Your driver will meet you at your Amman hotel at 8 AM for a scenic two-hour drive north to Umm Qais, an ancient hilltop city overlooking the Jordan Valley, Golan Heights, and Sea of Galilee. Once called Gadara, it’s famed for the Gadarene swine miracle and was a Greco-Roman cultural hub—home to poets and philosophers like Theodorus, founder of a Roman rhetorical school. Today you can wander its colonnaded streets, Roman theaters, and Byzantine basilicas while soaking in spectacular panoramic views.

Ajloun Castle (Qal’at ar-Rabad) is a 12th-century fortress built by one of Salah al-Din’s generals to guard the trade routes and repel Crusader incursions. Perched on a wooded hilltop, its stout stone walls, arrow slits, and vaulted chambers offer a vivid glimpse into medieval Islamic military architecture. From the ramparts you’ll enjoy sweeping views over the Jordan Valley, Ajloun’s lush oak forests, and the surrounding villages.

After an exhilarating morning, you’ll want a hearty meal—so we leave dining up to you. Rather than including set lunches, we’ll send you a curated list of our favorite Jordanian restaurants once your trip is confirmed. Feel free to explore and savor the local cuisine at your own pace!

Jerash ranks just behind Petra as Jordan’s top must-see destination. Wander through its monumental Hadrian’s Gate, stroll the grand colonnaded avenues, and admire the elegant temples and impressive theatres—all testaments to its heyday as a thriving imperial city. Whether you’re an archaeology enthusiast or a casual visitor, you’ll easily spend half a day exploring its vast ruins. Return to Amman.