A Culinary Adventure in Jordan
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DAY 1 - Arrive Amman, Jordan
Upon arrival in the capital city of Amman, you are met by an Abercrombie & Kent representative and transferred to your hotel.
This evening, proceed to Beit Sitti "Grandma House," located in one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city. Your local chef meets you and takes you on a walking tour of the local souk, to find fresh produce and spices. Then return to the house where the chef guides you in preparing a traditional Jordanian lunch. Enjoy the fruits of your labor on the outdoor terrace overlooking the citadel.
Accommodation: Fairmont Hotel Amman
DAY 2 - Amman | Royal Automobile Museum
Enjoy a half-day excursion that begins in the city of Amman — cosmopolitan capital of Jordan, known for its spectacular Roman ruins. Upon arrival, take a city tour, seeing the Roman Theater — the most impressive relic of ancient Philadelphia. Built during the reign of Antonius Pius (AD 138-161) — it is cut into the northern side of a hill that once served as a necropolis (graveyard). Similar in design to the amphitheater at Jerash, it can accommodate 6,000 spectators and is still used for sporting and cultural events to this day. Next, observe the Citadel, which towers above the city from atop Jabal al-Qala'a. The site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon, excavations of the Citadel have revealed numerous Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic remains. The most impressive of its buildings — known simply as al-Qasr ("the Palace") — dates back to the Islamic Umayyad period. While its exact function is unclear, it includes a monumental gateway, an audience hall and four vaulted chambers. A colonnaded street also runs through the complex. To the north and northeast are the ruins of Umayyad palace grounds. See, too, the fascinating displays at the Jordan Archaeological Museum, which date from prehistoric times to the 15th century. Continue to the Jordan Folklore Museum. Dedicated to Jordanian and Palestinian heritage, it features mosaics, costumes, musical instruments and handicrafts.
Enjoy an exclusive tour and private dinner at the Royal Automobile Museum. You will be shown the amazing collection of cars which highlight the life of His Majesty the late King Hussein, who was a great car enthusiast, and the many aspects of his leadership. Dinner will be elegantly served in a spacious hall within the museum where you can still look upon the magnificent car collection.
DAY 3- Ajloun & Jerash | Ancient Ruins
Set out on a full-day excursion to hilly Ajloun — set in the fertile highlands of north Jordan — and Jerash, situated north of Amman and inhabited since the Bronze Age. Upon arrival in Ajloun, see the 12th-century Muslim Ajloun Castle. Built atop Mount Auf, it overlooks Jordan Valley and three wadis and was a key strategic link in the defense against the Crusaders. On a clear day, you can see the Dead Sea, Jordan Valley, West Bank and Sea of Galilee. Proceed to Jerash — the 'Pompeii of the Middle East' — a third-century city decimated by invasion and earthquake. It's renowned ruins — the walled Greco-Roman settlement of Gerasa — reside just outside the modern city. After a local lunch at Beit Khayrat Souf, explore the massive ruins, which are crisscrossed by colonnaded streets. Observe how the pavement still shows grooves from chariot wheels.
This evening, we will visit the city of Citadel and enjoy the local "mansef" for dinner.
DAY 4 - AMMAN / Mount Nebo / Madaba / Petra | Miraculous Views
Set out on a full-day excursion that whisks you from Amman to the historical, archaeological city of Petra, seeing Biblical Mount Nebo and ancient Madaba en route. Arrive at Mount Nebo — where the Bible says Moses glimpsed the Promised Land he never entered. Take in panoramas of the Holy Land from atop the windswept summit, standing where Moses once did. Follow mountain-fringed King's Highway through the beautiful Gorge of Amman to Madaba, known for its sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Comprised of two million pieces of colored stone, it depicts villages as far away as the Nile Delta. Visit the Madaba School of Mosaic, dedicated to preserving and restoring the ancient mosaics found throughout Jordan, especially ones from the Madaba Plateau.
This afternoon, join a local Jordanian family for lunch. Exchanges stories and hear about life in Jordan, first hand, during this intimate experience.
We can add a visit to Petra by night, if available, which is on Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Continue to the 'Rose-Red City' of Petra, where you check in to your hotel.
Accommodation: Mövenpick Resort Petra
DAY 5 - Petra | Fascinating Rose-Red City
Spend a full day exploring the 'Rose-Red City' of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sculpted from a mountain range by the Nabataeans in the third century BC. Visit the Temple of Winged Lions — a large, sacred complex featuring an ascending staircase; a grand, column-flanked entrance; and an inner cultic chamber with a raised podium. See, too, the ruins of the Corinthian Tomb, noting the Hellenistic details on its upper level and the Nabataean portico on its lower level. At the Palace Tomb, observe the decorated columns, pillars and four gates, the latter leading to burial rooms. Continue on to the Treasury, baths, markets and storerooms.
Have you ever wanted to know how to make authentic Middle Eastern baba ghanoush or hummus? Just outside the entrance to the Rose City, Petra Kitchen is a locally managed restaurant which offers a hands-on approach to creating regional Levantine cuisine. You are offered the chance to help create a typical Jordanian dinner, under the supervision of the chef, and get an inside glimpse into the secrets behind the famous dishes. A fun evening of learning ends with a delicious dinner as you enjoy the fruits of your labor. After dinner, enjoy a night cap at the Cave Bar.
DAY 6 - Wadi Rum | Little Petra
Set out on a two-hour excursion to Siq al-Barid (Little Petra), a northern archaeological satellite to the 'Rose-Red City.' A classical temple stands guard outside the miniature siq. Thought to have been an important suburb of Petra, it's situated at the crossroads of where several ancient caravan routes met, linking Wadi Araba with Gaza, Egypt and the Mediterranean coast. The narrow file, only some 380 yards long, is rich with tombs, temples, houses, water channels and cisterns. Of particular note are the remains of painted frescoes on plaster, which date from the first century AD.
After spending 2 hours exploring Little Petra, we'll continue onto Wadi Rum, a striking desert-scape also known as the "Valley of the Moon." Traverse the desert by 4x4, joining your local guide where legendary T. E. Lawrence lived with his Bedouin allies during World War I. Continue on to your tented desert camp and settle in for an evening under the stars.
Watch the beautiful sunset in the desert while enjoying a glass of champagne along with some small finger food (canapés).
Accommodation: Sun City Camp
DAY 7 - Wadi Rum / Bethany / Dead Sea
Depart the desert and Discover Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas) on a half-day excursion, seeing the UNESCO World Heritage Site where John the Baptist is said to have baptized Jesus of Nazareth. Situated on the eastern bank of the Jordan River just north of the Dead Sea, it's also where John the Baptist is thought to have preached.
Continue on to the Dead Sea and your luxury resort hotel.
Saint George wines are considered by many to be the best local wines in Jordan and the makers are considered pioneers in wine making in Jordan. Meet the wine maker, Omar Zumot, himself and get an insight into his passion for fine wine. Learn how it all began for wine making in Jordan. Then enjoy an evening of wine tasting of the Saint George wines accompanied either by a set menu dinner or a variety of cheeses, cold cuts and baguettes.
Enjoy a free day to explore the Dead Sea. You can take a dip in the healing waters or enjoy the resort facilities.
Accommodation: Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
DAY 9 - Depart Amman
Transfer to the airport to board your homebound departure flight.
Pricing varies depending on dates and number of guests but starts at $4,795 per person.
To get a quote, please contact Myrna@rouxluxurytravel.com or call 888-251-3096.