Amman city tour & Desert castles sightseeing

Amman , Jordan

Amman city tour & Desert castles sightseeing

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(6 reviews)

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About this experience

Discover the vibrant history& culture of Jordan's capital with an immersive City Tour of Amman. Visit must-see landmarks including the Amman Museum, the ancient Citadel,&the iconic Roman Amphitheater, each offering a glimpse into the city’s rich past. After exploring these historic gems, take a leisurely stroll through Amman’s bustling downtown, where you can indulge in local shopping&soak up the lively atmosphere.continues with a visit to three of Jordan’s most renowned desert castles, built by the Umayyad rulers during the 7th &8th centuries. Explore the UNESCO-listed Qusayr Amra, famous for its remarkable 8th-century frescoes depicting lavish scenes. Then, visit the atmospheric Qasr Kharana& Qasr al-Azraq, the latter once serving as a military base for the legendary TE Lawrence, also known as 'Lawrence of Arabia,' during World War I. This tour offers a fascinating journey through Jordan’s historical &architectural wonders, combining the best of Amman’s cityscape&its desert heritage.

Available options

Minivan for 4-6 passengers

Hyundai H1<br/>Pickup included

Car from 1-3 passengers

Standard Saloon (sedan)<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Transport by air-conditioned vehicle

Meet and greet at the airport as a tour pick up location

English-speaking driver

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Amman hotels

Detailed itinerary

Immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Amman with a visit to Al Balad, the city's lively downtown. Spend time exploring its bustling streets, local markets, and historical landmarks, while soaking in the rich culture and atmosphere.

Stop 2

Discover the ancient Citadel, perched on a hill overlooking the city. This historic site offers breathtaking views of Amman and houses archaeological treasures that date back thousands of years, giving you a glimpse into Jordan’s rich past.

Stop 3

Venture into the desert to explore Qasr Al-Harranah, one of Jordan's famous Umayyad desert castles. Marvel at its unique architecture and mysterious history as you step back into the 8th century.

Stop 4

Visit the UNESCO-listed Quseir Amra, renowned for its stunning 8th-century frescoes depicting lavish scenes. This desert castle is a true architectural gem of the Umayyad era.

Stop 5

Conclude your tour with a visit to Qasr Al-Azraq, a fortress once used by Lawrence of Arabia during World War I. Explore its rich history and striking stone architecture, making it a perfect end to your desert adventure.

What's not included

Any Type of Meals & Beverages

Gratuities

Entrance Fees to Amman city tour around USD23.9 and Desert castles USD 8.00

tour guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.5

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Amman

Amman, Jordan's vibrant capital, is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern sophistication. Known as the 'White City' for its gleaming limestone buildings, it offers a unique mix of ancient ruins, contemporary art, and a thriving culinary scene.

Top Attractions

Amman Citadel

The Amman Citadel is an ancient fortress that offers stunning views of the city and a glimpse into its rich history. It houses the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and the Byzantine Church.

Historical 1-2 hours 10 JOD (14 USD)

Roman Theater

This well-preserved 2nd-century Roman theater is a testament to Amman's ancient past. It is still used for cultural events and performances today.

Historical 30-60 minutes 2 JOD (3 USD)

Rainbow Street

Rainbow Street is a vibrant and historic street in Amman known for its cafes, restaurants, and shops. It offers a mix of traditional and modern Jordanian culture.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Darab Alanda

Darab Alanda is a bustling market area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place to experience local culture and cuisine.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mansaf

Jordan's national dish, consisting of lamb cooked in a yogurt sauce and served with rice and pine nuts.

Main Course Contains meat and dairy

Falafel

Deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, often served in pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce.

Snack Vegetarian, can be vegan if no dairy added

Hummus

A creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, often served with pita bread.

Appetizer Vegetarian, can be vegan if no dairy added

Shawarma

Thinly sliced marinated meat, usually chicken or lamb, cooked on a vertical spit and served in pita bread with vegetables and sauces.

Main Course Contains meat, can be vegetarian if made with halloumi cheese

Popular Activities

Hiking in Wadi Mujib ATV tours in the desert Hot air ballooning Spa treatments at the Dead Sea Yoga and meditation retreats Cultural tours Visiting museums and historical sites Attending traditional music and dance performances

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the city's historical sites and outdoor activities. The crowds are moderate, and the city is lively with festivals and events.

15-28°C (59-82°F) 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Jordanian Dinar (JOD)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Amman is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution and stay aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or app-based services like Uber or Careem.
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
• Avoid unlicensed tour guides and always verify their credentials.

Getting there

By air

Queen Alia International Airport • 35 km (22 miles) south of Amman

By bus

Abdali Bus Terminal, Tabarbour Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Amman. They are affordable but can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jabal Amman Downtown Amman Abdoun

Day trips

Jerash

50 km (31 miles) north of Amman • Half day to full day

Jerash is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Oval Forum, the Temple of Artemis, and the South Theater. It offers a glimpse into Jordan's ancient past.

Dead Sea

55 km (34 miles) southwest of Amman • Full day

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth and offers unique floating experiences due to its high salt content. It is also known for its mineral-rich mud and spa treatments.

Petra

240 km (150 miles) south of Amman • Overnight

Petra is a historic and archaeological city known for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Festivals

Amman International Film Festival • July Amman Spring Festival • April

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Arabic phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Try local street food and coffee for an authentic taste of Jordanian culture.
Visit historical sites early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
Use app-based services like Uber or Careem for fixed prices and English-speaking drivers.
Dress modestly and respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites.