Private tour · from Amman
Half-Day Private Tour to Jerash and Ajloun Castle
Discover two of northern Jordan’s most impressive historical landmarks on this private half-day journey from Amman. The tour begins with a visit to the magnificent ruins of Jerash, widely regarded as one of the largest and best-preserved Roman provincial cities outside Italy.
★★★★★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
▦ 12 photos from this tourDuration5–6 hr
PickupYour hotel in Amman
Departure8 AM or 9 AM
GroupPrivate · 1–3 travellers
VehiclePrivate 4×4, WiFi & chargers
From$130for 1 traveller
Book nowAbout this tour
Overview
Private tourHalf-dayJerash, North & Jordan ValleyRoman · Crusader & Ayyubid
Often called the “Pompeii of the East,” Jerash offers an extraordinary glimpse into life during the Roman Empire. As we walk through the ancient city, you will explore its grand collonaded streets, temples, theatres, and plazas while hearing the fascinating history and legends behind these remarkable monuments. The site also includes a small archaeological museum displaying artefacts from the many civilisations that once flourished here.
After exploring Jerash, there will be an option to enjoy lunch at one of the nearby local restaurants before we continue our journey into the green hills of northern Jordan.
Our next stop is the impressive Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century fortress built between 1184 and 1188 by Izz ad-Din Usama, a general and nephew of the famous Muslim leader Saladin. Strategically positioned on a hilltop, the castle played an important role in defending the region and controlling key trade routes during the Crusader period.
Inside the fortress, we will explore its towers, passageways, and defensive structures while discussing its military history and unique architectural design. A small museum within the castle displays artefacts discovered in the surrounding region. To conclude the visit, we will take a short walk around the outer walls of the fortress, offering beautiful panoramic views of the forests and valleys of Ajloun.
Photo gallery
Photos from this tour
Itinerary
9 stops, door to door
1
Amman - Jerash
Your experience begins with pickup from your hotel or residence in Amman, where we will have a brief introduction and tour overview.Read more ▾
Your experience begins with pickup from your hotel or residence in Amman, where we will have a brief introduction and tour overview. Before leaving the city, we can make a quick stop at Starbucks so you can pick up your favourite coffee and snacks (included in the price). Relax during the comfortable one-hour drive (approximately 50 km) to Jerash in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi and phone chargers. Enjoy your coffee and snacks while taking in the scenery along the way. Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks are also provided for your comfort.
2
Arch of Hadrian
Upon arrival, we begin at the impressive Arch of Hadrian, one of the most recognisable landmarks of Jerash.Read more ▾
Upon arrival, we begin at the impressive Arch of Hadrian, one of the most recognisable landmarks of Jerash. Built in 130 AD to commemorate the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian, this monumental triumphal arch was intended to serve as the southern gateway to the city. Constructed from local sandstone, the structure features three grand arches, with the central arch rising highest above the roadway. Rich decorative carvings and architectural details make it one of the finest surviving examples of Roman monumental architecture in Jordan.
3
Church of Marianos and the Hippodrome
Nearby stands the large Roman Hippodrome, once the centre of public entertainment in Jerash.Read more ▾
Nearby stands the large Roman Hippodrome, once the centre of public entertainment in Jerash. This impressive elliptical arena measures over 260 meters long and could host horse races, chariot competitions, and civic gatherings. We will walk around the perimeter and climb the grandstands for a panoramic view of the surrounding monuments. Adjacent to the Hippodrome lies the Church of Marianos, a Byzantine church dating to the 5th century AD. It is known for its beautifully preserved mosaic floors depicting biblical themes and geometric patterns.
4
Temple of Zeus and South Amphitheatre
Continuing into the heart of the archaeological park, we visit the monumental Temple of Zeus and the South Theatre.Read more ▾
Continuing into the heart of the archaeological park, we visit the monumental Temple of Zeus and the South Theatre. The temple, built in the 2nd century AD, sits on a hill overlooking the city and once formed part of a grand religious complex dedicated to the chief Roman deity. Below it stands the South Theatre, constructed between 90 and 92 AD and capable of seating around 3,500 spectators. The theatre’s remarkable acoustics can still be experienced today. Visitors often encounter local musicians demonstrating traditional instruments, bringing the ancient stage briefly back to life.
5
Oval Plaza and Jerash Archaeological Museum
One of the most striking spaces in Jerash is the famous Oval Plaza, a uniquely shaped public square measuring approximately 90 by 80 meters.Read more ▾
One of the most striking spaces in Jerash is the famous Oval Plaza, a uniquely shaped public square measuring approximately 90 by 80 meters. It is surrounded by elegant Ionic columns dating to the 2nd century AD. From here begins the Cardo Maximus, the city’s main collonaded street stretching nearly 800 meters. As we walk along this ancient Roman road, you can still see the grooves carved by chariot wheels in the original paving stones. Located within the archaeological site, the Jerash Archaeological Museum offers a fascinating overview of the region’s history. Founded in 1928, the museum displays approximately 600 artefacts arranged chronologically, ranging from the Neolithic period to the Islamic era.
6
Cathedral and Nymphaeum
The Jerash Cathedral dates to the late 4th century and represents the early Christian transformation of the city.Read more ▾
The Jerash Cathedral dates to the late 4th century and represents the early Christian transformation of the city. Nearby stands the beautifully preserved Nymphaeum, a monumental Roman fountain built in the 2nd century AD. Originally decorated with marble, statues, and flowing water, this ornate structure served as both a public fountain and an impressive architectural centrepiece along the city’s main street.
7
North Theatre and Temple Artemis
Our tour continues to the quieter North Theatre, which functioned primarily as an odeon for musical and civic performances.Read more ▾
Our tour continues to the quieter North Theatre, which functioned primarily as an odeon for musical and civic performances. Inscriptions carved into the seating reveal how different sections were allocated to the city’s governing council and local tribes. A short walk away stands the grand Temple of Artemis, dedicated to the patron goddess of ancient Jerash. Built in the 2nd century AD, the temple rises dramatically above the city on a high terrace. Several towering Corinthian columns still stand today, offering one of the most iconic views in the archaeological park. At this point, guests may choose to enjoy lunch at one of the nearby local restaurants before departing for Ajloun (optional, not included in the price).
8
Ajloun Castle
We then continue with a scenic 30-minute drive (about 20 km) northwest to the hilltop fortress of Ajloun Castle.Read more ▾
We then continue with a scenic 30-minute drive (about 20 km) northwest to the hilltop fortress of Ajloun Castle. Surrounded by the forested hills of northern Jordan, this impressive stronghold was built between 1184 and 1188 by Izz ad-Din Usama, a general and nephew of the famous Muslim leader Saladin. The castle formed an important defensive link in the region’s network of fortifications designed to protect the area from Crusader incursions and control key trade routes. After a short stop at the visitor centre, we will explore the different sections of the castle together, including its towers, courtyards, and defensive passages. Along the way, I will explain the castle’s fascinating history and unique architectural features. A small museum inside the fortress displays artefacts discovered in the surrounding region and is well worth a brief visit.
9
Ajloun - Amman
After exploring Ajloun Castle, we will drive comfortably back to Amman and drop you off at your hotel or residence.Read more ▾
After exploring Ajloun Castle, we will drive comfortably back to Amman and drop you off at your hotel or residence. You will return with unforgettable impressions of two of northern Jordan’s most fascinating historical landmarks.
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★★★★★ · 3 reviews
Reviews on Tripadvisor ↗“Alex is a great tour guide, a very knowledgeable guide. Jerash was an amazing place to visit, I would recommend this tour to anyone It's a must-do on a visit to Jordan.”
Shane L
Show more reviews ▾
★★★★★
Alex is a great tour...
Alex is a great tour guide, a very knowledgeable guide. Jerash was an amazing place to visit, I would recommend this tour to anyone
It's a must-do on a visit to Jordan.
Shane L
★★★★★
Great! Highly recommend
Alex was fantastic! I highly recommend it! The tour was great, saw so much at Jerash. A fantastic tour!
Mary B
★★★★★
A fast trip to Jerash on a budget
I only had a half-day free left so I called Alex to suggest a tour and he took us to Jerash. It’s a wonderful Roman city with a lot to see. I was pleased with the choice and recommend including Jerash in your bracket list.
Aria S
Book directly with us
From$13092 JOD
1 traveller$13092 JOD
2 travellers$155110 JOD
3 travellers$180128 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
More tours
More private tours from Amman
Day trips to Jordan’s ancient sites, with pickup from your hotel.
