
- Complimentary Turkish tea, coffee, and water served on board
- Perfect for a romantic, family, or friends’ celebration on the water
- Hotel pickup included for a seamless, stress-free experience
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A Secret for You…
The Whirling Dervish ceremony is more than a performance; it’s a spiritual journey dating back to the 13th century. The specific, meditative rotation is designed to abandon the ego and connect with the divine—a living cultural heritage you can experience in a 17th-century hammam.
Affordable & Budget-Friendly
5.Soap Opera Tour – from €125 per person
Soap Opera tour: Golden Horn via Public Ferry – Half Day
- ⭐ 4.4 stars for a unique behind-the-scenes narrative tour
- 5-hour guided exploration of famous Turkish soap opera landmarks
- Visit St. George’s Cathedral and the iconic Balak Antik Cafe
- Stroll the colorful, Instagram-famous Balat houses
- Includes a scenic public ferry ride along the historic Golden Horn
- End with a cable car ride to Pierre Loti Hill for panoramic views
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6.Cultural Dinner Show – from €37 per person
Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show
- ⭐ 4.9 stars from a massive 12,675+ reviews & Top Rated badge
- 3-hour magical evening sailing between Europe and Asia
- Unlimited local drinks & a full Turkish dinner included
- Spectacular show with belly dancing, folk music, and Whirling Dervishes
- Panoramic views of illuminated palaces, mosques, and the Bosphorus Bridge
- Incredible value—the most booked night experience in Istanbul
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The Best Part? ✨
Beyond the famous sets, Istanbul itself is a living film set. Walking its streets, you’re tracing the steps of characters from global hits. The real magic is feeling that connection—turning from a viewer into a part of the story.
⭐ Our Top Pick (Likely to Sell Out!)
⭐Ultimate Film Set Day Trip – from €100 per person
From Istanbul: Bozdag Film Plateau Day Trip with Lunch
- ⭐ 5.0 stars for an exclusive cinematic escape into nature
- Full 8-hour adventure to a stunning plateau used for major productions
- Includes a delicious local lunch amidst breathtaking landscapes
- Enjoy a captivating 40-minute show about film history and magic
- Ample free time to explore, take photos, and soak in the serene views
- Perfect blend of entertainment, culture, and natural beauty
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What is the best Istanbul tour for fans of Turkish TV series?
The Ertugrul and Osman Ghazi Movie Set Tour is the top choice. This full-day trip includes set exploration, costumes, lunch, and live shows, offering an immersive dive into the world of Turkey’s most epic historical dramas. Secure your spot early as it sells out fast.
Are TV & movie location tours in Istanbul worth it?
Absolutely. They offer unique access to iconic filming spots like the Basilica Cistern (featured in James Bond) and soap opera streets in Balat. You get behind-the-scenes stories, great photo ops, and a deeper connection to the shows and films you love.
Can I visit Istanbul's film locations on my own?
Some spots, like the Basilica Cistern, are accessible. However, guided TV & movie tours provide crucial context, skip-the-line access, and transport to remote sets like Bozdag Plateau. A guide reveals hidden details and stories you’d otherwise miss.
What should I wear on an Istanbul film set tour?
Comfort is key. Wear sturdy walking shoes for exploring sets and cobblestone streets. For day trips, bring layers—it can be cooler on the plateau. For evening Bosphorus dinner cruises, smart-casual attire is recommended.
How far in advance should I book these specialized tours?
Book as soon as your travel dates are firm, especially for the Ertugrul set tour and Bosphorus dinner cruises. These are among Istanbul’s most popular unique experiences and have limited capacity, often selling out days or weeks ahead.
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Category: Asia, Turkey
Latest post update: December 2025
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