Delve into Jordan’s medieval past on this trip to Ajloun Islamic Castle from Dead Sea. Take in the countryside views as you travel into northern Jordan with your private leisure vehicle and English-Speaking Driver, visit this picture book 12th-century Muslim fortress, built under Saladin’s rule to help limit incursions by the Crusaders and protect nearby iron mines. Cross the moat to explore the maze-like chambers and courts; visit the small museum to learn about Ajloun’s eventful history; and climb the towers to absorb the spectacular views over the surrounding mountains, forests, and olive groves. Travel by private air-conditioned vehicle and English-Speaking Driver. Choose to tour alone or hire a local guide (at your own expense) to appreciate the history and panoramic views.
Upgrade to Roe Deer Trail
Upgrade your tour with Roe Deer Trail, this short circular self-guided easy trail starts at the campsite and offers great views over the reserve. Not far from the campsite you will find an old stone wine press. Early in the morning, you may be lucky enough to see Roe deer before you return to the visitor center.
Upgrade to Rasoun Trail
Upgrade your tour with Rasoun Trail, this guided moderate trail, begin at the Reserve’s Visitor Center; you will hike through thick, healthy woodlands filled with Oak, Pistachio, and oriental Strawberry trees. Take a short detour to view a ruined wine press before you pass one of the oldest Strawberry trees in the Reserve on your way down into the valley.
The trail climbs 1000m above sea level at Eagle’s View Point descending to Rasoun Village, and then you will be transferred to visit the Soap House at the Royal Academy for Nature Conservation where the local women of Ajloun follow the traditional process of making Orjan pure Olive Oil soap.
Upgrade to the Biscuit House Experience
Upgrade your tour with the Biscuit House Experience, this is your destination for some scrumptious Jordanian delicacies. Every morning, dozens of cookie batches are baked freshly using only premium local products. For this experiential challenge, you will be guided to make your own (kusmat) bread; a traditional northern Jordanian delicacy which is served on holidays and joyous occasions. To keep your loaf fluffy, generous amounts of locally harvested and pressed olive oil is added. Participants will get to enjoy their baking along with a steaming cup of aromatic tea with the scenic view of Ajloun Forest. It is worth all the while!
4 Comments
4.8
We appreciated the intimate atmosphere of our private tour, which allowed for a deep dive into the captivating history behind the castle.
4.2
Our family had an incredible time exploring the impressive castle set atop the hills of Ajloun in Jordan. The panoramic views were breathtaking, and we loved wandering through the ancient walls, imagining the history that unfolded there. One of the highlights was climbing to the top of the tower, where we snapped some unforgettable family photos against the backdrop of the sprawling landscape. While the drive from the Dead Sea was a bit longer than expected, our guide was knowledgeable and kept us engaged with fascinating stories about the region. Overall, this private tour offered a wonderful blend of adventure and education, and we left with lasting memories of our day.
4.4
Exploring Ajloun was a fantastic way for us to dive into Jordan’s history while surrounded by beautiful scenery. The ride from the Dead Sea was smooth, and our guide made it even more enjoyable with interesting stories about the region. Once we arrived, the castle was impressive; we loved wandering through the ancient walls and taking in the breathtaking views. One small drawback was that the time felt a bit rushed, as we had so much more we wanted to soak in. Overall, it was a memorable day and a unique addition to our trip with friends.
4.6
The journey to explore the historical site was engaging and our guide shared intriguing stories that brought the area’s rich past to life. We especially enjoyed wandering through the castle’s fascinating architecture, which offered stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities. While the day was filled with memorable moments, we did find the drive from our starting point took slightly longer than we anticipated.