Magpie
4.8(9 reviews)

Private Full Day Crusader Castles of Karak & Shobak, Kings Highway from Amman

From$133.33
10 hours
Commentary: Guide · en

About this activity

Experience Jordan's rich history with a private tour of Karak and Shobak Castles, and a scenic drive along the Kings Highway from Amman.

Highlights

  • Explore Karak Castle's rich history
  • Discover Shobak Castle's hidden tunnels
  • Drive along the scenic Kings Highway
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Jordanian hills
  • Learn about Crusader-era architecture

Full description

Step back to Crusader times on a private round-trip to Karak and Shobak Castles from Amman. Travel along roads tracing the ancient Kings Highway route, and visit the 12th-century castles, built by the Crusaders to defend against Saladin’s forces. Explore the ruined halls, parapets, and tunnels, take in sweeping views from the hilltop towers. Your tour includes private transportation in leisure vehicle with English-Speaking Driver who doubles up as your guide, hotel pick up, drop off after this long trip, and entrance fees included.

Included / Excluded

  • English-Speaking Driver
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Entrance to Shobak Castle; clients with Jordan Pass we will refund the entrance fees in destination
  • Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according to number of participants
  • Entrance to Karak Castle; clients with Jordan Pass we will refund the entrance fees in destination
  • On board WI-FI
  • 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
  • Guide
  • Any other service not mentioned

Itinerary

1

Depart your Amman hotel by private, air-conditioned vehicle, with your own private leisure vehicle, and English-Speaking Driver who doubles up as your guide and travel south along scenic roads that follow the ancient trading route combining both the Desert and Kings Highway. Visit Al Hijaz Railway known in the past as Berlin – Bagdad train railway built in 1902 by the Ottoman Empire with the help of their German allies at that time.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Proceed by the Kings Highway, known as the Silk Road for silk, spices, and perfume trade to arrive Karak, and ascend to the massive hilltop castle, built by the Crusaders between 1110 and 1143 B.C. One of a chain of Crusader defenses between Jerusalem and Aqaba. Karak resisted attacks from Saladin’s armies in the 1180s before succumbing in 1189. It then served as a Byzantine bishopric, and incorporated a church. Explore independently or hire a local guide (additional cost) and wander around the underground passages, galleries, chambers, and fortified turrets. Absorb the spectacular views from the towers,

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
3

continue to the Crusader Castle of Shobak. Built in the early 12th century, this isolated hilltop castle withstood many attacks from Saladin’s forces until it fell in 1189. During the 14th century, the Mamluks built over much of the Crusader structures. Go inside and explore the remnants, seeing the beautifully intricate wall inscriptions, halls, and underground staircase tunneled into the hillside. Soak in the haunting atmosphere and views from the battlements, then return to Amman, where your trip ends with a hotel drop off after a long exciting trip like this.

Duration: 6 hoursAdmission: YES

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour is conducted in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
  • The tour involves walking through ancient castles; be prepared for some physical activity.
  • Confirm the availability of the tour on your desired date before booking.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
  • Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Clients are advised to bring hats, sun screen, and comfortable walking shoes.

Traveler reviews

4.8
9 reviews
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Great Experience

Basel was great! He was always on time and was very personable. I really enjoyed the trip and I would highly recommend this tour!

804terrasDec 17, 2024TRIPADVISOR

Castle day

Our driver, Amer, has been very friendly and helpful.. Everything was perfect, from hotel pick up to castle visit. Recommended.

Andrea_CApr 24, 2024VIATOR

Great castles

Amazing castles a must see. But the drive is very long. Our driver was great. Made our trip very knowledgeable and stopped a few times to show us amazing views

Edward_LOct 22, 2023VIATOR

Fabulous driver and...

Fabulous driver and fabulous castles!! Definitely worth the long drive to experience such history. Lunch was also super yummy.

Sarah_COct 19, 2023VIATOR

Had a wonderful time,...

Had a wonderful time, seeing some history and listening to some Arabic music on the way! Ramouni was a great guide.

Daniel_MSep 2, 2023VIATOR

Additional information

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. 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. Clients are advised to bring hats, sun screen, and comfortable walking shoes.
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