Private Jerash & Amman Tour: Roman Ruins, Citadel & Amphitheater

Full-Day Private Tour of Amman Citadel and Jerash Ruins

You’ll walk ancient streets in Jerash and climb through history at Amman’s Citadel—all with local guides who know every corner. If you want real stories behind Jordan’s Roman ruins (and a comfy ride between stops), this tour makes it easy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amman and Jerash Highlights

• Visit Amman Citadel ruins
• Explore Roman temple of Hercules
• Tour Amman Roman Amphitheater
• Drive to Jerash and walk ancient city
• See Oval Plaza and Temples of Artemis and Zeus

The Experience

The day started with a quick pick-up right outside my hotel in Amman—no waiting around, just a friendly driver waving from a clean car. As we wound up the hill to the Amman Citadel, I noticed how the city slowly faded into a patchwork of rooftops below. The morning air was already warm, but there was this dry breeze that made it comfortable. Our guide met us at the entrance, chatting about how Jabal al-Qalaa has seen Romans, Byzantines, and even early Islamic rulers come and go. He pointed out bits of old pottery scattered near the path—easy to miss if you’re not looking down.

Inside the Citadel, we wandered past the Temple of Hercules—its columns are huge up close—and paused where you could see all of downtown Amman spread out below. There’s an old olive tree near the edge that locals say is hundreds of years old. After snapping some photos (the light is best before noon), we headed down to the Roman Amphitheater. It’s tucked right into the city center, and honestly, it’s hard to believe 6,000 people once packed those stone seats. Our guide explained why it faces north—apparently so folks wouldn’t roast in the midday sun. You can still hear echoes if you clap your hands in the middle.

Leaving Amman behind, we drove north toward Jerash. The drive took about 45 minutes; I watched small towns roll by and caught glimpses of kids playing football in dusty fields. When we reached Jerash, our local guide led us through Hadrian’s Arch and onto streets lined with columns—some still standing tall after centuries. The Oval Plaza really surprised me—it’s shaped more like an egg than a circle, surrounded by these weathered pillars that catch every bit of sunlight. We wandered through temples dedicated to Artemis and Zeus; you can still see chisel marks on some stones if you look closely.

I had some free time to explore on my own before heading back to Amman. Picked up a fresh pomegranate juice from a vendor near the exit—tart but refreshing after all that walking. By late afternoon, we were back at my hotel with plenty of photos and stories to share.

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Specialized infant seats are available if you let us know ahead of time, and strollers can be arranged too.

Can I request a guide who speaks Spanish or French?

Absolutely—just mention your language preference when booking so we can check availability for Spanish or French guides.

Do I need to buy entrance tickets separately?

If you don’t have a Jordan Pass, entrance fees are included in your booking. If you do have one, let us know—we’ll reimburse those fees locally.

How much walking is involved?

You’ll be walking over uneven ground at both sites; comfortable shoes are recommended. Let us know if mobility is an issue so we can help plan accordingly.

What’s included

Your own English-speaking driver-guide for the day; local guides at both Amman Citadel and Jerash; entrance fees (unless you’ve got a Jordan Pass); private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle; hotel pick-up/drop-off; onboard Wi-Fi; infant seats or strollers on request; support for special dietary needs if needed.