Amman, Jordan

Full-Day Private Tour to Ajloun Castle and Pella

Rating:
Rated 5 out of 5
(1 review)

Escape the city and journey into the lush highlands of northern Jordan on this private day tour from Amman. Discover a region where rolling green hills, ancient ruins, and layered history come together in one unforgettable experience.

Just 1.5 hours northwest of Amman—and only a short distance from Jerash—the Ajloun area offers a refreshing contrast to Jordan’s desert landscapes. Known for its mild climate and forested hills of oak, pine, and carob trees, it’s one of the country’s most scenic and fertile regions.

At the heart of your journey stands Ajloun Castle, a striking 12th-century fortress built by the Ayyubids under the command of Saladin. Perched high on a hill, the castle offers panoramic views and a fascinating insight into medieval Islamic military architecture and strategy.

The region is also rich in earlier history, with sites linked to the Byzantine period, including traditions associated with the Prophet Elijah, as well as Roman-era remains scattered across the surrounding hills.

Your journey continues to Pella, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region and part of the ancient Decapolis. Here, you’ll walk through layers of history spanning thousands of years—from Bronze Age settlements to Greco-Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic remains—all set within a serene valley landscape.

Travel in comfort with your private vehicle and guide, enjoying a relaxed pace and the flexibility to fully explore each site. After a day of discovery, return to Amman with a deeper appreciation of Jordan’s rich and diverse heritage.

Departure Location
Amman, Jordan (your hotel or residence)
Departure Time
What's Included
✓ Private luxury transfer✓ Entrance fees✓ Bottled water, soft drinks, snacks✓ Coffee/tea (on request)✓ WiFi, Phone charger
What's Excluded
✕ Professional on-site (local) guide✕ Personal expenses✕ Lunch
Tour Checklist
✓ Comfortable shoes✓ Sun hat✓ Sunblock✓ Sunglasses

Note: We will meet you in your hotel lobby or at your residence five minutes before the scheduled departure time for a brief introduction and tour overview. Please be ready on time.

At the end of the tour, we will drive you back to Amman and drop you off at your hotel or any other location you prefer within the city at no additional cost.

Tour Itinerary

Amman - Ajloun

Your day begins with a warm welcome and a short tour briefing in Amman. If you wish, we’ll make a quick coffee stop before heading north. Enjoy a comfortable 1.5-hour (approx. 80 km) drive in a luxury vehicle equipped with WiFi and phone charging. Complimentary snacks, water and soft drinks will be provided, allowing you to relax as the scenery transitions from city streets to the lush hills of northern Jordan.

Ajloun Castle

Perched high above the surrounding forests, Ajloun Castle is a striking example of Islamic military architecture. Built between 1184 and 1188 by the nephew of Saladin, it played a key role in defending the region against Crusader incursions. At the visitor centre, you’ll have time to refresh before exploring the castle itself. Walk through its halls, towers, and passageways while learning about its strategic design and layered history, including later Mamluk enhancements. A small on-site museum showcases artefacts from the region, and a short walk around the outer walls offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Tell Mar Elias

This peaceful hilltop site is traditionally associated with the Prophet Elijah (Elias), revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Explore the remains of two Byzantine churches, including a larger complex reached via a short climb, offering sweeping views over Ajloun’s green hills. The colourful ribbons tied to nearby trees reflect the site’s continued spiritual significance for pilgrims today.

Listeb Mosque

Enjoy a brief stop at this small historic mosque, offering a glimpse into the region’s more recent cultural and religious heritage as you continue your journey.

Jesus Cave

Pause at a quiet and lesser-known site believed by local tradition to have sheltered Jesus and his followers. Nearby, you’ll also find one of the oldest preserved Roman olive presses in Jordan—an unexpected and fascinating highlight.

Pella

Overlooking the Jordan Valley, Pella is one of Jordan’s most significant and continuously inhabited archaeological sites, with history stretching back to the Neolithic period (around 6500 BC). Wander through its expansive ruins and discover layers of civilisations—from Bronze Age settlements to Greco-Roman and Byzantine remains. Highlights include a Roman theatre, bathhouse, nymphaeum, and several Byzantine churches. An optional lunch at a local restaurant (not included) offers a chance to relax while enjoying stunning views of the valley and surrounding hills.

Return to Amman

After a day rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty, relax on the drive back to Amman. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel, bringing a smooth and memorable conclusion to your journey through northern Jordan’s hidden treasures.

Photo Gallery

Additional Info

  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on Jordan’s local time.
SHARE

What our customers say

5.0
Rated 5 out of 5

36 reviews

Alexander F
Rated 5 out of 5
We had a blast with Alex
This was our best day in Amman! After visiting the Dead Sea and Petra we had a day to spare in Jordan and decided to visit Ajloun Castle and Pella ruins. It was a great tour, packed with things to see and enjoy. Alex was feeding us all the way:) and internet in his car was a great additional service. Jesus cave was very interesting to see, that was a very nice stop as well. We had fish at the restaurant in Pella after walking through Roman ruins and enjoyed a fantastic view from the terrace. I highly recommend this tour, it was amazing!
Written December, 2021

from $195 (140 JOD)

Price varies by group size (1-3 travellers)

Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance

Book Directly with Us

We accept new bookings till 31 Dec 2022 only
Tour Price: $195 (140 JOD)
Tour Price: $210 (150 JOD)
Tour Price: $225 (160 JOD)

We will confirm your booking via email and provide you with payment details.

More Booking Options

Instant booking confirmation at the time of booking, free cancellation up to 24h in advance.

Search

DAY-TOURS FROM AMMAN

LATEST POSTS

Available tours in Jordan

Latest
Tours
Sections
Periods
Themes