Zein Nile Chateau, an A&K Sanctuary
Zein Nile Chateau, an A&K Sanctuary
Zein Nile Chateau, an A&K Sanctuary
Glamorous, intimate and quintessentially Egyptian, Zein Nile Chateau was the first dahabiya of its kind, a loving recreation of its 19th-century predecessors, and one of the most charming sights on the river today – wood-clad, slender and low, with billowing sails fore and aft, and an ever-graceful air. With capacity for just 12 guests, it is available exclusively for private charter, its diminutive stature enabling it to dock where typical river cruisers can’t, for a truly bespoke adventure. This is what sailing on the Nile was always meant to be.
The smallest of the A&K Sanctuary fleet, able to dock where others can't
Offers a day-by-day, expert-guided introduction to 5,000 years’ worth of history
Bespoke itineraries between Luxor and Aswan tailored to guests’ wishes
The chance to visit less familiar sites such as Gabal Selsela, where the Nile narrows
Stylish sun deck with mosaic-tiled dipping pool
The Boat
The Cabins & Suites
Food & Drink
An old-world icon of the Nile with a contemporary twist
Dahabiyas have existed on the Nile, in one form or another, for thousands of years – and depictions have even been found in pharaohs’ tombs. Zein Nile Chateau was the first of its kind, crafted with dedication to capture the romance of vessels that would have sailed during the 19th-century heyday of Nile cruising. There are modern comforts, of course, and some contemporary interior styling, but as you cast off upriver or downriver past views that haven’t changed in hundreds of years, you will feel that Golden Age glamour.
Soak up some rays on the Arabian-themed sun deck, take a dip in the mosaic-tiled pool, savor award-winning cuisine in the opulent dining area, and sip on a cool cocktail as you bask in the beauty of the passing scenery. Retire for the evening and settle into one of six suites designed to root you in a chapter of Egypt’s past. The lounge is further enlivened, on occasion, by the presence of oud musicians, belly dancers and whirling dervishes.
The choose-your-own-adventure aspect of Zein Nile Chateau itineraries means no two sailings are the same – but whichever awe-inspiring sites you choose to explore each day, you will have an expert Egyptologist on hand, bringing to life 5,000 years of history.
Southern Egypt, crucible of Ancient Egyptian culture A time capsule of temples, tombs and shrines between Luxor and Aswan
The River Nile wends its way more than 4,000 miles from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea. Yet it is the 130-mile section between Aswan and Luxor in southern Egypt that exerts the most powerful hold on the collective imagination. Here are many of the largest, most elaborate and intriguing structures built in ancient times, including the massive Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Greco-Egyptian shrine to Isis at Philae. The river and landscape themselves possess an elemental beauty; expect ruby-red sunsets over groves of palms and endless amber desert.
Enhance your stay with these extraordinary experiences
Whether travelling downstream from Aswan to Luxor or upstream from Luxor to Aswan (both over four nights), you will be immersed in more than 5,000 years’ worth of uniquely rich history. Twice-daily excursions to must-see sites in the company of an expert guide will help you get your dynasties in order. Here are some of the highlights you will explore:
Home to more than half of Egypt's antiquities, Luxor – formerly Thebes, the capital of Ancient Egypt at the height of its glory – is your gateway to the Nile or the end point of your voyage. Visit the bustling market before touring its legendary archaeological sites.
Luxor honors “kingship", rather than any deity. Alexander the Great claimed to have been crowned in the city, and he, Amenhotep III, Tutankhamun and Ramesses II built sections of the temple. Nearby were a legionary fortress and a seat of government in Roman times.
This vast complex of temples, pylons, chapels and other structures, including the Great Hypostyle Hall, was built between the Middle Kingdom and Ptolemaic periods. Some 30 pharaohs added works and structures to what is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This historic burial ground for nobles and pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, is one of the world’s key archaeological sites. Hidden within rocky cliffs, 63 decorated tombs showcase exquisite hieroglyphics, paintings and treasures, proof of royal belief in the afterlife.
The gateway to southern Egypt since 2,000BC, Aswan still delivers astonishing finds. In recent years, archaeologists have uncovered a bust of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a sphinx and 35 mummies in a tomb dating back to the Ptolemaic Dynasty.
This ravishingly beautiful Greco-Egyptian shrine to Isis, extraordinary in its own right, was made even more famous when, in 1971, it was relocated from its original site to higher ground on nearby Agilika Island when rising Nile waters threatened to submerge it.
Kom Ombo is remarkable for many reasons, not least its dramatic position, symmetrical design and dedication to two gods rather than one – crocodile-headed Sobek and falcon-headed Horus. The mummified reptiles in the Crocodile Museum are surprisingly moving.
One of the best-preserved shrines in the whole of Egypt, the Temple of Edfu was built between 237 and 57 BC. Inscriptions on the walls give intriguing information about the myths, language and religions following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC.
An outing aboard one of these gracious traditional sailboats, nonchalantly piloted by a skipper with a bare foot on the tiller, is the most serene way to explore the waters around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum.
Venture further south along the Nile to Sohail Island, in what was once Nubia – the region where the Kerma civilization, one of the oldest in Africa, flourished from 2500 BC to 1500 BC. Explore a time-warp village where Nubian culture is preserved, taking a camel ride through its alleys and meeting villagers in their colorfully painted homes.
As soon as you enter the souk, the powerful aroma of Egyptian herbs and spices engulfs you. Browse the stalls, with their colorful displays, and immerse yourself in the traditional way of life as you wander.
Get a fresh perspective on the spectacular Valleys of the Kings and Queens as you soar above them in a hot-air balloon for a memorable once in a lifetime experience.
Plan your trip for
Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2025
All meals, mineral water, tea and coffee during meals, juices during breakfast, and afternoon tea
Guided excursions as detailed in the itinerary, including transport and entrance fees, port charges and fees.
All meals, mineral water, tea and coffee during meals, juices during breakfast, and afternoon tea
Guided excursions as detailed in the itinerary, including transport and entrance fees, port charges and fees.
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, except water, tea and coffee during mealtimes
International and domestic flights, and transfers
Travel insurance, laundry, boutique purchases, gratuities and all other items of a personal nature.
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, except water, tea and coffee during mealtimes
International and domestic flights, and transfers
Travel insurance, laundry, boutique purchases, gratuities and all other items of a personal nature.
Please enquire for rates.
