Amman to Umm Qais, Jerash & Ajloun Day Trip with Driver

Summary

Explore Northern Jordan: Roman Ruins & Ajloun Castle Tour

You’ll travel from Amman to northern Jordan’s top sites—Umm Qais, Jerash, and Ajloun Castle—with a friendly English-speaking driver and plenty of time to explore ancient ruins, local flavors, and sweeping valley views.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Amman felt cool when our driver from Jordan Royal Road pulled up right on time. We tossed our bags in the back and set off north—windows down, city sounds fading behind us. First stop: Umm Qais. The old Roman city of Gadara sits high above the Jordan Valley, and you can actually see the Sea of Galilee shimmering in the distance if the sky’s clear. Our guide led us through the West Theatre—black basalt seats still holding echoes of old performances—and pointed out tiny wildflowers poking between stones. We ducked into a Roman tomb with its heavy basalt doorway; it smelled faintly of earth and old stone. On the Basilica Terrace, I tried to picture what this place looked like before the earthquake hit centuries ago. There’s a quiet here you don’t get in bigger cities.

Next up was Jerash. The Arch of Hadrian stands tall at the entrance—built for an emperor’s visit that happened almost two thousand years ago. Walking along the Colonnaded Street, I ran my hand over grooves left by chariot wheels (they’re deeper than you’d think). Vendors nearby sold cold drinks and sesame bread; we grabbed a snack before exploring more ruins. Our guide shared stories about daily life here during Roman times—somehow making it feel less like a museum and more like a living city.

Last stop: Ajloun Castle. It’s perched on a hill surrounded by olive trees and wild herbs—you’ll catch their scent if there’s a breeze. The castle itself is all thick walls and winding staircases; kids were running around pretending to be knights while we climbed up for views across green hills. By late afternoon, we were back in Amman—tired but glad we’d seen so much history packed into one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Umm Qais, Jerash, and Ajloun

• Visit Umm Qais: West Theatre, Roman tombs, Basilica Terrace
• Tour Jerash: Hadrian’s Arch, Colonnaded Street
• Discover Ajloun Castle with guide

Top questions

Can I choose my own pickup location in Amman?

Yes! Just let us know where you’d like to be picked up—we’re flexible.

Is this tour suitable for families or people with mobility needs?

The vehicle is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible; strollers are fine too. Most areas are easy to reach but let us know if you have specific needs.

How long does the tour take?

This is a full-day trip—expect to spend most of your day exploring with comfortable breaks along the way.

Are entrance fees or meals included?

No, entrance fees and meals aren’t included—but your driver can recommend great spots for food or coffee at each stop.

What’s included

Your private ride includes an air-conditioned vehicle, fuel surcharge covered, plus an English-speaking driver who knows all the best routes and stories along the way.