Magpie
4.9(10 reviews)

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

From$126.67
8 hours
Commentary: Guide · en

About this activity

Discover Jordan's rich history and architecture on a full-day private tour from Amman, visiting the Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle.

Highlights

  • Explore the Desert Castles of Jordan
  • Visit the historic Ajloun Castle
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Jordanian desert
  • Learn about the Islamic architecture
  • Experience the rich history of the region

Full description

Look beyond Jordan’s most celebrated attractions to see some lesser-known historical treasures on this private Islamic Desert Castles day trip from Amman. Head east in this long trip to Al-Azraq, a castle that Lawrence of Arabia once used as a headquarters, and then explore the fresco-painted masterpiece of Amra and Al -Kharanah Castles. Finish at Ajloun, a hilltop medieval fortress built to defend against the Crusaders. Your tour includes private leisure transportation with English-Speaking Driver, hotel pick up and drop off, as well as entrance fees if Jordan Pass option not selected.

Included / Excluded

  • English-Speaking Driver
  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according to number of participants
  • On board WI-FI
  • Additional Guide at the Desert Castles; if option with guide is selected
  • Entrance Fees: Al- Azraq, Amra, and Al-Kharanah Castles; if option Jordan Pass not selected
  • Entrance Fees to Ajloun Castle; if option Jordan Pass not selected
  • 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
  • Anything else not mentioned

Itinerary

1

After pick-up from your central Amman by private, air-conditioned vehicle with your own private English-Speaking Driver who doubles up as your guide, relax as you journey out of the city and into the desert plains of eastern Jordan. Drive with your friendly informative English-Speaking 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. Your tour is private, so the itinerary can be tailored to suit your interests.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

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 frescoes showing decadent scenes of nude women, wine, and parties.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
3

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

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
4

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.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
5

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 used by the 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.

Duration: 4 hoursAdmission: YES

Important information

Know before you book

  • This is a private tour; only your group will participate.
  • The tour is conducted in English; please ensure you understand the language.
  • Entry fees to the Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle are included in the price.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
  • Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and architecture.

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.
  • 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

4.9
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Excellent tour of the...

Excellent tour of the desert castles and Ajloun. Driver, Issa, was great and enhanced the experience.

Laura_CDec 28, 2025VIATOR

Islamic castles tour with Hasan

Today was a great experience. I had the pleasure of meeting and having Hasan as my driver and guide today, and with his driving but also his knowledge, understanding and communication made it a five star experience for me. All three castles were definitely worthwhile visiting, an easy trip from Amman, and the lunch recommended and organised by Hasan was absolutely delicious.

Alt AMar 20, 2025TRIPADVISOR

A long day but an excellent trip to see an alternate part of Jordan!!

Mazen was excellent, punctual, patient, engaging and happy to share information about Jordanian culture, way of life and recent events throughout the day. It was a long day, but very enjoyable and I had as much time as I needed to see the sites and the landscape in between. Lunch and venue was excellent as well. Would highly recommend Mazen especially for female solo travellers as he was a gentleman.

Kylie_SSep 24, 2024VIATOR

My tour guide was Hasan....

My tour guide was Hasan. He was a good driver, very nice, very knowledgeable. He also did the tour guide at Qasr al-Harranah and Quseir Amra. He paid for tea, offored water and fruits. He gave advice on things I would see on a later tour. He also had Wi-Fi but I can't comment on that as I did not use it but it was offered. It was a very nice experience that was accentuated by Hasan's knowledge and personality.

Amelie_MDec 10, 2023VIATOR

Well organized yet adoptable tour

Well organized. Driver picked up at hotel in time spotless. Good car, Driver talked very good English. Could guide a lot during trip. Quite compressed tour due to distance but very interesting. Everything was adoptable according to whishes. I can strongly recommend this company ZTT international and this tour!!

jan0weDec 13, 2022TRIPADVISOR

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.
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