Taste of Jordan: a foodie journey

Transfer from Q.A.I. Airport to Amman - Transfer from Q.A.I. Airport to Amman

Tag 1: Amman

Transfer from Q.A.I. Airport to Amman
Other Transfer: After the visa formalities, you will be met by a representative at Queen Alia International Airport and enjoy a short transfer to your hotel in Amman for check in. Estimated travel time: 40 minutes.

Transfer from Amman to Jerash - Transfer from Amman to Jerash - Tour of Jerash

Tag 2: Jerash & The Decapolis - Amman

Transfer from Amman to Jerash
Other Transfer: You will be transferred from Amman to visit the magnificent ancient ruins of Jerash. Estimated travel time: 1 hour.


Tour of Jerash
Excursion: North of Amman lies the historic city of Jerash. Known in antiquity as Gerasa, this Greco-Roman settlement was buried under sand for centuries until its excavation and restoration in the last 70 years. Today it is recognised as one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Enjoy a tour of this ancient treasure, known as ‘the City of a Thousand Pillars’. There are a great deal of fantastic Ionic columns lining the vast oval-shaped forum and the Cardo, making up an impressive 6000m colonnaded street. Other highlights are the venerable entrance to the city, the epic Temple of Artemis and the hippodrome, where chariot demonstrations are sometimes held.


Transfer from Jerash to Amman
Car Transfer: After exploring the site of Jerash, you will return to Amman. Estimated travel time: 1 hour.


Cooking Class at Beit Sitti Restaurant, Amman
Excursion: Come and learn how to prepare a traditional Arabic meal; you'll hone the recipes behind four delicious courses, then feast on your good work. Throughout this lesson you'll be kindly assisted by a local Hajjeh, whose grandmother once owned this home; the family secrets of Jordanian cooking has trickled down through generations, and this is your chance to experience them first hand. Beit Sitti is in one of Amman's oldest neighbourhoods, so you'll be accompanied by great historical views.

Transfer from Amman to Petra along the King's Highway, via Mount Nebo, Madaba and Kerak - Transfer from Amman to Petra along the King's Highway, via Mount Nebo, Madaba and Kerak - Ascend Mount Nebo

Tag 3: Mount Nebo - Petra

Transfer from Amman to Petra along the King's Highway, via Mount Nebo, Madaba and Kerak
Other Transfer: You will be transferred to Petra via the iconic King's Highway with a full day of visiting Madaba, Mount Nebo and Kerak. The King's Highway meanders its way through Jordan's finest countryside, a historical route of north-south trade but today a simple road that is often rutted and narrow. It is mentioned in the Bible, when Moses is refused access to the road, and was an important base of trade for the Nabatean kingdom from their base at Petra, and the later Roman Empire. Amman to Mt. Nebo: Estimated travel time: 1 hour Time for visit: 30 minutes – 1 hour Mt. Nebo to Madaba: Estimated travel time: 20 minutes Time for visit: 30 minutes Madaba to Kerak: Estimated travel time: 2 hours Time for visit: 1 hour Kerak to Petra: Estimated travel time: 2 hours and 30 minutes


Ascend Mount Nebo
Excursion: Visit the sanctuary at Mount Nebo, a high ridge mentioned in the Bible as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land. It is also here that he was predicted to die before ever reaching it, and according to Christian tradition, is buried. A church was built here in the fourth century by early Christians to commemorate the site, which has since grown into a large complex. In 2000, Pope John Paul II visited here as part of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where he gave a sermon to 20,000 faithful. You can see the olive tree he planted here next to the Byzantine chapel as a symbol for peace. From the top of the mount enjoy excellent panoramic views of the Holy Land, as well as views of the River Jordan valley. On clear days, you can see the West Bank city of Jericho, and sometimes even Jerusalem.


Visit Madaba
Excursion: You will visit Madaba, located on the King’s Road. Known as the City of Mosaics, it is home to several Byzantine-era and Umayyad mosaics, scattered all over the busy market town. You will visit the most famous mosaic, discovered in 1884 when Greek orthodox Christians uncovered it among the rubble of an old Byzantine chapel. It depicts a detailed map of the Holy Land, stretching from Palestine to the Nile Delta, and constitutes the oldest known map of Palestine in existence.


Cooking Class in Madaba at Hikayet Sitti Restaurant
Excursion: At the Hikayet Sitti Restaurant in Madaba, you'll learn some intricate cooking techniques in their historical kitchen. The name of the restaurant literally translates as 'my grandmother's story', and the property itself is 110 years old. The house belongs to the Karadsheh family, who are all Jordanian. Hikayet Sitti offers an authentic cook-and-dine experience where you learn how to prepare a traditional Arabic meal with the help of a Hajjeh. At the end you are rewarded with the fantastic meal you produced. Tuck in!


Shawbak Castle
Excursion: Built during the crusader times, 894 years ago, Shawbak castle appears as a natural extension of the dramatic hill it is perched upon. The castle and its surrounding group of ten villages was inhabited until the 1950s. It is constructed precariously on the side of a mountain, with a grand sweep of fruit trees below. Less than an hour north of Petra can be found this lonely reminder of former Crusader glory. Once called "Mont Real," Shawbak dates from the same turbulent period as Kerak. The castle's exterior is impressive, with a foreboding gate and encircling triple wall. Despite the precautions of its builder, the fortress fell to Saladin only 75 years after it was built. Inscriptions by his proud successors appear on the castle wall.

Explore the magic of Petra - full day tour with a local guide - Petra Kitchen

Tag 4: Petra

Explore the magic of Petra - full day tour with a local guide
Excursion: A full day is in store to explore the iconic site of Petra, a glorious Nabataean city dating to the third century BCE. Petra is justifiably a bucket list experience - half-built, half-carved into the face of red, white and pink sandstone cliffs, the towering facades of the buildings lie hidden in twisting canyons and clefts in the rock. The Nabataeans were originally nomadic Arabs, and Petra started its development as a caravan town, however their sophisticated water collection system allowed them to permanently settle in this mostly arid region. Being situated between the Red and Dead Seas, on a crossroads of trade between Arabia, Egypt and Syria, Petra’s prosperity quickly grew into the grandeur we can still see today. You will approach the stunning ‘Red-Rose City' having crossed the desert for around 700 metres, before arriving at Al Siq- the 76 metre-high, dramatically narrow sandstone canyon. Wander through this twisting ravine before emerging upon the impressive, temple-like facade of the Treasury building (you may recognise from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade). Continue along a winding road of tombs and decorative false fronts - this street leads you into the centre of the ancient town. You will then climb high up the cliff face to explore the cavernous Royal Tombs, as well as the ruins of the High Place of Sacrifice which sits atop the mountain. As you're guided around these treasures, it is staggering to think that around only 15% of the site has been excavated, with 85% of Petra remaining untouched below ground.


Petra Kitchen
Excursion: The Petra kitchen is a delightful embodiment of Jordanian hospitality and flavour; it is a relaxed, informal atmosphere ideal for preparing an evening meal. You'll be cooking alongside local women under the supervision of a local chef. The meal typically consists of soup, mezze and salads, followed by a fragrant main course. The ingredients and spices offer a great summary of Jordan's tantalising cuisine. You will also gain a glimpse of the secrets behind the famous regional cuisine of the Levant. Tonight is a night of learning, fun and indulging on the special flavor of a reward well-earned.

Transfer from Petra to Siq-al-Barid - Transfer from Petra to Siq-al-Barid - Explore Little Petra

Tag 5: Petra - Wadi Rum

Transfer from Petra to Siq-al-Barid
Car Transfer: You will be picked up from your hotel and driven the short distance to nearby Siq-al-Barid. Estimated travel time: 10 minutes


Explore Little Petra
Excursion: Welcome to ‘Little Petra’, a small settlement just north of Petra proper. Once an important suburb of the ancient town, this is where successful merchants entertained their counterparts from the Silk Road. Approach the ruins through a narrow gorge known as Siq al-Barid, or ‘the cold Siq’, so named because its towering cliffs prevent any sunlight from reaching it. The Siq runs for 350 metres between the immense, rust-coloured rock, and opens up three times along its length. When you reach the first opening, you will notice the higher density of buildings here compared with Petra, as well as the quaint staircases carved into the rock face, turning the Siq into a multi-storey alleyway. The second opening has several triclinia, a kind of formal dining room; and up some stairs to another dining room, where a fabulous painted fresco was found in 2010. It is the only surviving example of Nabataean interior painting, and one of very few examples of large-scale Hellenistic paintings in the world. Make sure to visit the 'Painted Room' before you leave Little Petra – it is not to be missed.


Transfer from Siq al-Barid to Wadi Rum
Car Transfer: You will be picked up from Little Petra and driven through the desert to the stunning landscapes of Wadi Rum. Estimated travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes.


Venture through Wadi Rum by 4x4 SUV
Excursion: With your guide, take in the staggering scenery of Wadi Rum, one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Middle East. The otherworldly, Martian appearance of the terrain has inspired countless film-makers to use Wadi Rum as a location, such as Ridley Scott for his blockbuster, ‘The Martian’. Besides the rust-coloured sand dunes, dramatic rock formations, cliffs and narrow siqs (canyons), Wadi Rum is covered in 25,000 rock carvings and 20,000 inscriptions from centuries of trade caravans passing through this desolate region. Aramaic characters, prehistoric camel carvings, Nabataean inscriptions and even a sculpture of TE Lawrence’s bust fleck the scattered rocks and cliffs of this expanse. Please note that the tour is conducted in Bedouin-driven jeeps/trucks, which are open-air in the back and have benches, which can take up to 6 persons. The Bedouin people have lived around Wadi Rum for centuries, etching out a nomadic existence until relatively recently in the 20th century. Today, they offer expert ecotourism around their beloved region. Several Bedouin camps lie across the region, and any that you come across are sure to welcome you into their tents to try their sweet mint tea.

Transfer from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea - Transfer from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea - Swim in the Dead Sea

Tag 6: The Dead Sea

Transfer from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea
Other Transfer: You will be transferred from Wadi Rum to the crystalline waters of the Dead Sea. Estimated travel time: 4 hours


Swim in the Dead Sea
Excursion: Immerse yourself into Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth (429 metres below sea level) and one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth. Its deep blue waters gradually change to emerald at the shore, where rocky ridges of salt crystalise in the desert heat. The high level of evaporation here has rendered the lake nine times saltier than regular sea water. Spend some time trying to ‘swim’ in this extremely buoyant water, where you can practically sit on the surface. The salt and minerals of this lake have long been used for health and skin benefits, and even for Egyptian mummification. Cover yourself in the sticky mud and enter the water. The salt will sting cuts that you didn’t know you had; definitely don’t shave before swimming!

At leisure around the Dead Sea - Transfer from Dead Sea to Amman - Transfer from Dead Sea to Amman

Tag 7: The Dead Sea - Amman

At leisure around the Dead Sea
Excursion: Spend some time at leisure around the Dead Sea, exploring the unique qualities of this fascinating natural phenomena. The earth’s lowest point presents a romantic image of the Middle East. The lake’s hyper-saline waters blur beautifully from an emerald green at its edges into a brilliant aquamarine at its depths. Interestingly, despite its paradisaical appearance, this environment is stark; the sea so salty that no living creatures can survive here. For tourists however, the benefits are many. It’s the only place in the world where this particular combination of spa benefits exist. Peculiar climatic conditions, an enriched oxygen atmosphere, mineral-rich sea salt and mineral-rich mud all offer medical and therapeutic benefits that attract visitors from all over the world. The plants that grow at the lakeside, particularly the balsam tree, produce highly valuable and sought-after cosmetics, perfumes and medical substances. Nothing beats floating effortlessly in these salty depths, just beware that it comes with the occasional sting!


Transfer from Dead Sea to Amman
Car Transfer: You will be transferred from the sparkling waters of the Dead Sea to the city of Amman. Estimated travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes


Tour of Amman
Excursion: Get to know Jordan's proud capital, Amman. By exploring both the ancient and modern parts of the city, you'll gain insight into daily life as well as the historic culture. This tour is unguided but you'll have the convenience of a driver. Discover the crumbling ruins of the ancient Citadel, which overlooks Amman’s Labyrinthine downtown below. Marvel at the colossal pillars of the Temple of Hercules (larger than any temple in Rome) and wander around the remains of the Governor's Palace and Mosque. Visit the Archaeological Museum, and peruse the artefacts which date from prehistoric times to the 15th century. From the museum, there is the spectacular panorama of the sprawling city below: Romans built on top of Biblical remains, forging chaotic streets, all wedged into the valley. Descend from the Citadel into the capital’s throng where you can join locals alongside the most impressive remnant of Roman rule: a 6000 seat, beautifully restored amphitheatre. The Jordan Folklore Museum is located next door on the western side of the theatre. Here you can view items representing three different Jordanian cultures – Bedu (desert life), Reef (village life) and Madineh (city life). Then head back into the 21st century as you make your way into the city centre, a vibrant hub of sizzling kebab stalls, buzzing cafes and sensual souks.

Transfer from Amman to Q.A.I. Airport - Transfer from Amman to Q.A.I. Airport

Tag 8:

Transfer from Amman to Q.A.I. Airport
Car Transfer: You will be met at your hotel in Amman and driven to Queen Alia Airport for your onward flight. Estimated travel time: 45 minutes