The best dining experiences on our private jet tours

Dinner overlooking Rome’s Colosseum

When it comes to Rome, dining experiences can vary from a slice of pizza on the go to a sit-down feast that lasts for hours. For real wow-factor, though, you need something iconic, something classically Roman, as your backdrop. And you can’t get much more iconic than the Colosseum.

We kick off our Captivating Cultures private jet tour in Rome, and dinner overlooking the Colosseum’s ancient arches is a truly magnificent way to begin our adventure. From a rooftop garden high above the hustle, bustle and beeping Vespas of the city centre, we’ll look across to this mighty Flavian amphitheatre (and glimpse the ruins of the Roman Forum) as we dine on Italian favourites – perhaps cacio e pepe or slow-cooked polpette, with layers of indulgent tiramisu to finish. La dolce vita, indeed.  

Storytelling and sumptuous cuisine in Kerala

Kathakali is a centuries-old art form that marries dance and drama. Although it’s performed across India, it originated in Kerala – and that’s exactly where we’ll be treated to a special performance.

We’ll begin with dinner, where tables will be laden with delicious dishes that draw on Kerala’s heritage as a spice hub. Then, it’s time for lights down. In Kathakali, performers act out myths, epics and spiritual stories – even the tiniest movement or gesture has meaning, keeping audiences’ eyes glued to the stage. Elaborate make-up and costumes are all part of the performance too, making this quite unlike any other art form.

A candlelit feast at Little Petra

Just to the north of Petra lies Siq al-Barid, a sandstone canyon known as ‘Little Petra’. Just like its larger counterpart, Little Petra boast a series of Nabatean buildings hewn out of the blush-pink stone. It’s believed that centuries ago, Little Petra acted as a stopping point for travellers making the journey along the fabled Silk Road.

It’s an incredibly atmospheric setting, and especially so after dark, when these architectural wonders are illuminated by hundreds of flickering candles and lanterns. Turn your gaze upwards and you’ll see a slice of star-filled sky above the canyon – if you’re lucky you’ll be able to see the Milky Way. It would be easy to let the location do all the talking, but your meal will be just as memorable – a banquet of exquisite Arabian dishes and Jordanian specialities. Sit with new friends and share stories as you dine, surrounded by these UNESCO-listed wonders. It’ll be a feast you’ll never forget.

Food & fireworks at an Indian palace

The palaces and temples in Rajasthan boast some of the most exquisite architecture you’ll ever see, and the 475-year-old Samode Palace is no different. Beautifully ornate detailing can be seen at every turn – it makes a fitting backdrop to a traditional gala dinner.

A torch-led procession of musicians and camels is a grand welcome to our Indian dining experience, while a firework display over the hills makes a majestic finale to the evening. In between, we’ll dine on a sumptuous spread of spice-rich dishes from across India.

A beachfront banquet in Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s milky beaches are simply stunning, so where better to spend our final evening on the island? Private, lantern-lit tables will be set up beside the sands, and a succession of delicious dishes will be served beneath a starry sky.

Musicians and dancers will perform while we dine – once they’ve finished for the night, we’ll be left with the sounds of the Indian Ocean and the clicking of glasses as we toast to another memorable evening.  

A private rooftop dinner in ancient Samarkand’s Registan Square

Rich in cultural heritage, Samarkand was once a crossroad between East and West on the Silk Road trading route. At its historic heart is Registan Square, a place described as the ‘stone chronicle of centuries’.

It’s arguably one of the most beautiful squares in the world, edged by three grand madrasahs. Among the world's oldest, their soaring arches and intricate mosaics showcase the incredible craftsmanship that often characterises Central Asian architecture. We sit down for an intimate dinner on a private roof terrace overlooking the square – it’s simply magical to see these ancient wonders illuminated after dark. 

A farewell feast in a Venetian palazzo

We end our Spice Route Journey in spectacular style, with a gala dinner in one of the city’s incredible palaces. We’ll dine on delicious, delicately spiced dishes that’ll impress just as much as your lavish surroundings. On a tour that perfectly marries dining and destinations, it’s a fitting finale.  

What about on board the plane?

Private jet food will always be of a very high standard, thanks to the smaller numbers on board our privately chartered Boeing 737 and 767 planes. Menus are carefully thought out, ingredients are always of exceptional quality, and dishes are plated beautifully – no plastic trays or flimsy cutlery in sight. Of course, all drinks – from chilled champagne to a freshly brewed coffee – are complimentary.

These unforgettable luxury dining experiences are included on either our Captivating Cultures or Spice Route Journey itineraries. You can find out more about our private jet tours here.