Jerash, Ajloun and Umm Qais from Amman: One Day or Just Jerash?
4 min read
For most visitors, the private Jerash, Ajloun Castle or Umm Qais tour is the best starting point. Of the four tours compared here it has the most reviews, and you choose how much to add to Jerash when you book. If you have only half a day, take the Jerash-only tour.
| Tour | Duration | From | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private tour: Jerash, Ajloun Castle or Umm Qais | 5–9 hours | €53.20 | 4.9 from 508 reviews | Choosing your own combination |
| Private or shared: Jerash, Ajloun Castle and Umm Qais | 5–10 hours | €39.28 | 4.9 from 272 reviews | The full northern loop |
| Day tour to Jerash, Ajloun and Umm Qais | 5–10 hours | €46.29 | 4.9 from 94 reviews | A similar loop, Jerash first |
| Half-day tour to Jerash | 5 hours | €46.29 | 4.9 from 104 reviews | Jerash only |
What each stop adds
Jerash is the reason to go: the colonnaded street, the Oval Plaza, the Temple of Artemis, the Forum, the theatre and Hadrian’s Arch are all named in the descriptions. The half-day tour lists one hour of driving each way and three hours at the site.
Ajloun Castle is a 12th-century fortress built by Saladin’s forces, with views over the Jordan Valley. The itineraries give it about one hour.
Umm Qais is the ancient Decapolis city of Gadara. The descriptions promise views across four countries and the Sea of Galilee, and about one to one and a half hours on site.
The cost of doing all three
The full loop is long. One itinerary lists two hours of driving to Umm Qais, 1.5 hours there, an hour to Ajloun, 45 minutes on to Jerash with two hours at the site, and an hour back to Amman. That is roughly nine hours, and the listings give up to ten. The Jerash-only tour is a calmer day and leaves your evening free.
Hours matter in winter. The Jordan Tourism Board lists Jerash as open from 8 am to 4 pm from November to April, and until 6.30 pm in summer. In the short days ahead, a late start can cost you time at the last stop. Confirm the current hours on the official Jerash page before you go.
Check dates and prices for the private Jerash tour
What is included
Every page lists hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman and a driver who speaks English. Beyond that they differ. The half-day page states that entrance tickets and a local guide are not included. The first listing offers entrance fees, a guide at Jerash and lunch as options you add; the other two say a local guide can be hired at all three sites at your own expense. Read each page’s includes before comparing prices. The first listing also recommends the Jordan Pass; jordanpass.jo lists Jerash, Ajloun Castle and Umm Qais among the sites the pass covers.
See availability for the Jerash, Ajloun and Umm Qais day tour
Drive yourself instead?
If you would rather set your own pace, you can compare rental cars for Amman. Check the excess, the deposit and what the CDW covers with the rental company before booking.
Who should choose what
- Jerash only: half a day, or limited time.
- Jerash plus one: most first-time visitors.
- All three: a full day and an early start, with patience for road time.
More options: Jerash, Ajloun and Umm Qais tours and private tours from Amman.
Our recommendation: the private Jerash, Ajloun Castle or Umm Qais tour, with Jerash and one more stop.
