Umm Qais – Overlooking the Sea of Galilee, this northern Jordan gem offers ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and a rich living heritage.
Perched high above the Jordan Valley, Umm Qais — the ancient city of Gadara — combines remarkable Greco-Roman ruins with the warmth of rural northern Jordan. With sweeping views of the Sea of Galilee, rolling hills, and peaceful village life, Umm Qais offers travelers a rich blend of archaeology, nature, community traditions, and heartfelt hospitality.
Location: Umm Qais Village – Community Stay & Cultural Experience
Experience authentic northern Jordanian hospitality at Beit Al Baraka, the only guesthouse in Umm Qais. Set within a beautifully restored heritage home, this community-run guesthouse offers comfortable rooms, farm-to-table meals, and immersive cultural activities. Guests can enjoy cooking classes, guided village walks, and traditional craft workshops — creating meaningful connections with local families and supporting sustainable tourism in the region.
Location: Umm Qais – Handicraft & Cultural Workshop
Learn the art of traditional weaving with local women who transform natural fibers such as banana leaves, palm fronds, and straw into beautiful baskets, mats, and decorative crafts. In this hands-on experience, visitors discover the history, symbolism, and techniques behind this time-honored craft. By joining the workshop, travelers support women-led cooperatives and celebrate Umm Qais’s living artistic heritage.
Location: Umm Qais Countryside – Agricultural & Educational Experience
Meet Yousef, a passionate local beekeeper, and explore the incredible world of bees in the lush countryside of Umm Qais. Learn about hive structure, honey production, and the essential role bees play in pollination and local agriculture. Visitors can observe the hives up close and taste fresh honey straight from the source — a sweet, educational, and unforgettable rural encounter.
Location: Umm Qais – Outdoor Adventure & Cultural Experience
Discover the scenic beauty of Umm Qais along the northern starting point of the Jordan Trail. Whether on foot or by bike, follow routes that wind through olive groves, basalt ruins, and hilltops overlooking the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee. After your adventure, share a home-cooked meal with a local family — a heartfelt combination of nature, culture, and Jordanian hospitality that makes this experience truly special.
Location: Umm Qais Village – Culinary & Home Experience
Savor authentic northern Jordanian flavors at Galsoum’s Kitchen, a beloved home-style culinary experience. Join Galsoum in preparing dishes such as stuffed grape leaves, freekeh soup, and fresh seasonal salads, using ingredients sourced from local farms. Meals are shared in a cozy village setting filled with stories, warmth, and genuine hospitality — offering an intimate taste of daily life in Umm Qais.
Location: Umm Qais Archaeological Site – Dining with a View
Relax over a delicious meal at Umm Qais Rest House, perched at the edge of the archaeological site with spectacular views of the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee. The restaurant serves a selection of local and Mediterranean dishes, enjoyed on a scenic terrace that captures the peaceful charm of northern Jordan. It’s the perfect place to unwind and reflect after exploring the ancient city.
ES
IT
FR
DE
RO
RU
PT
