Jordan's Umayyad desert castles are beautiful examples of early Islamic art and architecture and stand testament to a fascinating era in the country's rich history. Take a private half-day tour and delve deep into the history of Jordan under the expertise of a professional and knowledgeable driver. The structures are called castles because of their imposing stature. The desert complexes once served various purposes as caravan stations, agriculture and trade centers, resort pavilions, and outposts that helped distant rulers forge ties with local Bedouins. Inside the castles, early Islamic art can be found. The fine mosaics, frescoes, stone and stucco carvings are inspired by the best in Persian and Greco-Roman traditions and reveal to us countless stories of the life as it was during the 8th Century.
AZRAQ WETLAND RESERVE
The wetlands were created some 250,000 years ago[3] as a result of being fed by aquifers that corresponded with geological changes
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Bottled water
✔ English Speaking Driver
✔ Transportation (hotel pickup and Drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle, on-board WiFi, Fuel Surcharge)
✖ Meals, Gratuities, Local guide at site, Personal Expenses
✖ Admission Fees
Pickup Locations
1. La Casa Hotel Amman
2. Big Ben Hotel Suites
3. Park Plaza Hotel
4. Arman Hotel Suites
5. Gloria Hotel
6. The Sanrock Hotel
7. City Citadel Hotel
8. California Suites Hotel 2
9. Al Fakher Hotel Apartments
10. Seas Hotel Amman
11. Opal Hotel Amman
12. Gerasa Hotel
13. Sparr Hotel
14. Alkawther Hotel Apartments
15. DownTown Hotel Apartments
16. Larsa Hotel
17. Comfort Hotel Suites
18. Amman Palace Hotel
19. California Suites Hotel
20. The Abdali Boulevard Hotel
Additional Info: Pickup Point: Your hotel in Amman
Return point: Returns to the original departure point
Itinerary
1
Quseir Amra
Al-Mshatta Palace is one of the desert castles built by the Umayyads. Situated nearly 32 km southeast of Amman, this palace was built by the Umayyad Caliph al-Walid bin Yazid in 744 AD, and is surrounded by a 144-meter-long square wall comprising of 25 circular towers.
Named Al-Harrana Castle as it is positioned in the Al-Harrana Valley; the square fortress was resurrected during the reign of Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik. The castle has been restored several times as a result of the constant invading empires. Located on the international road on the way to Azraq, visitors are encouraged to get medieval and explore inside the fortress walls.
Built during the reign of the Umayyad caliph Yazid bin Abd al-Malik, who is considered to be the sixth caliph of the Umayyad successors, Qasr Amra is believed to have been a location to aid in hunting. With the preservation of castle carvings and fresco paintings the Qasr Amra is sure to be a castle experience unlike the others.
Duration: 5 hours
2
Azraq Wetland Reserve
Azraq is a unique wetland oasis located in the heart of the semi-arid Jordanian eastern desert, one of several beautiful nature reserves managed by the RSCN. Its attractions include several natural and ancient built pools, a seasonally flooded marshland, and a large mudflat know as Qa’a Al-Azraq. A wide variety of birds stop at the reserve each year for a rest during their arduous migration routes between Asia and Africa. Some stay for the winter or breed within the protected areas of the wetland.
An ideal spot for admiring the flocks in flight is bird watching reachable through a wooden path that runs along part of the marsh. The sensation of being immersed in this water paradise surrounded by the desert is unique. The oasis hosts also mammal species including water buffaloes, a species that is essential for the maintenance of wetlands.
Guided visits of the site can be booked at the Visitor Center
Duration: 2 hours
Additional info
• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
