Half Day Tour to Umayyad Desert Castles from Amman (Self-Guided)
Active
3h - 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
with private pick up from your hotel in Amman, Delve deep into the history of Jordan on this half-day tour to the Umayyad Desert Castles by proceeding to the Eastern Desert to visit Al Kharraneh Castle, Amra Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and Al Azraq Castle where Lawrence of Arabia resided and wrote part of his book “Seven Pillars of Wisdom”.
Available options
01-09 Pax
Pickup included
What's included
Entrance Fees
Professional English-speaking driver
All transfers as described in the program
Transportation by new air-conditioned vehicles
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Jordan's Umayyad desert castles are beautiful examples of early Islamic art and architecture and stand testament to a fascinating era in the country's rich history. Take a half-day tour and delve deep into the history of Jordan.
The structures are called “castles” because of their imposing stature. The desert complexes once served various purposes as caravan stations, agriculture and trade centers, resort pavilions, and outposts that helped distant rulers forge ties with local Bedouins.
Inside the castles, early Islamic art can be found. The fine mosaics, frescoes, stone and stucco carvings are inspired by the best in Persian and Graeco-Roman traditions and reveal to us countless stories of the life as it was during the 8th Century.
Alongside the castles you will also visit the black basalt fort at Azraq, which had been in continuous use since late Roman times, and was the headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt
What's not included
Meals and beverage.
Tips and private expenses.
Local Guide
Available languages
Written guide
EN
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important notes
You can present either a papeKindly write the name of the hotel in which you are staying at in Amman City and reconfirm it with the local tour operator after the booking by writing to travco.jordan@travco.comr or an electronic voucher for this activity
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
