Private Tour of Ajlun and Jerash

If you’re planning a trip to Jordan and want to see some of its most impressive ancient sites without the hassle of navigating on your own, this private tour of Jerash and Ajlun Castle might just be a perfect fit. While we haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, the feedback from countless travelers paints a picture of a seamless, enriching experience that combines history, stunning scenery, and thoughtful service.

What we love about this tour? First, the fact that it’s private means you get a tailored experience with your own guide and driver—no noisy groups or rushing through sites. Second, the door-to-door transfers remove the stress of figuring out transport and waiting around. Third, the full cost coverage including entrance fees to both sites ensures no unexpected expenses.

On the flip side, a consideration for some might be the length of the day; five to six hours isn’t long, but it’s enough to feel like a full adventure. Also, this tour is suited for travelers who appreciate guided experiences and want a flexible, intimate way to explore. If you’re after an authentic, hassle-free day that hits two of Jordan’s top historical highlights, this seems like a solid pick.

Key Points

• All-inclusive pricing covers entrance fees for both Jerash and Ajlun Castle, avoiding surprises.
• Private transport and guide ensure personalized attention and comfort.
• Efficient itinerary packs in two major sites in approximately five to six hours.
• Expert local guides provide deep insights into the history and culture.
• Ideal for small groups (up to 6 people), making it intimate and flexible.
• Good value for the cost compared to self-guided or larger group tours.

Introduction to the Tour Experience

This private tour of Jerash and Ajlun Castle offers an excellent way to experience Jordan’s ancient past without the stress of planning or navigating on your own. From Amman, you’re picked up comfortably in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle—an important detail given the Jordanian heat and the often sprawling nature of these sites.

What really makes this tour shine is the personalized attention you get from a dedicated local guide in Jerash, who helps bring the ruins to life with stories and context you won’t find in guidebooks. Plus, the door-to-door pickup and drop-off cut down on travel time, giving you more opportunity to enjoy each site.

One thing to keep in mind is that the timing is quite tight—around five to six hours—so if you’re looking to linger or add more sites, you might want to consider extending or customizing your experience. But for a well-paced, highlight-focused day, this tour strikes a good balance.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Stop 1: Jerash—Walking Through a Roman Time Capsule

Jerash is often called one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. From the moment you arrive, you’ll see Hadrian’s Arch, built in 129 AD, a grand gateway that commemorates the Roman emperor’s visit. This arch alone is a stunning example of Roman architecture, and you’ll hear from your guide why it’s such an important symbol.

Next, you’ll explore the hippodrome, a Roman-era stadium that hosted chariot races and other spectacles. Despite being partially restored, it still exudes the grandeur of ancient entertainment. As you stroll along the colonnaded streets lined with ancient shops and forums, your guide points out theaters, baths, the Oval Plaza, and the Nymphaeum—a water fountain with intricate mosaics that once celebrated water deities.

Reviewers mention that the guide in Jerash is very knowledgeable, often adding small anecdotes and pointing out hidden details that bring the ruins to life. One reviewer specifically noted Husni, the guide, was well-versed in the site’s history, making their visit both educational and engaging.

What to know: Jerash is free to enter with this tour, which includes a detailed guide. The extensive ruins and the well-preserved architecture make it a highlight of any Jordan trip, especially for history lovers.

Stop 2: Ajlun Castle—A Fortress with a View

Just 16 km from Jerash, Ajlun Castle is a medieval fortress built by the Ayyubids in the 12th century. Perched atop a mountain, it offers spectacular panoramic views of northwestern Jordan and toward the hills of Galilee.

As you wander through its maze of passages, towers, and levels, you’ll realize this isn’t just a ruin; it’s a strategic military site that has seen many battles. Many reviewers mention that the view from the castle is one of the highlights—beautiful enough to make you forget about the climb itself.

The entry fee is included, making this a straightforward, stress-free stop. Expect to spend about an hour here, soaking in history and landscape. One reviewer said the castle’s walls are just bare stone, but the sweeping vistas more than make up for it.

Transportation and Guide Experience

The tour provides private, modern air-conditioned vehicles, which are a major plus for comfort, especially after a morning of sightseeing. The driver is also an English speaker, ready to answer questions or suggest spots during the ride.

The local guide in Jerash adds immense value with their detailed commentary, helping you understand what you’re seeing beyond just the ruins. Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides—one noted that Husni was “clearly well-versed” and made the experience enjoyable.

What travelers find valuable: The door-to-door pickup and drop-off save time and energy, especially considering Jordan’s sometimes sprawling sites. It’s a more relaxed way to explore, guaranteed to make the day flow smoothly.

Price and Value

At $152 per person, this tour offers compared to self-guided options, a lot of convenience. The cost covers entrance fees, private transportation, and a local guide, which in many cases would be multiple separate bookings.

Many travelers have commented on the excellent service and professional guides, making this a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize comfort and personalized attention. It’s especially great for first-time visitors or those who want to maximize their sightseeing without wasting time on logistics.

Review insights: Several travelers described the value as excellent for the price, emphasizing the quality of guides and transportation. One quoted a reviewer saying, “Jordan Tours is a wonderful company and they provided us with top-notch, professional service.”

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive, guided look at Jordan’s Greco-Roman and medieval sites. It also suits small groups or families seeking comfort, flexibility, and a touch of luxury.

Travelers who value expert guides, all-inclusive pricing, and private transport will find this tour particularly appealing. However, those who prefer longer, more leisurely explorations or want to add more sites might want to customize or extend the itinerary.

The Sum Up

In essence, this private tour of Jerash and Ajlun Castle offers a practical, enriching way to see two of Jordan’s most iconic historical sites. It combines expert guides, comfortable transportation, and peace of mind with all entry fees included—making it a smart choice for travelers who want to focus on enjoying the sites rather than managing logistics.

The stunning views from Ajlun, the well-preserved ruins of Jerash, and the highly praised guides make it a memorable experience. The value for money is clear, especially for those who appreciate a private, tailored approach rather than a large group tour.

If you’re after a smooth, insightful day with plenty of authentic moments and stunning scenery, this tour checks most of the boxes. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a hassle-free way to connect with Jordan’s history without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate. Keep in mind the walking involved at Jerash and Ajlun Castle, so comfort and mobility should be considered for small children or elderly.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers door-to-door transfers, entrance fees to both sites, and the services of a local guide in Jerash. Food, drinks, and personal expenses are not included.

How long does the tour take?
It lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, making it a fairly compact but comprehensive experience. The timing is designed to hit both sites comfortably.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so customization is usually possible. You can discuss with the provider beforehand if you’d like to focus more on one site or add extra stops.

What’s the transportation like?
Expect a private, modern, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver, ensuring comfort and ease of travel between sites.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera are recommended. Since all entry fees are covered, you only need to bring personal expenses for food or souvenirs.

This private tour offers a well-rounded, hassle-free way to explore Jordan’s ancient gems, ideal for those who want comfort, expertise, and authentic sights in one package.