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

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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.

Top questions

How long is the drive from Amman to Jerash?

It takes about one hour by private car from Amman to Jerash.

Is lunch included on this tour?

An authentic meal at a local restaurant is included during your day trip.

Are entry tickets included in the price?

Entry tickets are included if you select that option during booking.

Can I choose between private or group tours?

You can book either a private or group tour for Jerash, Ajloun & Um Qais.

Is hotel pickup available in Amman?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman are included with your booking.

What languages does the driver speak?

The driver speaks English.

Are infant seats available?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for this tour.

How far is Jerash from Amman?

Jerash is located about 48km (30 miles) north of Amman.

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.