dahabieh

The Zein Nile Chateau

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Yachts & Sailing

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