Jerash, Ajloun & Umm Qais Day Tour from Amman

Summary

Roman Ruins, Castles & Scenic Valleys in Northern Jordan

You’ll explore ancient Roman streets in Jerash, climb medieval towers at Ajloun Castle, and take in sweeping valley views from Umm Qais—all in one day from Amman. Perfect if you want real history and local insight without any hassle.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started with our driver waiting right outside the hotel lobby—always a relief when you’re not sure about city traffic. The drive north to Jerash took just under an hour. I remember the air felt cooler as we left Amman behind, and by the time we reached Jerash, there was this faint smell of pine mixed with dust—something you only notice if you roll down the window for a bit. Our driver helped us sort out tickets at the gate (super helpful if your Arabic’s rusty), and he mentioned we could grab a local guide if we wanted deeper stories about the ruins. We wandered through those ancient colonnaded streets, passing groups of school kids on field trips and hearing bits of Roman history echo off the old stones. The Temple of Artemis really stands out—massive columns that somehow survived centuries of earthquakes.

From Jerash, we headed towards Ajloun Castle. The road winds through olive groves and pine forests; it’s almost hypnotic watching the hills roll by. At Ajloun, you can feel how solid those medieval walls are—built back in 1184 by one of Saladin’s generals to keep Crusaders at bay. Inside, it’s cool and a little musty; you’ll probably notice echoes bouncing around as people climb narrow stone stairs. There’s a tiny vendor near the entrance selling sweet tea—worth grabbing if you need a break.

The last stop was Umm Qais. It’s quieter here, less crowded than Jerash, but honestly, the views are what got me: you can see all the way across the Jordan Valley to the Golan Heights and even spot the Sea of Galilee on a clear day. We walked among black basalt ruins while our driver waited at the entrance—he gave us tips on where to stand for photos without other tourists in them (lifesaver). By late afternoon, we were back in Amman with dusty shoes and way too many photos on our phones.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jerash, Ajloun & Umm Qais Tour

• Explore Jerash Roman ruins
• Visit Ajloun Castle
• Tour Umm Qais ruins

Top questions

Is there a lot of walking involved?

Yes, especially at Jerash where you'll cover quite a bit on foot over uneven ground. Comfortable shoes are best.

Can I get a guide at each site?

Local guides are available at Jerash for an extra fee; Ajloun Castle is self-guided but staff can answer questions.

Are there places to buy food or drinks?

You'll find small vendors near entrances selling snacks and tea. Bringing water is still a good idea.

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes! It's family-friendly and accessible for strollers or wheelchairs with some help at certain spots.

What’s included

This tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard, an English-speaking driver who helps with entry tickets and local tips, plus fuel costs covered. Infant seats are available if needed—and yes, it's wheelchair accessible too.