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Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories Real Food Adventure

14 Days | Discover the rich, earthy flavours of the Middle East

Food
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GBP £4,010
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Discover the rich history and richer flavours of Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories on this 14-day Real Food Adventure. Here, the sweeping deserts of Wadi Rum offer themselves to roast Bedouin feasts underground, the Dead Sea grants its salt as a world-class garnish and the region's climate has allowed olives to thrive for over 6000 years. Savour sabiach in Tel Aviv, learn the tricks of tahini from the Samaritans of Nablus, break bread with Druze folk and sample mouth-watering knafeh in Amman. In between these delicious diversions, float on the Dead Sea, see the holy sites of Jerusalem and explore rock-hewn Petra. Brimming with charismatic culture and lively dishes, this is an epicurean odyssey to remember.

Trip overview

Map of Jordan, Israel & The Palestinian Territories Real Food Adventure including Israel and Jordan
Start
Tel Aviv, Israel and the Palestinian Territories
Finish
Amman, Jordan
Theme
Food
Destinations
Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
EUZJC
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Let three sisters share their grandmother’s traditional recipes with you during a hands-on cooking class in Amman. Learn how to make a tasty maqluba, one of Jordan’s most beloved dishes.
  • Feast on classic dishes in Israel’s legendary local eateries, from falafel, knafeh, and maqluba and fresh sabich to an institution in Nazareth acclaimed for its silky hummus.
  • Uncover ancient traditions and flavours with a Jordanian shepherd over a typical mezze breakfast, a chance to learn about life in the countryside.
  • Marvel at the majesty of Petra on a guided tour, speed through the desert on a jeep safari in Wadi Rum and float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.
  • Share authentic home cooked meals with Druze villagers and a local family in Bethany, and learn about life in Petra when you sit down with a local family for a hearty serving of mansaf.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The Middle East is a great food destination for vegetarians. With wonderful fresh produce and many delicious local dishes, you'll have a great time on this trip. For vegans we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. We also have many other trips to the Middle East which can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.
  • The West Bank is full of welcoming people, markets and food. It's also one of separation and hardship, however, so crossing through the area can be confronting. This is a politically sensitive region, and we do our best to provide a balanced overview. We ask that travellers keep an open mind when they visit.
  • Major sites can become congested during peak travel periods with buses of large pilgrim groups. While we do our best to plan our visits around these times, it’s not always possible. There may be delays, queues and private services that prevent us from entering some sites. Your leader will manage this as best as they can on the day.
  • During your trip you will visit numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the arms and legs. Your leader will advise when such clothing is necessary.
  • Israel and the Palestinian Territories is by no means a cheap destination, so it’s important to budget accordingly. The good news is that your expert local leader is on hand to help you uncover the best local deals.
  • Known as 'baksheesh' in the Middle East, tipping is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Don’t be taken back if this tipping culture is even more apparent here.
  • Temperatures can vary across this region and throughout the year. From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, we start some days very early e.g. 6am. Be sure to review the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information and consider the weather at the time of year you wish to travel.
  • The desert camp in Wadi Rum is basic, but incredibly memorable. There are tents and shared western bathroom facilities. Please be aware that while the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night and warm clothes and a sleeping bag are highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months.
  • Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You'll find dates and further information in the 'Climate and seasonal information' section of the Essential Trip Information.

Itinerary

Map of Jordan, Israel & The Palestinian Territories Real Food Adventure including Israel and Jordan

Inclusions

Meals

13 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Jeep

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights), 1 Night (Desert Camp)

Activities
  • Tel Aviv - Welcome Dinner
  • Haifa - Bahai Gardens view & photo stop
  • Jaffa - Old Port
  • Druze Village - Cooking demonstration and home-cooked meal
  • Nazareth - Wine Tasting
  • Akko - Old Town walk
  • Nazareth - Knafeh maker visit and tasting
  • Nazareth - Church of Annunciation & Mary's Well
  • Nazareth - Old City walking tour
  • Jordan River - Baptism Site
  • Jericho - Tel Jericho
  • Bethany - Home-cooked meal of maqluba
  • Dead Sea - Visit and float
  • Jerusalem - Mount of Olives
  • Jerusalem - Garden of Gethsemane
  • Jerusalem - Church of All Nations
  • Jerusalem - Guided tour of Old City
  • Jerusalem - Guided tour of Machane Yehuda Market and Nachlaot
  • Ramallah - Food tour with a local chef
  • Taybeh - Brewery tour and tasting
  • Nablus - Samaritan & Tahini Factory visit
  • Battir - Guided Village Walk
  • Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds' Field
  • Bethlehem - Leader-led walking tour
  • Bethlehem - Refugee Camp Cooking Class
  • Amman - Welcome Dinner
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
  • Petra - Home-cooked meal
  • Petra - Leader-led tour of Petra
  • Wadi Rum - 4WD jeep safari
  • Wadi Rum - Zarb Local Dinner
  • Petra - Breakfast with a shepherd
  • Amman - Beit Sitti maqluba cooking class and meal
  • Amman - Knafeh tasting
Add on activities
  • Jericho - Hisham's Palace - ILS10
  • Petra - Petra By Night - JOD17

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 12 (Desert Camp) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip.
3. Petra By Night is offered as an optional activity. This activity is currently scheduled to operate on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please check your departure date if you are planning this activity as it is not available on all departures.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

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Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories Real Food Adventure
From
GBP £4,010