Karak & Shobak Castles tour from Amman: Private Crusader ruins

Two 12th-century Crusader castles, underground passages and hilltop views in one long day

A private full-day tour from Amman to the Crusader Castles of Karak and Shobak along the ancient Kings Highway, with an English-speaking driver who guides, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance to both castles included. The tour runs about 10 hours and covers two isolated hilltop fortresses built between 1110 and 1143 to defend against Saladin's forces, with time to explore underground passages, chambers, and fortified turrets at each site. Lunch is optional. Bring sun protection and comfortable walking shoes for the ruins.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Crusader Castles via Kings Highway

• Depart Amman hotel by private vehicle
• Travel along ancient Kings Highway route
• Visit Al Hijaz Railway site
• Arrive at Karak Castle and explore
• Visit Shobak Castle and explore
• Return to Amman hotel for drop off

The experience

Your driver picks you up from your Amman hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle and heads south along scenic roads that follow the ancient Kings Highway: the historic Silk Road for trade in silk, spices and perfume. The route passes the Al Hijaz Railway, built in 1902 by the Ottoman Empire with German support, before climbing to Karak Castle. The massive hilltop fortress rises between 1110 and 1143 as part of a chain of Crusader defenses stretching from Jerusalem to Aqaba. It withstood Saladin's armies in the 1180s before falling in 1189, then served as a Byzantine bishopric with a church incorporated into its walls. You explore independently (underground passages, galleries, chambers and fortified turrets open to wander), and take in sweeping views from the towers across the surrounding landscape.

From Karak, the tour continues to Shobak Castle, an isolated hilltop fortress built in the early 12th century that also resisted Saladin's forces until 1189. The Mamluks rebuilt much of it in the 14th century, layering their structures over the original Crusader work. Inside, you see beautifully intricate wall inscriptions, halls and an underground staircase tunneled into the hillside. The battlements offer views that carry the weight of centuries of siege and defense. After exploring both castles, your driver returns you to your Amman hotel, ending a long day of Crusader history and desert landscape.

The tour includes entrance fees to both castles. If you hold a Jordan Pass, entrance fees are refunded at the destination. On-board Wi-Fi is available during the drive. You can add lunch at a local restaurant (vegetarian meals available by request), though most do not serve alcohol. Bring a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes: the ruins involve climbing and uneven ground. Confirm your pickup time with the operator a day before departure.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver who guides throughout the day.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman.
• entrance fees to both Karak and Shobak Castles (refunded if you hold a Jordan Pass).
• on-board Wi-Fi during the drive.
• optional lunch at a local restaurant with vegetarian meals available by request.

Options for this experience

2 options

Classic TourGuide in English · 09:00Tour of the Crusader castles in Jordan, with pickup included

Classic tour including lunchGuide in English · 09:00Tour of the Crusader castles in Jordan, including lunch at a local restaurant and pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Zaid Tours and Travel

Is this one for you?Book the classic tour if you want to explore the castles at your own pace with your driver available. Add lunch if you prefer a meal included rather than stopping on your own. The 10-hour day suits travelers who can handle extended time on ruins with climbing and uneven ground, and who want the flexibility of a private vehicle without a fixed group schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's inside Karak Castle that makes it worth the climb?

Karak Castle holds underground passages, galleries, chambers and fortified turrets built into the hilltop between 1110 and 1143. As a Crusader defense against Saladin, it incorporates a Byzantine church and offers sweeping views from the towers across the surrounding landscape.

How long is the drive from Amman to the castles?

The full tour runs about 10 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, including time at both Karak and Shobak Castles. The drive south follows the ancient Kings Highway, passing the Al Hijaz Railway built in 1902 before reaching the first castle.

Can I add lunch to this tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is available as an option at checkout. Vegetarian meals are available by request. Most local tourist restaurants in Jordan do not serve alcohol. Contact the operator if you prefer a restaurant that does.

What's the difference between Karak and Shobak Castles?

Both are 12th-century Crusader hilltop fortresses that resisted Saladin until 1189. Shobak, built in the early 12th century, was later rebuilt by the Mamluks in the 14th century, so you see layered structures. It features an underground staircase tunneled into the hillside and intricate wall inscriptions alongside the Crusader remains.

What should I bring for exploring the castles?

Bring a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. The ruins involve climbing stairs and navigating uneven ground, especially in the underground passages and along the battlements. The hilltop sites are exposed, so sun protection is essential.