Amman , Jordan

Desert Castles Day Tour from Amman

Active

(2 reviews)

4h - 6h

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 Jordan’s rich history on this half-day tour to the Umayyad Desert. Visit these desert ‘castles’ that were once used as caravan stations, trade centers, outposts, and resort pavilions. Admire the beautiful Islamic art, mosaics, frescoes, and carvings that can be found inside and were inspired by Persian and Greco-Roman traditions. Spend about 45 minutes at each destination before heading back to Amman.

* Visit the Umayyad Desert’s ‘castles’ on this half-day tour from Amman.
* Learn the history behind these structures from your informative guide .
* Admire the Islamic art that can be found inside these desert structures .
* Enjoy complimentary round-trip transportation from your hotel in Amman.

Available options

Transportation Only

Pickup included

What's included

WiFi on board

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

English speaking Driver

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

. 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.

Stop 2

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 dis plays a rich array of Mesopotamian, Arabic, and Greek architectural influences.

Stop 3

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.

What's not included

Personal expenses

Local guide at site

Entry/Admission - Quseir Amra

Entry/Admission - Qsar Al-azraq

Entry/Admission - Qsar Al-Kharaneh

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.