“Embark on a Tasting Adventure” In Jordan
with Co-Leaders Joan Peterson and Susan Chwae

November 1 to November 9, 2018 - Tour full

​$2,790 US -  Per Person Double Occupancy; $500 US - Single Supplement

​Join us in getting to the heart of the culture through an exploration of Jordan's tantalizing cuisine. Sample the most authentic regional cuisine in homes, neighborhood eateries, and elegant gourmet restaurants. Delve into the secrets of Jordanian dishes by participating in a cooking class. And enjoy talks on culinary topics and visits to bustling markets to learn about the herbs, spices, and condiments that are prevalent in Jordanian cookery. 

​We will also see major tourist sights, including the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum, yet still have time to shop and relax along the way. You’ll come away with a knowledge of the culinary traditions of Jordan and a deep appreciation of the magnitude of history and culture that this ancient land possesses.

Itinerary

Photos courtesy of the Jordan Tourism Board and Ginkgo Press.
November 1: Depart for Amman

November 2: Amman Airport – Amman Hotel
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by our representative for your entry visa. Transfer (about 45 minutes) to your hotel. Remainder of the day free. Optional activities will be available.
 
November 3: Amman Hotel – Umm Quais – Jerash – Amman Hotel (B, L, D)
We begin our journey early and drive two hours from Amman to Gadara (Umm Qais), which belonged to the famous Decapolis, a union of 10 cities, founded by Alexander the Great. There is an overwhelming view over the north Jordan Valley, the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee. We leave for Jerash, the best example of a Roman provincial city in the whole Middle East. Visit the spectacular forum, Roman colonnaded street, the Nymphaeum and the Temple of Artemis. Overnight in Amman.
 
November 4: Amman Tour – Town of Salt - Amman Hotel (B, L, D)
Start the day with a city tour of Jordan's capital. Amman, already mentioned in the Bible as Rabbath Ammon, is a bustling modern city. The historical places are located downtown, where we visit the Citadel with remains from the Roman to the early Islamic period, and a small Archaeological Museum. Visit the Roman Theatre (built in the 2nd century) with 6000 seats. In the heart of downtown we explore the markets (Souqs), and spice and herb shops.
     Drive 45 minutes to the town Salt. Walk along Hammam Street to see the highlights of 19th century architecture—houses with long-arched windows in picturesque narrow streets. Well known is the Abu Jaber mansion, built between 1892 and 1906, reputed to be the finest example of a 19th century merchant house in the region. The building now houses the Historic Old Salt Museum recounting the golden age of salt, which lasted from the end of the 19th century until the thirties of the 20th century. Cooking class at Beit Sitti in Amman. Return to Amman hotel. 
 
November 5: Amman Hotel – King’s Way - Mt Nebo – Madaba – Kerak Castle – Petra Hotel (B, L)
After breakfast, drive to Mt. Nebo, the place where Prophet Moses gazed at the Promised Land before he died. Visit the old monastery, and overlook the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and parts of the Holy Land. We then proceed to Madaba, and the famous 6th century mosaic map of Palestine in St. George’s church. Driving along the famous ancient caravan route, the King's Way, followed by a short stop in Wadi Al-Mujib, a great wide valley with a magnificent geological formation. In Kerak visit the famous Crusader Castle built in 1132/34 by King Baldwin I of Jerusalem. Continue to Petra hotel, check in. Dinner on your own.
 
November 6: Petra visit – Petra Hotel – Little Petra (B, L, D)
After breakfast, walk to the red rose city of Petra, the biggest attraction of Jordan. Petra was first established around the 6th century B.C. by the Nabataean Arabs, a nomadic tribe that settled in the area and laid the foundation of a commercial empire that extended into Syria. With the guide we will go through the canyon, the so called Siq, to see the most beautiful monument: the Treasury. Continue walking via the Street of Facades to the Royal Tombs and Pharaoh's Castle. The guide says farewell to you at the restaurant area; free time to explore Petra on your own (for example, climb the 800 stairs to the Monastery El Deir) and return the same way to the entrance gate. We will go to a Bedouin camp for a demonstration of Zarb, Bedouin barbecue - meat and vegetables cooked underground, before returning to the hotel to rest. Then back to the Bedouin camp for Zarb dinner. Return to hotel in Petra.

November 7: Petra Hotel – Wadi Rum 3 hours LandCruiser Ride – Aqaba Hotel (B, L, D)
Drive 1.5 hours southwards to the protected area of Wadi Rum, one of the most impressive desert landscapes in the world. Here Bedouins still live in the traditional way. Touring in 4x4 LandCruisers you will discover canyons, sand dunes, and Nabatean rock inscriptions. Return to your hotel in Aqaba.

November 8: Aqaba Hotel – Dana Village – Dead Sea Hotel (B, L, D)
Travel from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. Lunch will be in the small village of Dana, located in Jordan’s largest nature reserve. Enjoy a demonstration and home-made lunch. Continue to the Dead Sea. Check in at your hotel at the lowest point on earth. Leisure time to float on salty waters or to try a mineral rich mud bath on its shores. Farewell Dinner and overnight at the Dead Sea hotel.
 
November 9: Dead Sea Hotel – Amman Airport (B)
After breakfast, leave for the Amman Airport (1 hour drive).