Private North Tour to Jerash, Ajloun, and Umm Qais from Amman

If you’re craving a full day of history, scenery, and authentic Jordanian charm, a private tour to Jerash, Ajloun, and Umm Qais might just be your perfect escape. This all-in-one adventure offers a seamless way to explore some of the region’s most iconic sites without the hassle of navigating on your own. From ancient Roman ruins to medieval castles, this tour ticks a lot of boxes for culture lovers.

What we love about this experience? First, the personalized touch of a private driver who doubles as your guide, making the day both comfortable and informative. Second, the stunning vistas you get at Umm Qais and Ajloun, where panoramic views stretch across Jordan and beyond. And third, the well-planned itinerary that packs in three major sites in just about 10 hours. The only potential downside is that it’s a full day, so you’ll want to bring your energy—and some good walking shoes.

This tour is best suited for history buffs, scenery seekers, or anyone who appreciates a well-organized, hassle-free experience. If you’re traveling with family or friends and want to explore Jordan’s north without juggling transport or language barriers, this private day trip offers fantastic value and authenticity.

Key Points

• All-in-one Experience: Visit Jerash, Ajloun, and Umm Qais in a single day, saving time and effort.
• Private & Personalized: Door-to-door pickup and private driver ensure comfort and flexibility.
• Expert Guides: Local guides enhance the experience with detailed insights, especially at Jerash.
• Stunning Views: Panoramic vistas from Umm Qais and Ajloun make for memorable photo moments.
• Historical Diversity: From Greco-Roman ruins to Crusader castles, this tour covers many eras.
• Good Value: At $140 per person, with entrance fees and Wi-Fi included, it offers a comprehensive experience.

The Itinerary: A Deep Dive into Northern Jordan’s Cultural Gems

Jerash: The Roman City of the Decapolis

Starting early in the morning, the tour kicks off with hotel pickup in Amman, heading north in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. When you arrive at Jerash, you’ll be greeted by a local English-speaking guide who will lead you through the sprawling ruins. This city, once a thriving hub of Roman activity, boasts an impressive array of temples, theaters, colonnaded streets, and plazas. Some remnants date back over 2,500 years, covering Bronze Age through Byzantine periods, which makes Jerash a living timeline.

Walking through Jerash feels like stepping into a Roman movie set; the well-preserved arches and the ancient oval plaza are particularly striking. The guide will share stories about its prosperity as part of the Roman Decapolis, making history come alive. The ticket price includes entry, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs here.

The Oval Plaza and Ancient Wonders

After the initial exploration, you’ll spend roughly an hour admiring highlights such as the Temples of Zeus and Artemis, the grand theaters, and the elegant colonnaded street. The Oval Plaza, a unique egg-shaped public square, is especially photogenic—standing as a testament to Roman urban planning and architectural elegance.

Reviewers mention that Jerash is one of the most prosperous cities in Roman Jordan, and the fact that it was buried under sand for centuries adds to its mystique. One traveler noted, “the ruins were discovered in 1806, and walking among them, you can feel the grandeur of ancient times.”

Ajloun Castle: A Crusader Fortress with a View

Next, you’ll head to Ajloun, about an hour’s drive from Jerash. The 12th-century Ajloun Castle, built by Saladin’s general Izz al-Din Usama, stands proud on a hilltop, offering a glimpse into medieval military architecture. The castle’s strategic position allowed it to defend against Crusader invasions and oversee the lush Jordan Valley.

Inside, you can explore rambling corridors, staircases, and the murder holes used for defense. Most visitors love climbing the towers to enjoy sweeping views over green hills and farmland—perfect photo ops. One reviewer shared, “The views from Ajloun Fort are as stunning as the history—it’s a real highlight of the day.”

Umm Qais: Panoramas and Ancient Ruins

The final stop takes you to Umm Qais, about 45 minutes away, overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. This site, once known as Gadara, was another thriving Roman city. Today, the ruins include a well-preserved amphitheater, basilica terrace, and other theaters, with many artifacts on display in the local museum.

The views here are truly special—many travelers say you can see across borders and into ancient landscapes. The museum’s mosaics and statues offer a tangible connection to the past. One guest mentioned, “The panoramic views from Umm Qais alone are worth the trip, and the site is beautifully preserved.”

The Return Journey

After exploring Umm Qais, your driver will escort you back to Amman, where the tour concludes with hotel drop-off. The entire day, from pickup to return, is approximately 10 hours, allowing for a relaxed pace while covering a lot of ground.

Practical Details & What You Should Know

Transportation: The private, air-conditioned vehicle is modern and comfortable, making long drives more enjoyable. Wi-Fi onboard is a bonus for staying connected or sharing photos.

Guides: Local guides at Jerash add context and stories, making the ruins more engaging. At Umm Qais, a guide may be available locally, and you can hire one on-site if you wish, with the driver’s help.

Pricing & Value: At $140 per person, the tour includes entrance fees for Jerash, Ajloun Castle, and Umm Qais, along with Wi-Fi and private transport. Compared to individual site entry costs, this package offers good value—especially considering the convenience of door-to-door service.

Timing: The tour starts at 9:00 am, giving you a full day to explore without feeling rushed. It’s perfect for those wanting a comprehensive yet manageable day trip.

What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and hats are recommended. Since most restaurants don’t serve alcohol, plan accordingly if you prefer drinks with lunch.

Accessibility: Travelers with mobility issues should contact the operator beforehand, as walking on uneven ruins might be challenging.

Why This Tour Works Well

This tour ticks many boxes: it’s private, flexible, and packed with history and scenery. The combination of well-preserved ancient sites and breathtaking views makes it an excellent introduction to Jordan’s northern highlights. It’s particularly ideal if you prefer a seamless, guided experience without the stress of planning logistics or transportation.

The presence of knowledgeable guides and a friendly driver ensures that even history skeptics can find interesting stories and context. The inclusion of Wi-Fi on board keeps travel updates or social sharing simple. Plus, the short but comprehensive stops make it a manageable day for most travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs eager to see Roman and medieval sites in one day, as well as scenic travelers who love panoramic vistas. It’s also well-suited for those traveling with family or friends who want the convenience of private transport and guided commentary.

If you’re short on time but want an authentic, educational journey through Jordan’s north, this tour offers great value and a balanced itinerary. It’s also a good pick for travelers who prefer not to navigate complex public transport or large group tours.

The Sum Up

This private day tour to Jerash, Ajloun, and Umm Qais offers a well-rounded mix of history, scenery, and comfort. The focus on local guides and private transport makes it a stress-free way to explore some of Jordan’s most captivating sites. The stunning views and expertly curated stops make it ideal for travelers who value both knowledge and aesthetics.

While it is a long day, the convenience and depth of experience are worth it, especially for those eager to understand Jordan’s diverse past and enjoy spectacular landscape views. For anyone wanting a personal, insightful introduction to Jordan’s north, this tour stands out as a smart choice.

If you’re after a hassle-free, well-organized adventure packed with history and photo ops, this trip has your name on it.

FAQ

• What is included in the tour price? The $140 fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, private transport, an English-speaking driver, entrance tickets to Jerash, Ajloun Castle, and Umm Qais, and Wi-Fi onboard.

• Can I customize the tour? This is a private tour, so your driver can assist with local guides at Umm Qais if needed, and dietary or other special requests should be communicated during booking.

• What should I bring? Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring hats and sun protection, and carry some water. Since most restaurants don’t serve alcohol, plan accordingly.

• Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers? Yes, but ensure mobility is manageable for walking on uneven surfaces. Contact the operator if any special assistance is needed.

• What is the best time to start? The tour begins at 9:00 am, giving you ample time to enjoy each site without rushing.

• What if I want to visit other sites? This tour is focused on Jerash, Ajloun, and Umm Qais. For additional sites, consider customizing or booking a different tour.

• Are there vegetarian meal options? Meals are not included unless you select the lunch option, which can accommodate dietary requirements if specified in advance.

• Is there Wi-Fi on the vehicle? Yes, Wi-Fi is available on board to stay connected during your day.

• How long does each site visit last? Expect about 2 hours at Jerash, 3 hours at Ajloun Castle, and 3 hours at Umm Qais, including travel time.

• What if I need to cancel? Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are free, allowing for full refunds.

This private tour offers a balanced, enriching experience of Jordan’s northern highlights, combining history, breathtaking views, and comfort—an excellent choice for travelers seeking a thoughtfully curated day.