Things to do in

Jerash

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: Depart Tel Aviv early in the morning. As you drive through Jerusalem, enjoy the stunning views of the Judean Desert landscape along the Israeli side of the Jordan valley, on the way to the Allenby Border Crossing.  Your first stop is Jerash, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman towns. Journey through time as you walk the colonnaded streets behind the impressive Hadrian’s Arch, and discover the Greco-Roman architecture telling 4,000 years of Mediterranean history. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the capital to learn about Amman’s cultural importance and eventful past, featuring palaces, a museum and the Temple of Hercules, and panoramic views across the city. Drive to a Bedouin camp near Petra, savor a traditional dinner, enjoy authentic Bedouin hospitality beneath the clear desert skies and listen to local music, before heading to rest in your tent’s comfortable bed. Day 2: After breakfast, take a day to explore Petra, carved into the red stone by the Nabataeans around 2,000 years ago. Hear about Petra’s complex history, followed by lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the sites by yourself, and admire the Hellenistic architecture, before heading back for dinner. Day 3: Your last day starts with an exciting ride through the exquisite and virtually untouched desert landscape of Wadi Rum. A 4x4 jeep will take you to stunning sights and viewpoints, past towering cliffs of weathered stone and desert animals. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Allenby Bridge border crossing, and by late evening arrive back in Jerusalem.

Early in the morning, the shuttle will pick you up from Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv. Drive through Jerusalem as you enjoy stunning views of the Judean Desert landscape along the Israeli side of the Jordan valley, on the way to the Allenby Border Crossing. Your first stop is Jerash, known to be one of the world’s best-preserved Roman cities. The impressive Hadrian’s arch marks the entrance to colonnaded streets, theatres, temples, and a hippodrome. Walking among these will take you on a journey through time, while your guide shares stories of the city’s glorious past, and how it was once ruled by Alexander the Great. Continue to the capital city Amman, where you will drive by sites such as the Royal Palace and King Hussein National Mosque, and get a general overview of the city. Before moving on from Amman, you’ll get to taste a delicious local sweet, called Knafeh.  An authentic Bedouin campsite will welcome you for a campfire dinner and a good night’s sleep in one of the comfortable tents. The nomadic Bedouins have inhabited the desert for thousands of years, and are famous for their extensive hospitality. After breakfast the next morning, it’s time to visit the UNESCO site of Petra. Carved into the red rocks by the Nabateans some 2,000 years ago, it hasn’t lost any of its magic. Your guide will lead you through the Siq, serving as an entrance corridor to the ancient city that eventually opens up to the iconic Treasury. From here, you’ll continue towards the Royal Tombs, the 3,000 seat amphitheater, the Monastery, and much more, each a stunning example of perfectly symmetrical Hellenistic architecture. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, before returning to Tel Aviv via the Allenby crossing in the late evening.

This 2-day Jordan tour leaves from Jerusalem and includes visits to the incredible cities of Jerash and Amman, as well as Petra. Enjoy authentic meals, an overnight stay with local Bedouins, and a full day in Petra are all part of the package. Depart Jerusalem in the morning and take in stunning views of the Judean Desert landscape along the Israeli side of the Jordan valley. Arrive at the ancient city of Jerash, an incredibly well-preserved Roman city featuring colonnaded streets, baths, theaters, temples, and a hippodrome. See a striking blend of Eastern and Western architectural traditions. Your next stop is Jordan’s capital city of Amman. Visit both the modern downtown area of the city, now the economic, political, and cultural center of Jordan, and also the old Citadel above the city. At the Citadel, you’ll see the Temple of Hercules and historic palaces, and have excellent views of the modern city. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and try some sweet Kanafeh for dessert. After lunch, you’ll continue south to the desert, where you’ll spend the night in a Bedouin camp. The Bedouins, nomadic inhabitants of the desert, have lived in the region for thousands of years. Experience Bedouin hospitality as they share their tasty meals and comfortable tents with the group. The second day is devoted to Petra. You’ll stand in awe at Petra, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, poetically described as a rose-red city half the age of time. Carved into the red rocks of the desert cliffs thousands of years ago by the ancient Nabatean people, Petra was hidden under sand for centuries before recently being made accessible again. See the iconic Treasury, the amphitheater, the royal tombs, the monastery, and much more, before you return to Jerusalem via the Allenby crossing. This is a fully guided tour, with transportation to all sites and an extensive informational travel app for smartphones and tablets that provides additional information about each of the sites you visit. It also contains useful information about border crossings. The app, with maps, information and pictures, can be downloaded before you set out, and doesn’t require an internet connection.

See everything Jordan has to offer on this three-day tour from Tel Aviv. See Petra, visit a Bedouin camp, and marvel at the clear, starry skies of the desert. Day 1Begin your tour in Tel Aviv, and head toward the Jordanian border. Enter Jordan at the Allenby Bridge border, and drive through the arid desert for about an hour before enjoying a delicious local lunch. Continue through the stunning desert landscape of Wadi Rum, virtually untouched by humanity. Travel through the moon-like landscape in a 4×4 Jeep and marvel at the red sand dunes, towering cliffs of weathered stone, and desert animals in the light of a beautiful sunset. End your first evening at a Bedouin camp near Petra with an Arab-style dinner and a comfortable bed. Before going to sleep, sit beneath the clear desert skies and stargaze as you drink a cup of delicious Bedouin tea. Day 2Early the next morning, enjoy a quick breakfast before heading to Petra. Explore this world-famous archeological site in the morning with your guide before taking a lunch break at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the other areas of Petra, including the monastery, on your own, before heading back to the Bedouin camp for another delicious dinner. Day 3Enjoy breakfast at the campsite and then head to Madaba, an ancient Jordanian city. Walk up to the viewpoint of Mount Nebo for a panoramic view. Relax with lunch and then head back to the Allenby Bridge border crossing, arriving back in Tel Aviv in the afternoon.

Begin your 6-hour tour with hotel pickup from central Amman, then travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to Jerash. Admire the passing towns and landscapes as your driver explains the history of Jerash, an ancient city covered by sand for centuries. Head through the city gate and walk around the well-preserved ruins as your guide tells you about the city in its heyday. See arches, theaters, and elegant streets. Snap photos of the stunning Oval Plaza, an egg-shaped public square framed by columns.   After this, return to Amman for a panoramic tour of the city’s highlights. Drive around the downtown area past markets, churches, and mosques such as King Abdullah’s mosque. Pass King Hussein’s Palace, where the late king is laid to rest. Discover the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic-era ruins of Amman Citadel. Gaze in awe at the Roman Amphitheater, carved into a hillside in the 2nd century B.C. Enjoy free time for shopping in the local gold and spice markets. Your tour then concludes by strolling the Jabal al Weibdeh and Jabal Amman areas, and the Rainbow Street, Amman’s colorful arts and shopping hotspot. Delve into the upscale neighborhoods of Abdoun and Sweifieh, where luxury shopping malls and private villas line the streets. After passing through modern Amman, drive back to your hotel.

Start your tour with pickup from your central Amman hotel, then travel to Jerash in a private air-conditioned vehicle. With your experienced guide, wander among the ancient temples, theaters, plazas, paths and streets 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. Learn about the history of the land and the people who inhabited it for more than 2,500 years as you explore the Roman Decapolis City that has been left behind. This ancient city was once one of the most prosperous in the Roman Empire, and was covered by sand for centuries until its remains were discovered in 1806. Journey through the ancient city gate and walk around the well-preserved ruins as your guide tells you the marvellous tales of the city. Snap a photo of the wonders of the ruins, including the stunning Oval Plaza, and the intriguing egg-shaped public square framed by standing columns, before heading back to your hotel in Amman.

At 8 am, you will be picked up from your hotel and start your tour of Amman. The geography is often described in reference to the eight circles which form the spine of the city. First Circle is located near downtown, and the series extends westward through Eighth Circle. 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. Its 2km south of the main resort strip, is run by Amman municipality to give affordable access to the Dead Sea. The grounds are attractively landscaped and the beach is clean, with sun umbrellas, freshwater showers and a vibrant local flavor, making it a great place to strike up conversation with a Jordanian family. There are also a number of swimming pools, a restaurant (JD 10 buffet), some drinks stalls, basketball courts and an amusement park next door. At the end of the day, you will be taken back to your hotel.

Begin your private tour with a pick up from your hotel in central Amman. You'll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to Jerash. Wander among the temples, theatres, plazas, paths and collonaded streets, all enclosed within the remaining city walls. Inside the city walls have been found the remains of settlements dating from the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad and Abbasid periods, indicating human occupation at this location for more than 2,500 years. A local English-speaking guide will accompany you during your 2-hour visit to the Jerash. This ancient city was one of the most prosperous in the Roman Empire and was covered by sand for centuries until it's remnants were discovered in 1806. Head through the ancient city gate and walk around the well-preserved ruins as your guide tells you tales about the city in its heyday. See it's arches, theatres, and elegant collonaded streets. Take the opportunity to take some photos of the stunning Oval Plaza, the intriguing egg-shaped public square framed by standing columns. Having explored Jerash, continue to 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 corridors and staircases. Admire the stunning views over the lush hills of the Jordan Valley from the towers. Then, reconvene with your vehicle and relax on your ride back to Amman where your trip ends with a hotel drop off.

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.