• Amman Governorate - The tour begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or residence in Amman, where a brief introduction and tour overview will be provided. If desired, a quick stop at Starbucks can be arranged to grab your favorite coffee before departing the city. The journey into Jordan’s eastern desert is made in a luxurious vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi and phone chargers. Enjoy the drive with your coffee and selected snacks, while complimentary bottled water and soft drinks are available throughout the tour.
• Qasr AlMushatta - The first destination is the extraordinary Qasr Al-Mushatta, one of the largest and most ambitious palaces from the Umayyad era.

Dating back to the 8th century, the palace is renowned for its stunning decorative stone façade, which blends Byzantine, Persian, and classical influences. The intricate carvings of vines, acanthus leaves, animals, and geometric patterns showcase the remarkable craftsmanship of Umayyad artisans. Although the palace was never fully completed, its grand scale indicates it was meant to host large gatherings of the Umayyad court.

• Qasr al-Kharrana - Continuing east along Highway 40, the tour arrives at the enigmatic desert fortress of Qasr Kharana.

Constructed in the early 8th century during the reign of the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid I, this square two-story structure measures approximately 35 meters on each side and contains numerous rooms arranged around a central courtyard. Despite its fortress-like appearance, the building likely served as a meeting place, caravan station, or residence for travelers and officials. Inside, several rooms still retain original decorative details.

• Quseir Amra - The next visit is to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Qusayr Amra, one of the most renowned and best-preserved Umayyad monuments.

This small desert palace is famous for its extraordinary frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings. The paintings depict royal hunting scenes, musicians, zodiac symbols, and even portraits of rulers from various parts of the world. The complex also includes a bathhouse with cold, warm, and hot rooms, as well as an ingenious water system that once supplied the baths.

After exploring the site, a short coffee or tea break can be enjoyed at the nearby Bedouin tent beside the visitor center.

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

Initially used by the Romans for military purposes, the castle later became a significant strategic base controlling the desert trade routes. During the Arab Revolt of 1917–1918, it served as headquarters for T. E. Lawrence, whose experiences here were later described in his famous book Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the fortress and see the room where Lawrence stayed.

• Hammam AlSarah - A short drive leads to the beautifully restored bath complex of Hammam As-Sarah.

Built during the Umayyad period, likely under the reign of Caliph Al-Walid I, this elegant limestone structure functioned as a royal bathhouse similar to the one at 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 a fascinating insight 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 tour concludes with a comfortable drive back to Amman, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or residence.

You will return with a deeper understanding of the Umayyad period and unforgettable impressions of these remarkable desert monuments.

• Private luxury transfer
• Entrance fees
• Bottled water, soft drinks, snacks
• WiFi, Phone charger
• Coffee/tea (on request)

• Professional on-site (local) guide, if avaliable. The price for their services usually $5 - $15
• Personal expenses
• Lunch

This exclusive tour provides a comfortable and comprehensive journey through Jordan’s extraordinary Umayyad Desert Castles, away from the typical tourist paths. Traveling in a luxury vehicle from Amman, participants will visit several captivating early Islamic monuments in one day, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Qusayr Amra, the enigmatic desert fortress Qasr Kharana, and the historic oasis stronghold of Qasr Azraq.

Unlike conventional group tours, this experience is entirely private and adaptable, allowing for exploration of each site at a personal pace while gaining insights into the fascinating history, architecture, and desert culture of the Umayyad era. With personalized attention, comfortable transportation, and carefully planned stops, the tour provides a deeper and more relaxed way to explore one of Jordan’s most intriguing historical landscapes.

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