Jerash · Umm Qais · Amman
Jerash, Umm Qais, and Jesus’ Cave: Private Day Trip from Amman
Overview
On this private, full-day tour from Amman, explore some of Jordan’s historical treasures, including Jerash, Um Qais, and Jesus’ Cave.
Begin your journey in Jerash, a Bronze Age settlement and one of the Middle East’s best-preserved Greco-Roman cities. Discover the Temple of Artemis, the Forum, the oval plaza, and Hadrian’s Arch. Learn about the city’s rich history, from its origins as a Greek federation to its flourishing under Muslim and Christian rule, and ultimately its decline after the Crusades.
Next, head to Um Qais, another astounding Greco-Roman city. Explore the ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara, now known as Um Qais, where Roman ruins stand in stunning juxtaposition with an abandoned Ottoman-era village. From this extraordinary vantage point, take in views of three countries: Jordan, Syria, and Israel, along with the Palestinian Territories. According to biblical accounts, this is the site where Jesus performed the miracle of the Gadarene swine.
Conclude your tour at Prophet Jesus’ Cave, located three miles south of Um Qais. Local residents believe Jesus resided in this cave during his travels to Umm Qais, aiming to free its people from paganism. You will then be dropped off at your hotel in Amman.
Highlights
- ★Jerash: Walk the Cardo Maximus, Roman theater, Hadrian's Arch, and ancient temples
- ★Umm Qais: Overlook the Golan Heights and Sea of Galilee; explore black basalt ruins of Gadara
- ★Jesus' Cave (Tal Mar Elias): Sacred biblical site linked to Prophet Elijah, quiet and spiritual
- ★Scenic drive through northern Jordan's hills and olive groves
- ★Fully private & customizable experience
Road map
Explore your journey
On the road in Jordan
Return itinerary
Route distance and driving time load with the map.
Itinerary preview from Amman. Exact hotel pickup, traffic, road closures and time spent visiting sites are not included. Final routing is confirmed by your chauffeur.
Selected package: Jerash, Umm Qais, and Jesus’ Cave: Private Day Trip from Amman
Driving legs & navigation
Amman → Jerash
Jerash → Umm Qais
Umm Qais → Amman (return)
Driving geometry & estimates: OSRM / OpenStreetMap. No live traffic. Report a map issue.
Itinerary
Explore Jordan’s remarkable historical treasures and ancient ruins on a private full‑day trip from Amman to the country’s scenic north. Discover the well‑preserved Greco‑Roman city of Jerash, the hilltop ruins and sweeping views of Umm Qais, and the revered Jesus’ Cave near Pella. With comfortable private transport and flexible timing, this immersive day tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience Jordan’s rich history, culture, and biblical heritage in a single unforgettable itinerary.
- 1Amman
Meeting Point
After meeting with the driver, embark on a fascinating private journey through northern Jordan, taking an hour and a half, exploring three of the country's most historically rich and spiritually significant locations — Jerash, Umm Qais (Gadara), and Jesus’ Cave (Tal Mar Elias)
- 2Jerash
Jerash Ruins
Explore Jerash, one of the Middle East’s best-preserved Greco-Roman cities, renowned for its remarkably intact ruins. Wander through the Oval Colonnade, impressive temples, elegant fountains, and ancient stone-paved streets. This former Bronze Age settlement is home to significant landmarks, including the Temple of Artemis, the Forum, the Oval Plaza, and Hadrian’s Arch. Delve into Jerash’s rich history, from its beginnings within a Greek federation and its flourishing under Muslim and Christian rule, to its eventual decline during the Crusades.
- 3Umm Qais
Umm Qais
Next, continue to Umm Qais, one of the region’s most remarkable Greco-Roman cities. Here, you’ll explore the ruins of Gadara, a prominent Decapolis city. Umm Qais is especially striking for the captivating contrast between its Roman remains and the abandoned Ottoman-era village. From this extraordinary vantage point, you can gaze across three countries—Jordan, Syria, and Israel—as well as the Palestinian Territories. According to biblical tradition, this area is also associated with the miracle of the Gadarene swine, where Jesus cast demons out of two men and into a herd of pigs.
- 4Umm Qais
Jesus Cave
Five kilometers south of the ancient ruins of Umm Qais lies a site steeped in local legend and spiritual significance: Prophet Jesus’ Cave. This unassuming cavern, well known to the residents of Umm Qais, is believed to have served as a sanctuary for Jesus during his travels.
According to long‑standing local tradition, Jesus stayed in this very cave on his way to Umm Qais. Many locals believe that his purpose in visiting the area was to guide its people away from paganism and introduce them to a new spiritual path. Passed down through generations, this story has made the cave a quiet place of veneration and reflection for the community. Visitors can sense a connection to this ancient belief as they step inside, imagining the peaceful solitude that may once have surrounded Jesus in this secluded spot.
- 5Departure
The Return back
As the tour concludes, you will be comfortably transported back to your hotel in Amman. Our climate-controlled vehicle will ensure a pleasant journey, allowing you to relax and reflect on the breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences you've just encountered. The memories of ancient wonders and vibrant culture will linger, making your return to the hotel a time for quiet contemplation and appreciation of your Jordanian adventure.
Included
- ✓Local guide (if selected)
- ✓English-speaking driver
- ✓Entrance fees to sites (if selected)
- ✓Bottled water on board
- ✓Wi‑Fi on board
- ✓Private transportation
- ✓Air‑conditioned vehicle
Not included
- ✕Gratuities
- ✕Personal experience
- ✕Meals (Can be provided)
Good to know
- Meeting Point
- Amman
- Admission Fee
- Available as an add-on
- Walking Hours
- 4-5
- Transportation
- Private
- Meals
- Can be provided
- Mineral Water
- Available onboard
- Wifi
- Available onboard
Questions & answers
How is my booking confirmed?
Submitting a request does not confirm a reservation. You and our team receive the request details and quoted costs by email. Our team checks availability and sends a separate confirmation, booking invoice and travel voucher.
What are the deposit and payment terms?
A 25% non-refundable deposit secures your confirmed reservation and is applied to the total service price. The remaining balance is due at least 48 hours before the service. For last-minute bookings within 24 hours of service, full payment is due immediately. Online payment is not available yet; our team will provide the approved payment arrangements. All quoted booking amounts are in USD.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations 72 hours or more before service are refunded excluding the 25% non-refundable deposit. Cancellations between 24 and 72 hours before service incur a charge equal to 50% of the total service cost. Cancellations within 24 hours and no-shows are non-refundable. If we cancel the service, all payments, including the deposit, are refunded.
How long will my chauffeur wait?
Complimentary airport waiting is 45 minutes for domestic flights and 60 minutes for international flights, measured from the official landing time. Other pickups include 15 minutes from the scheduled pickup time. Additional waiting is USD 10 per 30 minutes.
What to bring
Comftrable walking shoes
Comfortable clothing
Hats And Sunglasses
Jordan Pass
To optimize your visit to Jordan and save money, a key recommendation is to purchase the Jordan Pass online before you travel. This pass offers significant advantages, primarily by covering the visa fee upon arrival, which is a considerable cost saving in itself. Beyond the visa, the Jordan Pass also grants you access to many of Jordan’s most iconic and popular attractions. Please get it here at: www.jordanpass.jo
Booking and Accessibility
- Your booking request is received instantly, and our team confirms it by email.
- The tour is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
- Most travelers are able to participate.
Private and Personalized Experience
- This is an exclusive private tour/activity, meaning only your group will participate.
- Enjoy personalized attention and attentive service tailored to your specific needs.
- The itinerary is flexible, offering multiple options to customize the experience.
- We are happy to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Please add any dietary requirements in the "Special requirements" field when you book.
from $28 / person
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