Best of Ajloun

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Ajloun
In the fertile highlands of northwest Jordan, the bustling market town of Ajloun is famed for its 12th-century castle built to defend against the crusaders. Offering a commanding view over the Jordan Valley, the hilltop fortification provides a window into the past both with its intriguing architecture and its archaeological museum inside. Ajloun also boasts a 600-year-old mosque with a soaring stone-covered minaret, and its old lanes make for some memorable wanders before heading to some of the region’s other key attractions just outside of town.  

Though small in size, the Ajloun Forest Reserve protects a vital ecosystem and is home to endangered roe deer, as well as jackals, polecats and grey wolves. Various hiking trails wind through the reserve, taking in rolling hills, wildflower-filled meadows and forests of oak, carob and strawberry trees. Near the reserve is the little-visited archaeological site of Mar Elias, believed to be the birthplace of the prophet Elijah — a worthwhile detour while exploring the area. 
Plan your trip to Jordan
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Visit local farms and go foraging in the Jordanian countryside
Map of Cultural & Culinary Tour of Northern Jordan- 6 Days
Cultural & Culinary Tour of Northern Jordan- 6 Days

Discover Jordan's cultural heritage through art and food on this six-day adventure. Start in Amman, learning more about the country's history through street art before setting out to see its famous Roman and Byzantine ruins at Umm Qais and Jerash. Get a glimpse of rural life with a hike through the Ajloun Forest Reserve, where you'll also try out traditional crafts like soap making and Arabic calligraphy before diving into modern brewery techniques and a hands-on cooking class back in Amman.

Wander amid the ruins of the former Roman Empire at the Amman Citadel
Map of Experience Jordan: Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, & More - 10 Days
Experience Jordan: Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, & More - 10 Days

Experience the best of Jordan from the northwestern tip in Umm Qais down to Aqaba at the Red Sea. Enjoy ten days visiting main attractions like the "Lost City" of Petra, the bustling capital of Amman, the salty Dead Sea, and the wilds of Wadi Rum. Along the way, you'll wander amid ancient Roman ruins in Jerash, discover the historic Ajloun Crusader castle, and look out onto the Judean Desert from atop biblical Mount Nebo.

Drink tea with locals in a Jordanian Bedouin home
Map of Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 8 Days
Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 8 Days

A feast for the senses awaits on this eight-day journey through Jordan that follows the Rift Valley. You'll start in the capital of Amman with a street art tour before visiting the ancient cities of Jerash and Umm Qais. Dive deeper into the local culture with jam-making, foraging, and calligraphy workshops, then seek out natural wonders at the Ajloun Forest Reserve and Dana Biosphere Reserve, where you'll sit down to a meal with a Bedouin family and explore the surrounding landscapes on scenic hikes.

Camels await their passengers in the Wadi Rum
Self-Drive Jordan: Amman to the Dead Sea - 9 Days

Get off the beaten path on this 9-day road trip through Jordan's cultural highlights and natural wonders. Striking out from the capital of Amman, you'll explore the Roman ruins of Jerash, hike through the breathtaking nature reserves of Aljoun and Dana, and admire the rock-cut temples of Petra. After an unforgettable night of desert camping in the Wadi Rum, end your trip floating in the healing waters of the Dead Sea.

Hike the ancient steps towards Petra
Jordan Trekking Adventure: Dana, Petra, Wadi Mujib, Aljoun & the Dead Sea - 9 Days

Trek through some of Jordan's most dramatic and diverse scenery on this active 9-day itinerary. Explore the unspoiled ecosystems of the Dana Biosphere, embark on an epic hike to the lost city of Petra, and camp with the Bedouin in the deserts of Wadi Rum. After some downtime to float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, more adventure beckons with treks through Jordan's "Grand Canyon" and the Aljoun Forest.

Forage for ingredients like fresh almonds in the fields surrounding Umm Qais
Map of Culture & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 9 Days
Culture & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 9 Days

Immerse yourself in Jordan's rich culture and culinary delights over nine days, starting with a street art tour in the capital, Amman. Transfer to Umm Qais, where you can forage for edible plants and produce, then move on to Ajloun for an Arabic calligraphy class. Stop at a farm in As-Salt to make jam and yogurt, tour a women's cooperative back in Amman, and sip on local wine at Jordan Vineyards & Winery. Break up all the eating and drinking with three days of hiking in Dana and Wadi Feynan to end your trip.

Experience Bedouin culture as you camp among the desert dunes of Wadi Rum
Map of Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 12 Days
Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 12 Days

Uncover the beating heart of Jordanian life with this 12-day itinerary that takes you from the bustling capital to rural landscapes and remote deserts. Tour Amman's modern street art before stepping back in time at the ancient ruins of Umm Qais, Jerash, and Petra. Head deeper into the countryside to explore more of Jordan's roots through craft-making in rural communities, dive into the culinary scene via your taste buds at breweries and wineries, and experience Bedouin hospitality at a desert camp.

Experience the warmth of Jordanian hospitality with this 11-day journey through its culture and cuisine
Map of Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 11 Days
Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 11 Days

Follow the Great Rift Valley from north to south on this 11-day tour that reveals Jordan's culture through its delicious food, spectacular nature, and mesmerizing experiences. Starting in the capital of Amman and culminating with a grand finale at the "lost city" of Petra, you'll learn more about the country's heritage through visits to ancient sites, cultural activities, hikes in distinctive landscapes, and culinary adventures, both in the kitchen and around the fire pit.

Learn about Jordanian culture through its food and its people on this 13-day tour
Map of Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 13 Days
Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 13 Days

Experience Jordan's rich culture and delectable gastronomy on this 13-day journey that's perfect for adventurous travelers. You'll discover flavorful Levantine dishes and scenic hikes with landscapes both lunar and leafy. Learn about Bedouin culture through homestays and crafts, explore the ruins of ancient Roman and Byzantine cities, and explore desert landscapes by camel and Jeep. Of course, famous sites like Petra, Jerash, and a few spins around the capital of Amman are included too.

Explore the Dana Biosphere Reserve and visit the stone village of Dana
Map of Highlights of Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, & More - 14 Days
Highlights of Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, & More - 14 Days

This two-week tour of Jordan covers cultural highlights and lesser-known attractions. Start in Amman and travel the length of the country from the hills of Umm Qais down to Aqaba on the Red Sea. Along the way, you'll discover the ancient city of Petra, camp in Wadi Rum, and float in the Dead Sea. You'll also tour Crusader-era castles, hike in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and visit the Byzantine mosaics of Madaba.

Marvel at the well-preserved Nymphaeum, dedicated to water nymphs, in Jerash
Map of History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: From Amman to the Dead Sea - 15 Days
History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: From Amman to the Dead Sea - 15 Days

This 15-day trip gives you an in-depth look at Jordan's ancient past—with plenty of active excursions alongside the history. Tour Amman's landmarks and museums, then roam the UNESCO-listed sites of Jerash, Pella, and Gadara. Spot wildlife as you cycle around the Azraq Wetland Reserve, marvel at mosaics in Madaba, and hike remote trails in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Spend a full day uncovering the secrets of Petra, travel the dunes of Wadi Rum by camel, and end with a dip in the Dead Sea.

Experience the warmth of Jordanian hospitality with this 15-day journey through its culture and cuisine
Map of Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 15 Days
Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 15 Days

Explore Jordan from top to bottom on this 15-day journey for thrill-seekers, foodies, and culture hounds alike. Kick off the trip in the capital of Amman and end in Jordan's famous deserts of Wadi Rum. Everywhere you go, from cities to villages, you'll be immersed in Jordanian culture and cuisine, learning how to make Arabic coffee and traditional dishes by hand, exploring ancient ruins and modern markets with local guides, and crafting artisan wares that Bedouin peoples have used for centuries.

Explore the lunar-like landscape of Wadi Rum on foot, in a Jeep, and atop a camel
Map of Hike the Jordan Trail From Dana to Petra - 15 Days
Hike the Jordan Trail From Dana to Petra - 15 Days

Pack your hiking gear and set off on a 15-day active adventure across Jordan. Spend one day discovering Amman's landmarks, then head north to marvel at the ruins of Jerash and Ajloun Castle. Transfer to the charming village of Dana to meet the friendly locals and start your epic five-day hike down a portion of the Jordan Trail. Other highlights include a self-guided tour of Petra, a Jeep safari in Wadi Rum, a soak in Ma'in Hot Springs, and a day of buoyant bliss in the Dead Sea.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Petra on your own and follow a back door trail to its Monastery
Map of Hike the Jordan Trail From Dana to Petra - 16 Days
Hike the Jordan Trail From Dana to Petra - 16 Days

From the bustling capital to the serene Dead Sea, this 16-day Jordan itinerary perfectly blends outdoor adventure and cultural immersion—with a rugged five-day trek along the Jordan Trail in between. Highlights include exploring the Ajloun Forest Reserve, spending a day with locals in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, admiring Petra's rock-cut architecture, camping among Wadi Rum's desert dunes, and an epic bike ride to the Ma'in Hot Springs.

Explore the remarkably well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash with your private guide
Map of History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: From Amman to the Dead Sea - 16 Days
History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: From Amman to the Dead Sea - 16 Days

This 16-day itinerary features Jordan's most famous historical sites alongside plenty of immersive local experiences and outdoor adventures. Tour UNESCO-listed ruins like Jerash, Pella, and Gadara, then spend a day alongside Bedouin villagers in Dana. Reach Petra via a hike along its hidden back trail and venture into the Wadi Rum for desert camping and camel rides. End on the shores of the Dead Sea to learn about the area's ancient cultures and stop by the legendary Lot's Cave.

Dig in to delicious Jordanian dishes and roll up your sleeves as you cook alongside locals
Map of Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 16 Days
Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 16 Days

Get to the heart of Jordanian life through its culture and cuisine with this immersive 16-day itinerary. From modern city life in the capital to ancient traditions at a Bedouin desert camp, you'll run the gamut of cultural experiences. Learn about regional gastronomy with cooking classes, foraging tours, and wine tastings, then set off for more active adventures in the Dana Biosphere Reserve and a full-day exploration of Petra. End in relaxing fashion with free time on the shores of the Dead Sea.

Spend a day at UNESCO-listed Petra
Map of Highlights of Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, & Dead Sea - 7 Days
Highlights of Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, & Dead Sea - 7 Days

This exciting Middle Eastern adventure gets to the heart of hospitable Jordan in just one week. Starting in the capital of Amman, you'll visit ancient Roman ruins, experience the UNESCO-listed sites of Petra and Wadi Rum, and see Byzantine mosaics in Madaba Archaeological Park. You'll also have two days to enjoy the Red Sea and Dead Sea, respectively, and spend a night in a luxury Bedouin Camp for stargazing.

Other popular travel destinations in Jordan
Petra · Amman · Wadi Rum · The Dead Sea · Aqaba · Dana · Madaba · Feynan · Umm Qais · Little Petra