Full Day Tour : Jerash, Ajloun, Umm Qais

Explore the rich cultural heritage of northern Jordan with this full-day private tour. Explore the well-preserved ruins of Jerash, the medieval splendor of Ajloun Castle, and the panoramic vistas of Umm Qais. This comprehensive itinerary offers a seamless way to experience the region’s diverse historical and architectural wonders. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an immersive cultural adventure, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Jordan’s captivating past. Discover how this exploration can elevate your understanding of the region and its enduring legacy.

Good To Know

• This full-day private tour takes visitors to explore the key historical sites of Jerash, Ajloun Castle, and Umm Qais in northern Jordan.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, bottled water, and parking fees, providing a personalized experience with an English-speaking driver.
• Highlights of the tour include the well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins in Jerash, the medieval Ajloun Castle, and the panoramic views from the ancient city of Umm Qais.
• Travelers can explore these sites at their own pace without the constraints of a group tour, allowing for a more immersive experience.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, with the option to customize the experience based on individual preferences and accessibility needs.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day private tour takes travelers to three top sights in northern Jordan – the ancient Roman city of Umm Qais, the well-preserved archaeological site of Jerash, and the medieval Aljoun Castle.

With a personalized experience, an English-speaking driver, and private transportation, travelers can explore these sites at their own pace without the rush of a group tour.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, parking fees, and local tour guides.

Travelers can enjoy the flexibility of a private tour and the convenience of a pre-arranged itinerary, allowing them to make the most of their time in northern Jordan.

Highlights of Umm Qais

Situated in northwest Jordan, Umm Qais boasts a rich Roman heritage that captivates visitors. The ancient city, once known as Gadara, features well-preserved ruins that transport travelers back in time. Visitors can explore the remains of a grand amphitheater, a colonnaded main street, and the foundations of a Byzantine church. The stunning views from the hilltop site offer a glimpse into the city’s strategic location, overlooking the Jordan Valley, the Sea of Galilee, and the Golan Heights.

Highlights of Umm Qais
Gadara Ruins	Amphitheater
Colonnaded Main Street	Byzantine Church Remains
Panoramic Views	Strategic Hilltop Location

Exploring the Ancient City of Jerash

From Umm Qais, the tour continues to the ancient Roman city of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Founded in the 1st century BC, Jerash boasts an impressive array of archaeological treasures, including:

1. The Oval Plaza, a stunning 2nd-century gathering place surrounded by columns and arches.

2. The Artemis Temple, dedicated to the goddess of hunting and wildlife.

3. The Hippodrome, where chariot races were once held, now a venue for reenactments.

4. The Cardo Maximus, a 600-meter-long colonnaded street that was the commercial heart of the ancient city.

Visitors can explore these remarkable ruins, seeing the grandeur of Jordan’s past.

Discovering Aljoun Castle

After exploring the ancient Roman ruins of Jerash, the tour moves on to the medieval castle of Aljoun.

Perched atop a hill, the castle commands impressive views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can wander through the well-preserved stone corridors and rooms, imagining life as it was centuries ago.

The castle’s strategic location made it an important fortress, guarding a key trade route. Today, it stands as a testament to Jordan’s rich history, blending Byzantine, Ayyubid, and Mamluk architectural influences.

Guests can explore the castle’s tower, courtyard, and other historic features, gaining insights into the region’s past. Aljoun Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into Jordan’s medieval heritage.

Logistics and Inclusions

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from any hotel in Amman, with an 8:00 am start time.

The private air-conditioned vehicle comes with an English-speaking driver and complimentary bottled water.

Parking fees are covered, and guests will receive tour guides at the local sites.

However, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, or ticket fees.

The key inclusions are:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off
2. Private air-conditioned transportation
3. Bottled water and parking fees
4. Tour guides at archaeological sites

Confirmation is provided at booking, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.

A "Reserve Now, Pay Later" option is also available.

Accessibility and Participation

This full-day tour is not wheelchair accessible. However, public transportation is nearby, and most travelers can participate. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Accessibility	Participation
Not wheelchair accessible	Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps	Most travelers can participate

This is a private tour, so only your group will be involved. With the flexibility of a private experience, you can explore these remarkable sites at your own pace without the rush of a group tour.

Pricing and Reviews

A total of 9 reviews have awarded this full-day tour a remarkable 5.0 overall rating on platforms like Viator and Tripadvisor.

The tour is priced competitively, starting from $170.00 per person, with the price varying based on group size. Travelers can take advantage of the Lowest Price Guarantee to ensure they’re getting the best deal.

Some key points about the pricing and reviews:

1. The tour offers excellent value, with inclusions like hotel pickup/drop-off, private transportation, and professional guides.
2. Customers praise the tour’s personalized experience and the knowledgeable, friendly driver.
3. Many reviewers highlight the tour’s efficient organization and the ability to see multiple top sights in one day.

Preparing for the Tour

Preparing for the tour requires a few key considerations.

Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes, as the sites involve extensive outdoor exploration. Bringing sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen is advisable due to Jordan’s sunny climate.

Since the tour includes religious sites, modest attire covering shoulders and knees is recommended. Packing a small snack and water is also a good idea, as the day can be long.

Lastly, checking the weather forecast and packing layers can ensure comfort throughout the varied terrain and temperature changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Available on Weekends?

The tour is available on weekends. The booking information states that the tour operates daily, and there are no indications that it is limited to weekdays only.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit additional sites. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour provider, who will accommodate any requests to personalize the itinerary within the allocated tour duration.

Will the Tour Guide Speak My Native Language?

The tour includes an English-speaking driver, but the local site guides may not speak your native language. If you require a tour guide fluent in your language, you’ll need to request this when booking.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not explicitly mention any discounts for children or seniors. The pricing is based on per person, with no information provided about reduced rates for specific age groups.

Can I Purchase Tickets for the Sites in Advance?

Yes, you can purchase tickets for the sites in advance. This allows you to skip the lines and have a more efficient tour experience. Ticket prices are not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to purchase them separately.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive full-day tour allows visitors to enjoy the rich history and cultural heritage of northern Jordan. From the well-preserved ruins of Jerash to the medieval splendor of Ajloun Castle and the Roman remains of Umm Qais, the tour provides a captivating glimpse into the region’s past. With private transportation and flexibility to explore at your own pace, it’s an excellent way to experience Jordan’s northern treasures.