Private Tour Desert Castles Eastern Jordan with Azraq Wetland from Dead Sea

From$120

8 hours

About this activity

A full-day private tour from the Dead Sea to Jordan's Desert Castles and Azraq Wetland Reserve, offering historical exploration and natural beauty.

Highlights

Explore ancient Desert Castles
Discover Qasr Al Azraq's unique architecture
Marvel at Qusayr Amra's UNESCO-listed frescoes
Experience the tranquility of Azraq Wetland Reserve
Enjoy bird watching in a serene environment

Full description

Discover three of Jordan’s famous Desert Castles in this trip from Dead Sea. 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 Guide. You can also add the Azraq wetland visit. Return to your hotel.

Included / Excluded

English-Speaking Driver
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
Entrance to Amra Castle, Al Kharanah Castle & Al – Azraq Castle; if option Jordan Pass not selected
Hotel pick up and drop off
Additional Guide at the Desert Castles; if option with guide selected

All type of meals, unless option with lunch selected (Vegetarian meal by request)
All type of beverages
All type of gratuities– Recommended
Personal Expenses
Any other service not mentioned

Itinerary

After pick up from your Dead Sea hotel 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.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

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.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES

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.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES

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 Dead Sea 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.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES

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.

Duration: 3 hoursAdmission: YES

Important information

Know before you book

This tour is conducted in English; please ensure you are comfortable with the language for a smooth experience.
The tour involves walking and may include uneven terrain; appropriate footwear is recommended.
Please inform the tour operator of any dietary restrictions or special requirements in advance.

Know before you go

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes suitable for exploring historical sites and walking in the wetland reserve.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
Consider carrying a camera or binoculars for bird watching and capturing the scenic landscapes.

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.

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.
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.

Traveler reviews

5.0

1 review

A hidden gem along the other Jordan trips

I was picked up on time. We saw all the sites. I had interesting conversations with the driver about the region (there is a refugee camp along the way) and Jordan in general. He spoke English very well (I forgot his name though) and unlike with other tour guides, there were no annoying detours to some cousin or friend where they expect you to buy some overpriced souvenir. Also I wasn't bombarded with whatsapp messages like with other drivers. I got exactly what I payed for with no hidden costs. While the sites themselves are not spectacular as Petra is for instance, they offer interesting insights into other parts of the country that are less touristic. I can definitely recommend going to the Azraq wetland if you are interested in nature. It's not big but there are water buffalos which I didn't expect to see. The local staff was very helpful and answering all of my questions. Out of all the trips I did in Jordan I liked this one the most.

J1829KZchristophwSep 19, 2023TRIPADVISOR

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. 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.