Private tour · from Amman

Expedition to Qasr Bshir, Lejjun, Umm Ar-Rasas, Karak

Set high at around 800 meters above sea level, deep within a vast and rugged basalt plain, Qasr Bshir (Castra Praetorium Mobene) remains one of Jordan’s most remote and best-preserved Roman frontier forts. Its isolated location makes it difficult to reach for the average traveller—but that’s exactly what makes this journey so rewarding.

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A visitor standing on a rock above the canyon of Wadi Mujib, Jordan

▦ 18 photos from this tour

From · whole group$250

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Duration8–9 hours

PickupYour hotel in Amman

Departure8 AM or 9 AM

GroupPrivate · 1–3 travellers

VehiclePrivate 4×4, WiFi & chargers

From$250whole group

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About this tour

Overview

Private tourExpeditionAmman, Madaba & Dead Sea, Karak & King’s HighwayRoman · Byzantine · Crusader & Ayyubid

With a powerful 4x4 vehicle and an expert guide who knows the terrain and history intimately, this once-inaccessible site becomes part of an unforgettable expedition. You’ll venture beyond the usual tourist routes to explore not only Qasr Bshir, but also the nearby Roman military site of Lejjun and the remarkable UNESCO-listed mosaics of Umm ar-Rasas.

As a grand finale, step into the dramatic medieval world of Karak Castle, one of the most iconic Crusader fortresses in the region, towering above the ancient King’s Highway.

This full-day private tour is designed for comfort as much as adventure. Travel in a well-equipped 4x4 vehicle with onboard WiFi, complimentary soft drinks, and snacks—ensuring you stay refreshed and connected throughout the journey at no extra cost.

Go beyond the ordinary, discover hidden corners of Jordan, and capture truly unique moments far from the crowds—photos that will spark curiosity and admiration. At the end of the day, relax on the scenic drive back to Amman, with drop-off right at your hotel for a smooth and satisfying conclusion to your expedition.

Photo gallery

Photos from this tour

The Byzantine mosaic floor of the Church of St Stephen, Umm Ar-Rasas, Jordan

The fort and its long walls on the open plain, Qasr Bshir, Jordan

A small ruined building with an arched window on the open plain, Castle El-Lejjun (Betthorus), Jordan

The Stylite Tower standing alone on the plain, Umm Ar-Rasas, Jordan

Fallen stones of the ruins with the Stylite Tower in the distance, Umm Ar-Rasas, Jordan

The fort seen from far across the stony plain, Qasr Bshir, Jordan

The castle on its ridge above the town, Karak Castle, Jordan

The square stone fort under a cloudy sky, Qal’at Qatrana, Jordan

The fort beyond the wall of its water reservoir, Qal’at Qatrana, Jordan

A vaulted room with arches and stone steps, Karak Castle, Jordan

An old cannon on a wooden carriage at the castle entrance, Karak Castle, Jordan

A basalt stele with an inscription on display in the Karak Castle Museum, Jordan

The road winding down into the canyon of Wadi Mujib, Jordan

The walls and a tower rising above the rubble, Qasr Bshir, Jordan

A corner tower and the fort wall, Qasr Bshir, Jordan

Ruined rooms along the inside of the fort walls, Qasr Bshir, Jordan

A corner tower of the fort, built of large stone blocks, Qasr Abu El-Kharaq, Jordan

Itinerary

9 stops, door to door

Amman to Al-Qatrana

Your day begins with a warm welcome and a short expedition briefing.

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Your day begins with a warm welcome and a short expedition briefing. If you wish, we can make a quick stop for coffee before setting off south from Amman. Enjoy a comfortable 1.5-hour (approx. 100 km) drive in a well-equipped 4x4 vehicle, featuring onboard WiFi, phone charging, and complimentary water, soft drinks, and snacks. Sit back, relax, and take in the changing landscapes as the city gives way to Jordan’s open desert plains.

Qasr Bshir

Rising in isolation from a vast basalt plain, Qasr Bshir is one of the best-preserved Roman forts in the region, dating to around 293–305 AD.

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Rising in isolation from a vast basalt plain, Qasr Bshir is one of the best-preserved Roman forts in the region, dating to around 293–305 AD. Once known as Castra Praetorium Mobene, its remote setting makes it rarely visited—yet incredibly rewarding. Its imposing towers still dominate the empty landscape, offering a striking glimpse into Rome’s eastern frontier. Intricate inscriptions carved into the stone add a rare and fascinating human touch to this otherwise austere military outpost.

Site profile Travel guide 360° panorama Photo album

Qasr Abu El-Kharaq

Perched on a hilltop with sweeping views, this impressive watchtower dates back to the Nabataean period (circa 150 BC – 105 AD) and was later reused by the Romans.

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Perched on a hilltop with sweeping views, this impressive watchtower dates back to the Nabataean period (circa 150 BC – 105 AD) and was later reused by the Romans. Remarkably preserved, parts of the structure still rise up to 8 meters high. While some internal passages remain unexplored, the site’s elevated position and commanding vistas make it a memorable stop.

360° panorama

Qasr Al-Qatraneh

A well-preserved Ottoman fortress along the historic Hajj pilgrimage route, Qatraneh once provided shelter, water, and safety for travellers crossing this harsh terrain.

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A well-preserved Ottoman fortress along the historic Hajj pilgrimage route, Qatraneh once provided shelter, water, and safety for travellers crossing this harsh terrain. Despite its fortress-like appearance, it functioned more as a rest station, complete with an advanced water system. Its layered history reflects centuries of movement, trade, and survival across the desert.

Site profile Travel guide Photo album

El-Lejjun

Part of the Roman Limes Arabicus, Lejjun was once a major legionary fortress guarding the empire’s frontier.

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Part of the Roman Limes Arabicus, Lejjun was once a major legionary fortress guarding the empire’s frontier. Though damaged by earthquakes over the centuries, parts of its structure still stand, offering insight into Roman military life. Explore the remains and imagine a time when this site housed hundreds of soldiers, with towers and walls stretching across the landscape.

Site profile 360° panorama Photo album

Karak Castle

One of the most impressive Crusader castles in the Levant, Karak’s construction began in the 1140s.

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One of the most impressive Crusader castles in the Levant, Karak’s construction began in the 1140s. It later became the stage for dramatic historical events, including the famous siege by Saladin in 1183. Walk through its vast halls, tunnels, and ramparts, and uncover centuries of layered history—from Crusaders to Ayyubids and beyond.

Site profile Travel guide Photo album

Moujib Panorama

Take a break from history and soak in the breathtaking natural beauty of Wadi Mujib.

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Take a break from history and soak in the breathtaking natural beauty of Wadi Mujib. This panoramic viewpoint offers sweeping vistas over deep canyons and rugged terrain descending toward the Dead Sea. It’s the perfect place to pause, breathe, and capture unforgettable photos—including from the dramatic Thieban Rock.

Umm Ar-Rasas & Stylite Tower

A UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic history, Umm ar-Rasas is home to some of Jordan’s finest mosaics.

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A UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic history, Umm ar-Rasas is home to some of Jordan’s finest mosaics. The Church of St. Stephen features one of the largest and most detailed mosaic floors in the country. Nearby stands the iconic Stylite Tower, once used by early Christian ascetics who lived in isolation atop pillars—a powerful symbol of devotion and endurance.

Site profile

Return to Amman

After a full day of exploration, relax on the scenic drive back to Amman.

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After a full day of exploration, relax on the scenic drive back to Amman. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel, bringing a smooth and satisfying close to an unforgettable journey through Jordan’s hidden historical treasures.