The Zein Nile Chateau

by Annie Scott (RSS feed)
Jun 2nd 2010 at 10:02AM

There are some who believe that the only truly elegant way to see Egypt is by dahabieh, or private boat. Even in this highly exclusive niche, a few vessels stand heads and shoulders above the rest, like The Zein Nile Chateau -- the first dahabieh built to international luxury standards, complete with air conditioning, expansive windows and graceful, enchanting decor inspired by Egyptian history.

The Zein Nile Chateau consists of four rooms and two suites and can accommodate up to 12 guests for trips up and down the Nile, docking virtually anywhere. "With a dahabieh serving as a floating hotel, it is possible to go beyond Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, continuing past some of the most beautiful scenery along the river. The Temple of Horemheb is cut into the riverside rocks at Gebel Silsila; the pre-Dynastic capital of Upper Egypt, El-Kab, has tombs and temples dedicated to the vulture goddess, Nekhbet," says a statement from Abercrombie & Kent about the advantages of traveling this way.

Gallery: The Zein Nile Chateau

On the upper deck of the Zein Nile Chateau, you'll find the Farouk Suite, a spacious, extravagantly appointed suite with panoramic windows and replicas of Egyptian royal artifacts -- replicas which reportedly "impressed Egypt's last King, Ahmed Fuad, son of King Farouk, who was the first guest to enter the suite named after his father." Also on the dahbieh, you'll find a cigar lounge, an outdoor shower, a dining room, a library and an Arabian-style "sky lounge" for stargazing, ensuring a rewarding experience on The Nile.

Seven night charters for up to 12 guests start at $29,600.00. Visit Abercrombie & Kent Tailor Made Private Travel for more information or to book.

Tags: abercrombie and kent, books, cruise, dahabieh, egypt, luxury travel, nile, travel