Jerash, Ajloun Castle & Umm Qais: Full-Day Tour from Amman

Three ruins, three centuries, one day through northern Jordan

A full-day tour from Amman covering Umm Qais (Greco-Roman city with views of the Sea of Galilee), Ajloun Castle (12th-century Islamic fortress), and Jerash (one of the world's best-preserved Roman provincial cities). The tour includes hotel pickup, private air-conditioned transport, bottled water and an English-speaking driver; admission fees are separate. The Jordan Pass is recommended for discounted advance entry.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore northern Jordan's historic sites

• Depart from hotel in Amman
• Drive north through changing landscapes
• Visit Umm Qais ruins and views
• Drive south through pine forests
• Explore Ajloun Castle fortress
• Tour Jerash Roman city ruins
• Drive back to Amman and hotel drop-off

The Experience

The day starts with a drive north from Amman through changing landscapes—from urban sprawl to the green, rolling hills of northern Jordan. The first stop is Umm Qais, the northernmost site, timed for the morning before the midday heat sets in. There you'll explore the black basalt Western Theatre, a basilica and colonnaded streets of this Greco-Roman city, with views across the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights and the Jordan Valley stretching out below.

From Umm Qais, the route heads south through pine forests and olive groves to Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century fortress built by the Ayyubid dynasty to defend against Crusader attacks. You can walk through its towers, rooms and corridors, and climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The castle sits on a hilltop, so the vantage point changes as you move through it.

Jerash is the final and most extensive stop—one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities anywhere. You'll walk through Hadrian's Arch, cross the Oval Plaza (Forum) and stroll the Cardo Maximus, the main colonnaded street lined with columns. The Temple of Artemis, the South Theatre and the Hippodrome are also on the grounds. After exploring Jerash, you return to the vehicle for the one-hour drive back to Amman and hotel drop-off.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman.
• private air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard.
• bottled water.
• English-speaking driver who can also guide in Arabic at the sites.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendly

Operated by R&H VIP Transportation Services

Is this one for you?The tour packs three major sites into a single day with long drives between them, so it suits travelers with limited time in Jordan who want to see multiple periods of history without organizing separate trips. If you prefer a slower pace or want to linger at one site, a multi-day itinerary would work better.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the three sites on this tour?

Umm Qais is a Greco-Roman city with Ottoman-era ruins set against natural scenery and views of the Sea of Galilee. Ajloun Castle is a medieval Islamic fortress with towers and rooms to explore. Jerash is a large ancient Roman city with streets, theatres, temples and a hippodrome—the most extensive ruins of the three.

How much walking is involved at each stop?

Each site requires moderate walking over uneven terrain and slopes. Umm Qais and Jerash involve strolling through ruins across open ground; Ajloun Castle includes climbing stairs and walking through interior passages. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though comfortable shoes are essential.

Can I visit these three sites if I'm traveling with young children?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. The long drives between sites (especially the first leg to Umm Qais) mean you'll want to plan for rest time in the vehicle.

Do I need to buy admission tickets separately?

Yes, admission fees to each site are not included in the tour price. The operator recommends the Jordan Pass, which provides discounted advance entry to all three sites and access to other Jordanian attractions.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman, private air-conditioned transport, bottled water and an English-speaking driver are included. Meals, gratuities and personal expenses are separate.

How long is the full day?

The tour runs between 6 and 9 hours depending on how long you spend at each site and traffic conditions. Most of the day is split between the three archaeological stops and the driving between them.