Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau Luxury Nile Cruise

Viewing Deck Zein Nile Chateau Luxury Nile Cruise

Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau Luxury Nile Cruise (1)

Sun Deck Zein Nile Chateau Luxury Nile Cruise

Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau

Egypt

The Zein Nile Chateau is a rare gem: one of a select few river boats exclusively offering private Nile cruises. The traditional dahabiya design evokes the old world, with tall, billowing sails, and a slender profile that allows you to venture where larger vessels cannot. But there’s nothing ‘old world’ about the modern luxuries on board, nor the superlative service.

Exclusive is an understatement. Accommodating up to 12 passengers, there are just four cabins and two suites – each individually designed with nods to Egyptian heritage. Soak up the rays and river views on the Arabian-styled sun deck, kick back in the lounge or with a good book in the library, and cool off (or warm up) in the outdoor pool. The Zein is the ideal choice for special occasions and family escapes.

Your bespoke Nile voyage can whisk you to both the big hitters and hidden treasures, from the Valley of the Kings to Abu Simbel. Private docks in both Luxor and Aswan help you to dodge the cruise crowds and give you greater flexibility. Glamorous, intimate, and authentically Egyptian: the Zein is Nile cruising how it’s meant to be.

6 Cabins

Swimming Pool

Sightseeing

Culture

Photography

Children of all ages

Boat Manager

Khaled Yousef

Khaled has a Bachelor of Arts degree and was born in Luxor, he began working for Sanctuary Retreats in 1997. With persistence and a dedication to providing guests with the best experience possible, he has worked his way up to the position of Boat Manager, where he is currently in charge of the Dahabia Zein.

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Highlights

The best of Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau

The first authentic "dahabiya" (traditional Egyptian sailing boat) built to international luxury standards
Available for charter, accommodating maximum 12 guests
The smallest of the Sanctuary fleet, able to dock in more spots along the Nile
Offering a completely bespoke service as your itinerary can be personalised to suit your needs

Cabins & Suites

The Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau features six beautifully designed cabins. The two suites and four signature cabins have all been created with guests’ comfort in mind for the ultimate luxury Nile cruise. Each of the cabins is decorated in its own original style with influences drawing from Egypt’s history, culture and geography.

Farouk Suite

This fabulous suite is a calm oasis reflecting the tranquil surroundings of Upper Egypt. Regal décor inspired by 19th-century Egyptian royalty are evident in the furniture, décor and artwork, and a private dining area and panoramic windows offer superb views of the passing scenery.

Napoleon Suite

The Napoleon Suite reflects Egypt's influential Napoleonic era. A drawing of the route his forces took through Egypt covers the walls, with splashes of colour throughout the decor. The four-poster bed and classical furniture enhance the regal nature of the suite.

Philae Cabin

Tranquillity and romance surrounds you in this calm, exotic room featuring a king-size bed. Decorated in style and grace, the walls are adorned with a beautiful floor-to-ceiling map of Egypt and the Nile.

Nubia Cabin

The essence of Nubian culture, this cabin features twin beds and is steeped in beautiful tradition, gently reflected in the interior’s rich ochre colours and ambiance.

Baladi Cabin

Highlighting Egypt's culture and artistic world, the Baladi cabin, with king bed, chronicles famous artists and entertainers. Take a trip back in time to Egypt's rich and romantic creative heyday.

Lake Nasser Cabin

Colourful and bright with a touch of elegance, the Lake Nasser cabin features twin beds, and brings out the sights of nature from its namesake.

Image Gallery

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Highlights

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Philae Temple

Incredible in its own right, the structure was made even more famous when it was moved in 1971 from its original site in Philae to higher ground on Agilika Island after rising Nile waters threatened to submerge it.

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Nile Adventurer Luxury Nile Cruise Egypt

Felucca Sailing

These boats sail silently along the Nile, often piloted by captains using one foot to steer the rudder. This is the most serene way to explore the waters around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum.

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Luxor Temple

The ancient Egyptian masterpiece on the east bank of the Nile, was dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. Its grand colonnades, imposing statues, and the dramatic Hypostyle Hall make it a captivating testament to ancient Egyptian religious devotion and architecture.

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Valley of the Kings

A historic burial ground, the Valley of the Kings, conceals ornate tombs housing pharaohs like Tutankhamun. Intricate hieroglyphics, paintings, and treasures adorn these subterranean chambers, providing insight into ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.

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Karnak Temple

Visit Karnak, a vast complex of temples, pylons and chapels and other structures built between the Middle Kingdom and Ptolemaic periods, including the Great Hypostyle Hall. Exploring Karnak offers a vivid glimpse into the opulence of Egypt's ancient religious practices.

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Temple of Khnum, Esna

The beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius; it was excavated from the silt that had accumulated through centuries of annual Nile floods and is about nine meters below present-day street level.

Temple of Edfu

One of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt, the Temple of Edfu was built between 237 and 57 BCE. Inscriptions on the walls give details about the myths, language and religions following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE.

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Kom Ombo Temple

Visit Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and standing at a bend in the Nile where, in ancient times, sacred crocodiles would bask in the sun on the banks, the temple’s design is perfectly symmetrical.

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Luxor

Home to over half of Egypt's antiquities, the splendour and glory of Luxor has been depicted by great writers for centuries. Visit the bustling local market before touring Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Luxor.

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Aswan

A treasure-trove of ancient findings still producing astonishing finds– since 2018 archaeologists have discovered the bust of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, a sandstone sphinx and 35 mummified Egyptians in a tomb dating back to the Ptolemaic Dynasty.

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Dining on Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau

Exquisite cuisine on board

Gastronomic Experiences

While cruising the Nile, guests aboard the Zein are treated to Egyptian and international cuisine made using quality ingredients by highly qualified chefs. Four daily meals are included in your cruise: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. These are a mixture of buffet and à-la-carte services. Mineral water, tea, coffee, fresh fruit juice, and local and international wines are available.

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Charming dining area

The intimate and sophisticated dining area on board is surrounded by uninterrupted views of the river, guests will be able to enjoy tantalizing aromas and flavours which are the perfect complement to this stunning view. Depending on the weather, some meals may be held out on deck, allowing you to soak up the sunshine as you navigate Egypt’s historic river.