The Blue tour is a bit different from Red and Green – it often focuses on lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path sites in Cappadocia, including the southern outskirts. It’s sometimes called the “Alternative Cappadocia” tour.
Not every tour agency runs the Blue tour every day because it’s a bit less common. But it’s highly rewarding for those who want to see something beyond the main tourist circuit.
The Blue tour covers old Greek villages, remote cave churches, and sometimes an underground city (if not covered elsewhere). It’s also offered as a private tour in many cases.
Recently, some Blue tours even bundle a balloon flight + tour combination, but here we’ll describe the ground itinerary aspect.
Key stops on the Blue tour
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.
The monastery is not crowded at all – often, you’ll be the only group there. It’s quite atmospheric, and your guide can explain the monastic life. This stop feels like a secret discovery.
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. The site is still being excavated, giving it a raw feel – it’s essentially in the middle of a field under a simple shelter, not a polished museum.
For history enthusiasts, it’s fascinating; for others, it’s a quick look, but the mosaics are undeniably pretty.
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. Soğanlı also has a small village vibe – you’ll likely encounter local women selling the famous Soğanlı dolls (cute handmade cloth dolls as souvenirs). The hike is not strenuous, and the area is tranquil.
Many say Soğanlı feels like what Göreme was before mass tourism – very authentic and calm. You’ll probably have lunch in Soğanlı at a small local restaurant, enjoying simple Turkish homestyle food.
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.
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.
Booking Blue tour tickets
Tickets are available daily, but the Blue tour only runs if enough people show interest and book in advance. Agencies then group participants together, the group size can vary. Sometimes, it’s a small group (4-6 people), offering a more personal experience.
At €79, the price of a Blue tour might be a bit higher than Red/Green because sites like Sobesos and Soğanlı have small entrance fees or donation-based entries, and the distances are a bit further. Still, it’s usually a similar range, including lunch.
Early booking: If you see a Blue tour available and want to go, book it early. It’s less popular than other tours, so it doesn’t usually sell out, but it might get canceled if not enough people sign up. Letting the agency know early helps them find more participants. Many hotels can also help arrange a Blue tour through local partners.
Book This TourOr would you prefer a private blue tour?
Is the Blue tour worth it?
People who take the Blue tour often say it gave them a deeper appreciation of Cappadocia – seeing how Greek, Roman, and Turkish heritage intertwine and enjoying uncrowded scenery. It’s a nice complement to the other tours, offering a more laid-back and exploratory day.
The Blue tour shows you Cappadocia’s hidden gems: quaint Mustafapaşa with its Greek legacy, the quiet devotion of Keşlik and Soğanlı’s cave churches, and perhaps one more underground adventure at Kaymaklı.
The Blue tour is often described as more “intimate and relaxed.”
For a more exclusive Blue tour experience, check out the semi-private blue tour.
