Goreme Cappadocia Red Tour: An Underground Lunch Review

Thinking about seeing Cappadocia, and thinking specifically about that Red Tour that goes through Goreme, plus the underground lunch? So, that’s precisely what this is, then – like your inside scoop. It is almost like taking a peek behind the curtain to decide if it is something you want to spend your day and your money on. We’re gonna go over the destinations, the food, and basically everything else in between. Hopefully, that’ll give you some pretty solid insights. So, you can make the right call for your trip. Get ready to learn what to expect, and maybe discover a thing or two to get the most bang for your travel buck.

What the Red Tour Usually Includes

Usually, the Red Tour takes in some of the most eye-catching parts of Cappadocia. It almost always involves places such as the Goreme Open Air Museum, that’s famous for those old-timey churches that are carved right into the rocks. You will often get to see places such as Pasabag (also known as Monk’s Valley), where you’ll find those neat fairy chimney rock formations. Is that a cool photo op, or what? Plus, there is that Devrent Valley (also known as Imagination Valley), a location with animal-shaped rocks. Really, use your mind to spot what is there. Usually included is Uchisar Castle, it’s the area’s tallest spot, and provides killer views. Is that perfect for the Instagram or what? You’ll usually find other, maybe less famous, stops that the tour operators like to throw in, like pottery workshops, places that sell rugs, or overlooks where you can stop to catch some breathtaking views. It all adds up to a day that is chock-full of sightseeing.

Diving Deep: Sites Along the Red Tour Route

When you hit up Goreme Open Air Museum, expect to be walking around spots of rock-cut churches covered in art from what feels like another age. So, is it something? These are not new, right? These churches date back to the Byzantine period. If that’s not old, I am not sure what is! Just to point out, Pasabag is basically Fairy Chimney Central. Very tall, odd, natural formations decorate this valley. Some of the “chimneys” even have multiple caps, kinda like they’re wearing hats. Very quirky looking. That’s kinda funny. As for Devrent Valley, this place earns the “Imagination” label big time because its rock shapes are always suggesting recognizable creatures, faces, and objects. Very interesting, yet bizarre, really. That makes it kind of fun, too. Lastly, Uchisar Castle? Well, that’s pretty much your highest vantage point in the whole region. Basically, climb to the top, and you are rewarded with landscape shots for miles. That sounds pretty decent, doesn’t it? These destinations together provide a very satisfying look at what makes Cappadocia, well, Cappadocia!

What’s the Lunch Like Underground?

Okay, an underground lunch? I mean, right off the bat, is that cool sounding, or what? The cave restaurants tend to have a kind of old-world look and feel, with rough stone walls, arched ceilings, and decor that kinda makes you feel you are chilling in a spot people actually lived in way back when. Usually, that spread leans toward classic Turkish food. What does that mean, really? It may mean plates loaded with mezes (small appetizers), grilled meats such as chicken or lamb kebab, flavorful rice, and of course fresh baked bread. Vegetarians, it is a little more limiting; you’re probably looking at lots of vegetable dishes and salads. Usually, they are prepared with a handful of spices. Often, they will add a spicy sauce, so beware of that! As far as drinks, you are probably seeing local wines or, at the very least, the usual water and soda options. You might get a dessert, probably fruit or some syrupy pastry if you’re very lucky. Honestly, food in Turkey usually does not disappoint. To point out, atmosphere plays a huge role: tucking into your lunch in a space that could be thousands of years old. It is quite something to think about.

My Two Cents

So, taking this Red Tour and getting that underground lunch? It could be seen as worth it if what you’re after is really to check off some pretty must-see spots without wrestling over how to arrange things yourself. Is that you, or what? It is almost the kind of tour where all you have to do is show up and follow. The spots are good, and the underground lunch adds that cool thing you probably wouldn’t otherwise get. On the other hand, a big group situation is probably not going to cut it. Or what about a preset schedule that’s just kinda marching from A to B to C with really not a lot of freedom to choose. The food could be good, it could be a tourist trap. Also, that all depends on your taste. You might also find you want to spend longer at a certain sight, or honestly find something else that grabs your attention along the way, and that’s trickier to manage in a tour. You are nearly at the mercy of your tour bus.

Figuring Out What’s Best for You

Figuring out your trip boils down to what works best for your personal preferences. If you love things being mapped out and very streamlined, a tour just could be perfect. Alternatively, someone might like doing all the organizing. If so, renting a car and following some internet-derived routes just might give you a very free-flowing experience. Very much just see something, pull over, and spend as long or little as you want! So, I want to mention the time thing! Very few things get missed in Cappadocia, whether you book a organized tour or venture solo. With any trip, Cappadocia requires a degree of forethought to truly appreciate. Maybe before booking something, check out pictures and maybe read more. You can use travel blogs and articles! Usually, there is info, tips, pictures, and much more. What you don’t want is arriving and finding that what you have booked is a dud.