After arriving in Kerak, you'll have the freedom to explore the Crusader castle before continuing on to Shobak Castle, where you can discover the medieval fortress, all at your leisure.
The rocky spur on which Kerak Castle stands has been fortified since Biblical times when it was a city in the kingdom of Moab. The vast fortification seen today was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century as the center of Transjordan and their most important fortress on the King’s Highway between Jerusalem and Aqaba. After having withstood several sieges, the castle finally fell to Saladin in 1189 and was expanded under Mamluk rule. Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt nearly destroyed the castle castle while capturing it in 1840. Today, Kerak Castle is an excellent example of medieval military architecture, and the Crusader and Arab elements are clearly distinguished - the former used dark volcanic tufa, and the later, white limestone. Visitors enter the castle through the Ottoman Gate, after which you can wander its courtyards and battlements and delve into its vaulted passageways (a flashlight is recommended). Tucked away in the lower part of the castle is a small Archaeological Museum, where you can learn more about the site.
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Shobak Castle
随意以自己的节奏探索和发现
停留:2 小时 - 不包含入场费
Built in 1115 by King Baldwin I of Jerusalem, Shobak Castle was the first of many fortifications erected beyond the Jordan River to guard the road from Egypt to Damascus. Having resisted a number of attacks, it finally fell to Saladin's troops in 1189 after a two-year siege that saw the defenders selling off their family members for food. Today, the castle experience begins when visitors first glimpse its imposing silhouette from a distance. Within the castle complex you’ll find original Crusader elements alongside Mamluk additions and modern restorations, such as a church with a Crusader cross or keep with Quaranic inscriptions. In the catacombs of one church, you can find Islamic tablets, Christian carvings, rocks used for catapults, and what is allegedly Saladin's throne. While plans to hold large-scale reenactments on site haven’t yet been realized, the staff dress as Saladin's soldiers and are happy to pose for pictures.
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.