Goreme in Cappadocia is famous for its surreal landscapes, but it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy a memorable lunch. Whether you’re craving a traditional Turkish meal, a scenic picnic, or a cultural experience, Goreme offers options that suit every traveler. We particularly love tours that combine sightseeing with authentic food, like the guided Red and Green Tours, which include delicious local lunches and visits to historic sites. These experiences don’t just fill your stomach—they deepen your understanding of Cappadocia’s unique culture and history.
While wandering among fairy chimneys or exploring underground cities, it’s refreshing to pause for a hearty meal or a scenic break. With a variety of guided tours offering included lunches, scenic viewpoints with local delicacies, and even pottery workshops combined with food stops, Goreme makes eating an integral part of your adventure. Read on for the top lunch experiences, each with its own special flavor and appeal.
1. Cappadocia: Guided Red Tour with Lunch and Ticket
At number 1, this Guided Red Tour is a favorite for its seamless combination of sightseeing, culture, and a tasty Turkish lunch. Over 7 hours, you’ll explore fairy chimneys, ancient churches, and panoramic viewpoints, all while enjoying a delicious meal in Avanos. The tour includes a pottery workshop, so you can see how the region’s famous ceramics are made, adding a hands-on touch to the day.
Guests consistently praise the organization and the friendly, knowledgeable guides. The included lunch offers local flavors, making it more than just a sightseeing day—it’s a taste of Cappadocia’s culinary traditions. The stops at Uchisar Castle and Love Valley are breathtaking, and the pottery workshop is a highlight for those interested in local arts. This tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive experience with a quality meal thrown in, all in a manageable 7-hour day. Bottom line: Great for first-timers wanting a well-rounded day with memorable food.
2. Cappadocia: Guided Green Tour with Lunch and Tickets
The Green Tour stands out for its focus on natural beauty and underground adventures. It lasts about 9 hours, taking you into the depths of Derinkuyu, the largest underground city in Cappadocia, and the lush Ihlara Valley for hiking and river-side dining. The included lunch by the river is a key feature, offering a chance to relax amid stunning scenery.
Enthusiasts of hiking and natural landscapes love this tour for its visits to Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery, plus the opportunity to learn how ancient communities lived underground. With positive reviews highlighting the guide’s knowledge and the excellent organization, it’s perfect for those who want a deeper connection to Cappadocia’s landscape and history, combined with local cuisine. Bottom line: Ideal for active travelers seeking scenic views and authentic food in one package.
3. Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour. Lunch incl.
This Green Cappadocia Underground City and Valleys Tour offers an efficient 8-hour exploration of south Cappadocia’s highlights. It emphasizes the region’s natural beauty and historic sites, with a focus on the Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and the underground city of Derinkuyu. The included lunch by the river provides a perfect pause amid the trekking and sightseeing.
The tour is limited to small groups of 15 people, making it intimate and personal. Guests often mention the knowledgeable guides and the variety of stops, which combine history, nature, and local crafts. It’s great for travelers who want a balanced mix of physical activity and cultural enrichment, with a satisfying meal included. Bottom line: Highly recommended for those on a short schedule but eager to see the best of southern Cappadocia.
4. Cappadocia Green Tour (inc: Pro Guide, Transfers, Tickets, Lunch)
This Green Tour is a comprehensive 8-to-9-hour outing focusing on the southern region’s main attractions. It includes Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, Selime Monastery, and a riverside lunch. The tour’s standout feature is the smooth logistics—door-to-door transfers and all entrance fees included—making it great for first-time visitors who want stress-free sightseeing.
Guests praise the guide’s vast knowledge and the delicious Turkish lunch by the river. The walk through Ihlara Valley, combined with the visit to Selime Monastery, offers a good mix of history and nature. It’s perfect if you want a full-day, value-packed tour that balances cultural sites with tasty food. Bottom line: Excellent for travelers who want an all-inclusive experience with plenty of highlights and a satisfying meal.
5. Cappadocia Red Tour (Pro Guide, Tickets, Lunch, Transfer incl)
This Red Tour offers around 6-7 hours exploring the iconic landscapes of Cappadocia. You’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Gôreme Open-Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, and Love Valley, with a special stop in Avanos for a traditional buffet lunch. The pottery workshop there adds a cultural touch.
Guests love the personalized attention, with guides sharing deep insights into the area’s history and geology. The included meal showcases regional flavors, and the tour’s shorter duration makes it suitable for those on a tight schedule. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a focused, high-quality experience with authentic food. Bottom line: Perfect for those who want highlights without spending a whole day on the road.
6. Green Tour Cappadocia with lunch and ticket (Small Group)
The Small Group Green Tour emphasizes a personal touch for its 8-hour journey. It covers Derinkuyu underground city, Selime Monastery, and a hike through Ihlara Valley, with a riverside lunch that’s included. The small-group format (max 15 people) ensures more interaction and flexibility.
Guests mention the professional guides, the quiet pace, and the variety of stops that truly showcase Cappadocia’s geological wonders. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience and want to avoid crowds, with the added bonus of a local onyx demonstration. Bottom line: Best for small groups seeking personalized attention and authentic local experiences.
7. Full Day Cappadocia Red/Green Combined Tour in 1 Day w Lunch
This Full Day Red/Green Combined Tour is perfect for travelers with limited time who want maximum coverage. It combines the highlights of both the Red and Green routes—covering underground cities, valleys, and cave churches—in about 8 hours with a convenient lunch included.
Guests note the good guidance and the efficient pacing, making it a great value for those wanting a broad overview. The tour is best suited for first-timers eager to see many sights without multiple trips. Bottom line: Ideal for busy travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free day.
8. Cappadocia South Tour (Pro Guide, Tickets, Lunch, Transfer incl)
The South Tour is a classic 8-9 hour excursion focusing on the southern highlights: Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and Selime Monastery. It includes a traditional Turkish lunch and all entrance fees, making it straightforward and stress-free.
Guests rave about the guide’s expertise and the ease of door-to-door transfers. The mix of hiking in Ihlara Valley and exploring underground makes it suitable for active travelers who appreciate history and scenery. Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a full day of sightseeing with a comfortable, organized experience.
9. Cappadocia North Tour (Pro Guide, Tickets, Lunch, Transfer incl)
This North Tour takes you through the northern highlights such as Zelve Open Air Museum, Pasabag, and Uçhisar Castle in about 6-7 hours. It includes a lunch, entrance tickets, and pickup, making it ideal for travelers wanting a balanced overview.
Guests mention the guide’s deep knowledge and the rich storytelling that elevates the experience. The short duration makes it suitable for travelers who want to see the highlights without a long day on the road. Bottom line: Best suited for those new to Cappadocia or short on time but eager for quality insights.
10. Highlights of Cappadocia Tour with Lunch
This Highlights Tour offers an 8-hour day covering major sights like Kaymakli Underground City, Uchisar Castle, and Pigeon Valley. The included lunch and comfortable transport make it a reliable choice for travelers who want a thorough overview.
Guests appreciate the friendly guides and the scenic viewpoints paired with local cuisine. It’s well-suited for visitors who want a full, organized day with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural stops. Bottom line: A versatile option for first-time visitors wanting a complete snapshot of Cappadocia.
11. 2 Days South (Green tour) and North (Red tour) Cappadocia + Lunch
For those with more time, this 2-day tour offers a deep dive into Cappadocia’s highlights. Covering both the Green and Red routes, it includes lunch each day and hotel pickup, ensuring a relaxed pace.
Travelers rave about the guides’ knowledge and the personalized experience, allowing extra time at key sites like the underground cities and valleys. This option suits travelers who love history, hiking, and photography, and want to avoid rushing. Bottom line: Best for curious explorers who want to maximize their time and enjoy detailed insights.
12. Cappadocia: Full-Day Small Group Tour with Lunch & Tickets
This Small Group Tour is designed for intimacy, with just 5-6 travelers. Over about 5-6 hours, it covers key sites like Devrent Valley, Zelve, and the Goreme Open-Air Museum, with a delicious included lunch.
The guide’s personal approach and the relaxed pace make it ideal for travelers who prefer a quieter, more engaging experience. It’s perfect if you want to ask lots of questions and explore without rush. Bottom line: Excellent for those seeking personalized attention and a peaceful atmosphere.
13. Full-Day Cappadocia Tour with Lunch, from Goreme
This full-day tour offers a comprehensive look at the region, including Goreme’s cave churches, Pasabag, and the underground city of Kaymakli. It features lunch, entrance fees, and hotel pickup, making it suitable for first-timers.
Guests highlight the efficient itinerary and the expert guide’s storytelling. The tour balances physical activity with cultural insights, perfect for travelers who want a broad overview. Bottom line: Great for newcomers who want to see as much as possible in one day.
14. Cappadocia Daily Red Tour with Lunch
This Daily Red Tour takes about 6-7 hours, focusing on Goreme Open Air Museum, Paşabağ, and Love Valleys. It includes a lunch that features local specialties amid stunning scenery.
Travelers mention the well-organized schedule and the engaging guide. It’s ideal if you want to combine fascinating rock formations with a hearty Turkish meal. Bottom line: Perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see key sites and enjoy regional cuisine.
15. Highlights of Cappadocia with Lunch
This Highlights Tour is a full-day experience, packed with must-see sites like Goreme Open Air Museum, Pasabag, and the underground city of Kaymakli. The included lunch offers a taste of Turkish flavors, and the door-to-door service makes it very convenient.
Guests praise the professional guides and the variety of viewpoints, perfect for first-time visitors. It’s a good pick if you want a rundown with comfort and good food. Bottom line: Strong choice for travelers seeking a worry-free, full-day adventure.
How to Choose the Best Lunch Experience in Goreme
When selecting your perfect tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you’re short on time but want a full overview, the Full Day Cappadocia Green/Red Combo or the Highlights of Cappadocia are excellent options. For smaller groups seeking a more intimate experience, look at the Small Group Green Tour or the Full-Day Small Group Tour.
Budget travelers will appreciate the Green Cappadocia Tour and the Red Tour, which combine value with rich experiences. If you prefer a more relaxed pace with personalized attention, the Small Group or the Full-Day Private Tours are your best bets.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Most tours include hotel pickup, making logistics easy, and many offer vegetarian options, so check dietary needs when booking.
Goreme offers a wonderful array of lunch experiences integrated into sightseeing tours, making the region not just a visual feast but also a culinary delight. From full-day excursions exploring underground cities and valleys to intimate small-group outings, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you opt for a comprehensive guided tour or a quick highlights trip, you’re sure to enjoy authentic Turkish flavors amid some of the world’s most striking scenery. For the best experience, plan ahead and book early—these tours fill up fast!