Petra Desert Marathon

7 Sep 2024

Petra Desert Marathon 2024 6-day package

Run back in time!
4-9 Sep
6 days
1 395 USD

Book package

Starting from the ancient city of Petra, the marathon route takes runners on a scenic tour through the stunning mountain and desert landscape. Take part in a historic run in remarkable settings - you'll explore the UNESCO-accredited site before heading into the expansive desert. Before and after the marathon, you'll get the pleasure of tasting delicious Jordanian cuisine, meeting welcoming people, and immersing yourself in their rich history and culture. 

You can also extend your stay in Jordan with tours suited for the adventurous or the cultural traveler.

English

Itinerary

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

04 Sep 2024Arrival 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 three different hotel levels: Standard, comfort and Deluxe.
The programs for the three options are 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

05 Sep 2024The 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.

You will also have the option of joining our full day excursion around some of the historical and cultural highlights of Jordan: Mt. Nebo, Madaba and Baptism Site. It's an extraordinary excursion packed with knowledge from our experienced tour-guides. 

Meals: Breakfast

06 Sep 2024Dead 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

07 Sep 2024Race 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 just before 06:00. All participants will start in front of the Siq where the magnificent Petra Treasury awaits you on the other side. From thereon you will dive into the ancient stone carvings and tombs of the Jordanian desert containing the rich history and culture of Petra. 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 an optional local experience - Petra Kitchen - that can be booked in addition to the tour package. Please check the excursions below the itinerary for more details. 

Meals: Breakfast and packed lunch 

08 Sep 2024Petra 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

09 Sep 2024Farewell 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 9 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

Excursions

Baptism Site, Mt Nebo & Madaba

5 Sep | Full day | 130 USD
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Prepare for a remarkable day as we explore Jordan's most sacred and historic sites.

Baptism Site: Where History and Faith Converge
Your cultural endeavors of Jordan start after breakfast as you are picked up by our expert tour-guide. We will begin in the enchanting Jordan Valley, where we pay a visit to the legendary Baptism Site. This sacred place is believed to be where John the Baptist once preached and where he baptized Jesus, an extraordinary confluence of history and faith.

Mount Nebo: The Holy Land
Our journey takes us to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have glimpsed upon the Holy Land before settling in his final resting place. The breathtaking views and spiritual significance of this site are truly spectacular. 

Madaba: A Historic City of Mosaics
We continue towards the historic city of Madaba, renowned for its captivating "Mosaic of Jerusalem" – one of the oldest pictorial representations of the Holy City. If the sky is clear you will have a wonderful view up from the mountain seeing the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Jericho in the other bank of the Jordan River.  

It's an extraordinary excursion where past and present converge, and every step holds a piece of history and spirituality.

  • Baptism Site
  • Madaba Town View
  • Madaba Church of St. John
  • Mt. Nebo, Basilica of Moses
  • Mt. Nebo
  • Basilica of St. Georg
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Petra Kitchen 2024

7 Sep | 2.5 hours | 55 USD
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Unleash Your Inner Chef
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Jordanian cuisine and join us for an evening of culinary feast.

In this exciting cooking class, a local chef will guide you through the art of crafting a mouthwatering traditional Jordanian meal.  With a focus on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and an array of aromatic spices, you'll practice the culinary techniques needed to create a delectable feast. From chopping and slicing to mixing and blending, you'll have the opportunity to prepare a delightful spread of soups, salads, appetizers, and a tantalizing main course. 

A Feast for All
After showing off our culinary expertise, we'll gather around for a cozy dinner. You will receive the recipes, ensuring you can recreate these flavors at home and amaze your friends and family. 

A Well Deserved Meal
Petra Kitchen is a fun and social way to celebrate the completion of the Petra Desert Marathon and a guaranteed delicious festive dinner - regardless of cooking skills!

The class starts at 17:30 and expected dinner time is around 19:00. 

Limited seats available.

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Extensions

Adventure Extension 2024

9-12 Sep | 4 days | 695 USD
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  • Little Petra
  • Wadi Rum desert
  • Wadi Mujib
  • Wadi Mujib
  • Star Tents Aerial View
  • Jeep Drive through Wadi Rum
  • Wadi Rum Desert
  • Wadi Mujib
  • Day 1 - 9 Sept: Little Petra - Monastery hike

    After a good nights rest and a spirit of achievement we are ready to start our Adventure Extension! 

    Our hike begins by the awe-inspiring "Little Petra," setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Our expert tourguide will enrich you with knowledge about the area and prepare you for the journey ahead.

    From there, we'll venture through the viewpoints of Wadi Mataha and Jabal al-Khubtha, guiding you to Petra's lesser-known back entrances.

    After exploring the Monastery, we'll make our way down to the iconic Treasury and emerge through the magnificent Siq. 
     

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Day 2 - 10 Sept: Wadi Rum Desert

    Vast, echoing, and god-like is how T.E. Lawrence described the Wadi Rum desert, also known as Valley of the Moon, and now it’s our turn to get lost in this stunning desert and sleep under the stars.

    After breakfast we leave Petra and drive to the magnificent Wadi Rum desert. It was here the British army officer T. E. Lawrence gathered the Arab tribes to revolt against the Ottoman Turkish rule during World War I, a story that became world-famous in the movie “Lawrence of Arabia.”

    From the Wadi Rum Visitors Center, we change from bus to jeep and go on a tour through the desert, past sand dunes and incredible rock formations. After a cup of tea made by Bedouins, the tour ends with dinner and an overnight in a Bedouin Camp with the choice of a Bedouin Tent or a Star Tent.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • Day 3 - 11 Sept: Wadi Mujib and Amman

    After breakfast in our camp we drive to the Wadi Mujib gorge, in many ways similar to the Siq in Petra - narrow and with towering cliffs rising on both sides. Through the gorge runs the Mujib River and this unique nature reserve is home to over 400 species of plants, more than 100 species of birds and animals like the Nubian Ibex, Red Fox, Hyena, Jackal, Wild Cat, Caracal, Badger, Mongoose, Wolf and Arabian Leopard.

    We will see the Wadi Mujib on a 2-hour hike on the Siq Trail. This trail starts at the visitors center and then heads up into the canyon.

    We'll follow the course of the river, wading through the water, up to the base of a large waterfall. Along the way, we'll climb several smaller waterfalls with the help of fixed ropes, ladders, and our guide.

    Once we reach the waterfall, we can swim around in the pool at its base and even go behind the falls! Perhaps the best part, though, is after all the hard work is done - we'll float peacefully back out of the canyon on the river, and really have time to soak in the surroundings. Please note that while this hike is rated easy - moderate, the depth of the pools can vary depending on seasonal conditions. Thus, the nature reserve authorities require anyone going on this trail to be 18 years old and capable of swimming. 

    After leaving Wadi Mujib, we will head to Amman where we check in to our hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Day 4 - 12 Sept: Farewell Jordan

    Our adventure in Jordan is over and it’s time to bid farewell to this extraordinary country. Check out from the hotel must be completed before 12:00 in the afternoon. All participants are transferred from Amman to Queen Alia International Airport.

    Three transfers are available and ARRIVAL times at the airport are 05:00, 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).

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Price Information

    Please note that the first night on the Adventure Extension will be an extra night in the same hotel in Petra as on your Tour Package. Hence a different price for Adventure Extension depending on what hotel you have chosen. 

    Prices per person:

    Standard:
    Shared double room: USD 695
    Single room supplement: USD +125

    Deluxe:
    Shared double room: USD 755
    Single room supplement: USD +235

    Supplement for Upgrade to shared double room at Star Tent: USD +100
    Supplement for Upgrade to single room at Star Tent: USD +200

  • Inclusions
    • 1 extra night in your Petra Hotel
    • 1 night in Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum
    • 1 night in a 4-star Hotel in Amman
    • Transportation as per itinerary
    • Local English-speaking tour guide
    • Entrance fee to Wadi Rum and Wadi Mujib
    • Meals according to itinerary
  • Exclusions
    • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
    • Beverages
    • Personal expenses
    • Cancellation insurance due to illness prior to departure
    • Travel and health insurance (we strongly recommend you to take out sufficient insurance)
    • Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”
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Wonders of Amman: pre-tour

3-4 Sep | 2 days | 195 USD
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  • Temple of Artemis in Jerash
  • View of Amman City
  • Roman Theater and City View
  • Roman Columns at Jerash
  • Temple of Hercules in the Citadel
  • King Abdullah Mosque
  • Day 1 - 3 Sept: Arrival in Amman

    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.

    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 in Amman.

    A warm and inviting welcome awaits as you check in at your hotel in Amman, where you stay overnight and look forward to the adventures to come! 

     

    Meals: Not included

  • Day 2 - 4 Sept: Amman City tour and Jerash

    Journey to Jerash and the Heart of Amman
    The following day we embark on a captivating exploration of Jerash, often referred to as the "Pompeii of the East". We will enter through the South Gate, immersing ourselves in the grandeur of the Roman City, strolling through the Oval Plaza with its surrounding colonnades, and visit its grand Roman theaters and Byzantine churches adorned with mosaic-covered floors.

    Discovering Amman: The Vibrant Capital
    It's time for the big city! Now we'll head to Amman, Jordan's bustling capital, renowned for its political, cultural, and commercial significance spanning thousands of years. Highlights of our Amman exploration include the Citadel, Roman ruins, the Roman theater, and an outside visit to the King Abdullah Mosque.

    Free Time and Souq Exploration
    You'll have free time to explore the city or visit the vibrant Souq Market.

    Finally, we arrive at our Dead Sea accommodations for a restful overnight stay as we join the rest of the runners on the tour package.

    Next up: The Petra Desert Marathon! 
     

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Price Information

    All prices are per person.

    Shared double room: USD 195
    Single room supplement: USD +70

  • Inclusions
    • Arrival transfer QAIA to hotel
    • 1 nights in a 4* Hotel, Amman
    • Transportation as per itinerary
    • Local English-speaking guide
    • Meals according to itinerary
  • Exclusions
    • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
    • Beverages
    • Personal expenses
    • Cancellation insurance due to illness prior to departure
    • Travel and health insurance (we strongly recommend you to take out sufficient insurance)
    • Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”
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Price information

Have a look at package prices below. Please note that prices do not include the race package.

Prices

All prices are per person in USD.

Standard Package 
Shared double room:  USD 1395
Single room supplement:  USD +345

Deluxe Package
Shared double room:  USD 1895 
Single room supplement:  USD +675 

Inclusions

  • 5 nights accommodation in chosen hotel category
  • Arrival transfer from Amman Airport to Dead Sea 
  • Scheduled departure transfer from Petra to Amman airport 
  • Transportation as per itinerary
  • English-speaking tour leader
  • 3-day entry to Petra
  • Meals according to itinerary
  • Celebration dinner

Exclusions

  • Flight to/from Jordan
  • Entry visa to Jordan
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for local guides and drivers (USD 5 per person per day is recommended)
  • Cancellation insurance due to illness or injury prior to departure
  • Travel and health insurance (we strongly recommend you to take out sufficient insurance)
  • Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”

Race Entry

Marathon or half-marathon entry - USD 250

Race entry includes:

  • English-speaking race officials
  • Start number
  • Finishers medal
  • Danish and Jordanian medical team
  • Time-taking
  • Supplies on the route
  • Exclusive Petra Desert Marathon running T-shirt

Booking and Payment

The booking of a trip is binding for both customer and travel agency once the deposit (25% of the total trip price) has been paid at the time of booking on the booking.albatros-adventure.com website. The remaining amount must be paid 75 days prior to departure. A payment link will be sent 7 days before due date. If the deadline for the remaining payment is exceeded, there is no guarantee against otherwise unnecessary changes. Bookings made later than 75 days prior will require full payment immediately.

The email sent to the customer upon booking a trip acts as the booking confirmation. It is therefore of vital importance that the customer provides a valid email address.

Refer to our Terms & Conditions for further information.

Important Info

Arrival Information

Participants have arrival transfer to the Dead Sea included regardless of arrival time. A Petra Desert Marathon representative will meet you in the arrivals hall and direct you to the driver who will take you to the hotel at the Dead Sea.

Please provide your full flight details to us no later than four weeks before arrival. Kindly note that a short waiting time may occur at the airport. 

Many flights arrive at night time, so keep in mind that if you arrive early on 4 of September you may be in need of a pre-night, as the normal check-in time is at 15:00. A pre-night can be booked directly at the time of booking or at a later stage by emailing us. If you book a pre-night, your transfer to the Dead Sea is still included.

 

Questions about Jordan?

To check out your hotel options, see our Accommodation page. 

For information on language, currency, electricity, and more, please check our Destination Guide page. 

For information on weather, please check the our Climate & Weather page. 

If you're curious about the destinations that we'll be visiting or other background information on Jordan, you can read all about it on our Travel Destination page. 

Book this package

You will be taken to our booking site where you can complete your booking.