Jordan Real Food Adventure

Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Amman. Your food adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm. This trip puts a focus on the delicious cuisine of Jordan, a gastronomy shaped by centuries of social and political change. Garlic, onions, tomato sauce, olive oil, lemon and za’atar (a blend of sumac, sesame seeds, salt and other spices) are all big-ticket items, and should pop up often on this adventure. After your meeting, get your first taste of Jordanian cuisine at a local restaurant that’s a favourite of royals, diplomats and celebrities travelling through Amman. Your plant-based dinner will consist of their famous Jordanian stuffed falafel, which is fresh and crunchy on the outside while fluffy on the inside. There’s also the chance to dip bread through smooth creamy hummus and moutabel – a smoky eggplant dip served with Arabic salad. (D)

Start your day with a visit to a breakfast joint that’s a favourite among locals. Walk in, choose a hot, fresh loaf and fill it with baked eggs, cheese, spices or anything else you want from the counter. After a filling breakfast, board a bus and head to Madaba, home of the acclaimed sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St George's Church.  Check out the mosaics then head to the Dead Sea. This body of water is famously salty – 9. 6 times saltier than the ocean. As a result, it’s believed to have healing properties that can be tested during a swim (or float!). After drying off, prepare for a traditional picnic lunch, a mezze style spread of kibbeh (fried meat with wheat), manakish (flatbread with za’atar and olive oil), spinach bread and cheeses, followed by a cup of shaneeneh (an aged goat milk yoghurt drink) and a serving of hareeseh (a sweet, syrupy pudding). Continue to Petra for dinner, where you’ll learn from a local family how to prepare mansaf, delicious lamb with fermented, dried yoghurt sauce. After a hearty meal and a few shared stories with the family, arrive at your hotel near the ancient ruins of Petra.   (B/L/D)

Spend the morning exploring ancient Petra during a guided tour. Known as one of the new ‘seven wonders of the world’, this archaeological city sits within 80-metre-high cliff walls. The iconic treasury, carved into the face of one of these cliffs, is the highlight of this visit. The site is expansive and to explore it all requires quite a bit of walking, and a basic level of fitness will enhance your experience. With a free afternoon to proceed at your own pace, there’s ample time to see the museum, the Roman amphitheatre, the palace and other places – just chat to your leader for suggestions on the best spots to go. Once the day is done, head back to your hotel to put your feet up. (B)

Rise early – today’s breakfast will be shared with a local shepherd in the beautiful countryside. Tuck into a mezze spread and take the chance to chat to the shepherd about their everyday life and customs. Afterwards, head on to Wadi Rum, a place often referred to as The Valley of the Moon. Explore the sparse red sand dunes, steep craggy mountains and the legendary Seven Pillars of Wisdom rock formation on a 4-hour jeep ride through the region. Later, head back to a Wadi Rum campsite for a traditional Bedouin barbecue known as zarb, one of the staples of Bedouin culture, capturing a long running tradition of cooking food underground in earth ovens. Bedouin locals will prepare dinner by digging a large hole in the ground and stoking a coal fire underneath it. Then, meat is prepared with water, lemon juice, pepper and salt before adding a variety of vegetables. Dig into this hearty meal before settling in for an evening under the stars. (B/D)

Fuel up for the day with a delicious Bedouin breakfast, typically consisting of labneh (strained yoghurt), olives, za’atar, jebneh (cheese pastry) and tomatoes. You may get the chance to wash it all down with a cup of non-alcoholic Bedouin whiskey. Drive back to Amman through stunning desert scenery and stop for a yummy falafel sandwich along the way. The final meal of your adventure is an extra special one. Take part in a class at the Beit Sitti cooking school, run by three sisters in the home of their grandmother, dedicated to preserving her traditional recipes and sharing her legacy. Maqluba is on the menu tonight. Literally translating to ‘upside down’, maqluba is a casserole with rice, vegetables and chicken which is cooked, flipped, then served with either yoghurt or an Arab salad with tahina sauce. Dessert this evening is a slice of warm knafeh – delicious buttery cheese pastry soaked in sweet, sugar syrup. Savour this last meal with newfound friends before the trip comes to an end tomorrow morning.   (B/L/D)

There are no activities planned for today and you’re free to depart at any time today. If you would like to spend some more time in Amman, we’re happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability). Ask your leader for more tasty local recommendations if you plan to spend more time in Jordan.   (B)