Amman - Desert Castles & Azraq Wetland Reserve Full Day Private Trip

Duration

7 hours

Languages

English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese

Guests

1-3

Discover Jordan's rich history on this half-day tour to the Umayyad Desert. Visit these desert castles that were once used as caravan stations, trade centers, outposts, and resort pavilions. Admire the beautiful Islamic art, mosaics, frescoes, and carvings that can be found inside and were inspired by Persian and Greco-Roman traditions. Spend about 45 minutes at each destination before heading back to Amman.

Highlights:

Visit the desert castles
Learn about Jordan's rich history
Admire the beautiful Islamic art, mosaics, frescoes, and carvings
Have free time at the water paradise surrounded by the desert

Includes:

Hotel pick-up and drop off
Transportation by private vehicle
English Speaking Driver-guide
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Fuel surcharge
Bottled water

Not included:

Meals
Local guide at site
Personal Expenses
Admission Fees Quseir Amra and Azraq Wetland Reserve

Please note: We offer to pick you up from any hotel located in Amman. Returns to original departure point. Wheelchair and Stroller are accessible.

Itinerary:

Stop At: Quseir Amra, Azraq Jordan

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

Stop At: Azraq Wetland Reserve, Azraq Jordan

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 Qaa 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