In short
- All tours start in Amman.
- Ratings as of November 2026.
Northern day tours
These tours visit Jerash first, then Ajloun Castle and/or Umm Qais. Private versions allow a forest walk or a longer lunch.
Private or shared Jerash, Ajloun Castle and Umm Qais day tour
All three northern highlights in one day from Amman, with a choice of private car or a shared group. 4.9/5 from about 270 reviews (as of November 2026).
Check availabilityBook via GetYourGuide
Day tour to Jerash, Ajloun and Umm Qais from Amman
Group or private day covering the three northern sites, with lunch stops in the hills.
Check availabilityBook via GetYourGuide
Jerash, Ajloun Castle or Umm Qais private tour from Amman
Private driver-guide for the north: Roman Jerash plus Ajloun's Ayyubid castle or the Gadara ruins at Umm Qais above the Sea of Galilee.
Check availabilityBook via GetYourGuideTour listings are on GetYourGuide. Prices, times and cancellation terms are shown live on each listing and can change; JordanTravel.com may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Book tours in Ajloun & Umm QaisLive times, prices and free cancellation terms on GetYourGuide.
Check availabilityWhy a tour helps here
Public transport to Ajloun Castle and Umm Qais involves several minibus changes, so a car, driver or tour is the efficient way to see the north in a day. Private tours can add the Ajloun Forest Reserve or Pella and adjust the pace.
Hiking the north
For walkers, local operators and the Jordan Trail Association can arrange guided day hikes on the first sections of the Jordan Trail between Umm Qais and Ajloun, with village lunches.
What to expect on the day
Most tours collect you from your Amman hotel between 7 and 8 AM, spend 2–2.5 hours in Jerash, about an hour at Ajloun Castle and 1–1.5 hours at Umm Qais, with a lunch stop. You are back in Amman by early evening. Entrance fees are usually extra — the Jordan Pass covers all three sites.
Which northern tour suits whom?
| You are… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wanting all three sites | Jerash, Ajloun and Umm Qais day tour | The complete northern day |
| A couple or small group | Private or shared Jerash, Ajloun and Umm Qais | Private option for your own pace |
| Undecided between Ajloun and Umm Qais | Jerash with Ajloun Castle or Umm Qais | Choose your second stop |
| Short on time | Half-day Jerash | Skip the north beyond Jerash |
| A keen walker | Guided RSCN trail or a Jordan Trail day hike | Booked directly with RSCN or a local operator |
Is a full northern day too much?
Jerash, Ajloun and Umm Qais in one day means about four to five hours of driving from and back to Amman, plus three sites. It works well for active travellers, especially in spring and autumn when the light lasts. With young children, older travellers or in the heat of summer, choose two of the three: Jerash and Ajloun are closest together, while Umm Qais rewards a slower visit with lunch on the terrace.
In winter, daylight ends around 5:30 PM local time, so ask the operator to visit Umm Qais before sunset rather than last thing in the dark.
Tours and the Jordan Pass
Jerash, Ajloun Castle and Umm Qais are all included in the Jordan Pass, so pass holders should book tours without entry tickets or confirm that the operator deducts them. The Ajloun Forest Reserve is managed by RSCN and is not included in the pass.
What to bring on a northern day
- Comfortable shoes — Jerash and Umm Qais involve 3–5 km of walking on uneven stone.
- A hat, sunscreen and water from spring to autumn; a warm layer in winter, when the hills are much cooler than Amman.
- Your Jordan Pass or cash for entry fees.
- Small notes for tips and lunch; card acceptance is patchy in villages.
- Your passport for police checkpoints.
Frequently asked questions
Do tours include Ajloun Castle entry?
Usually not; the Jordan Pass covers Ajloun Castle and Umm Qais.
Can I add the Ajloun Forest Reserve to a northern tour?
Private tours can usually add a short forest walk instead of one site. Guided RSCN trails need booking in advance and take half a day or more.
What time do northern day tours return to Amman?
Usually between 5 and 7 PM, depending on the season and how many sites you visit. Private tours can finish earlier if you skip Umm Qais.
Are northern tours suitable for children?
Yes, if they enjoy ruins and castles; choose two sites rather than three, and bring snacks and sun protection.
Can I book a northern tour starting from the Dead Sea?
Some private operators collect from Dead Sea hotels, but the drive is longer; Amman is the usual starting point.
Is Umm Qais included in northern day tours?
Many full-day tours include it after Jerash and Ajloun; some let you choose between Ajloun and Umm Qais. Check the itinerary.
Sources and official information
Facts were checked against these official sources in November 2026. Opening hours, prices and timetables change, so confirm before you go.
JordanTravel.com is an independent guide, not the official site of the Jordan Tourism Board, the Government of Jordan or any operator. Some links are affiliate links: tours go to GetYourGuide and hotels go to Booking.com, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
