Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman
MyLittleAdventure logo
English / EUR
Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman
/ Jordan / Amman Governorate / Amman / Tours & Activities /
See details in English

Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman

1 day
Private
Full Day
Instant confirmation
About this activity
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 driver 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. After about 1 hour on the road, pull up at UNESCO-listed Qasr 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 frescoes showing decadent scenes of nude women, wine and parties. Continue to Qasr Al -Kharana, 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. 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 and 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.

 

Having explored here, continue to the 12th-century Castle of Ajloun, built in the time of Saladin to defend against Crusader armies. Head inside this semi-intact hilltop fortress, and roam the rambling corridors and staircases. See the murder holes through which occupiers could pour hot oil or pitch on invaders, and admire the stunning views over the lush hills of the Jordan Valley from the towers. Then, reconvene with your vehicle and relax on your long ride back to Amman where your trip ends with a hotel drop off.
Read more Show less
Included
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Private transfer by air-conditioned vehicle according number of participants
  • English-Speaking Driver
  • Entry/Admission - Quseir Amra
  • Entry/Admission - Qasr Azraq
  • Entry/Admission - Ajlun Castle (Qala'at ar-Rabad)
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
  • Local English-Speaking Guide, if option selected
  • Anything else not mentioned
Additional
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • For clients holding Jordan Pass, the corresponding entrance fees to be returned directly in destination.
  • Pick up and drop off from Amman Queen Alia International Airport available by request for lay over day tour.
  • Local SIM cards and Wi-Fi are available upon request and can be subject to a small additional charge approximately: 20 USD. (Prices subject to change by the communication company).
  • Tours with lunch: Most local tourist restaurants in Jordan are non-alcoholic.
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
60%
Reviews
5.0
3
j
jeanine a. h
5 | 2016-03-26

So enjoyable and off the beaten path. Driver/ guide excellent!

You may also like
Click to discover other experiences See all
Petra
Collections
Petra 87 Activities
Dead Sea
Collections
Dead Sea 73 Activities
Wadi Rum
Collections
Wadi Rum 39 Activities
Jordan Discovery
Collections
Jordan Discovery 66 Activities
Excursions From Amman
Collections
Excursions From Amman 24 Activities
Jerash
Collections
Jerash 56 Activities
Madaba
Collections
Madaba 30 Activities
Mount Nebo
Collections
Mount Nebo 31 Activities
City Tour
Collections
City Tour 14 Activities
Umm Qais
Collections
Umm Qais 18 Activities
See all 16 Collections
Anonymous
Anonymous

Amman

  • Information & Tips
  • Collections
  • Tours & Activities

Settings

We use cookies to provide you the best experience. By continuing to browse this site, you accept the use of cookies. For more information, please read our privacy policy.