Day Tour to Jerash, Ajloun Castle & Dead Sea from Amman

Three centuries of history in one day: Roman temples, a Crusader-era fortress, and the world's lowest point

A full-day tour from Amman covers three distinct stops: the Roman archaeological site of Jerash with its theaters and colonnaded streets; Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century Islamic fortress built by Saladin; and the Dead Sea, where you float in mineral-rich water at the lowest point on Earth. Hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a driver and bottled water are included. A local guide at Jerash is available as an add-on option.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Dead Sea Museum4h
2. Jerash2h
3. Ajloun Castle1h

Tour Jerash, Ajloun Castle, Dead Sea

• Pick up from Amman hotel
• Drive to Jerash
• Explore Jerash ruins
• Drive to Ajloun Castle
• Visit Ajloun Castle fortress
• Drive to Dead Sea
• Relax and swim at Dead Sea
• Return to Amman

The experience

The tour begins with pickup from your Amman hotel and a drive north to Jerash, about 48 kilometers away. Once there, you walk through one of the Middle East's best-preserved Roman sites. The Arch of Hadrian, built in 129 AD to mark the emperor's visit, frames the entrance. The Temple of Artemis and the South Theater (which once seated 5,000 people and still hosts concerts) anchor the ruins. Colonnaded streets and the remains of temples, baths and markets fill the site. A local guide (if selected at checkout) walks you through the layout and history. Without one, you explore at your own pace.

From Jerash, the drive heads to Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century fortress perched on Mount 'Auf overlooking the Jordan Valley. Built by Saladin in 1184, it was designed to defend trade routes against the Crusaders. The castle's stone walls, gateways, towers and inner courtyards remain intact. An on-site museum holds archaeological finds and explains the defensive features: the drawbridge, moat and water storage system that kept the garrison alive during sieges. The strategic position gives views across the valley, and the architecture shows the precision of Islamic military design.

The final leg is a one-hour drive to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. The water's extreme salinity, far higher than any ocean, makes floating effortless. You lie back without effort. The mineral-rich mud is used for therapeutic treatments, and the beach gives space to coat yourself in it before rinsing in the water. A resort stay (if selected) includes towel and access to the facilities. The drive back to Amman completes the loop.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel and back.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• an English-speaking driver.
• Wi-Fi onboard the vehicle.
• a local guide at Jerash if selected at checkout.

Options for this experience

2 options

Transportation OnlyGuide in English or Arabic · 08:00, 08:30, 09:00 and 09:30Entry fees are not part of the tour package, and neither are Dead Sea entry fees. Optional local guides (not included) can be arranged to explore each site in greater depth. The tour lasts 8 hours and includes bottled water on board. Transportation-only option: travel to Jerash, Ajloun and the Dead Sea from your hotel in Amman with a full-day chauffeur service, using a standard sedan, mini-van or mini-bus. You can buy the Jordan Pass in advance for discounted entry and access to other Jordanian attractions. Pickup is included.

A local guide is included for two hours at the Jerash site.Guide in English or Arabic · 08:00, 08:30, 09:00 and 09:30Entry fees are not part of the tour package. A local guide is included for two hours at the Jerash site. The tour lasts 8 hours and includes bottled water on board. Dead Sea entry fees are not part of the tour package. Transportation is by standard sedan, mini-van or mini-bus. Purchase the Jordan Pass in advance for discounted entry and access to other Jordanian attractions. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30, 09:00 and 09:30

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendly

Operated by R&H VIP Transportation Services

Is this one for you?Choose the option with a local guide if you want context for Jerash's temples and streets. Without one, you move at your own pace through the ruins. Both options include the same stops and the Dead Sea time, so the difference is whether you prefer a guided walk or independent exploration.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

33 verified traveler reviews

5 ★33

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

What is there to see at Jerash?

Jerash holds Roman temples, theaters and colonnaded streets from the 2nd century AD onward. The Arch of Hadrian, the Temple of Artemis and the South Theater (which seated 5,000 and still hosts performances) are among the major structures. The site is one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy.

Can I float in the Dead Sea without sinking?

Yes. The Dead Sea's salinity is so high that floating happens naturally. You lie back and stay on the surface without any effort. The mineral content that makes this possible is also used for therapeutic mud treatments on the beach.

Who built Ajloun Castle and why?

Saladin built Ajloun Castle in 1184 as a military fortress to defend the Jordan Valley and trade routes against the Crusaders. Its strategic position on Mount 'Auf, combined with features like the drawbridge, moat and water storage system, made it a crucial stronghold throughout the medieval period.

How long does the tour take?

The tour runs six to eight hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, covering the drive to Jerash, time at the ruins, the journey to Ajloun Castle, and the Dead Sea stop before returning to Amman.

Is a guide included?

The tour includes a driver and transportation. A local guide at Jerash is available as an optional add-on at checkout. Without it, you explore the site independently. The driver speaks English.