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

Uncover the captivating history of Jordan’s magnificent Islamic desert castles on this private full-day tour from Amman. Explore the strategic Al-Azraq Castle, the stunning UNESCO-listed Quseir Amra, and the robust Kharaneh Castle before reaching the impressive Ajloun Castle. Along the way, enjoy comfortable transportation and expert insights that bring these remarkable sites to life. This carefully curated itinerary offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and gain a deeper understanding of its past. Prepare to be immersed in a world of architectural wonders and uncover the fascinating stories that have shaped this captivating corner of the Middle East.

Good To Know

• This full-day private tour from Amman takes visitors to explore the Islamic desert castles of Al-Azraq, Quseir Amra, and Kharaneh, as well as the 12th-century Ajloun Castle.
• The tour provides insights into the architectural and cultural significance of these historical sites, which reflect the power and sophistication of the Umayyad dynasty.
• Highlights include the black basalt fortress of Al-Azraq, the UNESCO-listed Quseir Amra with its remarkable frescoes, and the strategic Ajloun Castle built to defend against Crusaders.
• The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, an English-speaking driver, and onboard amenities such as Wi-Fi, water, and fruit.
• Recommendations include wearing appropriate attire, bringing sun protection, and wearing comfortable walking shoes to fully enjoy the historical exploration.

Tour Overview

This full-day private tour takes visitors from Amman to explore a selection of remarkable Islamic desert castles and the iconic Ajloun Castle.

Lasting 10 hours, the tour has an impressive 5.0 average rating from 8 reviews. Guests will visit the medieval Al-Azraq Castle, used by "Lawrence of Arabia," the UNESCO-listed Quseir Amra, and the 8th-century Kharaneh Castle.

The tour culminates at the 12th-century Ajloun Castle, built to defend against Crusaders. Transport, entrance fees, an English-speaking driver, and on-board amenities are all included.

While a guide is optional for the desert castles, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Travelers are advised to bring appropriate attire and sun protection.

Itinerary Highlights

Al-Azraq Castle, a medieval fortress used by ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, stands in the Al-Azraq oasis, built from striking black basalt rock. This historical site was once a hunting retreat for Umayyad rulers.

Continuing the tour, visitors encounter Quseir Amra, an 8th-century UNESCO-listed castle notable for its interior frescoes, including a stunning zodiac dome painting.

Kharaneh Castle, an 8th-century square fortress with rounded turrets, served as a fortress, meeting place, and possibly a caravanserai.

Lastly, the tour arrives at Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century hilltop fortress built during Saladin’s time to defend against Crusaders. This impressive castle features "murder holes" and offers stunning views of the Jordan Valley.

Al-Azraq Castle

As the tour departs the stunning Umayyad architectural wonders, it arrives at the impressive Al-Azraq Castle, a medieval fortress once used by the legendary "Lawrence of Arabia."

Constructed from striking black basalt rock, this fortress stands boldly in the Al-Azraq oasis, showcasing its historical significance as a hunting retreat for the Umayyad rulers.

The castle’s strategic location and formidable design made it a vital stronghold, reflecting the power and influence of the Umayyad dynasty during their reign.

Visitors can explore the castle’s well-preserved structures and imagine the captivating history that unfolded within its walls.

• The castle’s use by "Lawrence of Arabia" during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire adds to its legendary status.
• The striking black basalt construction of the fortress is a testament to the skilled masonry of the Umayyad builders.
• Al-Azraq Castle’s role as a hunting retreat for the Umayyad rulers highlights the significance of the oasis location in the region’s history.

Quseir Amra

From the imposing Al-Azraq Castle, the tour continues to the UNESCO-listed Quseir Amra, an 8th-century castle renowned for its remarkable interior frescoes. This well-preserved desert castle showcases the artistic and cultural sophistication of the Umayyad era. Visitors can admire the unique zodiac dome painting, as well as depictions of human figures, hunting scenes, and even a bathing scene – a rarity for Islamic architecture. The castle’s strategic location and architectural features suggest it may have served as a hunting retreat, caravanserai, or meeting place for the ruling elite. Quseir Amra’s historical significance and captivating frescoes make it a must-see on this Jordan desert castle tour.

Feature	Description
Name	Quseir Amra
Date	8th century
Designation	UNESCO World Heritage Site
Key Attractions	Zodiac dome painting, human figure frescoes, hunting scenes
Potential Uses	Hunting retreat, caravanserai, meeting place

Kharaneh Castle

After visiting the impressive Al-Azraq Castle and the captivating Quseir Amra, the tour continues to the 8th-century Kharaneh Castle.

This square fortress with rounded turrets is believed to have served multiple purposes, including:

• A fortified structure to defend against invaders
• A meeting place for travelers and traders
• A caravanserai, providing lodging and supplies along ancient trade routes

The castle’s well-preserved state allows visitors to imagine the vibrant activities that once took place within its walls.

As the tour moves on to the impressive Ajloun Castle, the Kharaneh Castle provides a glimpse into Jordan’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

Ajloun Castle

The 12th-century Ajloun Castle, perched atop a scenic hilltop, was built during the reign of Sultan Saladin to defend against Crusader incursions. Designed with strategic "murder holes" and commanding views of the Jordan Valley, the fortress remains an impressive testament to the region’s medieval military architecture.

Feature	Description
Purpose	Defend against Crusaders
Architecture	Hilltop fortress with murder holes
Highlights	Stunning views of the Jordan Valley

Visitors can explore the castle’s well-preserved towers, battlements, and underground storerooms, gaining insights into the kingdom’s rich history and the engineering prowess of its medieval builders.

Inclusions and Additional Information

This private tour provides a comprehensive package, including private air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.

The entrance fees to the four historic castles – Al-Azraq, Amra, Kharaneh, and Ajloun – are included unless the Jordan Pass is selected. An English-speaking driver is provided, and an optional guide is available for the desert castles.

Onboard amenities like Wi-Fi, water, and fruit are offered for added comfort. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infant seats are available.

The tour language is English, with other languages possible upon request. Visitors are advised to bring appropriate attire and sun protection for an enjoyable experience.

• Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; infant seats available.
• Tour Language: English; other languages by request.
• Recommendations: Bring hats, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit specific sites. Travelers can communicate their preferences with the tour provider, who can then tailor the itinerary to meet their needs and interests.

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Private Tour?

The tour is private, so the group size is flexible and can be tailored to the customer’s needs. Typically, it accommodates small groups or individual travelers for a more personalized experience exploring the historical sites.

Are There Any Options for a Half-Day or Multi-Day Version of the Tour?

This tour is offered as a full-day private experience only. There’s no half-day or multi-day option available. Travelers can customize the itinerary with the tour provider if they have specific requests or needs.

How Is the Weather Typically During the Tour Season?

The weather is typically mild and sunny during the tour season. Daytime temperatures range from 60°F to 80°F, making it comfortable for exploring the historical sites. However, visitors should pack layers as desert environments can be cooler in the mornings and evenings.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for This Tour?

There are no publicly advertised discounts or package deals for this tour. However, travelers may be able to negotiate special rates or bundle the tour with other activities when booking directly with the tour operator.

The Sum Up

This private tour from Amman offers a captivating exploration of Jordan’s rich Islamic heritage. Visitors will discover the historical significance of the desert castles, including the renowned Al-Azraq Castle and the UNESCO-listed Quseir Amra, before culminating their journey at the impressive Ajloun Castle. Comfortable transportation, entrance fees, and amenities ensure a seamless and memorable experience for those seeking to enjoy Jordan’s remarkable cultural legacy.