Authentic Jordanian Cooking, Taste of Comfort With Family
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join Um Ayemen and her family in Petra for a warm, home-cooked experience that feels like visiting old friends. Begin your visit with a welcoming cup of Arabic coffee as you settle into the family home. Then, mix and match activities — visit the local market to choose fresh ingredients, bake traditional bread, or cook Jordanian favorites such as Mansaf, Maqlouba, and stuffed grape leaves right in the family kitchen. If you’re short on time, you can simply join for dining, or stop by for tea and a friendly chat. As the dishes come together, share stories and laughter while learning about Bedouin life and family traditions. Finally, gather around the table to enjoy the meal you helped create — a true taste of Jordan, filled with connection, hospitality, and heart.
Available options
Dine & Chat
Duration: 2 hours<br/>Main Dish
Traditional Breakfast & Chat
Duration: 2 hours<br/>Breakfast
Shop, Cook, Dine & Chat.
Duration: 5 hours: Flexible; can be organized by Whatsapp/ Emails.<br/>Shop local, cook and dine.: Visit local markets and select fresh ingredients
Cook authentic Jordanian dishes with the family
Enjoy a full homemade meal
Tea & Chat
Duration: 2 hours<br/>Tea and snacks: Sip Arabic tea and share stories of Bedouin life, family, and traditions in our Petra home.
Cook, Dine & Chat.
Duration: 4 hours<br/>Cook traditional dishes
Traditional Bread & Breakfast
Duration: 3 hours: Enjoy a relaxed traditional morning; baking bread in arabic oven, dine in for breakfast & chatting.<br/>Jordanian breakfast.<br/>Hands-on breadmaking.: Enjoy a cozy morning with Um Ayemen’s family in Petra — bake fresh traditional bread, prepare a light homemade breakfast.
What's included
Bottled water
Learn about Bedouin hospitality, marriage customs, and daily life in Petra.
Homemade sweets or seasonal fruit served after the meal.
Freshly brewed Arabic coffee and mint tea, served with traditional hospitality — included with every activity.
Home-cooked Lunch or Dinner
What's not included
Any personal purchases made during local market visits are not included.
Private transportation
Available languages
Guide guide
AR
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
8 reviews
5★
8
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Meeting point
Guests will arrive directly to our family home in Wadi Musa (Petra). The exact location will be shared after booking by message or WhatsApp. Please come by taxi or your own car. Your host will meet you outside the house upon arrival.
Important notes
Please come directly to the meeting point in Petra as shared by whatsapp/ email. No ticket collection is needed.
About Petra
Petra is an ancient city carved into the rose-red sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan. Known for its stunning rock-cut architecture and water conduit system, Petra is one of the New7Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Al-Khazneh (The Treasury)
The Treasury is the most iconic monument in Petra, famous for its dramatic façade carved into the sandstone cliff. It is the centerpiece of the site and a must-see for all visitors.
Historical/Architectural
2-3 hours (including the walk from the entrance)
Included in the Petra entry fee
Ad Deir (The Monastery)
Ad Deir is one of the largest monuments in Petra, carved into the sandstone cliffs. It is a stunning example of Nabatean architecture and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Historical/Architectural
3-4 hours (including the hike)
Included in the Petra entry fee
The Siq
The Siq is the dramatic entrance to Petra, a narrow gorge with towering cliffs that leads to the Treasury. The Siq is adorned with ancient Nabatean carvings and water channels.
Natural/Historical
30-45 minutes (walking time)
Included in the Petra entry fee
The Royal Tombs
The Royal Tombs are a series of elaborate tombs carved into the cliffs, believed to be the burial sites of Petra's elite. These tombs showcase the Nabateans' advanced architectural and artistic skills.
Historical/Architectural
1-2 hours (including the walk and exploration)
Included in the Petra entry fee
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Little Petra is a smaller, less crowded site with its own impressive rock-cut facades and ancient ruins. It is believed to have been a suburb or trading outpost of Petra.
Historical/Architectural
1-2 hours (including the walk and exploration)
Included in the Petra entry fee
Must-Try Local Dishes
Mansaf
The national dish of Jordan, mansaf is a bedouin-style dish made with lamb cooked in a yogurt sauce, served with rice and pine nuts. It is traditionally eaten with hands and is a must-try for any visitor.
Main Course
Contains lamb and dairy, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Falafel
Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. Falafel is a popular street food and is often served in pita bread with vegetables and sauces.
Snack/Appetizer
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Knafeh
A sweet, cheesy pastry soaked in sugar syrup and topped with crushed pistachios. Knafeh is a popular dessert in the Middle East and is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Dessert
Contains cheese and sugar, not suitable for those with dairy allergies.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Petra and Wadi Rum
Jeep tours in Wadi Rum
Camel trekking in Wadi Rum
Diving and snorkeling in Aqaba
Beach relaxation in Aqaba
Spa treatments in Petra or Wadi Musa
Coffee and tea at local cafes
Exploring the ruins of Petra
Best Time to Visit
March to May, October to November
These months offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the archaeological site. The crowds are moderate, and the scenery is lush and vibrant.
15-30°C (59-86°F)
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Time Zone
GMT+3 (EET - Eastern European Time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Petra is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis
- • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
Getting there
By air
- Queen Alia International Airport • 240 km (150 miles) from Petra
- Ovda International Airport • 150 km (93 miles) from Petra
By bus
Amman, Aqaba
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses operate between Wadi Musa and the Petra Visitor Center, but schedules can be irregular.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Careem
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Wadi Musa
Umm Sayhoun
Day trips
Wadi Rum
60 km (37 miles) from Petra • Full day
Wadi Rum is a stunning desert landscape known for its dramatic rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and Bedouin culture. Visitors can explore the desert on foot, by jeep, or on camelback, and experience traditional Bedouin hospitality.
Aqaba
120 km (75 miles) from Petra • Full day
Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city and a popular destination for diving, snorkeling, and beach relaxation. The city offers a variety of water sports, as well as a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
8 km (5 miles) from Petra • Half day
Little Petra is a smaller, less crowded site with its own impressive rock-cut facades and ancient ruins. It is believed to have been a suburb or trading outpost of Petra.
Festivals
Petra International Nabatate Festival • Annually in May
Aqaba International Dive Festival • Annually in June
Wadi Rum Festival • Annually in October
Pro tips
- Arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat, especially during peak season
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as Petra is a large and rugged site
- Hire a local guide for a more in-depth and personalized experience, with insights into the history and culture of the site
- Bring a map or download an offline map, as cell service can be spotty and the site is large and complex
- Respect the site and its rules, including no touching or climbing on the monuments, and no smoking or littering
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
