ITINERARY

The itinerary is detailed below. This is what you'll be doing during your stay!

 

30 Aug 2023 Arrival in Jordan and transfer to The Dead Sea

You'll arrive in the Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). There is no set arrival time, so you can book the flight most suitable from your departure airport. Kindly note that a visa is required for all visitors to Jordan. For more details please see our Passports & Visa section.

The tour offers a selection of two different hotel levels: Standard and Deluxe.

The program for the two options is identical. 

Upon arrival, our airport representative will meet you in the arrivals hall, after you've cleared immigration and customs, and guide you to the driver that will take you to your hotel at the Dead Sea.

Transfer to the Dead Sea is included in the package cost and will be arranged according to your arrival. Note, however, that other Petra Desert Marathon participants may arrive at the same time as you, in which case you will share the bus with them. After check-in you have the rest of the day/evening free to enjoy the pool and the beach on your own.

Please note that many flights to Amman arrive at night time. Hotel check in is normally at 15:00 in the afternoon, so if you arrive in the night and want your room available upon arrival we recommend that you book a pre-night. The airport representative is also available for pre-night arrivals and  participants also have transfer to the Dead Sea included for pre-night bookings.

Meals: Not included

 

31 Aug 2023 The Dead Sea

Today, we will wake up at the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth – and start the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Our day will be all about winding down and relaxing by the pool or floating on the surface of the Dead Sea.

The Dead Sea is truly unique, a landlocked lake bordering Jordan to the east and Israel to the west, known for being one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. In fact, it is almost 10 times saltier than regular seawater, making it one of the most fascinating natural phenomena on Earth.

This extreme saltiness makes it impossible for plants and animals to thrive in, hence its name. That being said, the Dead Sea is sometimes considered the largest spa in the world, due to its healing properties. According to the legend, Cleopatra would also visit the Dead Sea and use its products as part of her beauty regime. It is only fair you get to spend the whole day immersed in this magical place. It is the perfect way to mentally prepare yourself for the challenge ahead.

Meals: Breakfast

 

1 Sep 2023 Dead Sea to Petra. Race briefing and Pasta Dinner

After breakfast at our hotel, we will check out at 09:00 and drive by bus to Wadi Musa (Petra). Our journey will take approximately 6 hours. Upon arrival, we’ll go straight for lunch at a local restaurant, where we’ll eat all sorts of local delicacies, while we wait for our rooms to be ready for check-in at 15:00. 

After check-in we will get a few hours to settle in and go out to explore the illustrious “Red Rose City of Petra.” The hotel, located at the gate of Petra, means you are only steps away from this ancient rock-carved Nabataean city. Remember, tomorrow you will be able to get exclusive access to the city before it opens its doors to the public. We will also have Sunday to explore this wonderful place. 

As the sun sets all runners will meet at tomorrow’s finish area, where the race officials and medical team will give the race briefing. 

In the evening, we can carbo-load with a pasta dinner served at our respective hotel restaurants. You are then welcome to go back to your rooms to get some well-needed rest before the big day. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

 

2 Sep 2023 Race day

Today is the day we have all been waiting for! After an early wakeup call and a light continental breakfast, all runners meet outside the Petra Visitor Center. At 05:15, all participants will walk together through the Siq to the start line at the Street of Facades. As Petra is not open to the public at that time of day, runners will get the unique experience of seeing Petra without the crowds.

The race starts at 06:30AM for both full and half-marathon runners. Although Petra Desert Marathon is regarded as an official race, following international competition rules including time taking, it is important to remember that it is first and foremost an adventure marathon in which the experience, scenery, and satisfaction in completing is more important than winning or setting a personal record. For a detailed description of the route, have a look at our Route & Elevation section. At the finish line, refreshments and your medal will be waiting for you. 

In the evening we offer two optional local experiences - Petra Kitchen and Petra by Night - that can be booked in addition to the tour package. Please the excursions below the itinerary for more details. 

Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch 

 

3 Sep 2023 Petra and Celebration Dinner

Today we get to explore Petra's full glory. After breakfast, we will walk to Petra Visitor's Center where we will start our guided tour on foot and learn about the impressive history of yesterday’s starting point.

The main entrance to the historical and archeological city of Petra is the Siq. With walls rising up to 200 metres in height, this narrow gorge, split apart by tectonic forces, winds its way 1.2 km through the mountains and ends at Petra's most elaborate temple, the Treasury. We'll walk through the Siq again and continue past the marvelous tombs and caves carved out of the red sandstone cliff while our guide tells us about the old Nabateans who created the city. We'll spend some time exploring the area and buy lunch on our own, after which we'll head back to our hotel.

Depending on how much time you want to spend in Petra, you can also relax and recover from the strenuous efforts of yesterday in one of the area's Turkish baths and spas or simply treat yourself at a local restaurant with the unbelievably tasty Jordanian cuisine.

In the evening, all participants will head to the desert, where we celebrate the completion of the Petra Desert Marathon with a festive celebration dinner. Dine, drink, and dance under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

 

4 Sep 2023 Farewell Jordan or Hello Extension

Sadly, our adventure in Jordan is over and it is time to bid farewell to this extraordinary country. Checkout from the hotel must be completed before 12:00 (noon). All participants are transferred to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.

Four transfers are available with ARRIVAL times at the airport on 4 September as follows: 05:00, 08:00, 13:00 and 18:00.

It is possible to book a different transfer to Queen Alia International Airport if the above scheduled group transfers don't fit your onward journey (extra charge).

Participants who book one of the extensions will start their adventure after breakfast today.

Meals: Breakfast