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What to see in Jordan |
Scattered throughout the black basalt desert, east of Amman, the
Desert Castles stand as a testament to the flourishing
beginnings of Islamic-Arab civilization. These seemingly
isolated pavilions, caravan stations, secluded baths, and
hunting lodges, were at one time integrated agricultural or
trading complexes, built mostly under the Umayyads (661-750 AD),
when Muslim Arabs had succeeded in transforming the fringes of
the desert into well-watered settlements. Aside from being
widely considered as the most spectacular and original monuments
of early Islamic art, these complexes also served practical
purposes: namely, as residences, caravanserais, and baths. Our
Castles Tour allows you to take in three excellent examples of
Desert Castles on a day trip from Amman and can be incorporated
into any of our tours.
Desert Castles & Lunch
Qusayr ‘Amra:
this is the best preserved of the desert castles, and
probably the most charming. It was built during the
reign of the Caliph Walid I (705-715 CE) as a luxurious
bath house.
Qasr Al- Azraq:
Is an Oasis settlement lying along the caravan route
from the Arabian Peninsula to Syria and Jordan. The
fort is made of black basalt and is assumed to have been
first built in the late Roman period, and rebuilt
during the Ayyubids.
Qasr al- Harraneh:
A well-known for its 8th Century fresco paintings on the
walls and the many mosaics and marble claddings telling
tales of the time of Caliph
Return to the
Kempinski Hotel in Amman for an additional night
(included) before continuing your tour programme.
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Prices: |
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Price includes:
- English-speaking guide/driver & car
- Sightseeing and entrance fees
as detailed above
- An additional night in the
Kempinski Hotel, Amman (if you are staying in an alternative hotel
we will provide you with a revised cost per person based on the
hotel of your choice).
Price excludes:
- Meals, unless specified
- Tips to guides, drivers & hotel porters
£99.00 per person*
* based on 2 sharing,
our standard terms apply |
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