Madaba

Biking on scenic back roads with views down to the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, you'll ride from the lively town of Madaba to the fortress at Mukawir. Here you'll have dinner with a Jordanian family in the village.

Mosaics have a long history, starting in Mesopotamia in the 3rd millennium BC. Pebble mosaics were made in Tiryns in Mycenean Greece; mosaics with patterns and pictures became widespread in classical times, both in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. Early Christian basilicas from the 4th century onwards were decorated with wall and ceiling mosaics. Mosaic art flourished in the Byzantine Empire from the 6th to the 15th centuries

Enjoy seeing the old city and some of its attractions like the church of St. George and the Souq and the church of John the Baptist as well some of the old houses of Madaba, then ride to lunch. Duration 2 hours.

It’s unique a experience to lunch in Mr. Salameh - one of a network of caves transformed by local geophysicist Mr. Hadadin from water and wine storage areas to delightful dining rooms.

Learn more about how to cook some local favorites such as mansaf, mezze salads, fatoush, and tabbouleh, and main dishes like musakhan chicken with sumac and onions. Start with making a refreshing lemon- mint drink that is popular in Jordan and after lunch you can learn some Arabic calligraphy.

Begin your walking tour of Madaba starting with a visit to the Church of St. George where the famed mosaic map of the Holy Land lies. Continue to the Burnt Palace, passing by the local shop along the way. Stop for a fresh juice before visiting the Archeological Park, then explore the down/souq area. Other attractions include John the Baptist Church, a number of old houses. Meet locals throughout your tour.

Experience an exciting journey through history at La Storia Tourism Complex. Located just two kilometers from Mount Nebo and overlooking the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, and the mountains of Salt, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem. The complex offers an unforgettable experience of the religious, historical, and cultural heritage of Jordan and the region. Take a walk in the streets of a Bedouin village to discover the style of ancient houses and ancient crafts such as Bedouin rugs weaving, Glass blowing, Bamboo, pottery, and the centerpiece of La Storia is the life-size reconstructions of the Tower of Babylon, the Ark of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, Life of Moses, John the Baptist, Dome of the Rock, Medina, and Mecca. Don’t miss the La Storia Handicrafts Center where you can watch the production of Mosaic, Arabesque, olive wood, mosaic on the ostrich eggs, and embroideries

Learn how to cook like Jordanians, you will make popular food such as maqluba, the Madaba specialty sajieh or Musakhan. A soft drink is included.

Enjoy a home-cooked meal in the cozy setting of the Hikayet Sitti Food Basket followed by a traditional coffee. Tip over your cup and when the coffee dregs settle, your fortune will be read! Learn this interesting tradition, and about the role of woman in Madaba lunch.

Nestled in a small cozy house restored into a beautiful restaurant, Hikayet Sitti is a place to discover firsthand the Jordanian culture and history and its generous culinary traditions. In the midst of the Christian city of Madaba, the local women put their hands and knowledge together to prepare and serve you the most delicious meal one could ever hope for. This peaceful retreat is the perfect place to gather with friends or family to enjoy real Jordanian hospitality, as good and hearty food will inevitably be accompanied by warm welcomes and homely smiles. A meal in this restaurant will remain for a long time a soothing and memorable experience of your travel to Jordan.