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Karak Castle Day Tour from Amman

New experience— be the first to review Petra, Jordan Full Day · 8 hours
From$125per person Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your tour start time.
Crusader Fortress
  • Full Day · 8 hours
  • Private or small-group tour
  • Pickup offered
  • 1–7 guests (sedan or H1 van)
  • Mobile ticket
  • English, Arabic

From $125 per person

Travelers2 guests

Adults

Age 18+

Children

Age 3–17 · 50% off

Infants

Age 0–2 · Free

Maximum 7 guests per booking — larger groups, use Group Request.

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your tour start time.

No payment required at this stage

Overview

Difficulty

Moderate — 5–10 km on sand and rock, with optional climbs

Walking

5–10 km inside the site, more if you climb to the Monastery

Driving

See the day-by-day itinerary for driving distances and times.

A full-day private trip to the mighty Crusader fortress of Al-Karak Castle, with its dark tunnels, towers and panoramic views over the King's Highway valley.

Highlights

  • The mighty Crusader fortress of Al-Karak Castle
  • Dark stone tunnels, vaulted halls and the upper courts
  • Panoramic views over the King’s Highway valley
  • A specialist guide who brings the Crusader and Ayyubid history to life
  • Private transport along the scenic King’s Highway from Amman

What to expect

A long, memorable day on your feet in a spectacular desert setting. You will walk the narrow Siq canyon as the Treasury comes into view, then explore the Royal Tombs, the Street of Facades and the wider Nabataean city at your own pace. There is an optional climb of around 800 steps to the Monastery (Ad Deir) for a panoramic reward. The ground is sand and rock, so sturdy closed-toe shoes, a hat and water are essential. Start times are adjusted seasonally to avoid the midday heat, and the pace is always yours to set.

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)
  • Lunch
  • Specialist guide (optional add-on)
  • Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Hotel pickup in Amman (or Wadi Musa / Aqaba on request). Meet your driver at reception.

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 hotels & port (on request)
  • Wadi Musa / Petra hotels

Meals

Breakfast is included on overnight tours. Lunch and dinner are not included unless stated in "What’s included".

Itinerary

The order is flexible, and you choose your preferred start time when booking.

  1. 08:00

    Pickup in Amman

    Drive south along the scenic King’s Highway.

  2. 10:00

    Arrive at Karak Castle

    Explore the Crusader fortress, its tunnels and towers.

  3. 12:30

    Lunch in Karak

    Local restaurant (not included).

  4. 14:00

    Views & history

    Take in the panoramic valley views and learn the castle’s Crusader and Ayyubid story.

  5. 15:30

    Return to Amman

    Drive back to your hotel.

Additional Info

Confirmation is received at the time of booking. A current passport is required on the day of travel for Petra entry. The site is open year round; start times are adjusted seasonally to avoid the midday heat. This is a private experience unless a small-group option is selected.

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

Petra is a vast archaeological site with uneven sand and rock paths, steps and climbs. The main Siq-to-Treasury route is mostly flat and accessible to most visitors, but the Royal Tombs, Monastery and High Place of Sacrifice involve many uneven steps and are not wheelchair accessible. Visitors with limited mobility can use the official golf-cart service along the Siq (small fee) and a horse/carriage to the Treasury. We are happy to tailor a lighter itinerary — just ask.

Physical requirements

Moderate fitness — several kilometres of walking on sand and rock, with optional steep climbs (Monastery, High Place). Comfortable closed-toe shoes essential.

Seasonal considerations

Petra is open year round. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal — warm days and cool mornings. Summer afternoons (June–August) are very hot; start early and carry extra water. Winter (December–February) is quiet and clear but can be cold, with a rare chance of rain or snow.

Important notes

Petra involves extensive walking in heat and sun — carry water and sun protection. The Jordan Pass (optional) covers Petra entrance and waives the tourist visa fee for stays of 3+ nights. Golf-cart and horse/carriage services are available inside the site for an extra fee. 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

  • Passport (for Petra entry)
  • Sturdy closed-toe walking shoes
  • Sun hat, sunglasses & SPF 30+ sunscreen
  • 1–2 litres of water per person
  • Light layers — mornings are cool, midday is hot
  • Small daypack for valuables
  • Cash (JOD) for souvenirs, tea and the Monastery viewpoint

Frequently asked questions

Is the Petra entrance fee included?

It depends on the tour — check the "What’s included" list. The Jordan Pass (bought before you arrive) covers Petra entrance and is usually the best value.

How much walking is involved?

The Siq-to-Treasury walk is about 1.2 km each way on mostly flat ground. Reaching the Monastery adds an 800-step climb. You set the pace and can stop whenever you like.

Can I climb to the Monastery?

Yes — it is optional. It is a steep 800-step climb and takes roughly 40–50 minutes each way. Your guide will help you decide on the day.

What should I wear?

Comfortable closed-toe shoes, light breathable clothing, a sun hat and layers for cool mornings. Shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect at any religious or cultural stop.

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.

Read our full payment policy

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From $125 per person

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