Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers worth booking?
Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers is a 6-hour experience in Amman, Jordan, from $84 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (19)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $84 per person
Delve deep into Jordan’s history as you visit 3 of Jordan’s remarkable desert castles. These are beautiful examples of early Islamic buildings scattered around the eastern desert. Their fine frescoes, mosaics & carvings, portray life during the 7th & 8th centuries. Called castles due to their imposing nature, they served several purposes, such as caravan stations, resort pavilions, and trade & agriculture centers. They stand as a testament to a rich era in history, namely the flourishing beginnings of Islamic-Arab civilizations. Explore UNESCO-listed Qusayr Amra, known for its 8th-century frescoes of hedonistic scenes, Qasr al-Azraq, and Qasr al-Kharrana Visit the Caves of Seven Sleepers. The legend of the ‘seven sleepers’ involves seven Christian boys who were persecuted, then escaped to a cave and slept there for 309 years. Enrich your stay in Jordan and trek through the desert as you visit these castles. Get off the beaten track as you visit the Cave of the Seven Sleepers.
What you get
About this experience
Delve deep into Jordan’s history as you visit 3 of Jordan’s remarkable desert castles. These are beautiful examples of early Islamic buildings scattered around the eastern desert. Their fine frescoes, mosaics & carvings, portray life during the 7th & 8th centuries. Called castles due to their imposing nature, they served several purposes, such as caravan stations, resort pavilions, and trade & agriculture centers. They stand as a testament to a rich era in history, namely the flourishing beginnings of Islamic-Arab civilizations. Explore UNESCO-listed Qusayr Amra, known for its 8th-century frescoes of hedonistic scenes, Qasr al-Azraq, and Qasr al-Kharrana Visit the Caves of Seven Sleepers. The legend of the ‘seven sleepers’ involves seven Christian boys who were persecuted, then escaped to a cave and slept there for 309 years. Enrich your stay in Jordan and trek through the desert as you visit these castles. Get off the beaten track as you visit the Cave of the Seven Sleepers.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- English speaking driver
- Entry Fees ( If Selected)
- Transportation (hotel pickup, air-conditioned vehicle, on-board WiFi, Fuel Surcharge .)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Local Guide
What you'll see and do
Qsar Al-Azraq
Some of the most noteworthy remains of human habitation east in Jordan are the castles built by the Ummayad caliphates during the growing days of Islam (7th & 8th centuries CE). During the height of the Umayyad dynasty, architecture flourished due to the cultural exchange, which was also accompanied by major trade routes. The Umayyad dynasty was later overthrown by the Abbasids, in 750 CE, and architecture consequently changed and evolved which can also be exhibited in Jordan. Many relics and remains of the early and medieval Islamic periods still stand today in Jordan and are dotted around in the deserts of eastern Jordan. These ruins include castles, forts, baths, towers, and fortified ruins and are collectively known as the desert castles. The fine frescoes, mosaics, stone and stucco carvings, inspired by Persian and Greco-Roman traditions, unveil and portray life and customs during the 8th century. Begin the tour with a morning pick up from any hotel in Amman. Travel in a climate-controlled vehicle with a private English-speaking driver across Jordan’s rugged countryside. Journey out of Amman and into the arid landscape and observe the hot dry sand of Jordan spread out every direction. Pull up at Qasr Al-Azraq; a large fortress named after a nearby oasis. Built from black basalt rock, this fortress was once a hunting retreat for the Umayyad rulers and an important military base during the Byzantine period. This imposing castle was used by T.E Lawrence (the 20th-century British soldier and the Arab revolt leader) during the Arab Revolt against the Turks.
30 minutes here
Quseir Amra
Proceed to Qusayr Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning architecture. Located in the desert’s core, it features vibrant frescoes on the ceiling and walls, illustrating hunting scenes, animal and bird portraits, and other figures. The zodiac depicted on the domed ceiling of the hot room is among the earliest surviving map images. Originally part of a larger complex, today only a small, non-military country cabin remains. It stands as a significant and exceptional example of early Islamic art and architecture.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Qasr Al-Harranah
After marveling at the frescoes and vaulted chambers, visit Qasr al Kharrana, a scenic square fortress featuring rounded turrets and a central courtyard. Its purpose remains a mystery to historians and archaeologists; some suggest it was a defensive structure, while others believe it served as a resting spot for travelers, a meeting point, or a caravanserai. Remarkably, it is located within one of Jordan’s most stunning and atmospheric ancient buildings. Enjoy the architecture and explore the rooms surrounding the courtyard, with their ornamental niches and pilasters.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
The Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Ashabul Kahf)
Return to your driver and proceed to the Cave of the Seven Sleepers. Legend says this cave (Ahl al Kahf) served as a hiding place for seven Christian men and their dog, fleeing persecution by Roman Emperor Trajan for their faith. They slept there for 309 years, awakening when their beliefs were no longer condemned. Today, the cave is a significant religious and historical site, surrounded by ruins, with tombs and some remains visible inside. After exploring these sites, reunite with your driver for the journey back, including a hotel drop-off in Amman.
50 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Transportation Only
Admission Fees: Entry fees are not included in the tour package. Local Guide: A local guide is not included, but you can hire one on-site. Hotel pickup and drop-off Duration: 8 hours Water Available onboard Transportation Type: Transportation Tour Vehicle Range: We offer options ranging from economy sedans to larger vans, catering to different needs. Jordan Pass: The Jordan Pass is recommended for this option, providing discounted advance entry and access to other Jordanian attractions. Pickup included
Transportation & Entry Fees
Admission Fees: All entry fees for the sites are covered, so you can enjoy your visit without any worries. Local Guide: A local guide is not included, but you can hire one on-site. Duration: 8 hours Bottled Water Onboard Transportation Type: Private Tour Vehicle Range: We offer options ranging from economy sedans to larger vans, catering to different needs. Hotel pickup and drop-off Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ar, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- R&H VIP Transportation Services
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour/activity is private, meaning that only your group will participate. This allows you to have a more personalized experience, as the guide can tailor the tour to your interests and needs.
- A variety of options are available for your choice.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very unique tour in Jordan
Very interesting tour of the desert castles and cave. Our driver / guide Bardaghawi was very knowledgeable and interesting. A great introduction to Jordan for our first day and first time to visit
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that Bardaghawi’s knowledge and guidance made your visit to the Desert Castles and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers so interesting and memorable. It’s especially rewarding to know that this tour provided such an enjoyable introduction to Jordan’s rich history and cultural heritage. Your kind feedback means a great deal to our entire team, and we’ll be happy to share your compliments with Bardaghawi. Thank you again for choosing R&H VIP Transportation Services. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back to Jordan for another unforgettable experience in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Go to Jordan
It was wonderful we enjoyed every single minute
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your kind review. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Day Tour to the Desert Castles and Cave of the Seven Sleepers and that you had a wonderful experience. It means a lot to know you enjoyed every minute. We truly appreciate you choosing R&H VIP Transportation Services and hope to welcome you again in Jordan.
via Tripadvisor
Relaxed pace visit to some interesting sites
Our second tour with R&H VIP group, with Mohammad Ali as our driver both times, and we had a great time. We were offered the chance to explore each of the four sites at our own pace, and the tour ended up being around 6 hours in total door to door. Each site was unique in its own way and worth the visit. Seamless pickup, drop off, and everything in between. Thanks again Mohammad Ali.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for joining us again and for taking the time to share your experience! We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed your second tour with R&H VIP and that Mohammad Ali was able to look after you both times. Offering you the flexibility to explore each of the four sites at your own pace is exactly the kind of relaxed, personalised experience we aim to provide. It’s wonderful to know that you found each site unique and worthwhile, and that everything from pickup to drop-off was seamless. I’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Mohammad Ali. We truly appreciate your continued trust and hope to welcome you back for another tour in the future.
via Viator
Fabulous day out!
We had a wonderful day visiting 3 very different castles (a basalt army related fortification, a more romantic castle with beautiful paintings inside and a castle that was a former hotel). We also got to see the cave of the seven sleepers. Anas our guide was very informative, friendly and helpful. This was a great day trip for those who don’t want too early a start after the flight in the previous day. We didn’t get to bed until 5am and our trip left at 11am (much better than a 9am start!) and it really felt like we made the most of the day as already had a tour of Amman as part of our overall trip the next day so didn’t just want to repeat any of that. A fab day out. Thanks Anas!
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for the fantastic review! We're happy you had such a wonderful day exploring the Desert Castles and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers. It's great to hear that you enjoyed the variety of the castles and that Anas was a knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful guide. He's a true professional, and we'll be sure to pass on your kind words. We also appreciate your highlighting the flexible start time. We understand that travel schedules can be demanding, and we're pleased to offer a tour that allows you to settle in after a long flight while still making the most of your day. Thank you again for choosing us. We hope to see you on another tour in the future!
via Viator
Excellent castles tour
The castles were amazing and each one was unique. Our guide was very informative and answered all of our questions about the Jordanian culture.
Response from the operator: We appreciate you sharing such a considerate review. It's wonderful to know that you had a fantastic experience! Your insights motivate us, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming you back soon.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $84 to $171
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by R&H VIP Transportation Services, who run 38 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.0 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything R&H VIP Transportation Services runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Amman.
How much does Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers cost?
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Prices start at $84 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Amman usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Amman is not rushed.
Is Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Amman, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Amman can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Amman and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Amman within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Amman?
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On Outty we rank every Amman experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include From Amman: Petra and Wadi rum Private/Group Full day Tour, From Amman :Private or Group Full day tour to Petra, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea 4 Days 3 nights. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Amman?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Amman?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers?
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Included: Bottled water; English speaking driver; Entry Fees ( If Selected); and Transportation (hotel pickup, air-conditioned vehicle, on-board WiFi, Fuel Surcharge .). Not included: Gratuities; Lunch; and Local Guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 347 listed pickup locations in and around Amman. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers offered in?
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It is offered in Arabic and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Amman. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers?
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Across 19 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Day Tour To Desert Castles & Cave of the Seven Sleepers?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Transportation Only, Transportation & Entry Fees. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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