The Blue Tour is the least-known of Cappadocia’s three main sightseeing tours, but it’s a hidden gem for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
While the Red Tour covers the north and the Green Tour covers the south, the Blue Tour focuses on the region’s lesser-visited southwest.
It’s perfect for travelers who want a quieter experience, charming villages, and historical sites without large crowds.
It is a great choice if you’ve already done the Red and Green Tours or want a different side of Cappadocia.
Top Tickets
# Guided Blue Tour with Lunch and Ticket
# Guided Red Tour
# Guided Green TourBook the tickets early, especially in peak season, as the Blue tour is popular.
Table of Contents
Why Choose the Blue Tour?
- Explores less touristy areas of Cappadocia, perfect for those avoiding crowds.
- Offers a mix of history, archaeology, and village life.
- Ideal for photography enthusiasts who enjoy quiet streets and scenic landscapes.
- Gives a deeper understanding of Cappadocia’s cultural heritage beyond its famous valleys.
Blue Tour Prices and What’s Included
A Blue Tour costs between €65 and €85 per person, depending on what’s included. It’s slightly more expensive than the Red and Green Tours, reflecting its smaller group sizes and less-touristed route.
Usual inclusions are:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cappadocia
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Entry fees to main attractions (Keslik Monastery, Sobesos, Soganli Valley)
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- All taxes and service charges
Not included: drinks at lunch, personal expenses, and tips.
Book Blue TourHow Long is the Blue Tour?
Most Blue Tours run from 9:45 AM to 7:00 PM, including pickup and drop-off at your hotel. Travel distances are moderate, and stops are spaced out for a relaxed pace.
Best Time to Take the Blue Tour
The best time to go on a Blue Tour of Cappadocia is Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) because of the ideal temperatures for village walks.
Summertime is also good as the pace is relaxed and many stops have shade. Some tourists visit during winter, but some attractions may have limited access because of snow.
Want to compare Blue Tour with both Red & Green Tour?
Is the Blue Tour Suitable for Everyone?
- Yes, it’s one of the most accessible tours in Cappadocia with minimal walking.
- Great for older travelers, families with children, and those who prefer a slower pace.
- Not physically demanding, so suitable for most fitness levels.
Important stops on the Blue tour
Here are some of the key attractions you will see on the Blue Tour route.
Mustafapaşa (Sinasos)
The Blue tour often begins in the village of Mustafapaşa, a predominantly Greek Orthodox town until 1924.
You’ll stroll through streets lined with beautiful old Greek mansions featuring stone carvings. A guide will tell stories of the population exchange, which happened in 1923 between Turkey and Greece. You may visit the Constantine and Helen Church or other historic chapels.
Mustafapaşa is quiet and charming, giving you a feel for 19th-century Cappadocian Greek culture. It’s also home to an old medrese (Islamic school) and some art galleries. This is a more cultural stop, contrasting with the nature of other tours.
Keşlik Monastery
A seldom-visited gem, Keşlik Monastery is a small monastic complex hidden in a peaceful setting of apricot trees.
You explore a couple of cave churches here, such as the Archangelos Church, and see frescoes (often blackened from candles). There’s also a cave dining hall and living quarters.
Check out: Make sure to explore Selime Monastery too—it’s the biggest rock-cut monastery in Cappadocia.
Sobesos (Şahinefendi) Excavation
Next, the Blue tour might stop at Sobesos, an archaeological excavation site near the village of Şahinefendi. Sobesos was a late Roman/early Byzantine city. It’s notable for its beautiful mosaic floors of what’s believed to be a meeting hall or bath.
You can see geometric mosaics and ruins of a small bathhouse and basilica.
Want more adventure in Cappadocia? Try paragliding, go on a hot air balloon ride, join a jeep safari, or hop on an ATV tour—there’s so much to explore!
Soğanlı Valley
Soğanlı valley is a highlight of Cappadocia’s Blue tour. Soğanlı is a remote valley that was once a significant monastic center.
You will take an easy hike through the valley, visiting several cave churches along the way – such as the Dome Church and the Snake Church – each with remnants of frescoes.
The landscape is dotted with conical caves and a few are still used as pigeon houses or storage by locals.
You’ll probably have lunch in Soğanlı at a small local restaurant, enjoying simple Turkish homestyle food.
Want to try flavorful Turkish and international dishes? Check out top spots like Dream Spot Restaurant, India Gate, Zeferan, and other top-rated restaurants in Cappadocia—perfect for food lovers looking for the best meals in town!
Kaymaklı Underground City
A number of Blue tour itineraries include Kaymaklı Underground City towards the end of the day, especially if the guests haven’t seen an underground city.
Kaymaklı Underground City is usually the last stop on the way back to central Cappadocia. If you’ve already visited Derinkuyu on the Green tour, some tours might skip Kaymaklı or let you choose not to go.
But if it’s included, you’ll explore Kaymaklı’s tunnels and rooms, seeing how people lived underground on different levels. It’s a good way to wrap up the day by learning more about Cappadocia’s underground life.
Check out Derinkuyu Underground City, and if you loved that adventure, don’t miss hiking through valleys like Love Valley, Rose Valley, and more—each one offers its own unique charm and stunning scenery!
Panoramic stops
The Blue tour also incorporates one or two scenic viewpoints during transit. For example, some stop at Ortahisar Panorama to view Ortahisar Castle from a distance or at Damsa Dam Lake for a quick break. Not guaranteed, but possible add-ons.
Other variations
Depending on the guide or agency, Blue tour could also include the Roman ruins of Taskinpasa (an old medrese), or the Ürgüp Wish Hill (Temenni Hill) for views of Ürgüp, etc. The main highlights, however, are Mustafapaşa, Sobesos, Soğanlı and often Kaymaklı.
FAQs about the Blue Tour of Cappadocia
Here are some questions tourists ask before booking their Blue Tour.
Is lunch included in a Blue Tour?
Yes, your guide will arrange lunch at a local restaurant. If you order extra drinks, those are extra.
How big are the tour groups?
Blue Tour group is limited to 10 to 15, which is smaller than the Red or Green Tour group sizes.
Are entry fees included in the cost of Blue Tours?
Yes, entry tickets for all listed attractions is included in the total cost.
Is there hiking involved?
Blue Tour only includes light walking in villages and valleys, no strenuous hikes.
Is the Blue Tour available year-round?
Yes, but winter tours may skip certain sites if the weather is bad.
Can I do the Blue Tour on my own?
Yes, but you’ll need a rental car and local maps — some sites are in remote areas.
Which sites are most unique to the Blue Tour?
Some of the unique sites you will be visiting on a Blue Tour are – Mustafapaşa village, Sobesos Ancient City, and Keslik Monastery.
Is Tour Blue suitable for children?
Yes, it’s slow-paced and has interesting sights to keep all ages engaged.
How far are the stops from Göreme?
Mustafapaşa is about 6 km away, with other stops spread out in the southwest region.
In Summary
- The Blue Tour covers Cappadocia’s quieter southwest – Includes Mustafapaşa, Keslik Monastery, Sobesos Ancient City, Soganli Valley, and more.
- Great for crowd-free sightseeing – Enjoy peaceful villages and archaeological sites without the rush.
- Light activity level – Minimal walking, suitable for almost all ages and fitness levels.
- Rich in culture and history – Dive into Cappadocia’s Greek heritage, Roman remains, and monastic life.
- Smaller groups – Typically fewer people than Red or Green Tours for a more personal experience.
- Good year-round choice – Comfortable pace even in summer heat or cooler seasons.
- Book in advance – Especially during spring and autumn when Cappadocia sees more visitors.
