Royal Heights Tours
This 20 day tour begins in Amman Jordan on April 15, 2011 and ends in Cairo Egypt on May 04, 2011 . Your tour leader is scheduled to be TBA. Phone 1-800-939-9920 for more information.
This tour may be combined with Greek Islands
The land only price is -
CA $ 4795.00   
Itinerary for - Jordan, Eilat, Sinai & Egypt
 Land plus airfare price is -
CA $ 6495.00
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Day 1
Combination tours: *Egypt ONLY: 14 Days: April 21st – May 4th: *Jordan, Eilat, Sinai Egypt & the Greek Islands: 34 Days April 15th – May 18th *Egypt & the Greek islands:28 Days: April 21- May 18

April 15 This afternoon we fly from North America overnight via Europe to Amman.

Day 2
April 16 Early this evening we arrive in Amman and transfer to our hotel. First of 2 nights in Amman. Cham Palace Hotel or similar.

Day 3
April 17 Amman, Jerash & the Dead Sea This morning we tour Jerash, one of the finest examples anywhere of a Roman provincial city. We enter the city by the elaborate gateway known as Hadrian's Arch and make our way to the Forum. Walking along the Colonnaded Street you can still see the grooves worn by the Roman chariot wheels. Near the ruins of the immense Temple of Zeus we enter the South Theatre which was one of three theatres in Jerash and could seat 3,000 people. On our guided tour of Jerash we see the remains of many important buildings from Roman times including the Temple of Artemis and several Roman baths. Later we descend into the Jordan Valley and make our way to the shores of the Dead Sea - the lowest point on the surface of the Earth. Small, seasonal streams and the River Jordan flow into the Dead Sea bringing in water plus minerals but no rivers flow out. Thus, water leaves the Dead Sea only by evaporation, leaving behind the minerals which over the millennia have concentrated to the point where the Dead Sea is the 'saltiest' major body of water in the world. Those who wish to may take a float in the Dead Sea (the water is too buoyant for swimming!) or try smothering onto their skin the mud from the lake, which is supposed to have many therapeutic properties. Returning to the city this afternoon, we take a driving tour of the main highlights of Amman, including the Citadel Hill with the remains of a Roman Temple dedicated to Hercules. From the top of one of Amman’s 7 hills we can look down on the Roman theatre, which could seat 6,000. We also drive through some of Amman’s very expensive neighbourhoods. Second of 2 nights in Amman. Crown Plaza Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 4
April 18 Amman – Crusader castle- Petra Today we follow parts of the ancient trading route known as the King's Highway. Our first stop is the town of Madaba, famous for its mosaic floors. Especially important is the mosaic map found in the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St George. Laid around 560 AD, this is the earliest surviving mosaic map of the Holy Land. From Madaba we drive to Mount Nebo, from where Moses and the Children of Israel first looked down on the fertile Jordan Valley. On a clear day we can also see the Dead Sea and the city of Jerusalem. We visit the 6th century Monastery of Syagha dedicated to Moses by Egyptian monks and displaying magnificent mosaics. Our last stop today is the Crusader castle of Shobak. Built in 1115, this great fortress (known as “Mont Realis” or “Montreal”) formed a key link in the chain of Crusader castles from Aqaba on the Red Sea through Crak des Chevaliers in Syria to Turkey. At its height it was home to about 6,000 Christians. The great muslim general Saladin besieged the castle several times before finally storming it in 1189. Within the castle we explore the labyrinth of corridors, storerooms and chambers, both above and below ground. Continuing south we come to Petra, the legendary Rose Red City "half as old as time." First of 2 nights in Petra. Oscar Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 5
April 19 Petra Today we have a full day of guided sightseeing at Petra, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world. We enter the site via a long narrow gorge known as the Siq. At the end of this gorge we suddenly emerge in front of one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the Treasury (El Kazneh) Continuing into the site you have an opportunity to climb to the High Place where we believe human sacrifices took place. On the lower level we pass an amphitheatre which could seat 8,000. Entering the main valley where the city of Petra itself was located we find the remains of the Colonnaded Street, the Temple of the Winged Lion and the Great Temple. Above the valley we can explore the most substantial group of tombs, including the Urn Tomb, the Silk Tomb and the Corinthian Tomb. At the far end of the valley are the Triumphal Arch and the Museum. For those who wish there is a gentle climb to one of Petra's most spectacular tombs, the Monastery (El Deir). You will have free time for your own explorations of Petra. Second of 2 nights in Petra. Oscar Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 6
April 20 Petra - Wadi Rum – Eilat (Israel) This morning we leave Petra and travel further south into the Jordanian Desert to visit Wadi Rum which was Lawrence of Arabia's base for his struggle against the Ottoman Empire during World War One. Here we travel out into the desert in trucks driven by the local bedouins to see the extraordinary red rock formations which make the area seem like you are at the bottom of an ancient sea. At the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, 3 countries (Jordan, Israel and Egypt) come together in the space of a few kilometres. This afternoon we cross from Jordan into the tiny strip of Israel that touches the Red Sea. Overnight in Eilat on the Red Sea. Golden Tulip Privilege Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 7
April 21 Red Sea – St Catherine’s Monastery (Egypt) A free morning on the Red Sea Coast. You might like to swim in the Red Sea or visit the world-famous Underwater Observatory, one of the largest seaquariums in the world, built directly into the coral reef where you can see some of the spectacular fish and corals of the Red Sea. Coral reef conditions enable a rich variety of life. Each region of the reef, each depth, is characterized by unique flora and fauna. Thousands of creatures have adapted themselves to life on the reef, each in its natural habitat. As a whole, the reef comprises a fascinating and full world, much like a jungle. 40 aquariums display Eilat's coral reef habitats and rare marine life. Each aquarium represents one area: starting with the vegetation and coral and including animals and fish unique to that area. Hundreds of types of fish are on display in the aquarium, breathtaking in color, form and way of life. Eilat has a wonderful seafront broadwalk where you can browse the classy shops or just people-watch at a sidewalk café. This afternoon we cross Israel’s other border in this area into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and drive to St Catherine’s Monastery near the tiny settlement of Santa Katarina, nestled at the foot of Mount Sinai (Gebel Musa) where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Overnight at Santa Katarina. St Catherine's Village Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 8
April 22 Sinai – Suez Canal – Cairo Those who wish to climb Mount Sinai (2,285 metres/ 7,500 feet) may do so during the night to observe the sunrise this morning from the top. There are 3,750 granite steps and the climb takes 3 hours each way. Alternatively, you can ride up by camel! Later this morning we tour Saint Catherine's Monastery. We will also see the Chapel of the Burning Bush and the Ossuary where the skulls of former monks who lived and died here are preserved. In the vast emptiness of the Sinai Desert we come to Wadi Firan, an oasis of date palms which is the largest and most fertile patch of cultivation in this haunting wilderness. We travel through the Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel under the southern end of the Suez Canal, leaving the Sinai and making our way to Egypt's fertile Nile Valley. We make our way to the Giza area of Cairo, close to the Pyramids. First of 3 nights in Cairo. Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel or similar.

Day 9
April 23 Old Cairo tour + Egyptian Museum This morning we visit Old Cairo (also known as Coptic Cairo) where we will explore the narrow streets and visit some of the Coptic (Egyptian Orthodox) churches found within the city walls. One of the churches is reputed to be built over a cave where the Holy Family rested during their flight to Egypt. We also visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue. This afternoon we visit the Egyptian Museum with it's collection of thousands of priceless artefacts from Ancient Egypt. Of course, the most famous pieces in the museum are those which were found in the tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun, including the solid gold death mask. The English version of the sound & light show at the Pyramid & Sphinx [which is very near the hotel] is offered this evening as an optional tour. Second of 3 nights in Cairo. Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel or similar.B& D

Day 10
April 24 Memphis + Saqqara This morning we have a relaxing start before we take a guided tour of the Old Kingdom capital of Memphis where we see a gigantic statue of Pharaoh Ramses II. At the Old Kingdom burial site of Saqqara we see the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, a precursor of the Great Pyramids Third of 3 nights in Cairo. Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 11
April 25 Pyramids & Sphinx + Drive to Alexandria This morning we visit the Pyramids and Sphinx. Built around four and a half thousand years ago, the Pyramids are the only monuments of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World which are largely intact today. This afternoon we drive north through the desert to the Mediterranean coast and enter Egypt's second largest city - Alexandria. Today Alexandria is a city principally of 19th and 20th century buildings but it is built over what was one of the most important cities in the Greco-Roman world. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, the city grew in size and stature under the Ptolemies - the Greek-speaking rulers of Egypt for the next 300 years. Alexandria was a famous centre of learning and housed the most important library in the Ancient World. First of 2 nights in Alexandria. Helnan Palestine Hotel or similar. B & D.

Day 12
April 26 Alexandria Today we tour Alexandria’s important sites from the Greek and Roman eras. We include a visit to the Catacombs which descend three levels underground and include some beautifully decorated tombs which combine Roman and Egyptian decorations in a unique way. We visit the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina library is a 21st century version of the great classical Library of Alexandria. Included are three museums and five specialized research institutes. We also visit Pompey's Pillar Originally from the temple of the Serapis, it was constructed in honor of the Emperor Diocletain Second of 2 nights in Alexandria. Helnan Palestine Hotel or similar. B & D

Day 13
April 27 Alexandria - Cairo + fly to Aswan After a relaxing start, we drive back to Cairo where we visit Islamic Cairo, including the Citadel and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. This high point affords commanding views across the sprawling city of Cairo. Tonight we fly from Cairo to Aswan, deep in the south of Egypt, here the graceful Felucca sailboats glide among the islands of the Nile First of 2 nights in Aswan. Movenpick Aswan Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Lunch

Day 14
April 28 Sailboat + Abu Simbel + Local Markets This morning we sail on a Felucca across the river to meet the bus that will take us from Aswan through the desert to Abu Simbel. At Abu Simbel we take a guided tour of the two huge temples which were built in the 13th century B.C. and dedicated to Ramses II and his favorite wife, Nefetari. The four enormous seated statues of Ramses are among the most famous images of ancient Egypt. The interior of the Ramses temple is also fascinating being decorated with images of the Battle of Kadesh fought between the Egyptians and the Hitites of what today is Turkey. The two temples are carved out of the solid hillside and so the task of cutting them up, moving them piece by piece and reassembling them in the 1960's is considered one of the marvels of modern engineering. After returning to the hotel for dinner, we still have time to explore the African-style night markets of Aswan Second of 2 nights in Aswan. Movenpick Aswan Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner

Day 15
April 29 Aswan Dam + Philae Temple + Nile Cruise This morning we take a guided excursion to the Aswan High Dam which was started by the Soviets but finished with Western aid in 1964. The dam has drastically affected many aspects of Egyptian life by controlling the flow of the Nile and creating the enormous Lake Nasser. We will also cross the Old Aswan Dam built by the British in the 1890's. From the very earliest times Aswan has been the source of a special pink granite used in statues for thousands of years. We visit one of the ancient quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk, a monument abandoned in situ when it broke while being carved out. Also this morning we take a motorboat out across a lake for a guided tour of the beautiful island Temple of Philae. This afternoon we board our cruise ship. First of 3 nights on our deluxe cruise ship Movenpick Radamis I or similar. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 16
April 30 Nile Cruise + Kom Ombo Temple This morning we make our way along the Nile to the famous temple of Kom Ombo. This is an unusual temple in that it is dedicated to two Egyptian gods - Horus the falcon god and Sobek the crocodile god. One interesting frieze shows ancient birthing and other medical techniques. Our guided tour also includes the Nilometer, a well-like structure used to measure the bounty of the Nile and as a way of setting tax levels. Reboarding our cruise ship we set sail again. We spend tonight on board with the lights of the villages along the Nile twinkling all around. Second of 3 nights on our deluxe cruise ship Movenpick Radamis I or similar. B, L & D.

Day 17
May 1 Edfu Temple + Luxor Temple + Karnak Temple Early this morning we leave the ship and take horse-drawn carriages for a guided tour of the gigantic Temple of Edfu, the most perfectly-preserved temple in Egypt. Although built by the Greek-speaking Ptolemies between 237 BC and 57 AD, the temple building and decorations are in the ancient Egyptian style. We return to the ship for breakfast and spend most of the rest of the day cruising down the Nile to Luxor.

When we arrive in Luxor we have a guided tour of Luxor Temple. As with most Egyptian temples, this temple is really a series of buildings begun by one Pharaoh (in this case the 13th century BC Pharaoh Amenhotep III) and added to by several subsequent rulers. Later we have a guided tour of the Temple of Karnak. This is a vast complex of buildings added to and rebuilt over thirteen centuries but reaching its apex during the New Kingdom period when the capital of Egypt was located in Thebes (today's Luxor) and the temple's main god, Amun-Ra, was made the state god. One of the most impressive sections of the temple is the Great Hypostyle Hall with its 137 huge columns. Third of 3 nights on our deluxe cruise ship Movenpick Radamis I or similar. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Day 18
May 2 Valley of the Kings + Medinet Habu + Village life We travel across the Nile to the West Bank, the location of the tombs of the great pharaohs of the New Kingdom. We take a guided tour of several of the most important tombs in the Valley of the Kings. On the way we stop to view the gigantic Colossi of Memnon statues. We also have a guided tour of the funerary temple of the first woman to rule as a pharaoh, Queen Hatchepsut. Some of the most interesting painted scenes in the temple are of a trading expedition she mounted to the Land of Punt on the Red Sea coast. After our tours we transfer to our hotel in Luxor. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax by the Nile or explore Luxor. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Luxor's excellent museum. Later in the afternoon, we take a ride by horse-drawn carriages (known as caleeshes) into the back streets of Luxor and the countryside around to see how the ordinary people of today's Egypt live in their simple villages. Overnight in Luxor. Nile Palace Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 19
May 3 Fly Luxor – Cairo This morning begins with the optional early morning balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings and Egyptian countryside (extra cost.) This morning you are free to relax or explore Luxor's shops for some of the wonderful bargains in gold, Papyrus paper, cotton, leather and other unique Egyptian souvenirs. This afternoon we fly from Luxor to Cairo, but for this visit we stay close to the airport. Overnight in Cairo. Fairmont Heliopolis Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Day 20
May 4 Fly Cairo – Home Today we fly from Cairo via Europe to North America, Arriving the same afternoon.

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