Umm Qais & Jerash | Day Tour (starting from $171)

• Activity: Full-day private guided tour to the north, visiting Umm Qais and Jerash.
• Start Time: 8:00 A.M. (recommended)
• Total Driving Distance: ~ 235 km (146 miles) round trip.
• Total Duration: 9-10 hours (including sightseeing, museum visits, and travel)

Morning - Journey to Umm Qais:
After an early breakfast at your hotel, meet your private guide and driver. They will escort you for the entire duration of the tour, from hotel pick-up to final hotel drop-off.
Depart Amman for a scenic drive north towards the Jordan Valley (approx. 110 km, 2 hours). Your destination is Umm Qais (ancient Gadara), dramatically perched on a hilltop overlooking the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Yarmouk River gorge.
Umm Qais Visit (approx. 2 hours total):
Upon arrival, your guide will accompany you through the archaeological site, providing historical context and insights.

• Archaeological Site Exploration: Walk through the striking black basalt ruins of this Decapolis city. Visit the restored theatre, the main colonnaded street, and the remains of the Ottoman-era village. Your guide will highlight the key features and history of each structure.
• Panoramic Viewpoint: Pause at the famous western terrace for the breathtaking panoramic view across the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Yarmouk River gorge.
• Umm Qais Archaeological Museum: Conclude your visit at the museum, housed in the beautifully restored 19th-century House of Rousan (Bayt Ar Rūsān). Your guide will walk you through the collections, which include marble statues of gods (Zeus, Artemis, Hermes), mosaics, pottery, and the famous inscription of the poet Arabios.

Midday - Travel to Jerash:
Depart Umm Qais and drive southeast (approx. 75 km, 1.5 hours) through the picturesque Jordanian countryside to the magnificent Greco-Roman city of Jerash.

Jerash Exploration (approx. 3 hours total):
Upon arrival at Jerash, your guide will lead you through one of the world's best-preserved Roman provincial cities. Enter through the imposing Arch of Hadrian.

• Archaeological Site Exploration:
  • Walk the original, colonnaded Cardo Maximus.
  • Stand in the remarkable Oval Plaza (Forum), surrounded by Ionic columns.
  • Visit the grand Temple of Artemis, dedicated to the city's patron goddess.
  • Explore the well-preserved South Theatre, where you can experience its remarkable acoustics.
  • View the Hippodrome, once the site of thrilling chariot races.
  • Pass by the Nymphaeum, the Cathedral, and other significant structures as your guide explains the city's layout and history.
• Jerash Archaeological Museum: Your guided tour includes a visit to the onsite museum, established in 1985. Here, you will see artifacts spanning from the Paleolithic period through the Late Islamic period, including pottery wares, jewelry, coins, statues, and mosaic panels recovered from the site.

Lunch Break: Time will be allocated for a late lunch at a local restaurant near the site (optional and not included in the tour price). Your guide can assist with recommendations.

Late Afternoon - Return to Amman:
Conclude your visit and begin the return journey to Amman (approx. 50 km, 1 hour). You will be escorted back to your hotel and dropped off in the early evening. The remainder of the evening is free for you to enjoy dinner at your leisure.

:: Thank you for choosing to explore Jordan with us ::

Highlights:

• Private Full-Day Journey: Enjoy the personalized experience of having your own dedicated guide and driver from the moment you leave your hotel until your return.
• Panoramic Vistas at Umm Qais: Stand at a dramatic hilltop vantage point in ancient Gadara, gazing out over the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Yarmouk River gorge.
• Explore Black Basalt Ruins: Wander through the unique dark-stone ruins of a Decapolis city, including a theatre and colonnaded street, culminating in a visit to the Umm Qais Archaeological Museum housed in a restored Ottoman residence.
• Walk the Colonnaded Streets of Jerash: Step back in time as you explore one of the world's best-preserved Roman provincial cities, walking its original cardo and standing in the magnificent Oval Plaza.
• Experience Ancient Engineering: Visit the grand Temple of Artemis and test the incredible acoustics of the well-preserved South Theatre and Jarash Archaeological Museum.
• Premium Comfort: Travel in a private Premium Business Class Van throughout your journey, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable experience.

Important Information:

• Premium Comfort: To ensure a more comfortable and luxurious experience with better views, this tour is operated with a private Premium Business Class Van “Business Vans “.
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), camera, and your passport/ID.
• Fitness Level: A moderate level of fitness is required due to walking at archaeological sites over uneven terrain. Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible. For wheelchair-friendly tours or transfers, please contact us.
• Entrance Fees: If you have purchased a Jordan Pass, it covers the entrance fees to both Umm Qais and Jerash. Please bring a printed copy with you.
• Distances & Times: Travel times in Jordan can vary significantly due to traffic, checkpoints, and road conditions. The times provided are realistic estimates under normal conditions.
• The local currency: is the Jordanian Dinar (JD). It is advisable to have cash on hand.
• Site Visits: Your guide may adjust the order of visits based on timing and local conditions to ensure the best possible experience.

 Price Includes:

• Private Guided Service: A licensed professional English-speaking guide will accompany you for the entire duration of the tour.
• Private transportation: Air-conditioned Premium Business Class Van with a professional driver.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman.
• Bottled water on board.

Price Excludes:

• Travel insurance (highly recommended).
• Entrance fees to the sites.
• Lunch, beverages and any personal expenses.
• Services of local guides at the visited sites.
• Gratuities (tips) for drivers, guides, (expected).
• Any items or services not mentioned in the "Includes" section.