Magpie
3.0(2 reviews)

Private Full Day Trip of Umm Qais and Pella from Amman

From$120
8 hours

About this activity

Experience a full-day private tour from Amman to the ancient sites of Umm Qais and Pella, exploring Roman ruins, enjoying panoramic views, and savoring traditional Jordanian cuisine.

Highlights

  • Explore ancient Roman ruins at Umm Qais
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Golan Heights
  • Discover the archaeological site of Pella
  • Experience Jordan's rich history and culture
  • Savor traditional Jordanian cuisine during lunch

Full description

Experience two of Jordan’s top archaeological sites on this private day trip to Umm Qais and Pella from Amman. Visit Umm Qais, a scenic hillside site strewn with the well-preserved ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Gadara. Then, explore Pella, home to the relics of another Roman city, and other, eons-old settlements. A local guide at Umm Qais, all entrance fees, and private round-trip transportation is included.

Included / Excluded

  • English-Speaking Driver
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according to number of participants
  • On board WI-FI
  • Entrance Fees to Umm Qais and its museum, Pella; if option Jordan Pass not selected
  • All type of meals, unless option with lunch selected (Vegetarian meal by request)
  • All type of beverages
  • All type of gratuities (Tips to the Driver) – Recommended
  • Personal Expenses
  • Local guides at Um Qais are limited. Thus, this product does not include any local guide
  • Pella does not have local guides
  • If a local guide is available your driver will assist in paying directly for the guide service
  • Any other service not mentioned

Itinerary

1

Meet your own private English-Speaking Driver who doubles up as your guide at your central Amman hotel and board your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Then, start out on your full-day trip to Umm Qais

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Umm Qais, home to the ruins of ancient Rome’s Decapolis cities — a group of 10 situated on the frontiers of the Roman Empire in the Middle East. First, venture northward through Jordan’s green landscapes to the village of Umm Qais, overlooking the ruins of another Roman Decapolis city known as “Gadara”. Soak up the views from here over the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights to explore the Greco-Roman ruins, including the amphitheater, crumbled mausoleum, basilica terrace, as well as other theaters and treasures. Start the visit walking the "Docomanos" street that leads to the theater which is different than other roman theaters, since this one is directed west instead of north.

Duration: 2h 30mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Proceed to the basilica church to see its octagonal altar which was a temple. Continue to the main street "Cardomaximo" which means the main street. The direction of this street is from east to west, usually the roman streets are from north to south. Then, visit the town’s museum to admire some of the precious artifacts recovered from the site, including mosaics and marble statues.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Next, drive to Pella, the remains of a Hellenistic city, from earlier to later settlements. First mentioned as ‘Pihilum’ or ‘Pehel’ by the Egyptians in the 19th century B.C. Pella prospered when the Romans arrived, building temples, theaters, and baths. See the antiquities, some dating back more than 8,000 years. Journey back to Amman where your trip concludes with a hotel drop off.

Duration: 2h 30mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • Confirm the tour date and time with the provider in advance.
  • Inform the provider of any dietary restrictions for lunch arrangements.
  • Ensure your camera or smartphone is fully charged for photo opportunities.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
  • Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
  • Airport Pick-up and Drop-off by request.
  • Contact your local operator (office phone number, emergency mobile number – out of office hours, or email address) a day before to reconfirm pick-up arrangements provided in your voucher.
  • For Jordan Pass holders that purchased tour activity with entrance fees, please inform us to reimburse the entrance fees in destination.
  • Tour activity is provided in English. For other languages by request.
  • Clients with mobility issues, please contact us.
  • Strollers and car seats for infants, please contact us.
  • Most local tourist restaurants in Jordan do not serve alcohol, if you do not want a dry restaurant that does not serve alcohol, please contact us.
  • For Arab and G.C.C. nationals, please book Jordan Pass option; visits without entrance fees included, as reduced entrance fees apply. It is better for Arab and G.C.C. passport holders to pay directly in destination their entrance fees.
  • Clients are advised to bring hats, sun screen, and comfortable walking shoes.

Traveler reviews

3.0
2 reviews
5
1
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
1

SCAM! Don't book this.

We paid for an English-speaking driver AND an English-speaking guide, but we only got a driver with very limited English. When we called the provider, they claimed that Viator didn't tell them we'd requested a guide. When I asked how can that be when we paid US$230.78 for this tour -- we could have hired an Uber driver for a fraction of this amount -- they claimed "commission." However, they didn't provide the service we paid for, so there shouldn't be any commission!

Anne_TJul 27, 2023VIATOR

Excellent guide.

Unique experience. Thanks to the driver/guide Bender for making this tour so especial ! Umm Qais is very interesting, lots things to see.

Carla_AApr 16, 2023VIATOR

Additional information

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking. Airport Pick-up and Drop-off by request. Contact your local operator (office phone number, emergency mobile number – out of office hours, or email address) a day before to reconfirm pick-up arrangements provided in your voucher. For Jordan Pass holders that purchased tour activity with entrance fees, please inform us to reimburse the entrance fees in destination. Tour activity is provided in English. For other languages by request. Clients with mobility issues, please contact us. Strollers and car seats for infants, please contact us. Most local tourist restaurants in Jordan do not serve alcohol, if you do not want a dry restaurant that does not serve alcohol, please contact us. For Arab and G.C.C. nationals, please book Jordan Pass option; visits without entrance fees included, as reduced entrance fees apply. It is better for Arab and G.C.C. passport holders to pay directly in destination their entrance fees. Clients are advised to bring hats, sun screen, and comfortable walking shoes. If local guides are available at Umm Qais, your driver can assist in hiring the guide and payment can be done directly by traveler in destination.
Book Now