• Amman Governorate - Begin the journey with a warm welcome and a brief overview of the day’s adventure. Before departing Amman, there’s an option to stop at Starbucks for a favorite coffee.

The journey continues eastward towards the desert, with a comfortable 1-hour drive (approximately 95 km) from Amman to the first stop, Quseir Amra. Travel in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing relaxation while enjoying coffee and snacks. Complimentary water, soft drinks, and phone chargers are available for convenience.

• Quseir Amra - Qusayr Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most renowned and well-preserved monuments from the Umayyad era.

This small desert palace is famous for its remarkable frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings. The vibrant artwork depicts royal hunting scenes, musicians, zodiac symbols, and portraits of rulers from around the world. The complex also features a bathhouse with cold, warm, and hot rooms, along with an ingenious water system that once supplied the baths.

After exploring, enjoy a relaxing coffee or tea break at the traditional Bedouin tent next to the visitor center.

• Azraq Wetland Reserve - The next stop is the beautiful Azraq Wetland Reserve, a unique oasis near the historic town of Azraq in the heart of the Eastern Desert.

The reserve is a biodiversity haven and a crucial habitat for numerous aquatic and terrestrial species, including the Azraq killifish, the only vertebrate species endemic to Jordan.

Here, walk the 1.5 km (1 mile) Marsh Trail, typically taking about 30–40 minutes to complete. The path follows natural tracks originally created by water buffalo that still roam the wetlands. Along the trail, see the remains of a basalt wall dating back to the Umayyad period.

During the visit, observe birds from a hide and feed the fish in the clear springs. The visitor center also features a small museum, picnic area, and restroom facilities.

• Qsar Al-Azraq - The journey continues to the impressive basalt fortress of Qasr Azraq, near the oasis town of Azraq.

Initially used by the Romans for military purposes, the castle later became a strategic base controlling desert trade routes. During the Arab Revolt, it served as headquarters for T. E. Lawrence, who later recounted his experiences here in his famous book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Explore the fortress and see the room where Lawrence stayed.

• Qasr AlUsaykhim - A hidden gem of eastern Jordan is Qasr Usaykhim, located about 22 km (14 miles) north of Azraq.

Drive off-road to reach this dramatic hilltop fort. A short but rewarding climb leads to the ruins, offering sweeping views across the surrounding Black Desert. A large stone arch at the site provides a perfect natural frame for photographs with the vast volcanic landscape stretching behind.

• Hammam AlSarah - Next is the beautifully restored bath complex of Hammam As-Sarah. Built during the Umayyad period, likely under Caliph Al-Walid I, this elegant limestone structure functioned as a royal bathhouse similar to Qusayr Amra. The complex includes an audience hall, a bath suite, and an advanced water supply system. Despite its relatively small size, the building offers fascinating insights into early Islamic architecture and daily life.
• Qasr Al-Hallabat - The final stop is the impressive complex of Qasr Al-Hallabat. Originally constructed as a Roman fort protecting the vital trade route known as the Via Nova Trajana, the site was later transformed by the Umayyads into a large palace complex with defensive walls, towers, a mosque, and residential quarters. Today, visitors can admire beautifully restored stone structures, intricate mosaics, and early Islamic architectural details that illustrate the transition from Roman to Islamic culture in the region.
• Amman - After a full day exploring the Desert Castles and the dramatic landscapes of Jordan’s eastern desert, the journey concludes with a comfortable drive back through Zarqa to Amman, where guests will be dropped off at their hotel or residence.

Return with a deeper understanding of the Umayyad era and unforgettable memories of these remarkable desert monuments scattered across Jordan’s vast desert landscape.

• Private transportation
• Carbonated beverages
• On-board WiFi
• Bottled water
• All Fees and Taxes
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Lunch

This tour provides a unique chance to discover Jordan’s Eastern Desert Castles and Azraq Oasis in a single, expertly planned day. It combines renowned UNESCO heritage sites with hidden archaeological treasures that many visitors miss. Alongside the famous frescoes of Qusayr Amra and the historic Qasr Azraq fortress, the itinerary features lesser-known locations like Qasr Usaykhim, perched dramatically above the Black Desert and seldom visited by tourists.

The journey merges history, nature, and adventure. Participants will stroll through the tranquil marshes of the Azraq Wetland Reserve, a vital haven for migratory birds, explore beautifully restored Umayyad bathhouses, and uncover Roman forts that have been transformed into early Islamic palaces.

Travel is tailored for comfort and personalization: guests will ride in a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, refreshments, and snacks, with flexible stops along the route.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.