Jerash and Ajloun Private Tour: Roman Ruins & Castle

Jerash was buried under sand for centuries until archaeologists uncovered one of Rome's most intact cities.

A private day tour from Dead Sea to the Roman city of Jerash and the hilltop fortress of Ajloun Castle, with an English-speaking guide leading you through two hours at each site. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with entrance fees unless you hold a Jordan Pass. The tour runs nine hours total and suits all fitness levels. You choose which attractions to prioritize within Jerash's remaining city walls, and the guide shares the history of both the Roman Empire settlement and Saladin's 12th-century castle built to defend against Crusaders.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Jerash2h · entry included
2. Ajloun Castle4h · entry included

Private tour to Jerash and Ajloun

• Pick up from Dead Sea hotel
• Travel to Jerash by private vehicle
• Visit Jerash ancient city with guide
• Explore temples, theaters, and plazas
• Travel to Ajloun Castle
• Tour Ajloun Castle and enjoy views
• Return to Dead Sea hotel

The experience

How do you get from the Dead Sea to two of Jordan's most significant historical sites in a single day without arranging your own transport? The tour picks you up at your hotel and drives you north in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver who also serves as your guide. The route takes you through the Jordan Valley to Jerash, where you spend roughly two hours walking the original streets, plazas, temples and colonnaded avenues that remain within the city walls. The site holds layers of settlement spanning more than 2,500 years (Bronze Age, Iron Age, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad and Abbasid), but the Roman period is what dominates the visible ruins. You'll see the Oval Plaza, the Temples of Zeus and Artemis, theaters and the egg-shaped public square framed by standing columns.

After Jerash, the tour continues to Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century fortress built during Saladin's era to hold back Crusader armies. The semi-intact hilltop structure still has its rambling corridors, staircases and the murder holes defenders used to repel attackers. From the towers you can see across the lush hills of the Jordan Valley. Once you've explored both sites, the driver takes you back to your Dead Sea hotel, ending the day roughly nine hours after pickup.

The tour includes entrance fees to both Jerash and Ajloun unless you've purchased a Jordan Pass separately. If you hold one, let the operator know so they can reimburse the fees. You can request a guide in Spanish or French if English doesn't suit you, though availability varies. Infant car seats and strollers are available on request. Bring a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes, as both sites involve substantial walking in open air.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off at your Dead Sea location.
• private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver and guide.
• entrance fees to Jerash Roman Ruins and Ajloun Castle (unless you hold a Jordan Pass).
• on-board Wi-Fi.
• infant car seats and strollers available on request.
• guides in Spanish or French by request, subject to availability.

Options for this experience

3 options

Tour for holders of the Jordan PassGuide in English · 08:00Classic tour of Jerash and Ajloun from the Dead Sea, with no entrance fees for guests who bought a Jordan Pass. Pickup is included.

Tour of Jerash and AjlounGuide in English · 08:00Pickup is included in the classic tour of Jerash and Ajloun from the Dead Sea.

Tour with LunchGuide in English · 08:00Pickup is included in this classic tour of Jerash and Ajloun from the Dead Sea, which includes lunch at a local restaurant.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Zaid Tours and Travel

Is this one for you?Book the standard tour if you want to move at your own pace through both sites with a private guide. Choose the lunch option if you'd rather not find a restaurant during the day. The fixed nine-hour window fits both Jerash and Ajloun into a single outing from the Dead Sea, so you see two distinct historical periods (Roman and Islamic) without splitting the trip across multiple days.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is left to see at Jerash after so many centuries?

Jerash's remaining city walls enclose temples, theaters, plazas, colonnaded streets and the Oval Plaza, along with the Temples of Zeus and Artemis. The site was one of the most prosperous Roman cities in the empire before it was buried under sand for centuries. Archaeologists uncovered it in 1806 and the structures visible today give a clear picture of how the city was laid out and what daily life looked like under Roman rule.

Can I pick which parts of Jerash I want to spend time on, or is the route fixed?

With your private guide, you choose which attractions within Jerash are most interesting to you. The classic visit runs about two hours, and your guide will lead you through the streets and explain the history, but you're not locked into a set itinerary.

What is Ajloun Castle and why was it built?

Ajloun Castle is a 12th-century fortress built during Saladin's time to defend the region against Crusader armies. The semi-intact hilltop structure still has its original corridors, staircases and defensive features like murder holes. From the towers, you can see across the Jordan Valley.

Does the tour include meals, and can I request dietary options?

Lunch is included only if you select the "Tour with Lunch" option at checkout. If you choose that option, vegetarian meals are available on request. All other beverages and meals are not included in the standard tour options. Indicate any special dietary requirements when you book.

What time does pickup happen, and how long is the drive from Dead Sea to Jerash?

Pickup is from your Dead Sea hotel at a time arranged with the operator. Contact them a day before your tour to confirm the exact pickup time listed on your voucher. The drive to Jerash takes you through the Jordan Valley, and the full tour lasts approximately nine hours including both sites and transport.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not in great physical shape?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Both Jerash and Ajloun involve walking around ruins and a fortress, so wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection. If you have mobility concerns, contact the operator before booking to discuss what the sites involve.