Desert Castles Day Tour From Amman
- Full Day · 8 hours
- Private or small-group tour
- Pickup offered
- 1–7 guests (sedan or SUV/H1 van)
- Mobile ticket
- English, Arabic
Overview
Easy to moderate — short walks on mostly even ground
2–4 km at the main site
See the day-by-day itinerary for driving distances and times.
Highlights
- Qasr Amra — a UNESCO site with rare frescoes
- Qasr Al-Azraq — Lawrence of Arabia’s desert headquarters
- Qasr Al-Kharraneh — an Umayyad desert fortress
- Fascinating early Islamic art and architecture
- Private vehicle with English-speaking driver
What to expect
A walkable introduction to Jordan’s capital. You will explore the Amman Citadel and its Temple of Hercules overlooking the old downtown, then descend to the 6,000-seat Roman Theatre cut into the hillside. The downtown souks are busy, fragrant and full of life — falafel, hummus, fresh juice and Arabic coffee among them. Expect some hills and stairs, comfortable shoes and modest dress at cultural stops. The pace is relaxed and the route is flexible on a private tour.
What’s Included
Included
- Hotel pickup & drop-off in Amman
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Bottled water
Not included
- Entrance fees not included — we recommend the Jordan Pass (jordanpass.jo)
- Local guide
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
Hotel pickup in Amman. Meet your driver at reception — your exact time is confirmed the day before.
Pickup time
Confirmed the day before — most day trips start between 07:00 and 09:00.
Drop-off
Return drop-off at your original pickup point (or another agreed location).
Special instructions
Tell us your hotel or accommodation name and address when booking. For airport or port pickup, share your arrival details.
Pickup areas
- Amman hotels & residences
- Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
- Madaba
- Dead Sea resorts
- Aqaba (on request)
Meals
Breakfast is included on multi-day tours. Lunches and dinners are not included unless stated in "What’s included".
Itinerary
The order is flexible, and you choose your preferred start time when booking.
08:30
Pickup in Amman
Drive east into the desert.
09:30
Qasr Al-Kharraneh
Visit the striking Umayyad fortress.
11:00
Qasr Amra
Marvel at the rare 8th-century frescoes and bathhouse.
13:00
Lunch
Local stop (not included).
14:30
Qasr Al-Azraq
Explore the black basalt castle used by Lawrence of Arabia.
17:00
Return to Amman
Drop-off at your hotel.
Additional Info
Confirmation is received at the time of booking. A current passport or photo ID is required on the day of travel. Itineraries are flexible on private tours — tell us your interests and pace and we will adjust.
Confirmation
You will receive a booking confirmation by email immediately after payment. Final meeting-point details and pickup time are confirmed the day before your tour.
Mobile ticket
Mobile ticket accepted — show your confirmation on your phone.
Accessibility & physical requirements
Accessibility
Most day-trip sites involve some walking on uneven ground and gentle inclines. Tell us about any mobility considerations when you book and we will adjust the pace and route.
Physical requirements
Light to moderate — some walking on uneven ground at sites. Suitable for most travelers in reasonable health.
Seasonal considerations
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions. Summer afternoons are hot across Jordan — start early. Winter is quiet and clear but cold in the desert and highlands.
Important notes
Jordan is a safe, welcoming destination. Dress modestly at religious and cultural sites (shoulders and knees covered). Carry cash (JOD) for small purchases and gratuities. Every tour group entering Jordan at the Arava / Wadi Araba (Eilat–Aqaba) border must be accompanied by a licensed Jordanian guide. If you are arriving at this border, we add a guiding fee of USD 175 per tour day for your whole group (not per person). Example: a 2-day tour adds USD 350.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Light layers for the season
- Cash (JOD) for small purchases & gratuities
- Passport or ID
Frequently asked questions
What time do we start?
Most day trips start between 07:00 and 09:00 from your Amman hotel. Your exact pickup time is confirmed the day before.
Are entrance fees included?
Check "What’s included" on each tour. The Jordan Pass covers most major site entrances and is usually the best value.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes — every private tour is flexible. Tell us your interests and pace and we will adjust the route.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your tour start time. Group and option pricing is confirmed by our team within 24 hours of your request.
What is the Jordan Pass, and is it required?
The Jordan Pass is an official package from the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities that bundles a tourist-visa fee waiver with entrance tickets to around 40 of Jordan’s leading sites. It is entirely optional — you do not need it to travel with us, and you are welcome to pay each entrance fee individually at the gate instead. You buy it online before you arrive, show it at each site entrance, and it also waives the tourist visa fee when you stay at least three nights in Jordan.
When is the Jordan Pass worthwhile, and what entrance fees does it cover?
The Pass covers entrance to Petra (one, two or three days depending on the tier), Jerash, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea resorts, Mount Nebo, Madaba, Kerak, Ajloun, Bethany Beyond the Jordan and many more sites. For most travelers it pays for itself with a single Petra visit plus the visa waiver, so any additional site is effectively free — making it the best value if you are visiting Petra and at least one other major site, or staying two or more nights. If your tour already includes entrance fees (check “What’s included”), you may not need the Pass at all. We are happy to recommend the right tier for your itinerary — just ask.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available up to 48 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the tour, or no-shows, are non-refundable. Exceptions apply only where agreed in writing by email from Jordan by Locals. Refunds (where applicable) are returned to your original payment method.
If you paid a 25% deposit, it is non-refundable within 48 hours of the tour. Exceptions apply only where agreed in writing by email from Jordan by Locals.
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