Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman
Amman, Jordan

Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman

Outty Ranking 68 4.9 · 10 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $127
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Outty Ranking

68/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman worth booking?

Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman is a 10-hour experience in Amman, Jordan, from $127 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
68 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (10)
Duration
10 hours
From
$127 per person

Look beyond Jordan’s most celebrated attractions to see some lesser-known historical treasures on this private Islamic Desert Castles day trip from Amman. Head east in this long trip to Al-Azraq, a castle that Lawrence of Arabia once used as a headquarters, and then explore the fresco-painted masterpiece of Amra and Al -Kharanah Castles. Finish at Ajloun, a hilltop medieval fortress built to defend against the Crusaders. Your tour includes private leisure transportation with English-Speaking Driver, hotel pick up and drop off, as well as entrance fees if Jordan Pass option not selected.

What you get

    About this experience

    Look beyond Jordan’s most celebrated attractions to see some lesser-known historical treasures on this private Islamic Desert Castles day trip from Amman. Head east in this long trip to Al-Azraq, a castle that Lawrence of Arabia once used as a headquarters, and then explore the fresco-painted masterpiece of Amra and Al -Kharanah Castles. Finish at Ajloun, a hilltop medieval fortress built to defend against the Crusaders. Your tour includes private leisure transportation with English-Speaking Driver, hotel pick up and drop off, as well as entrance fees if Jordan Pass option not selected.

    What's included

    Included

    • English-Speaking Driver
    • Hotel pick up and drop off
    • On board WI-FI
    • Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according to number of participants
    • Additional Guide at the Desert Castles; if option with guide is selected
    • Entrance Fees: Al- Azraq, Amra, and Al-Kharanah Castles; if option Jordan Pass not selected
    • Entrance Fees to Ajloun Castle; if option Jordan Pass not selected

    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
    • Anything else not mentioned

    What you'll see and do

    1. Amman

      After pick-up from your central Amman by private, air-conditioned vehicle with your own private English-Speaking Driver who doubles up as your guide, relax as you journey out of the city and into the desert plains of eastern Jordan. Drive with your friendly informative English-Speaking Driver to experience the fascinating Desert Castles. The region is speckled with 7th and 8th century castles, many within a 15-minute drive of each other, that were originally built by the Caliphs of the Umayyad dynasty as rural retreats and hunting lodges. Hear tales about this powerful dynasty, the first Muslim rulers of the Arab kingdom, including fascinating snippets about their extravagance and debauchery. As you travel, feel free to tell your driver if there’s a castle you want to see more of. Your tour is private, so the itinerary can be tailored to suit your interests.

      90 minutes here

    2. Quseir Amra

      After about an hour on the road, pull up at UNESCO-listed Quseir’ Amra, one of east Jordan’s most famous castles. Once a hunting palace of the Umayyads, this splendidly restored edifice is graced with 8th-century frescoes showing decadent scenes of nude women, wine, and parties.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Qasr Al-Harranah

      Continue to Qasr Al -Kharanah, an imperious 2-level fortress standing in a huge plain. Thought to have been built on Roman foundations, this evocative castle exudes intrigue and displays a rich array of Mesopotamian, Arabic, and Greek architectural influences.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Qsar Al-Azraq

      Finally, head for Qasr Al-Azraq, originally an Umayyad hunting retreat and once used as a headquarters by T.E. Lawrence, the 20th-century British soldier and Arab Revolt leader perhaps more famously known as Lawrence of Arabia. Wander around the sun-burnished courtyards, towers and mosque and learn how Lawrence based his operations here during 1917 to 1918.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Ajlun Castle (Qala'at ar-Rabad)

      Having explored here, continue to the 12th-century Castle of Ajloun, built in the time of Saladin to defend against Crusader armies. Head inside this semi-intact hilltop fortress, and roam the rambling corridors and staircases. See the murder holes used by the invaders, and admire the stunning views over the lush hills of the Jordan Valley from the towers. Then, reconvene with your vehicle and relax on your long ride back to Amman where your trip ends with a hotel drop-off.

      240 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

    • Tour For Jordan Pass Holders

      Classic Visit to the Castles: Qasr Amra, Qasr Kharaneh, Qasr Azraq and Ajloun Caslte from Amman without entrance fees Pickup included

    • Tour with Guide

      Tour with Accompanied Guide: Classic Visit to the Castles: Qasr Amra, Qasr Kharaneh, Qasr Azraq and Ajloun Caslte with Accompanied Guide Pickup included

    • Tour with Lunch

      Classic Visit to the Castles: Qasr Amra, Qasr Kharaneh, Qasr Azraq and Ajloun Caslte with lunch at a local restaurant. Pickup included

    • Tour with Lunch and Guide

      Classic Visit to the Castles: Qasr Amra, Qasr Kharaneh, Qasr Azraq and Ajloun Caslte with Guide and lunch Pickup included

    • Castle Tours

      Classic Visit to the Castles: Qasr Amra, Qasr Kharaneh, Qasr Azraq and Ajloun Caslte from Amman 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 15 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.
    • For Jordan Pass holders that purchased tour activity with entrance fees, please inform us to reimburse the entrance fees in destination.
    • 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.
    • For Arab and G.C.C. nationals, please book Jordan Pass option; visits without entrance fees included, as reduced entrance fees apply. It is better for Arab and G.C.C. passport holders to pay directly in destination their entrance fees.
    • Clients are advised to bring hats, sun screen, and comfortable walking shoes.

    Photos

    Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman, photo 2Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman, photo 3Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman, photo 4Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman, photo 5Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman, photo 6Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Organization

    4 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    10 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    9
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
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    Sort
    Laura_C · December 2025

    Excellent tour of the...

    Excellent tour of the desert castles and Ajloun. Driver, Issa, was great and enhanced the experience.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for choosing ZTT and for this amazing review of your stay. I hope you can post this review on our TripAdvisor page to share with more travelers. 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 will be waiting for you again in Jordan!

    via Viator

    Alt A · March 2025

    Islamic castles tour with Hasan

    Today was a great experience. I had the pleasure of meeting and having Hasan as my driver and guide today, and with his driving but also his knowledge, understanding and communication made it a five star experience for me. All three castles were definitely worthwhile visiting, an easy trip from Amman, and the lunch recommended and organised by Hasan was absolutely delicious.

    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

    Kylie_S · September 2024

    A long day but an excellent trip to see an alternate part of Jordan!!

    Mazen was excellent, punctual, patient, engaging and happy to share information about Jordanian culture, way of life and recent events throughout the day. It was a long day, but very enjoyable and I had as much time as I needed to see the sites and the landscape in between. Lunch and venue was excellent as well. Would highly recommend Mazen especially for female solo travellers as he was a gentleman.

    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. I hope you can share this review on our TripAdvisor page.

    via Viator

    Amelie_M · December 2023

    My tour guide was Hasan....

    My tour guide was Hasan. He was a good driver, very nice, very knowledgeable. He also did the tour guide at Qasr al-Harranah and Quseir Amra. He paid for tea, offored water and fruits. He gave advice on things I would see on a later tour. He also had Wi-Fi but I can't comment on that as I did not use it but it was offered. It was a very nice experience that was accentuated by Hasan's knowledge and personality.

    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

    jan0we · December 2022

    Well organized yet adoptable tour

    Well organized. Driver picked up at hotel in time spotless. Good car, Driver talked very good English. Could guide a lot during trip. Quite compressed tour due to distance but very interesting. Everything was adoptable according to whishes. I can strongly recommend this company ZTT international and this tour!!

    Response from the operator: Thank you. Looking forward to having you, your family, and friends with us again

    via Tripadvisor

    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
    $127 to $433
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    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 runs

    Why this scores 68

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)45
    Booking momentum (14% weight)38
    Value for money (12% weight)60
    Listing quality (10% weight)77
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Amman.

    How much does Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman cost?

    +

    Prices start at $127 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 Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip 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 Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 10 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 Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman?

    +

    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 Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman?

    +

    Around 4 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?

    +

    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 Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip 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?

    +

    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, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea 4 Days 3 nights, From Amman :Private or Group Full day tour to Petra. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman?

    +

    Included: English-Speaking Driver; Hotel pick up and drop off; On board WI-FI; Private Transfer by air-conditioned leisure new vehicle according to number of participant; and Additional Guide at the Desert Castles; if option with guide is selected. 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; and Personal Expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 195 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 Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman offered in?

    +

    It runs in 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 Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman?

    +

    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 Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; Clients with mobility issues, please contact us; and Strollers and car seats for infants, please contact us. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman?

    +

    Across 10 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    What booking options are available for Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman?

    +

    There are 5 options to choose from, including Tour For Jordan Pass Holders, Tour with Guide, Tour with Lunch, Tour with Lunch and Guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Tour: Full-Day Islamic Desert Castles and Ajloun Castle Trip from Amman.

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