Go Local in Jordan

You'll get your first real taste of the main sights of Amman today with a city tour with your very own private driver. Key stops may include the Citadel, the Roman Theatre, and the lively souks of downtown Amman – but of course, your tour can be tailored to take in whatever interests you most. This evening, you'll join an experienced local chef for a hands-on cookery class, where you'll learn to prepare traditional Jordanian dishes before sitting down to enjoy your creations for dinner.

Today, you'll journey north with your driver to visit the historical sites of Umm Qais and Pella, two of Jordan’s lesser-known but fascinating archaeological treasures. After exploring the ruins, you'll have the opportunity to take part in an immersive local experience. Options include beekeeping, stone masonry, Hadab (traditional Jordanian coffee) making, or a shepherding experience. Speak to us and we'll be more than happy to help you choose the experience that would suit and interest you most.

You'll head off on a guided visit to Jerash this morning, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Walk along its ancient colonnaded streets and visit impressive temples and theatres as you learn about its history. This afternoon, you'll visit Dar Ne’meh Souf, where you'll take part in a creative printing workshop. You'll print your very own design onto a t-shirt, which you can take home as a meaningful souvenir of your time in Jordan.

You'll leave Amman today and journey south towards Petra. Along the way, you'll stop at Mount Nebo, the biblical site where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land. Next, you'll visit Madaba, home to stunning Byzantine mosaics, including the oldest-known map of the Holy Land. Your journey continues with a visit to Carob House, where you'll enjoy a farm-to-table experience, sampling fresh, locally produced food and meeting the locals who farm it, before continuing on to Petra for a two-night stay.

You'll begin your day with a privately guided tour of Petra, walking through the Siq canyon before emerging in front of the iconic Treasury, and a view you'll never forget. From here, you'll head off to explore Petra’s main sites, including the Royal Tombs and the Great Temple. After a day of sightseeing, it's time for something really special. You'll be welcomed into the home of a local family to enjoy a truly unique dining experience. This is a worthwhile opportunity to experience authentic Jordanian hospitality and the flavours of traditional home-cooked food.

Your day will begin with a traditional breakfast of Galayah Bandoora this morning, a dish made of sautéed tomatoes and spices. You'll learn the traditional way to eat it using torn pieces of bread. Afterwards, you'll journey into the vast desert landscapes of Wadi Rum for an exciting jeep tour across the sands. Your local Bedouin guide will take you through towering sandstone canyons and past ancient petroglyphs before you settle into your desert camp for a night under the stars.

You'll leave the golden sands of the Wadi Rum behind today and make your way north to the Dead Sea for a two-night stay. En route, you'll visit Kerak Castle, one of the largest Crusader castles in the Middle East. After exploring the fortress, you'll continue to Bayt A-Gameed, where you'll take part in the traditional process of making Jameed, a key ingredient in Jordan’s national dish, Mansaf. Afterwards, you'll sit down to enjoy a delicious Mansaf lunch before continuing to the Dead Sea for a bit of R&R on your final day.

Today is yours to spend as you choose. You can unwind by the Dead Sea, floating in its salty waters and indulging in a mineral-rich mud treatment. Alternatively, you can choose to visit Sweimeh, a women-led association that creates beautiful handmade crafts such as hand-woven baskets. We'd highly recommend this excursion, it gives you an extra opportunity to meet local people, learn about their work and purchase unique souvenirs that support local artisans.

You'll be privately transferred to Amman Airport today in time for your return flight to the UK, bringing your cultural Jordan adventure to an end. We know you’ll be flying home with hearts filled with the warmth of the Jordanian people and the memories made.