Things to do in

Umm Qais

Start with pickup from your hotel in Amman and travel towards the ancient city of Jerash. Explore the city which was a rich a prosperous Greek and Roman settlement, first founded by Alexander the Great around 331 BC. Wander down the Collonaded Street, and discover well-preserved examples of Roman architecture including the amphitheater, public squares, temples, and plazas. See the Temple of Artemis, the Forum, the oval plaza, and Hadrian’s Arch. Then, proceed to Ajloun and visit Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century fortress built during the rule of the Ayyubid dynasty under the command of Saladin. Built as a defensive outpost to guard the 3 major passages into northwest Jordan, this hilltop structure is a striking example of medieval Arab-Islamic military architecture. Discover the various towers, chambers, galleries, and staircases that form part of the town as well as the beautiful scenery that surrounds the hills. Climb the tower and take in the fantastic views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Drive towards Umm Qais, one of the most stunning Greco-Roman cities in the region. Learn about the ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara, now known as Umm Qais. Take in the breathtaking views of Jordan, Syria, Israel, and Palestine. Finally, reconvene with your driver and return to Amman, where your tour ends with a drop-off at any central location of your choosing.

Day 1- Petra – Dana Natural reserve: You will be picked up from  Amman at 8 am, passing through the desert highway toward Wadi Mousa (Petra) and stopping at different places on the way. You will visit Dana natural reserve area and view the amazing scenery of the reserve. Next, you will see Shobak Castle (Crusader castle - known as Montreal as well), and then visit Little Petra. Finally, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Wadi Mousa city at 4 pm for a relaxing overnight stay.  Day 2- Guided Exploration: The next day you will be picked up from your hotel at 7 am, and head out for a guided day tour in Petra. You will have 9 hours of exploring time inside Petra itself; many people choose to visit the treasury, monastery, the high area of Sacrifice and sites in between. You will be picked back up at 4 pm at your original departure point, and driven to your original hotel, concluding the tour. Petra name came from the Latin word ‘petrae’ ,meaning ‘rock’, lies in a great rift valley east of Wadi Araba in Jordan about 80 kilometers south of the Dead Sea – 260Km to the south – South-west of Amman – Jordan Capital. It came into prominence in the late first BCE (BC) through the success of the spice trade. The city was the principal city of ancient Nabataea and was famous above all for two things: its trade and its hydraulic engineering systems. It was locally autonomous until the reign of Trajan, but it flourished under Roman rule. The town grew up around its Colonnaded. Following the flow of the Wadi Musa, the city-center was laid out on either sides of the Colonnaded Street on an elongated plan between the theater in the east and the Qasr al-Bint in the west. The quarries were probably opened in this period, and there followed virtually continuous building through the first and the second centuries CE.

Explore some of Jordan’s historical treasures on this full-day private tour to Jerash, Um Qais, and Jesus’ Cave from Amman. Discover the ruins in Jerash, known to be one of the Middle East’s best-preserved Greco-Roman cities.  Jerash is a Bronze Age settlement where you can find the Temple of Artemis, the Forum, the oval plaza, as well as Hadrian’s Arch. Learn about the city and how it rose as a Greek federation and thrived through the Muslim and Christian rule until its demise following the Crusades. Afterwards, head towards Um Qais, one of the most astounding Greco-Roman cities. Discover the ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara, which is now known as Um Qais. This place is stunning because of the juxtaposition between the Roman ruins and the abandoned Ottoman-era village. Check out the extraordinary vantage point which provides views of three countries: Jordan, Syria, and the Israel and Palestinian Territories. According to the Bible, it is where Jesus performed the miracle of the Gadarene swine. Later, head towards Prophet Jesus’ Cave, three miles south from Um Qais. The citizens there believe that Jesus resided in this cave during his travels to Umm Qais in order to release its people from paganism. Get dropped off back at your hotel in Amman to conclude the tour.

Start the tour with pickup from your central Amman accommodation and then travel via an air-conditioned vehicle to Jerash. Wander among the original temples, theaters, plazas and baths, all enclosed within the remaining city walls. Discover the remains of settlements dating back to the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad and Abbasid periods, which indicate human occupation of this location for more than 2,500 years. As you explore the Roman Decapolis City of Jerash, listen to your local guide share fascinating stories about the history of the site. This ancient city was one of the most prosperous in the Roman Empire, and was covered in sand for centuries until its remains were discovered in 1806. Wander through the ancient city gate and walk among the well-preserved ruins as your guide tells you tales of what life here was like for the inhabitants. After you have explored Jerash, continue onto the 12th-century Castle of Ajloun, built in the time of Saladin to defend against Crusader armies. Head inside this semi-intact hilltop fortress, and roam the rambling corridors and staircases. See the murder holes through which occupiers would pour hot oil on invaders, and admire the stunning views over the lush hills of the Jordan Valley from the towers. Finally, venture northward through Jordan’s green landscapes to the village of Umm Qais, overlooking the ruins of another Roman Decapolis city known as “Gadara”. Soak up the views from here over the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights to explore the Greco-Roman ruins, including the amphitheater, crumbled mausoleum, basilica terrace, as well as other theaters and treasures. Then, visit the town’s museum to admire some precious artifacts recovered from the site, including mosaics and marble statues. Then, head back to your vehicle and relax on your long ride back to Amman where your trip ends with a hotel drop-off.

In the morning, be picked up from your accommodation in Amman. A close second to Petra on the list of favorite destinations in Jordan is the ancient city of Jerash, which boasts an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. Jerash lies on a plain surrounded by hilly wooded areas and fertile basins. Conquered by General Pompey in 63 BC, it came under Roman rule and was one of the ten great Roman cities of the Decapolis League. Then drive north to the great site of Gadara “Umm Qais” where the miracle of the swine’s occurred. Enjoy a great view of the Sea of Galilee, Mount Tabor and Golan Heights. Afterwards you will be taken back to your hotel in Amman where you will be dropped off at around 5 pm. 

A personal driver will be tracking your flight to/from the Queen Alia International Airport so as to accommodate for delays or early arrivals. Pickup from both your hotel in Petra and the airport will be adjusted according to any changes in your flight's schedule.  Simply look for your professional driver with a name card in the arrivals hall or your hotel lobby. Upon meeting, they will assist your with your luggage and make sure you feel comfortable. Hop in a modern, full-sized vehicle stocked with complimentary mineral water and equipped with Wi-Fi. Transfer directly to your hotel in Petra, or from your hotel in Petra directly to the airport in Ammam.  The service operates 24/7, so this luxurious experience is available at any time of the day, any day of the week. Take the stress out of your visit to Jordan, skip annoying taxi lines, and travel in style and comfort.