Private Tour of Desert Castles Eastern Jordan with optional Azraq Wetland Visit
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover three of Jordan’s famous Desert Castles in this trip from Amman. With your informative private English-Speaking Driver, learn about these fabled castles, built by the Umayyad rulers during the 7th and 8th centuries as you visit each one in the desert plains of eastern Jordan. Explore UNESCO-listed Amra Castle (Quseir’ Amra), famous for its 8th century fresco of hedonistic scenes before continuing to the Kharana Castle (Qasr Al - Kharanah) and the atmospheric Al - Azraq Castle (Qasr Al - Azraq), the latter used as military based by T.E. Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia during World War I. Upgrade your tour with a Guide. You can also add the Azraq wetland visit. Return to your hotel.
Available options
Desert Castles Tour
Tour to Desert Castles: Classic visit of the Three Desert Castles of Eastern Jordan from Amman without a guide<br/>Pickup included
Desert Castles Tour with Guide
Classic visit of the Three Desert Castles of Eastern Jordan from Amman with guide.<br/>Pickup included
Tour with Guide and Lunch
Guided private tour of the Three Desert Castles of Eastern Jordan from Amman with guide and lunch at a local restaurant.<br/>Pickup included
Tour with Azraq Wetland visit
Classic visit of the Three Desert Castles of Eastern Jordan from Amman with additional visit to Azraq Wetland <br/>Pickup included
Desert Castles Tour with Lunch
Desert CastlesTour with Lunch: Classic visit of the Three Desert Castles of Eastern Jordan from Amman without guide and with lunch at a local restaurant.<br/>Pickup included
Tour For Jordan Pass Holders
Guided private tour of the Three Desert Castles of Eastern Jordan from Amman without Guide, entrance fees nor lunch.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
English-Speaking Driver
Hotel pick up and drop off
Al Azraq Wetland Reserve Entrance Fees with Self-Guided Marsh Trail; if option selected
Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according to number of participants
On board WI-FI
Additional Guide of Desert Castles, if option selected
Entrance to Amra Castle, Al Kharanah Castle, & Al – Azraq Castle; if option Jordan Pass not selected
Detailed itinerary
1
After pick up from your central Amman by private, air-conditioned vehicle, relax as you journey out of the city and into the desert plains of eastern Jordan. Drive with your friendly informative English-Speaking Driver who doubles up as your guide to experience the fascinating Desert Castles. The region is speckled with 7th and 8th century castles, many within a 15-minute drive of each other, that were originally built by the Caliphs of the Umayyad dynasty as rural retreats and hunting lodges. Hear tales about this powerful dynasty, the first Muslim rulers of the Arab kingdom, including fascinating snippets about their extravagance and debauchery. As you travel, feel free to tell your driver if there’s a castle you want to see more of or another castle you’d like to visit, at your own expense. Your tour is private, so the itinerary can be tailored to suit your interests.
2
Stop 2
After about an hour on the road, pull up at UNESCO-listed “Quseir’ Amra”, one of east Jordan’s most famous castles. Once a hunting palace of the Umayyads, this splendidly restored edifice is graced with 8th-century fresco showing decadent scenes of nude women, wine, and parties.
3
Stop 3
Continue to “Qasr Al -Kharanah”, an imperious 2-level fortress standing in a huge plain. Thought to have been built on Roman foundations, this evocative castle exudes intrigue and displays a rich array of Mesopotamian, Arabic, and Greek architectural influences.
4
Stop 4
Finally, head for “Qasr Al-Azraq”, originally an Umayyad hunting retreat and once used as a headquarters by T.E. Lawrence, the 20th-century British soldier and Arab Revolt leader perhaps more famously known as Lawrence of Arabia. Wander around the sun-burnished courtyards, towers, and mosque to learn how Lawrence based his operations here during 1917 to 1918. After exploring here, relax on your ride back to Amman where your experience finishes with a hotel drop-off.
Tour with Accompanied Guide: Upgrade your tour to include an Accompanied Licensed Guide from Amman to be with you for the visit of the 3 Marvelous Desert Castles.
5
Stop 5
Upgrade: Optional visit of the Azraq Wetland Reserve established in 1978 Water Buffalo for a self-guided Marsh Trail, which is a water nature reserve and oasis for migratory birds located near the desert castles covering 12 kilometers. Walk and explore on your own. Best time to enjoy the scenery is late autumn or spring.
What's not included
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
Any other service not mentioned
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
15 reviews
5★
8
4★
4
3★
2
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.3
6 reviews
5★
3
4★
2
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
Indicate special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Important notes
•Your local contact is Zaid Tours and Travel on + 962 6 4622197.
•Zaid Tours and Travel opening hours are between 09:00 and 17:00 hours, Saturday to Thursday except Friday the weekend and local holidays.
•For emergencies you can contact the 24-hour mobile number on + 962 79 5635222.
•By email at info@zttint.com
•You can present either a paper or an electronic mobile voucher for this activity.
•Complimentary pick-up is offered for this tour activity from your centrally located hotel in Amman.
•At least 24 hours prior to your tour activity date to verify your pick-up time and pick-up location. If you are not arriving within the specified time frame, please contact Zaid Tours and Travel prior to your travels, or immediately upon arrival at your destination.
•If your hotel has changed from the original schedule advised, please contact Zaid Tours and Travel emergency mobile at least up to 12 – 6 hours in advance.
•Jordan Pass option does not include mentioned entrance fees.
•We are following hygienic- safety measurements and procedures required in Jordan by the Ministry of Health at the sites and during the visits.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
