A trip to Jerash Ajloun and Um qais is an adventure into a different side of Jordan – a Jordan of forests and mountain valleys, Roman ruins, and a medieval castle.
This tour to the north is a journey through time. In the space of a day, you’ll get an insider’s taste of Jordan’s complex and unexpected past – along with an authentic meal in a local, off-the-beaten-track restaurant.
Posted By : GailF213
Ramzi was amazing and allowed me to do things at my pace. He was terrific at helping me see exactly what I wanted to see and explained so much to me. Such a knowledgeable and caring person. I can’t recommend him enough. I wish all tour guides and drivers were as passionate about their clients. Thanks for an awesome day.
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Posted On : 2024-02-18 06:15:44 
Posted By : ediehogarth
Samer was a delightful driver from the start of this amazing day in northern Jordan. He pointed out small details that might otherwise have been missed - from soaring falcons, to geckos and rosemary - while we rested on a quiet and serene mountaintop looking at panoramic views that you only see in National Geographic pictures. Conversations on local foods, architecture, family life and history filled our travelling time, so that the day flew by too quickly.
Um Qais (pronounced Um Case) is close to 5km from the northern border of Jordan. Other than myself and another British visitor, this amazing site was deserted - due to the fear of the bombings in Israel.
A lone guide in Um Qais showed us remnant buildings hit by bombs in 1967, and pointed out the quiet road that led to the Jerusalem borer crossing. One could only imagine what this centre might have been like 1000 years ago. The site, even with 'border' patrol' was calm.
Our guide pointed many interesting details, including a very healthy 1000 year old olive tree; ruts in the black lava stone roads made by chariots (similar to the cosmo in Jerash, which had white stone roads); an open theatre (with intact stone moldings and linear carvings) where he demonstrated his oratory skills - the acoustics were outstanding.
Um Qais is an outstanding archeological site, and deserves as much notice as As-Salt, Amman, and Jerash. I was not disappointed. After walking through the site, I was pleasantly presented with a bag of hot, freshly roasted locally grown peanuts (3 JODs) - a delightful treat!
Although there was no guide for Aljoun Castle, Samer waited for me while I explored the four levels of this amazing fortress. It was interesting to note that a security guard on the rooftop ensured visitors adhered to the policy: no more than 38 visitors at a time, as the rooftop could only hold so many people at one time. (He genuinely appreciated my attempts at greeting him and thanking him in Arabic.) The local kittens were no problem on the roof or elsewhere on the property!
I was pleasantly shocked to learn that the solar project at Aljoun Castle was in part possible due to a Canadian company. Glad this international contribution was made to keep this historical landmark accessible. Aljoun architecture (Roman) is unforgettable.
I had heard that Jerash is not only one of Jordan's treasured cities, its olive oil, figs, herbs, goat cheese and goat yogurt are some of the best! While driving through the city, Samer was more than accommodating in finding me (what I personally regard) as some of the best and most interesting places and prices to obtaining these tasty and healthy delicacies.
I can wholeheartedly say, November is one of THE best times to travel to northern Jordan. Having Samer as my driver made this private journey unforgettable. Shukran.
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Posted On : 2023-11-17 01:29:18
Posted By : philiprN8709CG
We had an excellent day with Mustafa. The tour was brilliant with Mustafa showing us as much of beautiful Jordan as possible, including stopping to take in some stunning views. He was very knowledgeable and an excellent guide, giving us all the best tips. He was on time and the car was very clean. Many thanks Mustafa!
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Posted On : 2023-10-12 13:54:19
