Jerash, Ajloun & Umm Qais Day Trip from Amman with Pickup

Summary

Ancient cities, hilltop castles and sweeping views from Amman

You’ll walk ancient Roman streets in Jerash with a local guide, climb Ajloun Castle’s towers for sweeping valley views, and pause at Umm Qais where three countries meet your gaze. With hotel pickup included and an English-speaking driver handling all logistics, you can just soak in every moment—from laughter echoing in old theaters to quiet hillside breezes.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the morning light hit Jerash—columns everywhere, just standing there like they’d been waiting for us. Our driver (Mahmoud—he had this gentle way of pointing things out without making it a lecture) met us right at our hotel in Amman. It felt easy, no stress about finding a meeting point or anything. By the time we reached Jerash, there was already that faint scent of dust and wild herbs in the air. Our local guide started with Hadrian’s Arch—massive—and I kept running my hand along the old stones as we walked the Cardo Maximus. You can see where chariot wheels wore grooves into the paving. I tried to imagine the sound of horses echoing off all that stone. The South Theater was filled with a couple kids running up and down steps; their laughter bounced around like birds.

Ajloun Castle came next—a kind of maze of staircases and cool shadows inside thick walls. The view from up top is wild: green hills rolling out toward the Jordan Valley, even a glimpse of the Sea of Galilee if you squint past the haze. There’s a tiny museum tucked inside; old coins, pottery shards, things you could almost miss if you weren’t looking. I got distracted by a group of schoolkids on a field trip—one girl tried to teach me how to say “castle” in Arabic (I butchered it; she laughed). It’s funny how those little moments stick.

Last stop was Umm Qais. The wind picked up as we climbed toward the ruins—black basalt underfoot, olive trees scattered along the path. There’s this spot near the old basilica terrace where you can see three countries at once: Jordan below you, Israel and Syria across the valley. Our guide let us wander here for a while; I sat on a broken column just listening to everything—the wind, distant voices from farmers below, nothing else really. The museum is small but worth ducking into for a break from the sun (and honestly, I needed it by then). Sometimes travel feels like ticking boxes but this day trip from Amman made me slow down and actually look around.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Umm Qais, Jerash, and Ajloun

• Meet driver at hotel lobby
• Visit Umm Qais archaeological site
• See Roman theaters and colonnaded street
• Explore Basilica Terrace and Umm Qais Museum
• Enjoy panoramic views from Umm Qais
• Tour Jerash archaeological site
• Visit Hadrian's Arch and Hippodrome
• Walk Oval Plaza and Cardo Maximus
• See South Theater and temples of Artemis and Zeus
• View Nymphaeum fountain in Jerash
• Explore Ajloun Castle and its museum
• Enjoy panoramic views from Ajloun Castle

Top questions

How long does it take to drive from Amman to Jerash?

It takes about one hour to drive from Amman to Jerash.

Is there hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Amman or another agreed location.

Are guides included at every site?

A local guide is included at Jerash if you select that option; otherwise your English-speaking driver provides info throughout.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

What should I bring for this tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your camera; bottled water is provided onboard.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What are some highlights at Umm Qais?

You’ll see Roman theaters built from black basalt stone, panoramic views over three countries, and artifacts in an Ottoman-era museum.

What’s included

Your day includes door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman with an English-speaking driver behind the wheel (plus WiFi onboard), bottled water along the way, fuel costs covered so there’s nothing extra to worry about—and if you choose that option—a local guide will walk you through Jerash’s ruins before heading back home again.