Jerash, Ajloun & Um Qais: Private Day Trip from Amman

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/22

Duration9h–10h

GroupPrivate

PickupAt your hotel

Roman echoes, forested hills and Um Qais horizons

You’ll wander Roman streets in Jerash, climb Ajloun Castle’s stone towers for sweeping valley views, then pause above ancient ruins at Um Qais with your local guide. Expect honest food along the way—and moments where history feels close enough to touch.

9h–10h

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour Jerash, Ajloun, and Umm Qais

Pick up from Amman accommodation
Drive to Ajloun Castle
Visit Ajloun Castle fortress
Drive to Jerash
Explore Jerash Roman city
Drive to Umm Qais
Visit West Theatre in Umm Qais
Enjoy view of Tabaria lake
Drive back to Amman

The Experience

The day didn’t start exactly as planned—my phone alarm never went off (classic), so I was still tying my shoes when the driver buzzed for pickup at the Amman hotel. He just grinned and waved it off, saying “No rush, we have time.” That set the tone: easygoing, no pressure, just letting Jordan unfold at its own pace. The drive north was all rolling hills and olive groves, with our guide pointing out villages tucked into the green. I remember the way the air changed—cooler somehow, almost piney as we got closer to Ajloun.

Ajloun Castle surprised me. It sits up on this thickly wooded hill—nothing like what I’d pictured for Jordan. Our guide told stories about Saladin and old battles while we wandered through shadowy stone corridors. There was a moment on the ramparts where you could see mist rising from the valleys below. I leaned on the cold stones and tried to imagine what it felt like centuries ago, waiting for news from Jerusalem. My hands smelled faintly of iron after touching the old doors—odd detail but true.

Jerash was next, maybe an hour’s drive? We walked under that big Hadrian’s Arch and suddenly it was all columns and ancient plazas. Kids were running around pretending to be gladiators (one nearly tripped over a fallen pillar). Our guide showed us how if you stand in the middle of the oval plaza and clap, there’s this echo that bounces back at you—he laughed when I jumped at it. Lunch came somewhere between ruins—a local spot with grilled lamb and bread so fresh it steamed in my hands. Still think about that taste.

Um Qais felt different—quieter somehow, more open sky than anywhere else that day. The black basalt theater looked out over fields all the way to Lake Tiberias; there was a soft wind carrying something herbal through the air (wild thyme maybe?). We sat for a minute just listening to nothing much at all before heading back toward Amman. The sun dipped behind us on the drive home—nobody really talked much after that, which felt right.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman, private transportation with WiFi onboard, bottled water throughout, entry tickets if selected during booking, plus an authentic lunch at a local spot before returning comfortably in the evening.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Alamal Travel &Tourism