Day Tour Desert Castles & Azraq Wetland Reserve

The Day Tour to the Desert Castles and Azraq Wetland Reserve offers a captivating glimpse into Jordan’s rich history and diverse natural beauty. Visitors can explore the stunning Umayyad Desert Castles, marveling at their remarkable Islamic art and architecture, before seeing the vibrant ecosystem of the Azraq Wetland Reserve. With private transportation, bottled water, and onboard WiFi, the tour provides a comfortable and enriching experience. However, the true allure of this adventure lies in the opportunity to uncover the hidden gems that make Jordan a truly mesmerizing destination.

Key Points

• A half-day tour from Amman that visits the Umayyad Desert Castles and the Azraq Wetland Reserve, highlighting the architectural and cultural legacy of the region.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking driver, bottled water, and on-board WiFi, providing a convenient and comfortable experience.
• Visitors can admire the stunning Islamic art, mosaics, frescoes, and carvings at the Umayyad Desert Castles, which served as caravan stations, trade centers, and resorts.
• The Azraq Wetland Reserve is a protected oasis in Jordan’s Eastern Desert, home to diverse flora and fauna, including migratory birds and native wildlife.
• The tour is suitable for individuals with mobility challenges and families, with a private format offering a personalized experience and flexibility.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This half-day tour from Amman takes visitors to explore the historical Umayyad Desert Castles and the Azraq Wetland Reserve.

The tour highlights the region’s architectural and cultural legacy, as travelers visit the desert ‘castles’ that once served as caravan stations, trade centers, and resort pavilions.

Visitors can admire the captivating Islamic art, mosaics, frescoes, and carvings that reflect the influence of Persian and Greco-Roman traditions.

The tour allocates approximately 45 minutes at each destination, providing ample time to take in the sites’ allure.

Whether seeking historical insights or scenic beauty, this tour offers a comprehensive experience of Jordan’s desert wonders.

Inclusions and Transportation

The tour includes complimentary round-trip transportation from your hotel in Amman, with an English-speaking driver, bottled water, air-conditioned vehicle, and on-board WiFi, all of which are covered by the fuel surcharge.

The tour doesn’t include:

• Meals
• Gratuities
• Local guide at the site
• Personal expenses

This makes the overall experience convenient and comfortable, allowing you to focus on exploring the historical desert castles and the Azraq Wetland Reserve.

With these inclusions, you can enjoy a hassle-free day of discovery, exploring the Islamic art, mosaics, frescoes, and carvings that showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Pickup Information

Pickup for the tour is from your hotel in Amman, and you’ll return to the original departure point at the end of the experience. This is a private tour, so you’ll only be with your own group.

Be sure to confirm your pickup location with the tour operator up to 24 hours before the activity starts. This ensures the driver knows exactly where to meet you.

The tour includes round-trip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with on-board WiFi and bottled water. Your driver will be an English-speaker, and the fuel surcharge is included in the price.

With this convenient pickup and drop-off service, you can simply sit back and enjoy the journey to the remarkable desert castles and wetland reserve.

Accessibility and Participation

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing most travelers to participate.

Plus, this is a private tour, meaning only your group will be attending. This provides a more personalized experience and flexibility to explore the sites at your own pace.

Some key accessibility and participation details include:

• Suitable for individuals with mobility challenges or families with young children

• Private nature ensures a comfortable and tailored experience

• Flexibility to spend more time at sites that interest your group

• Ideal for travelers seeking an intimate, hassle-free excursion

Reviews and Feedback

Travelers’ reviews of the day tour provide a mixed assessment of the experience, with some expressing disappointment while others highlight its enjoyable aspects. The tour garners an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 11 reviews.

Some travelers found the tour misleading, stating it focused primarily on transportation without much informative guidance. However, positive comments praise the knowledgeable drivers and the captivating visits to the desert castles.

The free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour and the lowest price guarantee are additional benefits.

At a starting price of €64.54, the tour represents a generally positive value, though the quality of the experience may vary depending on individual expectations and preferences.

Umayyad Desert Castles

Beyond the positive and negative reviews, the centerpiece of this tour are the Umayyad Desert Castles, a collection of historical sites that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

These 8th-century structures were once used as caravan stations, trade centers, and resort pavilions by the Umayyad dynasty. Visitors can admire the stunning Islamic art, mosaics, frescoes, and carvings that blend Persian and Greco-Roman influences.

The highlights of the Umayyad Desert Castles include:

• Qasr Amra, known for its well-preserved frescoes

• Qasr al-Hallabat, featuring impressive basalt architecture

• Qasr al-Azraq, a striking black basalt castle

• Qasr Kharana, a grand example of Umayyad palace design

Azraq Wetland Reserve

Along With the Umayyad Desert Castles, this tour also includes a visit to the Azraq Wetland Reserve, a protected oasis in the heart of Jordan’s Eastern Desert. Spanning over 12,000 hectares, the reserve is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, native wildlife, and a lush, vibrant wetland ecosystem.

Feature	Description
Wetland Ecosystem	Lush, thriving wetland with ponds, marshes, and streams
Biodiversity	Habitat for migratory birds, mammals, reptiles, and unique plant species
Importance	Vital source of water and livelihood for local communities
Conservation	Designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

Visitors can explore the reserve’s boardwalks and trails, spotting birds and other wildlife, and gaining a deeper appreciation for Jordan’s natural wonders.

Booking and Pricing

Travelers can book the day tour through the tour provider’s website or by contacting their customer service team. Prices for the tour start from €64.54 per person, with discounts available for larger group sizes. Free cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, offering flexibility for guests.

The tour package includes:

• Complimentary round-trip transportation from your hotel in Amman
• English-speaking driver
• Bottled water
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• On-board WiFi
• Fuel surcharge

However, meals, gratuities, local guides, and personal expenses aren’t included.

With a lowest price guarantee, this tour offers an affordable and convenient way to explore the Desert Castles and Azraq Wetland Reserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour is a private experience, so the group size is determined by the traveler’s party. There is no set maximum group size, as the tour is tailored to the individual customer’s needs.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary or Activities?

The tour is a private experience, so customers can typically customize the itinerary and activities to their preferences. However, the extent of customization may be limited by logistics and tour provider policies.

Are Audio Guides or Multi-Lingual Guides Available?

According to the tour information, audio guides or multi-lingual guides do not appear to be available. The tour includes an English-speaking driver, but no local guide at the sites. Visitors may need to rely on signage or their own research to fully understand the attractions.

What Should I Bring or Wear for the Tour?

Wear comfortable, sun-protective clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and any personal medications. Carrying a small backpack or day bag can be helpful for storing personal items during the tour.

Are There Any Health or Safety Precautions I Should Be Aware Of?

Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen. Drinking plenty of water is essential, as the desert climate can be hot and dry. No major health or safety concerns, but caution is advised when exploring historic sites.

The Sum Up

The captivating Day Tour to the Desert Castles and Azraq Wetland Reserve is a must-do experience for those seeking to explore Jordan’s historical and natural wonders.

With the convenience of private transportation, visitors can enjoy the remarkable Islamic art and architecture of the Umayyad Desert Castles and the biodiverse Azraq Wetland Reserve, a vital oasis for wildlife.

This enriching journey promises an unforgettable adventure.