Jordan’s Desert Castles - Tour from Amman
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Key Highlights
- See the imposing Qasr Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Admire the isolated splendour of Jordan′s imposing Desert Castles
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Activity Schedule
When does it run?
Daily
Duration6 hours
Start timeStart time: 0800h (08:00am)
Meeting Point
Duration: 6 hoursYour hotel in Amman. (We would require your hotel details in order to arrange your pick up. If you do not have this information at the time of booking, please contact the local activity operator at least 48 hours prior to the start of the tour with these details)
Ending PointYour hotel in Amman
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Overview & Itinerary
Overview
Go back in time to the era of military campaigns and desert warfare as you explore Jordan’s imposing Desert Castles, many dating back to the first half of the 8th century. Their fine mosaics, frescoes, stone and stucco carvings and illustrations, inspired by the best in Persian and Graeco-Roman traditions, tell countless stories of the life as it was during the eighth century. Called castles because of their imposing stature, the desert complexes actually served various purposes as caravan stations, agriculture and trade centres, resort pavilions and outposts that helped distant rulers forge ties with local Bedouins.On this tour, you will visit three castles. The Qasr (Castle) Amra, an excellently preserved castle and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The black basalt fort at Qasr Azraq was made famous by the Lawrence of Arabia who used it as his headquarters during the Arab Revolt. Qasr Kharaneh is one of the best-preserved Umayyad monuments in the Jordanian desert.
Entrance fees to all sites are included and you have the choice to explore the sites independently or enlist the services and knowledge of a local guide.
Itinerary
You will be picked up from your hotel in a private air-conditioned car/mini van and taken on a sightseeing tour of the Desert Castles in the Jordanian desert.
Jordan's desert castles are a beautiful example of both early Islamic art and architecture and stand testament to a fascinating era in the country's rich history.
On this tour you will visit:
Qasr Amra: This is one of the best preserved monuments and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its interior walls and ceilings are covered with lively frescoes, and two of the rooms are paved with colorful mosaics. The paintings include themes such as hunting, dancing, and musicians, bathing scenes, cupids, and personifications of history, philosophy and poetry.
Qasr Kharraneh: With its imposing walls and panoramic views, it looks more like a palace. It is one of the best-preserved Umayyad monuments.
Qasr Azraq: Crafted from the region's black basalt rocks, the ancient fortress at Azraq has been in continuous use since late Roman times. It was the headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt.
At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back to your hotel in Amman.
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Transportation in a private air-conditioned car/mini van
- English speaking driver
- Entrance fee to the Desert Castles
Exclusions
- Meals
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Please note & Additional info
Please note
Please call the activity operator at least 24 hours prior to start of the tour for reconfirming departure details.
1-2 Guests’ transfers are arranged in a private A/C Car with an English-speaking driver, as follows:
Full Size Car: Mazda 6 or similar model of 2010/2011
Luxury Car: Mercedes E200 or similar model of 2010/2011
3-4 Guests’ transfers are arranged in a private A/C 7-seater mini van, with an English-speaking driver.
As the Ministry of Jordan does not allow a driver to also be a guide, a guide is not included in the cost of your tour. However, your driver will be very informative and be able to point out and explain sites as you drive past. Many people prefer to visit the sites and follow the walking tracks on their own, although there will be local guides available for hire on arrival at the particular destination.
Additional info
The confirmation voucher includes the local activity operator’s contact details and local telephone numbers at the destination. They will happily answer any logistical questions you may have.
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reviews
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Interesting Castle Tour
The tour company were prompt, professional and informative. The tour itself was very enjoyable - the castles of Eastern Jordan are fascinating and intriguing....
d batten, United Kingdom, 31/Dec/2013
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