Private tour · from Amman
Full-Day Private Tour to Ajloun Castle and Pella
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.
★★★★★ 5.0 · 1 review
▦ 7 photos from this tourDuration6–7 hr
PickupYour hotel in Amman
Departure8 AM or 9 AM
GroupPrivate · 1–3 travellers
VehiclePrivate 4×4, WiFi & chargers
From$195for 1 traveller
Book nowAbout this tour
Overview
Private tourFull-dayNorth & Jordan ValleyBronze Age · Roman · Byzantine · Umayyad · Crusader & Ayyubid
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.
Photo gallery
Photos from this tour
Itinerary
7 stops, door to door
1
Amman - Ajloun
Your day begins with a warm welcome and a short tour briefing in Amman.Read more ▾
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.
2
Ajloun Castle
Perched high above the surrounding forests, Ajloun Castle is a striking example of Islamic military architecture.Read more ▾
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.
3
Tell Mar Elias
This peaceful hilltop site is traditionally associated with the Prophet Elijah (Elias), revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.Read more ▾
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.
4
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.Read more ▾
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.
5
Jesus Cave
Pause at a quiet and lesser-known site believed by local tradition to have sheltered Jesus and his followers.Read more ▾
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.
6
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).Read more ▾
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.
7
Return to Amman
After a day rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty, relax on the drive back to Amman.Read more ▾
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.
What’s included
✓Private luxury transfer
✓Entrance fees
✓Bottled water, soft drinks, snacks
✓Coffee/tea (on request)
✓WiFi, Phone charger
Not included
✕Professional on-site (local) guide
✕Personal expenses
✕Lunch
What to bring
•Comfortable shoes
•Sun hat
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
Good to know
•We meet you in your hotel lobby or at your residence in Amman five minutes before departure (8 AM or 9 AM).
•At the end we drop you at your hotel or anywhere else in Amman at no extra cost.
•Private tour — only your group takes part.
•Moderate fitness needed · not wheelchair accessible · infants sit on laps.
Cancellation policy
•Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
•Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.
•Changes less than 24 hours before the start can’t be accepted.
•Times are Jordan local time.
5.0★★★★★ · 1 review
Reviews on Tripadvisor ↗“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 grea…”
Alexander F
Book directly with us
From$195140 JOD
1 traveller$195140 JOD
2 travellers$210150 JOD
3 travellers$225160 JOD
Total price for your private group, not per person.
No payment now — we confirm by email and send payment details
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Before you go
Explore the sites on this tour
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