Lunch experiences around Aqaba deliver authentic Jordanian flavors in breathtaking settings. My favorite option is the Wadi Rum Jeep tour, where you’ll enjoy a rustic Bedouin lunch cooked on open flames – the fresh-baked bread and seasoned meats are incredible. The meal tastes even better against the backdrop of towering desert cliffs. For something more intimate, private desert excursions offer wonderful picnic lunches near Lawrence’s Spring. Port visitors shouldn’t miss the generous buffet lunch after exploring Petra’s ancient wonders. These tours combine Jordan’s legendary hospitality with its most spectacular sites. Check out our tested and recommended tour options below.
Good To Know
- The Wadi Rum Desert Tour Highlights includes a cooked lunch, Bedouin tea, and snacks at sunset, providing a unique dining experience in the desert.
- The Aqaba Shore Excursion to Petra features a buffet lunch after exploring the ancient city, though the quality of the lunch has received mixed reviews.
- The Wadi Rum Mountain Hike Adventure includes a lunch as part of the tour, offering a scenic dining experience in the mountains.
- The Full-Day Jeep Safari Highlights provides a Bedouin-style lunch, allowing travelers to enjoy a traditional meal during the tour.
- The Full Day Jeep Tour Experience includes a fire-cooked Bedouin-style lunch, offering a unique culinary adventure as part of the day’s activities.
Full Day Jeep Tour & Traditional Lunch – Wadi Rum Desert Highlights
In the early morning, visitors embark on a full-day Jeep tour that immerses them in the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum, Aqaba’s renowned desert destination.
Rated an impressive 4.9/5 from over 100 reviews, this small-group experience, limited to 15 participants, offers personalized service and visits to Lawrence Spring, Red Sand Dune, and Mushroom Rock.
The tour includes bottled water, tea, and a fire-cooked Bedouin-style lunch. Guests can choose to extend their experience with an optional overnight stay in a tent or cave.
While the food quality may vary based on the guide’s English proficiency, many travelers highlight the tour’s knowledgeable local Bedouin guides and the stunning scenery.
Priced at $71.04 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this Jeep adventure provides a memorable way to explore Wadi Rum’s hidden gems.
Accessibility is limited, as the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly, but it’s recommended for moderately fit travelers seeking an immersive desert experience.
Read our full review: Full Day Jeep Tour & Traditional Lunch – Wadi Rum Desert Highlights Review
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Wadi Rum Desert Tour With Lunch & Sunset
Setting out on a Wadi Rum Desert Tour with Lunch and Sunset, travelers enjoy the captivating landscapes of Aqaba’s renowned desert destination.
This full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration, with a private 4×4 vehicle and a local guide leading the way. Visitors can expect to visit famous sites like Lawrence Spring, Red Sand Dune, Khazali Canyon, and Small Arch, while also accessing private areas for photography and exploration.
The tour includes a cooked lunch, Bedouin tea, and a biscuit snack at sunset, as well as bottled water throughout the day.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, though caution is advised for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.
With an impressive 99% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this Wadi Rum Desert Tour promises an immersive and memorable experience in the heart of Jordan’s dramatic landscape.
Read our full review: Wadi Rum Desert Tour With Lunch & Sunset Review
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Aqaba Shore Excursion: Private Petra Sightseeing Tour With Lunch
While exploring Aqaba, cruise passengers can enhance their Jordan experience with an Aqaba Shore Excursion: Private Petra Sightseeing Tour with Lunch. This 5-star rated excursion provides a comprehensive glimpse into the ancient city of Petra, including a 2-hour guided tour led by knowledgeable local guides.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off at the Aqaba port, an English-speaking driver, and a buffet lunch to refuel after the exploration.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews, travelers praise the tour’s well-organized logistics and the guides’ passion for sharing Petra’s historical significance. However, some note the physical demands of the site and suggest arriving early to beat the crowds.
Passengers are encouraged to bring water and be prepared for the heat. While the lunch quality receives mixed reviews, the overall experience offers an excellent opportunity for cruise visitors to discover the wonders of Petra.
This private tour provides a customizable, seamless way to maximize one’s time in Aqaba.
Read our full review: Aqaba Shore Excursion: Private Petra Sightseeing Tour With Lunch Review
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Wadi Rum Mountain Hike: Umm Ad Dami, Highest Point of Jordan + Jeep Tour & Lunch
For those seeking a more active adventure beyond the Petra tour, the Wadi Rum Mountain Hike: Umm Ad Dami, Highest Point of Jordan + Jeep Tour & Lunch offers an exhilarating experience.
This 4.9-star rated tour takes travelers on a hike to the highest point in Jordan, Umm Ad Dami, with 100% of previous visitors recommending the activity.
The tour includes a transfer to and from Wadi Rum Village, as well as lunch, bottled water, and tea. Visitors can opt to add on a transfer to the Visitors Center for an additional 10 JOD. Parking is available nearby for 5 JOD.
The tour starts at 10:00 am and has a maximum group size of 15 travelers, with prices starting from $78.23 per person.
Prospective hikers should note that a moderate physical fitness level is recommended, and the tour may not be suitable for those with back problems.
Cancellations can be made free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Wadi Rum Mountain Hike: Umm Ad Dami, Highest Point of Jordan + Jeep Tour & Lunch Review
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Full-Day Jeep Safari Wadi Rum Highlights! W/ Bedouin Lunch
Travelers seeking to enjoy the captivating landscapes of Wadi Rum can embark on the Full-Day Jeep Safari Wadi Rum Highlights! This private Jeep tour showcases the iconic sights of this desert wonderland, including Lawrence of Arabia’s house, freshwater springs, red sand dunes, and ancient rock inscriptions.
Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a Bedouin-style lunch, bottled water, and mint tea, as well as the option to upgrade with a camel ride.
The tour covers multiple destinations, allowing ample opportunities for hiking and photography. Customizable to individual needs, the experience can be tailored to suit travelers’ preferences. Snacks are available upon request, and the tour ends back at the meeting point in Wadi Rum Village.
While not recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers, the tour is accessible to most participants, with service animals allowed.
With a 100% recommendation rate and a 5.0-star overall rating, this Jeep safari promises a memorable and immersive journey through Jordan’s stunning desert landscape.
Read our full review: Full-Day Jeep Safari Wadi Rum Highlights! W/ Bedouin Lunch Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for These Lunch Experiences?
The dress code for lunch experiences is generally casual and comfortable. Diners should wear clothing that is appropriate for the setting and weather conditions, without the need for formal attire. Casual and relaxed attire is typically recommended for these types of dining experiences.
Are Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available?
Many restaurants in Aqaba offer vegetarian and gluten-free options. Diners should inquire about menu options when making reservations to ensure their dietary needs are accommodated. Some establishments may have more extensive plant-based and allergen-free offerings than others.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
Most restaurants in the area allow customers to bring their own food and drinks. However, it’s best to check with the specific hotel beforehand to ensure they’re comfortable with this policy.
How Much Time Is Allocated for the Lunch Portion?
The lunch portion typically lasts around 1-2 hours, allowing ample time for guests to enjoy their meal. Specific timings may vary depending on the hotel, so it’s best to check with the venue for the exact schedule.
Are There Any Age or Physical Requirements for the Activities?
There are generally no age or physical requirements for lunch activities. However, some experiences may have certain restrictions or recommendations based on safety considerations. It’s best to check with the specific provider for any applicable requirements.
The Sum Up
Aqaba offers a range of excellent lunch experiences, from traditional Bedouin feasts in the Wadi Rum desert to private tours of Petra with a gourmet meal. Visitors can choose from a variety of activities, including jeep tours, mountain hikes, and desert safaris, all complemented by delicious local cuisine. These lunch options provide a well-rounded and immersive experience, allowing travelers to savor the flavors of Jordan while exploring its stunning natural landscapes.