Private Guided Umm Quais and Jerash tour with lunch

Exploring Jordan’s Ancient Treasures: A Complete Look at the Private Umm Qais and Jerash Tour

If you’re dreaming of stepping into the past and walking along Roman colonnades or gazing over the lush landscapes of northern Jordan, this private tour from Amman might just be your perfect day trip. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, reviews and detailed itineraries suggest this is a carefully curated journey into some of the country’s most captivating archaeological sites.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personalized nature — with a private guide and vehicle, you won’t be sharing space with strangers, which means more flexibility and tailored storytelling. Second, the depth of knowledge offered by guides like Osma, who shares not just dates and facts but anecdotes that bring the ruins alive. Third, the comfort and convenience of door-to-door pickup, air-conditioned transport, and included meals.

A potential consideration? While the trip is well-paced, some travelers might find the full schedule a bit tight, especially if you’re keen to linger longer at each site or explore nearby attractions. Still, if you’re after an immersive yet manageable day of history and scenery, this tour hits the sweet spot.

This experience is especially suited for history buffs, photography enthusiasts, or anyone eager for a comfortable, guided exploration of Jordan’s lesser-visited but incredibly significant ruins. If you adore authentic insights and hassle-free logistics, you’ll find this tour quite valuable.

Key Points

• Private and personalized: You’ll have a dedicated guide and vehicle, avoiding group tour compromises.
• Comprehensive itinerary: Visits to Umm Qais and Jerash with a scenic drive in between.
• All-inclusive: Lunch, entry fees, hotel pickup/drop-off, WiFi, and bottled water are covered.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides like Osma provide context and stories that bring the sites to life.
• Comfort and convenience: Air-conditioned vehicle makes the long drives pleasant.
• Limited downtime: Well-paced with about 8 hours, meaning no rushing but also no wasted hours.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Seamless Transportation and Punctuality

One of the biggest perks of this tour is the door-to-door service. Starting at 8:00 am, your guide and driver meet you at your Amman hotel lobby, ensuring a stress-free beginning. The transfer to the northern sites takes about two hours, but with a private vehicle that’s air-conditioned and WiFi-equipped, the ride is comfortable and informative. Traveling in a small, private vehicle means you can relax, ask questions, and enjoy the scenery without the chaos of public transport or shared buses.

The Charm of Umm Qais

Your first stop, Umm Qais, is a site that seamlessly blends archaeological intrigue with stunning views. Known historically as a center of Greek culture and a hub for poets and philosophers, it’s also believed to be the biblical location where Jesus cast devils into swine — which adds a layer of spiritual curiosity.

The guide will walk you along the colonnaded street, pointing out ancient ruins and sharing stories about the city’s changing roles through time. You’ll admire the two theatres and take in panoramic views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights — a landscape so beautiful it’s almost a distraction from the ruins.

From reviews, we learn that guides like Osma are proud to share not just facts but personal insights into the sites’ significance, making the experience more engaging. Expect to spend around an hour here, soaking in the atmosphere and learning about its Hellenistic past.

The Highlight: Jerash Ruins

Next, you’ll head to Jerash, a highlight for anyone interested in Roman architecture. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours, giving you time to relax and chat with your guide. Upon arrival, a local restaurant awaits for a lunch break. Many reviews appreciate the opportunity to fuel up before exploring the extensive ruins, which include well-preserved theatres, a hippodrome, temples, and colonnaded streets.

The Jerash ruins are often called “Pompeii of the East,” thanks to their preservation. The theatres are still used for performances today, and with about two hours allotted for exploration, you’ll have enough time to absorb the grandeur and take plenty of photos.

From Mara H’s review, her guide Osma’s pride in sharing Jordan’s history, combined with the scenery, made the visit special. She appreciated the professionalism of both driver and guide, which added to the seamlessness of the day.

Lunch and Flexibility

Lunch is included, typically at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of regional cuisine (beverages are not included). This is a nice chance to relax, reflect on the sites seen so far, and enjoy some Jordanian hospitality.

Return Journey and Final Drop-off

The tour wraps up with a scenic drive back to Amman, roughly an hour, giving you time to decompress or review your photos. Drop-off at your hotel ensures a smooth end to an immersive day.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

Many reviewers emphasize the knowledge of the guides, with Osma frequently praised for his storytelling skills and pride in his country. The scenic vistas, especially from Umm Qais overlooking the Sea of Galilee, are a common highlight. The well-preserved ruins of Jerash leave visitors in awe, and the convenience of all-inclusive logistics — transport, lunch, and entry fees — makes this trip highly practical.

In terms of value, the $224 per person fee includes a lot: private transport, a guide, meals, and entrance fees, which in Jordan can add up if booked separately. The personalized approach ensures a more authentic and flexible experience, especially if you prefer a more tailored day rather than a large group tour.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This tour is perfect for travelers who value comfort and expert guidance over spontaneity. If you prefer to avoid the hassle of organizing transport and tickets, and want a knowledgeable guide to contextualize the ruins, you’ll find this trip rewarding. It’s also great for those who want to maximize their sightseeing in a single day, especially if they’re short on time but eager to see Jordan’s northern highlights.

Final Thoughts

Choosing this private tour from Amman offers a convenient, informative, and immersive way to experience Jordan’s ancient sites. The combination of personalized attention, scenic drives, and well-preserved ruins makes it a fantastic option for history lovers and comfort seekers alike.

While it’s a longer day, the inclusion of lunch, WiFi, bottled water, and hotel pickup ensures you won’t have to worry about details. Plus, with the glowing reviews praising guides like Osma, you’re likely to come away with not just images but stories you’ll remember.

This tour strikes a good balance between a structured itinerary and authentic experiences, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free day in Jordan’s north.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers door-to-door transportation, making the start and end of your day smooth and stress-free.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 8 hours from pickup at 8:00 am until drop-off back at your hotel in Amman.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all site entry fees for Umm Qais and Jerash are covered in the price.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended to comfortably explore the sites.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide can tailor some aspects to your interests, within the scheduled day.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, but it involves walking on uneven surfaces, so moderate physical fitness is recommended.

What is the cost per person?
The price is $224.00 per person, which includes all transportation, guides, lunch, and entry fees.

What if the weather changes?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this private guided tour to Umm Qais and Jerash from Amman offers a well-rounded, hassle-free way to explore Jordan’s ancient marvels. Perfect for history enthusiasts, comfort-seekers, and curious travelers wanting a personalized experience, it promises a full day of scenic vistas, captivating ruins, and engaging storytelling.