This full-day private tour from Amman offers a captivating journey through the historical heartland of Northern Jordan, exploring two of the most significant and dramatically situated Greco-Roman cities of the ancient Decapolis League: Jerash and Umm Qais.
The trip is a perfect blend of world-class archaeology and breathtaking regional scenery, providing a deep dive into over 2,000 years of history, from the Roman Empire to the Ottoman era.
Trip Description
Embark on a spectacular journey into the Roman world with a full-day private tour to two of Jordan’s greatest archaeological gems.
The morning begins at Jerash, the “Pompeii of the East.” Here, you will spend several hours walking the remarkably preserved streets of the ancient city of Gerasa. Marvel at the sheer scale of the Oval Forum, stroll along the original cobblestones of the Cardo Maximus, and admire the monumental structures like the Temple of Artemis and the grand Hadrian’s Arch. Jerash offers an intimate look at the sophisticated urban life of a Roman provincial city nearly 2,000 years ago.
The afternoon transitions to the breathtaking hilltop site of Umm Qais, the ancient city of Gadara. This location offers a striking contrast to Jerash, featuring ruins built from dark basalt stone, including its dramatic West Theater. More famously, Umm Qais provides one of the most stunning vistas in the Middle East, with views sweeping across four different regions, encompassing the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. The visit concludes with time to appreciate the unique fusion of Roman history and a charming, abandoned Ottoman-era village—a fitting end to a day traversing Jordan’s ancient heartland.
Trip Highlights
- Explore 12th-century Ajloun Castle, built by Saladin’s forces
- Discover the Roman ruins of Jerash
- The Oval Forum/Plaza: A unique, colonnaded elliptical space that served as the city's main gathering place.
- The site also features a fascinating juxtaposition of Greco-Roman ruins with a charm
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