Culinariy Jordan

8 days / 7 nights

Arrival at APT Amman, Meet & Assist by Sherazade Tours and transfer to the hotel

Dinner/overnight in Amman

Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan. It is the country's political, cultural and commercial centre and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.  Much of Amman's tourism is focused in the older downtown area, which is centered around the old souk (a colorful traditional market) and the King Hussein Mosque. The downtown area (known locally as the Balad) has been completely dwarfed by the sprawling urban area that surrounds it. Despite the changes, much remains of its old character. For those seeking the atmosphere of the Old City, it is best to venture to the district east of Jabal Amman. There, in the bustle of daily life, you can explore the capital's greatest souks, fine museums, ancient constructions, monuments, and cultural sites. The Citadel hill of Amman, known as Jabal al-Qal'a, has been inhabited for centuries, important as a military and religious site. It dates back to Roman and Byzantine times, and later work was carried out in the early Islamic era. Remains unearthed at the northern and eastern ends of the Citadel, possibly date back to the Bronze Age. The Citadel also is home to the Temple of Hercules which is said to have been constructed under the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius who reigned from 161-180 AD, is similar to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. Since Amman resembles Rome, as it is situated on seven hills, the city was a favorite place for Roman soldiers and officials. Behind the Roman forum stands a Roman theatre — the largest theatre in Jordan — with room for 6,000 spectators.

The Desert castles consist of a number of minor castles and fortresses scattered over the desert in eastern Jordan. Most of the remaining castles are situated east of the capital Amman. The castles were built between the 7th century and 8th century, roughly between 660 and 750, under the caliphs of the Umayyad dynasty who had made Damascus their new capital (in 661). The majority of the castles lie on the ancient trade routes towards Medina and Kufa. The castles are partly rebuilt from earlier remains and partly new constructions. The function and use of the buildings are yet today not quite determined, scholarship has suggested that they might have served a variety of defensive, agricultural and/or commercial agendas. There are different theories concerning the use of the buildings, they may have been a fortress, a meeting place for Bedouins (between themselves or with the Ummayyad governor), Badiyas  (retreats for the nobles) or used as a caravanserai. The castles represent some of the most impressive examples of early Islamic art and Islamic architecture.

Dinner at the caravansary „Kan Zaman“, a former station for the caravans traveling between the Arab peninsula, Jerusalem and Damascus. Today the caravansary was changed to be a authentic restaurant, where you will get your first impressions about the Jordanian cuisine.

Overnight in Amman

Jerash is known for the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Gerasa, also referred to as Antioch on the Golden River. It is sometimes misleadingly referred to as the "Pompeii of the Middle East or Asia", referring to its size, extent of excavation and level of preservation (though Jerash was never buried by a volcano). Jerash is considered one of the most important and best preserved Roman cities in the Near East. It was a city of the Decapolis. Recent excavations show that Jerash was already inhabited during the Bronze Age (3200 BC - 1200 BC). After the Roman conquest in 63 BC, Jerash and the land surrounding it were annexed by the Roman province of Syria, and later joined the Decapolis cities. In AD 90, Jerash was absorbed into the Roman province of Arabia, which included the city of Philadelphia (modern day Amman). The Romans ensured security and peace in this area, which enabled its people to devote their efforts and time to economic development and encouraged civic building activity. In the second half of the first century AD, the city of Jerash achieved great prosperity. In AD 106, the Emperor Trajan constructed roads throughout the provinces and more trade came to Jerash. The Emperor Hadrian visited Jerash in AD 129-130. The triumphal arch (or Arch of Hadrian) was built to celebrate his visit. A remarkable Latin inscription records a religious dedication set up by members of the imperial mounted bodyguard "wintering" there.

Um Qais on a plateau overlooking the north Jordan Valley and the glinting blue waters of Lake Tiberias are the ruins of Qais, ancient Roman Gadara. Although not as extensive as the other cities of the Roman League of the Decapolis (the "Ten Cities"). Already uncovered are the ruins of three theatres, a temple, a colonnaded street and an aqueduct. Archaeologists predict that when excavations are complete, a major city will have been uncovered. Standing atop the largest of the theatres, one has an excellent view of Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galille), northern Palestine and the Golan Heights. It was in Gadara that Jesus vanquished demonic spirits into the sea far below.

Dinner at the Restaurant „Fakhr Al Din“, one of the most exclusive restaurants
in town. It got several awards, f. E. In 2007 and 2008 it was awarded the best
restaurant for oriental cuisine in the Middle East. Meet the unique oriental
appetizers as well the grill specialties of this famous restaurant

Overnight in Amman

Situated 10 kilometers west of Madaba, overlooking the Jordan Valley is Mount Nebo, one of the alleged sites of the tomb of Moses. The summit of this lonely windswept site command spectacular views over the Dead Sea to the West Bank and Jerusalem and, you can see the springs where Moses smote the ground to bring forth water

Just 20 minutes south of Amman, on the Kings Highway, is the mosaic-filled city of Madaba. Crowned by a small church, this historic town lies in the middle of Jordan's most fertile land. In many respects Madaba is a typical East Bank town which differs in one major aspect: underneath almost every house lies a fine Byzantine mosaic. Many of these mosaics have been excavated and are on display in the town's museum, but it is estimated that many more lie hidden waiting to be discovered. The finest mosaic found to date is still in its original place on the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George.

Kerak lies about 150 Km south of Amman.  It is famous of its crusader fortress  in the center of underground galleries,rooms and secret passageways and its thick definsive walls pierced by narrow arrow slits where crusader archers held out bravely but in vain for over 100 years.
It was the crusaders who made Kerak famous. The fortrees was built in 1142  by Payen Le Boutellier, the lord of Montreal. He made Kerak the new capital of the province because it was situated on the king's highway, Where it could control all traffic from north and south.

Dinner at the Restaurant Petra Kitchen, where you will cook your dinner together witj local people and afterward have the dinner togerther with them. Here your will have an unique impression about how the local Jordanians cook and eat at home

Overnight in Petra

Petra – one of the most fascinating sights in Jordan. Petra is one of the world wonders and impresses with its wonderful architecture. The city was build through the Nabatean people more than 2000 years ago.

Through the Siq, a 1.2km long canyon with up to 100m high mountains, you will walk into the city. The first thing you will see is a breathtaking view on the treasury, El Khazneh. Archaeologists thought first, that this was a place for all the gold and treasury of the Nabatean people. But actually it was the grave for the most important of the 13 Nabatean kings. The facade is about 45m high and 30m wide and was built in the first century before Christ. It is believed, that it was later on used as a temple.

Besides many other sides in Petra, which are nearly impossible to visit in a weeks stay, it is important to name the monastery. Round about 800 steps take you to the impressive building. Still there is a lot to find out and a lot to visit in Petra, find out yourself…

Meet the oriental seafood at the famouse local fish restaurant “Ali Baba” in Aqaba

Overnight in Aqaba

Morning free in Aqaba

Some 70 kilometers northeast of Aqaba lies Wadi Rum, a vast silent place that is both romantic and extremely beautiful. Massive mountains rise vertically out of the pink desert sand, which separate one dark mass from another. The faces of these sheer rock cliffs have been eroded by the wind into faces of men, animals and monsters. Everywhere in this strange and empty place are indications of man's presence since the earliest known times. Scattered around are flint hand axes, while on the rocks at the feet of the mountains the names of ancient travellers are scratched. In the center of the valley an elaborately carved temple bears witness that Wadi Rum was once a holy place for Nabateans.
Today the major distraction in route to Aqaba is the fabled Wadi Rum. As you near Wadi Rum, look to the left or to the north, and you will see the Seven Pillars of Wisdom. These natural columns are Huge and vary in height. The true size of the mountains at Wadi Rum is only realized when a human or animal form gives the vastness of perspective. Life does not seem to have changed in Rum for a long time. The pace is slow and tourist activities tend to centre on the rest house. No more than a cluster of Bedouin tents and basic houses make up Rum.

You culinary highlight today is an authentic Bedouin BBQ Dinner. But the lamp meat will be grilled in a so called “Zarb” under the desert sands, what makes the meat extra ordinary smooth and tasty.

Overnight in Aqaba

The most spectacular site, is the Dead Sea, which at 400 meters below sea level is the lowest body of water on earth. Surrounded by arid hills, as devoid of life as the sea itself, the Dead Sea glistens under a burning sun with barely a ripple disturbing its surface. The rocks that meet its lapping edges become covered with a snow-like thick gleaming deposit of white salt. It is this extremely high concentration of salt that gives the Dead Sea waters their renowned therapeutic qualities and their buoyancy. Because the salt content is eight times that of most world's oceans, you can float in the Dead Sea without even trying. Swimming in the Dead Sea is a truly unique experience not to be missed.

Today your dinner will be at the Dead Sea in your deluxe restaurant as a buffet, but there is also the possibility, with a small supplement, to have it at one of the a la carte restaurants at the resort.

Overnight at the Dead Sea

After breakfast transfer to APT Amman, where Sherazade Tours will arrange all departure formalities again

book now