Private Full Day Crusader Castles of Karak & Shobak, Kings Highway from Amman
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Full Day Crusader Castles of Karak & Shobak, Kings Highway from Amman worth booking?
Private Full Day Crusader Castles of Karak & Shobak, Kings Highway from Amman is a 10-hour experience in Amman, Jordan, from $43 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (9)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $43 per person
Step back to Crusader times on a private round-trip to Karak and Shobak Castles from Amman. Travel along roads tracing the ancient Kings Highway route, and visit the 12th-century castles, built by the Crusaders to defend
What you get
- English-Speaking Driver
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Entrance to Karak Castle; clients with Jordan Pass we will refund the entrance fees in destination
- On board WI-FI
- Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according to number of participants
- Entrance to Shobak Castle; clients with Jordan Pass we will refund the entrance fees in destination
About this experience
Step back to Crusader times on a private round-trip to Karak and Shobak Castles from Amman. Travel along roads tracing the ancient Kings Highway route, and visit the 12th-century castles, built by the Crusaders to defend against Saladin’s forces. Explore the ruined halls, parapets, and tunnels, take in sweeping views from the hilltop towers. Your tour includes private transportation in leisure vehicle with English-Speaking Driver who doubles up as your guide, hotel pick up, drop off after this long trip, and entrance fees included.
What's included
Included
- English-Speaking Driver
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Entrance to Karak Castle; clients with Jordan Pass we will refund the entrance fees in destination
- On board WI-FI
- Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according to number of participants
- Entrance to Shobak Castle; clients with Jordan Pass we will refund the entrance fees in destination
Not included
- All type of meals, unless option with lunch selected (Vegetarian meal by request)
- All type of beverages
- All type of gratuities (Tips to the Driver) – Recommended
- Personal Expenses
- Guide
- Any other service not mentioned
What you'll see and do
Amman
Depart your Amman hotel by private, air-conditioned vehicle, with your own private leisure vehicle, and English-Speaking Driver who doubles up as your guide and travel south along scenic roads that follow the ancient trading route combining both the Desert and Kings Highway. Visit Al Hijaz Railway known in the past as Berlin – Bagdad train railway built in 1902 by the Ottoman Empire with the help of their German allies at that time.
120 minutes here
Karak Castle
Proceed by the Kings Highway, known as the Silk Road for silk, spices, and perfume trade to arrive Karak, and ascend to the massive hilltop castle, built by the Crusaders between 1110 and 1143 B.C. One of a chain of Crusader defenses between Jerusalem and Aqaba. Karak resisted attacks from Saladin’s armies in the 1180s before succumbing in 1189. It then served as a Byzantine bishopric, and incorporated a church. Explore independently or hire a local guide (additional cost) and wander around the underground passages, galleries, chambers, and fortified turrets. Absorb the spectacular views from the towers,
120 minutes here · Admission included
Shobak Castle
continue to the Crusader Castle of Shobak. Built in the early 12th century, this isolated hilltop castle withstood many attacks from Saladin’s forces until it fell in 1189. During the 14th century, the Mamluks built over much of the Crusader structures. Go inside and explore the remnants, seeing the beautifully intricate wall inscriptions, halls, and underground staircase tunneled into the hillside. Soak in the haunting atmosphere and views from the battlements, then return to Amman, where your trip ends with a hotel drop off after a long exciting trip like this.
360 minutes here · Admission 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
Classic Tour
Visit of the Crusaders Castles in Jordan. Pickup included
Classic Tour with Lunch
Visit of the Crusaders Castles in Jordan with lunch at a local restaurant. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Zaid Tours and Travel
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
- Airport Pick-up and Drop-off by request.
- Contact your local operator (office phone number, emergency mobile number – out of office hours, or email address) a day before to reconfirm pick-up arrangements provided in your voucher.
- Tour activity is provided in English. For other languages by request.
- Clients with mobility issues, please contact us.
- Strollers and car seats for infants, please contact us.
- Most local tourist restaurants in Jordan do not serve alcohol, if you do not want a dry restaurant that does not serve alcohol, please contact us.
- Clients are advised to bring hats, sun screen, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Indicate special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Private Full Day Crusader Castles of Karak & Shobak, Kings Highway from Amman. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Experience
Basel was great! He was always on time and was very personable. I really enjoyed the trip and I would highly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you for choosing ZTT and for this amazing review of your stay. I am glad that you have experienced how safe and secure Jordan is. Our goal is always to provide a distinguished service, and our professional and dedicated team go the extra mile to ensure our travelers have wonderful trip. It is rewarding to know that our efforts at continuous improvement, are being recognized. We look forward to welcoming you back with us in Jordan for many unforgettable moments to you, your friends, and family. I appreciate the time and effort in sharing your experience.
via Tripadvisor
Castle day
Our driver, Amer, has been very friendly and helpful.. Everything was perfect, from hotel pick up to castle visit. Recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you for choosing ZTT and for this wonderful review of your stay. Our aim is always to provide a first-class service, and our professional and dedicated team go the extra mile to ensure our travelers have a memorable stay. It is rewarding to know that our efforts at continuous improvement, are being recognized. We look forward to welcoming you back with us in Jordan for many unforgettable moments to you, your friends, and family. I appreciate the time and effort in sharing your experience.
via Viator
Great castles
Amazing castles a must see. But the drive is very long. Our driver was great. Made our trip very knowledgeable and stopped a few times to show us amazing views
Response from the operator: Thank you for choosing ZTT and for this wonderful review of your stay. Our aim is always to provide a first-class service, and our professional and dedicated team go the extra mile to ensure our travelers have a memorable stay. It is rewarding to know that our efforts at continuous improvement, are being recognized. We look forward to welcoming you back with us in Jordan for many unforgettable moments to you, your friends, and family. I appreciate the time and effort in sharing your experience.
via Viator
Fabulous driver and...
Fabulous driver and fabulous castles!! Definitely worth the long drive to experience such history. Lunch was also super yummy.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your comments and for sharing your experience with us. The nicest complement that our team can get is your desire to return to Jordan with us. We are truly happy to learn that you enjoyed your holiday with us and even, it was difficult to leave. What a complement indeed! Looking forward to your next visit.
via Viator
Had a wonderful time,...
Had a wonderful time, seeing some history and listening to some Arabic music on the way! Ramouni was a great guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you. Looking forward to having you, your family, and friends with us again.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $43 to $260
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Zaid Tours and Travel, who run 67 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.1.
See everything Zaid Tours and Travel runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Full Day Crusader Castles of Karak & Shobak, Kings Highway from Amman: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Amman.
How much does Private Full Day Crusader Castles of Karak & Shobak, Kings Highway from Amman cost?
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Prices start at $43 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 Private Full Day Crusader Castles of Karak & Shobak, Kings Highway from Amman take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Private Full Day Crusader Castles of Karak & Shobak, Kings Highway from Amman worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 9 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 Private Full Day Crusader Castles of Karak & Shobak, Kings Highway from Amman?
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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 Private Full Day Crusader Castles of Karak & Shobak, Kings Highway from Amman suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Full Day Crusader Castles of Karak & Shobak, Kings Highway from Amman?
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Around 3 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Full Day Crusader Castles of Karak & Shobak, Kings Highway from Amman 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, Amman Petra Full-Day Trip. 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.
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