Culture & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Amman, Downtown Street Art Tour

Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival in the capital of Amman, a representative will meet you at the airport to assist you with the customs procedures before transferring you to your hotel to check in and freshen up. Then, venture out on a street art tour of some of the city's historic neighborhoods, like Jabal al-Weibdeh and Rainbow Street. Look out at the colorful street art showcasing the community's creativity and diversity. Marvel at the intricate details and powerful messages conveyed through the artwork, ranging from political statements to cultural symbols. 

Along the way, you'll also engage with local artists and members of the hip-hop community, who will share personal stories and provide insights into their journey, obstacles, and accomplishments. After the tour, head to one of the many restaurants, cafés, or street food vendors in the downtown core to indulge in Jordanian classics like falafel, shawarma, or the national dish, mansaf, which consists of tender lamb cooked in a savory yogurt sauce served atop a bed of rice. End the night with a sweet treat of knafeh, a decadent dessert made from shredded phyllo dough layered with cheese and soaked in sugar syrup. 

Day 2: Transfer to Umm Qais via Tabqat Fahel, Foraging Tour 

After a restful night in Amman, say goodbye to the capital and transfer two hours north to Umm Qais, a charming town perched atop a hill overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee. On the way, stop at Tabqat Fahel, better known by its ancient name, Pella. Wander down colonnaded streets adorned with mosaics to see the remnants of city walls, temples, theaters, and churches from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Back in the car, complete the drive to your hotel in Umm Qais to check in and freshen up. When it's time, join your private guide for a foraging tour to learn about the many edible plants, fruits, and vegetables in the surrounding hills. You'll be supplied with walking sticks, foraging bags, water, and tea with snacks to help fuel your culinary adventure. Forage for ingredients like almonds, thyme, chamomile, and mushrooms that you can take to a cooking class afterward or savor fresh. 

Day 3: Transfer to Ajloun via Jerash, Soap House Trail Trek

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then hit the road again on a one-hour transfer to the city of Ajloun in northern Jordan's fertile highlands. On the way, stop in Jerash, home to one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Enter the archaeological site through the imposing Hadrian's Arch and take a private tour through the restored colonnaded streets and past landmarks like the Oval Plaza, the Temple of Artemis, and the South Theater, where performances are still held. When you arrive in Ajloun, check into your hotel and change into your hiking gear for a three-hour trek along the Soap House Trail.

Start at the visitor center in the Ajloun Forest Reserve and follow your private guide through the dense forest, passing remnants of traditional soap-making workshops, where local artisans once crafted olive oil soap using age-old techniques. Stop at the ruins of a wine press and the oldest strawberry tree in the reserve as you descend into the valley. Enjoy views of the verdant valleys, rolling hillsides, and distant villages from Eagle's Viewpoint, then end the hike at Ajloun Soap House to learn more about the traditional soap-making process and purchase your own soap to take home before transferring back to your hotel.

Day 4: Arabic Calligraphy Workshop, Transfer to Amman via Umm Omar's Farm

Start your day with an exciting workshop at the House of Calligraphy to learn how to write intricate Arabic script. Learn about the history of Arabic calligraphy and its close ties to Islamic culture, then discover the main principles of this type of calligraphy. Use the traditional dried reed instrument as a pen and practice the rhythmic flow of writing your name. When you're happy with your skills, write your name on a greeting card to take home as a souvenir. After the class, meet your driver for a one-hour transfer south back to Amman. 

On the way, make a short detour in the hillside town of As-Salt to visit the local farm of Umm Omar. Tour the property and learn how Umm Omar makes over 32 types of jam using locally sourced ingredients and seasonal fruits. Get a hands-on lesson as you make your own jam, and while it's boiling, sample ready-made jams and homemade butter. Then, learn how to make jameed, a dried yogurt made from ewe or goat's milk. Taste the fruits of your labor, grab your jar of jam, and shop for more homemade goods before completing the transfer to your hotel in Amman.

Day 5: Tour the Iraq al-Amir Women's Cooperative & Carakale Brewery 

Dive deeper into Jordan's cultural heritage this morning with a visit to the Iraq al-Amir Women's Cooperative, which aims to help local women become financially independent. As you step into the welcoming space, you'll be greeted by the vibrant colors and intricate designs of traditional handicrafts, including pottery, handmade paper, weaving, and embroidery. Tour the cooperative and witness firsthand the craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Have lunch with some of the artisans and learn more about their culture, training, and day-to-day lives at the cooperative. 

Thank the women for their time, and then continue to Carakale Brewery, Jordan's first microbrewery, for another informative private tour. Follow your guide through the state-of-the-art facility and discover the meticulous brewing process, from the selection of premium ingredients to the brewing and fermentation stages. End the tour in the tasting room or the outdoor terrace, where you can sample a diverse range of craft beers, including the Blue Valley Kölsch, named after the valley the brewery overlooks and inspired by German tradition.

Day 6: Wine Tour at Jordan Vineyards & Winery 

You're off to the countryside again as you set off on a one-hour transfer to Jordan Vineyards & Winery in Mafraq for a half-day private wine tour. Start with a guided walk through the vineyards, where you'll learn about the meticulous care and sustainable practices that go into growing the finest grapes. As you walk, your guide will also share insight into the art and science of winemaking, detailing the fermentation, aging, and bottling processes. Don't miss a visit to the cellar to see the winery's collection of premium wines, from robust reds to crisp whites.

Sample five of these wines paired with a delicious cheese platter, then enjoy a buffet brunch before transferring back to the capital for another wine tasting at Amman Rotana, a luxury hotel in the central business district. Sample an array of international wines and Jordanian vintages with an expert sommelier guiding you through the curated selection. If you've had enough wine, opt for a dinner at a local restaurant instead to indulge in traditional Jordanian dishes like maqluba, a savory dish made of layers of rice, vegetables, and meat cooked together and then flipped upside down before serving. 

Day 7: Transfer to Dana via Kerak Castle, Hike Along the Nawatef Trail

Bid farewell to Amman again as you transfer 2.5 hours south to the charming village of Dana, nestled within the lush Dana Biosphere Reserve. Break up the drive with a stop at Kerak Castle, an imposing Crusader fortress built in the 12th century. Wander through the well-preserved halls, chambers, and corridors, then head up to the ramparts for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Don't miss the on-site Kerak Archaeological Museum to peruse the array of artifacts ranging from Crusader weapons and armor to everyday items used by the castle's residents. 

After exploring the castle, complete the transfer to your hotel in Dana, where you can check in and change into your hiking gear. Then, join your private guide for a 1.2-mile (2 km) trek down Nawatef Trail through Jordan's largest nature reserve. As you navigate the trail, you'll come across viewpoints of towering cliffs, ancient sandstone formations, and traditional Bedouin camps. At the end of the trail, ancient ruins of a Nabataean civilization await, offering you a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage before you transfer back to your hotel to relax. 

Day 8: Trek from Dana to Feynan Ecolodge

Stretch your legs and get ready for another active adventure as you head out on an 8.6-mile (14 km) trek along the Wadi Dana Trail. Start at Dana Guesthouse and traverse the rugged terrain, catching glimpses of towering cliffs, expansive valleys, and lush vegetation. On the way, you may spot wildlife like ibex, hyrax, and various bird species, including vultures, eagles, and partridges.

As you walk, your private guide will share insights into the region's history, ecosystems, and geological formations as you pass ancient archaeological sites and traditional Bedouin camps. After 6-7 hours, you'll arrive at Feynan Ecolodge, where your luggage will be waiting for you. Sit down for a nourishing vegetarian meal showcasing the flavors of Jordanian cuisine, then get some much-deserved rest.

Day 9: Feynan Copper Mine Trek, Transfer to Amman, Depart

Although your nine-day trip is coming to an end today, you have time for one last hike to see the copper mines around Wadi Feynan. The 3.7-4.3-mile (6-7 km) trek will take you to the remnants of mines dating back over 3,000 years to the Edomite, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Learn how vast deposits of copper were discovered, mined, and processed as you look at long-forgotten mine shafts, smelting sites, and slag heaps. After the 3-4 hour hike, return to the lodge to freshen up, grab your bags, and meet your driver for the three-hour transfer back to Amman for your flight home. Safe travels!