Selime offers more than just stunning rock formations and caves — it’s a fantastic place to enjoy a memorable lunch break while exploring some of Cappadocia’s most iconic sites. The region’s tours provide opportunities to combine sightseeing with authentic regional cuisine, often served at carefully chosen stops with breathtaking views or historic ambiance. Among these options, we especially like the Cappadocia Green Tour for its well-rounded itinerary and tasty regional food, as well as the private-style Cappadocia Green Tour (Guide + Lunch + Transfer) for those craving a more personalized experience. If you’re eager to learn about the underground cities and monastic sites while enjoying a guided meal, the options listed below will help you find the perfect fit.
Quick Overview
Our list features three top lunch experiences tailored for different tastes and budgets: the popular Cappadocia Green Tour that combines sightseeing with a delicious regional lunch, the highly-rated Cappadocia :Underground City Guided Green Tour & Lunch for a more intimate guided experience, and the Cappadocia Green Tour (Guide + Lunch + Transfer) that offers a full-day, well-paced adventure with a focus on history. Each provides a unique way to enjoy Cappadocia’s landscape and history while satisfying your appetite for regional cuisine. Now, let’s explore each option in detail.
1. Cappadocia Green Tour (Includes lunch and museum tickets)
At number 1 on our list, the Cappadocia Green Tour offers a comprehensive 7.5-8 hour experience that combines sightseeing, history, and lunch. This tour is perfect for travelers who want an all-in-one package, including museum tickets, which adds value to the experience. The day kicks off with pickups from nine different locations, giving flexibility for your start point, whether you’re staying in Göreme, Uçhisar, or Avanos.
Highlights include exploring the Kaymakli underground city, the largest of its kind in the region, and walking through the lush Ihlara Valley, famous for its rock-cut churches and scenic trails. The tour also visits Selime Monastery, a massive rock-hewn structure carved into the cliffs that once housed monks and pilgrims. The included lunch features regional delicacies during a break in Ihlara Valley, making it both scenic and flavorful. The itinerary balances sightseeing with plenty of free time, giving you opportunities for photos and to soak in the atmosphere.
The tour is highly rated (4.3/5 from 40 reviews), with visitors praising the knowledgeable guide and well-organized schedule. One reviewer noted, “Kamil was an outstanding guide—very enthusiastic and full of stories. We saw amazing views and learned a lot.” The price of $49 per person makes this a solid choice for travelers wanting value and variety. The only potential drawback is the long day, which might be tiring for some, but the variety of stops keeps it engaging.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a great mix of history, scenery, and regional cuisine, making it ideal for first-time visitors wanting a deep dive into Cappadocia’s southern highlights.
2. Cappadocia :Underground City Guided Green Tour & Lunch
At number 2, this guided green tour emphasizes a more intimate, educational experience, with the added bonus of a tasty lunch. For just $70, this 8.5-hour adventure includes a guided visit to the most famous underground city in Cappadocia, providing insight into how early inhabitants lived and hid from invaders.
The tour also features a walk through the Ihlara Valley, allowing you to trek along the river and admire the stunning rock formations while learning about the area’s natural history. The guide’s knowledge on monastic life at Selime Monastery enriches the experience, providing context and stories that bring the ancient site to life. The small-group feel ensures more personal attention and time for questions.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on learning and exploration, paired with a good-value lunch that complements the day’s activities. The single review gave it a perfect 5/5, emphasizing the guide’s engaging storytelling and the well-organized schedule. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate depth and detail, especially those with an interest in underground architecture and monastic culture.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a guided, educational experience that emphasizes the underground city and cultural sites with a locally-savored meal, this tour offers a deep and personal look at Cappadocia’s underground civilization.
$70 per person
3. Cappadocia Green Tour (Guide + Lunch + Transfer)
The third option, the Cappadocia Green Tour with Guide, Lunch, and Transfer, is a full-day journey designed for those who want a seamless, all-inclusive experience. Priced at $90, it covers roughly 8 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple.
This tour highlights Ihlara Valley, one of the largest canyons in the world, with a scenic walk along the river. You’ll also visit the Kaymakli underground city, where ancient civilizations carved entire subterranean towns. The highlight is a visit to Selime Monastery, where you can see how ancient Romans and Persians learned and worshiped in rock-cut environments. The itinerary also includes a scenic drive with viewpoints and optional workshops, adding cultural depth.
The reviews are positive overall (4.6/5), noting the smooth transfer and knowledgeable guides. Unlike the previous options, this tour emphasizes comfort and convenience, perfect for those who prefer not to worry about logistics and want a balanced mix of sightseeing and cultural education.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a full, guided day with transfer included and a focus on history and natural beauty, this tour delivers a reliable, well-organized experience at a fair price.
$90 per person
How to Choose
When selecting the best lunch experience in Selime, consider your budget, preferred pace, and interests. If you want an all-in-one package with a lively group atmosphere, the Cappadocia Green Tour is excellent. For a more personal, educational dive into underground cities and monastic sites, the Guided Green Tour & Lunch offers intimacy and depth. If comfort and convenience matter most, and you prefer a full day of sightseeing with transportation included, the Guide + Lunch + Transfer option is perfect.
All tours include delicious regional cuisine, often with scenic or historic stops that make your meal part of the adventure. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Selime and Cappadocia, in general, offer a surprisingly diverse array of lunch experiences that blend delicious regional dishes with unforgettable sights. Whether you choose a comprehensive tour like the Cappadocia Green Tour or a guided, more intimate experience, you’ll find that lunch here is as much about the atmosphere and history as it is about the food.
For first-time visitors, the all-in-one tours provide great value and a balanced itinerary. If you’re passionate about history or underground architecture, opt for the guided underground city tour. And for those who prefer hassle-free planning, the full-day transfer tour is a safe bet. Whichever you pick, be sure to reserve ahead—these tours fill up fast, especially in high season. Happy eating and exploring!