Jordan is literally spilling over with wonders - seemingly impossible to travel a square mile without coming face to face with lost cities, awesome biblical fact or breathtaking natural marvels. The wondrous Deserted City of Petra; the Dead Sea formed by catacalysmic geological change; Mt Nebo where Moses is said to have last been seen - it doesn’t get much more epic than this. Even eating is epic here… feasting is a national preoccupation. Jordanians are the most hospitable people and sharing their spectacular food is their favourite way of expressing it! The cuisine belongs to the great Arabian culinary traditions with strong Lebanese influences, and is amongst the world’s most sophisticated and elaborate. The mezze alone is so grand and satisfying that it could be considered a feast in itself -nutty hummus, herby tabouleh, hot falafel and the endearingly named baba ghanouj to list only a few. But the banquet is only just beginning! There’s melt in your mouth kebabs, unleavened breads, divine meats, fragrant rices with nuts and almonds, honey drenched desserts…. That Petra exists is incredible enough. That you can learn to cook Jordanian food in a dedicated cooking school just outside the deserted city is almost more so! Between exploring the ancient marvels with our guides, you’ll cook authentic marvels too. Working hands-on, alongside our chef and the local women, you’ll have a privileged introduction to this ancient cuisine. You’ll shop with the chef in the souks and gather produce from the orchards and farms. The trip finishes at the Dead Sea, for a weightless therapeutic soak, without which no visit to Jordan is complete. Accommodation during the course is at a lovely 4 star hotel – the Taybet Zamaan – a few kilometres out of Petra. The rooms were once the little houses of an 18th century Bedouin village now restored with lots of character. Some have views of the valley or and others their own little courtyards. There's a nice pool, a hammam and a good restaurant. A tranquil and wonderful place that is ecologically run, ever aware of its sensitive archaeological location. At the Dead Sea you’ll stay in 5 star luxury right on the shore.