Private Full-Day Tour: Umm Qais, Jerash, and Ajloun from Amman
Overview
- Full-day private tour of Jerash, Ajloun Castle, and Umm Qais from Amman
- See classical Jerash, once a major Greek and Roman city
- Admire the well-preserved Hadrian’s Arch, Colonnaded Street, Oval Colonnade and more
- Explore 12th-century Ajloun Castle, built by Saladin’s forces against the Crusaders
- Visit Greco-Roman Umm Qais, seeing its theaters, plazas, and mausoleum
- Includes private round-trip transport, with local guides and admission fees at own expense
- Price per vehicle, based on maximum of three passengers
One of the world’s best-preserved classical sites, Jerash was a prosperous Greek and Roman city. Founded by Alexander the Great around 331 BC, the city — then called Gerasa — reached its peak after Roman conquest in 63 BC, later becoming one of the 10 great Decapolis cities of the east.
After roughly an hour, arrive at the gate and choose to explore independently or hire a local guide (own expense). Then, head inside (own expense) to inspect the timeworn streets, plazas, bathhouses, and other remains. See highlights like the 2nd-century Hadrian's Arch and 15,000-seater Hippodrome arena, and admire the Oval Colonnade, Temple of Artemis, and Colonnaded Street.
Then, travel to nearby Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century fortress built by the forces of Saladin to defend against Crusader incursions. The hilltop edifice is a stunning example of medieval Arab-Islamic military architecture, and was built to dominate three major passages into northwest Jordan. Go inside (own expense) and look around the towers, corridors, and small museum, absorbing the historical atmosphere and scenic views.
Re-join your driver and continue further north to Umm Qais, where the remnants of another Roman Decapolis city known as Gadara cover a hillside.
Drink in the views from the hill to the Golan Heights, Lake Tiberius, and Jordan Valley, and opt to explore independently or take a locally guided tour (own expense). View the Greco-Roman remains, seeing highlights such as the mausoleum, basilica terrace, and theaters.
Finally, reconvene with your driver and return to Amman, where your tour ends with a drop-off at any central location of your choosing.
Reviews
Viator Traveler's Reviews
This private tour booked via Viator was a little bit of an Unknown which proved to be a very successful, full and interesting Day out thanks to the driving abilities and support of Ahmed our driver. We started out trip travelling to the furthest destination and worked our way back. Umm Qais, Ajoun Castle and then Jerash. All sites were very interesting and will be reviewed separately on Tripadvisor. This trip was only as good as its driver and could have gone one of two ways. Fortunately, Ahmed was polite, courteous, informative and good company to be with. Nothing was to much trouble which made the day a wonderful one!...Great to be picked up and dropped off at our Hotel too!....Would recommend!
On a medical mission to Jordan as an RN my time to enjoy the sites was limited.
I was also limited with an injury and so, I was unable to do a lot of the hiking and climbing
of stairs necessary to get fabulous views.
Akram, My personal guide/escort....and now friend in my eyes was absolutely fabulous.
He is a walking encyclopedia willing to share until you can't take it anymore.
Always mindful of when to pull over for special sights, when its time for a cup of tea or coffee
in a great little hidden village secret restaurant. .Akram was very helpful with my purchasing
of gifts for people at home. He added so many little extras to the trip that made it very personal
and unforgettable. Akram knew I wanted to bring home fresh Zatar so he made a point of driving
to a road side shop where he knew the zatar was of very fine quality. It is out of this world!!The small
touches like this are what made Akram stick out among all others.I return to Jordan again next year.
I will settle for no one else but Akram even if I have to book 6 months in advance. Always a gentleman.
Always thoughtful. Great driving conversation...What a pleasure. Thank you
What a great day! It is a lot within 1 day but very doable and worthwhile as you the places you visit are amazing. Jerash is a must see when in Jordan and the ruins of Umm Qais are very unique. The Ajloun castle was great too, as was the countryside and farm areas we drover through. A return trip would be great to do when the wildflowers are out in April/ May. We were there in October so there were not very many people but it was quite dry. Our driver, Ahmad, was very knowledgeable and great to spend a day with. He bought us some great local food and made sure we were stocked up on Turkish coffee - yum! We were picked up from our hotel at 7:00 and arrived back around 6:00. I highly recommend this trip
