Cappadocia Blue Tour Review: Goreme Museum & Pasabaglari

So, you are thinking of visiting Cappadocia and, too it’s almost like, all the tours have caught your eye? That is, Cappadocia’s Blue Tour is something a bit special, featuring stops like the Goreme Open Air Museum and Pasabaglari (also sometimes called Monks Valley). In some respects, this trip promises some remarkable sights and cultural experiences, very similar to what you see in pictures. We went along, so you don’t have to worry, we will go into details on whether or not this tour is genuinely worth your precious vacation time and money.

What is the Cappadocia Blue Tour Anyway?

Well, you see, the Cappadocia Blue Tour, really, really, is one of several themed day trips you’ll find in the area. So, in a way, there’s also the Red, Green, and maybe Orange Tours, and that kinda makes it seem a bit like choosing a flavor, right? I mean this specific tour, the Blue one, usually gives some extra attention to some particular historic sites, the way someone would tend to curate their favourite artifacts. Basically, it commonly includes the Goreme Open Air Museum (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the old cave dwellings, and the fairy chimneys in Pasabaglari. I mean, they have these very distinctive rock formations which actually cause visitors, often, to marvel at them in pictures before they come to visit. It’s kinda similar to that feeling when you see, like your, the Grand Canyon for the first time. It, very, gives the opportunity to explore this very specific area of Cappadocia in a full day, that basically includes transportation, a guide, and, honestly, entry fees.

Goreme Open Air Museum: A Step Back in Time

Okay, now let’s get into the Goreme Open Air Museum. That is, the Museum really is the star of this tour, and, to be honest, understandably so. So, you see, picture this, cave churches from, maybe, the Byzantine era, basically each covered in ancient frescoes that are, too it’s almost like, unbelievably well-preserved for how old they actually are. Alright, well you might feel a bit awestruck, very similar to stepping back in time. That, arguably, this particular location once was a monastic valley that had some major significance in Cappadocia’s religious history. So, it is what it is, be prepared, arguably, for large crowds. First, I want to say get there as early as you can! You know, and that way it should tend to make your experience just a little less crazy. Is that it’s also a good idea to take your time in those dark ancient churches. Try to admire, too it’s almost like, all those detailed paintings and stories they depict, so, in some respects, you can truly start connecting with the area’s history.

Pasabaglari (Monk’s Valley): Where Fairy Chimneys Dwell

Alright, well so after the Museum, you get to Pasabaglari, it’s also known as Monk’s Valley, and I’m thinking, are you kidding me, those views! That, arguably, is, in some respects, the kind of place that looks like something out of a surreal painting, that, as a matter of fact, has got these tall, capped rock formations, basically all known as fairy chimneys. Is that many of these have multiple caps, and honestly that makes them that much more, sort of, cool and different. I want to say, and basically there’s a historical significance. Some hermits, it has often been said, found solace in these formations, that actually is how the valley earned its “Monk’s” label. It’s kinda similar to how you’d imagine someone finding peace in nature. Very similar to that calm moment after a thunderstorm. It is what it is, you can wander around, okay, that almost feels like another world, really. Very, very different and makes, perhaps, one heck of a photo op.

Other Potential Stops on the Blue Tour

Okay, now, just a little note. Actually, tours might have a slight deviation to it, it’s almost like slight improvisation on the main plan. Well, so basically some tours might include a pottery workshop or a visit to a local winery. Is that it really depends on the tour group, in some respects, that kind of thing. So, in that case, what I might suggest, perhaps, is to confirm, just a little, all of your tour stops and, honestly, activities with the tour operator before actually booking. In fact, this really does make sure it actually matches what you’re hoping to experience! So, in other words, kind of similar to double-checking your order at a restaurant.

Is the Blue Tour Right for You? A Few Things to Think About

Now, time for the million-dollar question, and that actually is: who should, you know, take the Blue Tour? I want to say, okay so this tour actually seems to shine, it is almost, for people very, really, really, into culture and history, those that just love those cool and ancient sites. Also, maybe those kinda cool rock formations. Well, also those who are interested in Byzantine art are actually really in for a treat at the Goreme Open Air Museum. In that case, maybe if you, too it’s almost like, are not that much into spending lots of time in churches or walking around ancient sites, perhaps, that is one small downside, that this tour may not, in fact, be your cup of tea, really. Okay, one more heads-up: lots of walking happens! So, to be honest, so you might need that perfect and amazing walking shoe (yes, seriously), very similar to getting prepared for, that actually is, a light hike.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Tour

So, what are some good and bad aspects of the Cappadocia Blue Tour? I want to say we kinda get the vibe, and that’s that we should be prepared!

Pros:

Historical Significance: Visits to major, that as a matter of fact are the really most important historical sites of Cappadocia.
Convenience: So, in other words, basically everything is handled: transportation, admission fees, a very very very nice guide and stuff.
Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides, also that add so much to the whole tour experience.
Photographic Opportunities: Endless opportunities for pictures, of which there’ll be plenty.

Cons:

Crowds: Pretty high chance that all these historical and majorly known sites are super, super busy!
Physical Exertion: Too much walking involved. I think there might need to be some consideration.
Fixed Itinerary: Not so much room for spontaneity and that’s a big issue, at the end of the day!

Essential Tips for your Blue Tour Adventure

Okay, but basically what should, sort of, be expected? We have made a simple list!

Comfortable Shoes: Comfortable shoes will actually change your trip! Is that these tours need, potentially, some walking. Bring some very good footwear with a very really comfortable and major base!
Dress Code: I want to say so. If you are going, perhaps, to be visiting religious places, then maybe get covered and prepared.
Timing Matters: Too it’s almost like those ancient sites get super busy quickly and early, so start as early as you actually, very, can!
Hydration: It is often suggested that if you don’t stay hydrated, things start to look bad quickly, very similar to a really really bad dream. The tour lasts hours, don’t forget to drink fluids, especially if the heat can make someone feel drained!
Be Prepared: Sunscreen and also something for your head, in case the weather might need it!

Booking Your Tour: What to Keep in Mind

Now, about actually booking. So, anyway, look for tour operators that are reputable, okay? Maybe get ones with awesome reviews! I think there are, apparently, many different sites, very similar to TripAdvisor or local tourism offices. That, arguably, many actually recommend, that actually, really does come to being flexible too! It is what it is, make sure to check what all exactly is included and excluded in the tour package. First, okay so it’s almost a surprise what is, sometimes, extra cost- so avoid the awkward scenarios! Is that it is something you could do ahead of time, basically and potentially avoid disappointment, sort of.