Avanos is famous for its pottery, scenic views, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes lunch better here than just a quick meal. Whether you want a sit-down in a cozy cave restaurant or a full-day adventure that includes a delicious Turkish meal, Avanos offers options for all tastes. We particularly like the Cappadocia: Underground city and south tour with lunch for its blend of underground exploration and valley walks, or the Full-Day Tour with Pottery Workshop & Lunch for those wanting a more immersive experience. The region’s diverse tours showcase everything from ancient underground cities to scenic valleys and artisan workshops. For a taste of local cuisine combined with a cultural experience, these tours deliver more than just a meal—they give you a window into Cappadocia’s soul.
Quick Overview
Our list features a variety of tours that include lunch, from half-day excursions like the Red Tour and North Cappadocia Tour to full-day adventures with pottery workshops and even private camel rides. Each offers something unique—whether it’s exploring the underground city, marveling at fairy chimneys, or trying traditional pottery-making. To learn more, visit the full tour details here, here, or here.
1. Cappadocia: Underground city and south tour with lunch
This tour is a fantastic way to combine Cappadocia’s underground mysteries with its breathtaking valleys. At around $65, you get a 5-hour journey that explores the largest underground city at Özkonak, along with visits to the Rose and Red Valleys, and Pigeon Valley. It includes a delicious 70-minute lunch in Göreme, letting you relax and refuel before heading to the scenic Pigeon Valley for some photo opportunities.
What sets this tour apart is its detailed itinerary, including guided walks in key valleys and visiting hidden churches carved into rock formations. The underground city tour lasts about 1.5 hours, providing a deep dive into the ancient subterranean world that once served as a refuge. Guests consistently praise the friendly guides and the richness of the experience—”Jihad was amazing and on point with everything,” says one reviewer. This tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive day of history, scenery, and local flavor without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers who want a well-rounded experience blending underground exploration, valley walks, and a hearty Turkish lunch.
2. CAPPADOCIA RED TOUR WITH LUNCH
For those interested in exploring Cappadocia’s most iconic sights in a single day, the Red Tour with Lunch offers a curated experience. It lasts about 6 hours and includes key sites like Goreme Open-Air Museum, the Castle at Uchisar, and Avanos pottery—the region’s famous craft. The tour kicks off with pickups from various locations, making logistics easy, and includes a 1-hour stop for shopping and exploring in Avanos.
What makes this tour stand out is its immersive cultural flavor—stopping at a pottery workshop and visiting the open-air museum, where centuries-old churches are carved into rock. The guided tour and photo stops are designed to maximize sightseeing without feeling overwhelming. With a 4.7/5 rating, travelers rave about the expert guidance and scenic vistas. Plus, the included lunch offers a substantial break to enjoy local flavors.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Cappadocia’s highlights with a focus on cultural activities and scenic vistas.
3. Cappadocia Red tour including Tickets and Lunch
This shorter, 6-7 hour tour covers many of Cappadocia’s must-see sites, making it ideal for travelers with limited time. It includes visits to Uçhisar Castle, Devrent Valley, Pasabag, and the Zelve Open Air Museum. The tour is praised for its value and satisfaction, promising a packed day of sightseeing at a reasonable price.
Guests love that it’s a popular daily tour that hits the major highlights, including the famous fairy chimneys and scenic valleys. The itinerary also features a 30-minute stop in Avanos, allowing some quick shopping or sightseeing. The tour’s strength is its efficient route and balanced mix of nature and history.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a condensed but comprehensive Cappadocia experience, with all the key sites covered in one day.
4. Red (North) Tour Cappadocia with Lunch and Tickets
This full-day tour offers a detailed exploration of Cappadocia’s northern highlights. It includes Love Valley, Pasabag, Zelve Open Air Museum, and the Uçhisar Castle, with a convenient lunch break. At $58 per person, it provides a rich itinerary with guided visits and photo stops.
What makes this tour notable is its focus on the region’s most photogenic landscapes, especially the fairy chimneys of Love Valley and Pasabag. The Zelve Museum visit reveals the remains of a Turkish village carved into rock, giving insight into local life. The afternoon includes panoramic views from Uçhisar Castle, making it worthwhile for panoramic photo enthusiasts.
Guests comment on the “hilarious and knowledgeable” guide, which enhances the experience. The day wraps up with a visit to pottery workshops, so you can pick up a souvenir or two.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers eager to see the iconic landscapes and learn their stories with a full-day, well-structured itinerary.
5. Cappadocia: Full-Day Tour with Pottery Workshop & Lunch
This 8-hour tour offers an immersive experience, combining sightseeing with a hands-on pottery workshop in Avanos. It includes Uçhisar Castle, Love Valley, and Devrent Valley, plus an opportunity to try pottery making—a tradition here for centuries.
What makes this tour special is the interactive pottery session. You get to handle clay, learn from artisans, and create your own piece. The delicious lunch is served in a scenic setting, often with vegetarians accommodated. The guide’s detailed explanations and the personal pottery experience set this apart.
With a 4.8/5 rating, travelers commend the well-organized schedule and the chance to actively participate. It’s ideal for those who want a balance of sightseeing and craftsmanship. The longer duration suits travelers who want a full day of varied activities.
Bottom Line: Great for those interested in artisanal crafts and more in-depth exploration of Cappadocia.
6. Göreme: Private Camel Tour, Pottery, Horse Ride w/Lunch
For an unforgettable day, this private tour combines a camel ride, horse riding, and pottery making, topped with a traditional Turkish lunch. It’s a personalized experience designed for those who want more than just sightseeing.
The camel tour through scenic valleys is visually compelling, and the horseback riding at sunset offers stunning views. The pottery workshop is a hands-on activity where you learn local techniques. The tour concludes with a delicious countryside lunch.
While it’s more expensive, the personalized attention and unique activities justify the cost. Reviewers mention the “amazing and on-point” guide and praise the beautiful, less-crowded settings.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a luxury, customizable experience with memorable activities.
7. Cappadocia: Full-Day Small Group Red Tour w/Lunch&Tickets
This small group tour offers an intimate way to see Cappadocia’s highlights, including Devrent Valley, Zelve, Pasabag, and Uçhisar Castle. It lasts about 7 hours and emphasizes a more relaxed pace with fewer people.
It’s known as the most popular tour and covers many key sites with plenty of time for photo stops and exploration. The inclusion of lunch and entrance tickets makes it convenient and cost-effective.
The tour is especially appealing to travelers who prefer small groups for a more personal experience. The detailed itinerary and the chance to explore sites like Zelve and Pasabag make it stand out.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for those who prioritize a more personalized, less crowded tour with a comprehensive itinerary.
8. Cappadocia Highlights Tour with Lunch & ATV Ride
This tour offers a bit of everything: scenic valleys, a pottery workshop, and an exciting ATV ride on a separate day. It’s scheduled for 7 hours with a focus on adventure and sightseeing.
The ATV ride adds an adrenaline boost, giving you a chance to cover Devrent and Paşabağ Valleys in a fun way. The lunch is an open buffet with vegetarian options, and the scenic views from Uçhisar Castle complete the experience.
Guests appreciate the scenic drive and variety of activities, making it perfect for active travelers. The scheduled ATV ride is a highlight but requires advance booking.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want a mix of sightseeing and adventure in one day, with an option to include a thrilling ride.
How to Choose
When selecting your lunch tour in Avanos, consider your interests and pace. If you love exploring underground cities, the Cappadocia: Underground city and south tour (see details) offers an immersive underground experience. For photography and iconic landscapes, the North Cappadocia Tour (more info) is ideal. If you’re keen on crafts and hands-on activities, the Full-Day Pottery & Cultural tour (check it out) is perfect.
Budget travelers might prefer the Red Tour or the Highlights Tour with their comprehensive but reasonably priced packages. For thrill-seekers and those wanting intimacy, the Private Camel Tour (see here) offers personalized attention.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons in spring and fall, to secure preferred dates and avoid disappointment.
Final thoughts
The range of lunch experiences in Avanos caters to all kinds of travelers—from those wanting a quick taste of history to those seeking a full day of adventure and craftsmanship. The underground city tours are perfect for history lovers, while the scenic valley explorations suit landscape enthusiasts. If you enjoy hands-on activities, the pottery workshops stand out.
For travelers with limited time, the Red Tour or the Short Red Tour provide a well-rounded glance at Cappadocia’s highlights. If you’re looking to indulge in a more personalized experience or combine adventure with sightseeing, options like the Camel Tour or ATV rides are excellent. No matter what you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable lunch experiences in Avanos.