Taste of Jordan

Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Amman.
Your Taste of Jordan journey begins with a welcome meeting at 6:00 pm. 

Jordan’s culinary heritage reflects centuries of cultural exchange across the Levant. Influences from diverse civilizations have shaped a cuisine rich in flavour, tradition, and fresh ingredients. Olive oil—one of Jordan’s most prized products—plays a central role in everyday cooking, alongside staples such as garlic, tomatoes, lemon, and the iconic za’atar blend of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt.

Following the welcome meeting, enjoy your first authentic taste of Jordanian cuisine at Hashem Restaurant, one of Amman’s most famous dining institutions. Savour freshly prepared falafel, creamy hummus, smoky moutabel, warm bread, and a refreshing Arabic salad.

Continue the evening with a sweet local tradition at Habibah Sweets, where you’ll enjoy a warm serving of knafeh—a beloved dessert made with soft cheese, crisp shredded pastry, and fragrant sugar syrup.

Start your morning like a local with a traditional breakfast of freshly baked sesame ka’ak from the oven at Salaheddin Bakery, a beloved neighbourhood spot. Choose your fillings—eggs, cheese, or spices—for a simple and satisfying start to the day.

After breakfast, travel to Madaba, known for its historic churches and remarkable Byzantine mosaics, including the famous 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St. George’s Church.

Continue to the Dead Sea (approximately 45 minutes), where the mineral-rich waters—nearly ten times saltier than the ocean—allow for the unique experience of effortless floating during an optional swim. 

Enjoy a relaxed mezze-style picnic lunch featuring local favourites such as kibbeh, manakish, spinach pastries, cheeses, and refreshing shaneeneh, followed by traditional hareeseh for dessert.

In the afternoon, drive to Petra (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, join a local family for a hands-on introduction to mansaf, Jordan’s national dish of lamb, rice, and fermented dried yoghurt (jameed). After the meal, head to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Today, explore the legendary city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Hidden among towering sandstone cliffs, this UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals its most iconic monument—the magnificent Treasury—reached through the narrow canyon known as the Siq.

Petra is a vast archaeological site, and exploring its highlights involves moderate walking. Discover remarkable landmarks such as the Roman theatre, royal tombs, temples, and the Petra Museum.

This afternoon is free to continue exploring at your own pace—whether visiting additional monuments, hiking to scenic viewpoints, or relaxing within the ancient city. After a full day uncovering Petra’s wonders, return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure.

Start your morning with breakfast set against the dramatic desert scenery of Wadi Rum.
A traditional Jordanian breakfast is both simple and generous, featuring fresh breads and a variety of flavourful accompaniments. Enjoy a spread of hummus, falafel, fresh salads, pickles, and warm khubz (pita bread), along with the classic ritual of dipping flatbread into rich olive oil and aromatic za’atar.

After breakfast, travel south to Wadi Rum (approximately 1.5–2 hours), often called the Valley of the Moon. This dramatic desert landscape is famous for its red sand dunes, towering sandstone mountains, and the iconic Seven Pillars of Wisdom formation.

Experience the desert on a 4-hour jeep safari, exploring canyons, rock formations, and sweeping desert scenery that helped inspire the story of Lawrence of Arabia.

Later, return to your desert camp for a traditional Bedouin zarb dinner, slow-cooked underground over hot coals. Enjoy this memorable meal before settling in for a peaceful evening beneath Wadi Rum’s star-filled skies.

Begin your day with a traditional Bedouin breakfast featuring labneh, olives, za’atar, fresh vegetables, and local cheeses. You may also enjoy a cup of sweet sage tea.

Later, depart for the scenic return drive to Amman (approximately 3.5–4 hours), with a stop along the way to enjoy a freshly prepared falafel sandwich, one of Jordan’s most popular street foods.

In the evening, take part in a hands-on Jordanian cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare maqluba, a classic dish of rice, vegetables, and chicken that is flipped upside down before serving. Share this final meal with your fellow travellers as you celebrate the journey together.

No activities are planned for today. You are free to depart at any time.