Enjoy EXCLUSIVE use of the stunning Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau dahabiya for up to 12 people! Perfect for a large family, multi-generation travel or a special occasion.
Agatha Christie set Death on the Nile at the cataracts of Aswan. It’s likely she opted to travel the Nile in a dahabiya.
For your classic Nile cruise the old-world charm of these river-going sailboats is perfect. This is how aristocrats travelled in the relaxed age of Egyptian monarchs (1920-40).
The Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau is today’s luxury dahabiya. Effortlessly blending old-world elegance with modern comforts, you’ll feel thoroughly spoiled as you explore the temples and tombs of Ancient Egypt. With just six cabins it’s ideal for a group or family trip. This classic Nile cruise is executed with elegance and flair.
Holiday Length: 7 nights
Day 1 to 3: UK – Luxor
Fly overnight to Luxor where you will be met and transferred to your private dahabiya, the Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau. Your own crew and Egyptologist, awaits. Your classic Nile cruise begins at the Temple of Karnak and its halls of giant pillars. The spectacular 3km corridor of Sphinxes magnetically draws you into the Temple of Luxor. Gain a fast-track lesson in Egyptian antiquities at the Luxor Museum before returning to your dahabiya and trading ancient splendour for timeless elegance.
A trip to the West Bank takes you to the Valley of the Kings, home of Tutankhamun’s burial chamber. You’ll also find the temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, and have the chance to admire the artwork on the walls of the stonemason’s homes in nearby Deir El Medina.
Day 4 & 5: Luxor – Esna – El Kan – Edfu
Enjoy breakfast onboard your dahabiya while cruising up river to Esna. Once there and after lunch, your Egyptologist will guide you around the Temple of Khnum at Esna, devoted to the crocodile god. Afternoon tea and views of the Nile are the order of the day as you relax onboard afterwards.
In the morning of day 5, set sail for El Kab to visit the prehistoric and Pharaonic settlements, rock-cut tombs of the early 18th Dynasty, remains of temples dating from the Early Dynastic period, as well as part of the walls of a Coptic monastery. Continue on to Edfu and the Temple of Horus – the most completely preserved Pharaonic temple in Egypt. Your final destination today will be El Fawaza, where you’ll moor overnight.
Day 6: Silsila – Kom Ombo
Sail on to Jabal Silsila in the morning over breakfast. After visiting the ancient sandstone quarries, cruise over lunch to Kom Ombo. In the afternoon, your Egyptologist will show you the Temple of Kom Ombo, a temple devoted to two gods – Sobek and Horus the Elder. As such, all the hallways, doors and chambers here are duplicated symmetrically. You’ll overnight moored at a nearby island.
Day 7 to 9: Aswan – UK
You set sail this morning for Aswan. In the afternoon, visit the spice market followed by a visit to the Nubian Museum. Called the Land of Gold by the ancient Egyptians, Nubia extended from Aswan in the north to Sudan in the south, and had its own distinct culture and language.
On day 8 at Aswan, the choice is yours. Visit Philae Temple, which stands proud on Agilkia Island and is devoted to Isis, the goddess of purity. Take a trip to the half-hewn Unfinished Obelisk at the nearby granite quarries. Explore the Temple of Kalabsha, built by the Romans around 30 BC. Whatever you choose, a gourmet on-board dinner and spectacular sunset awaits you.
On your final morning after breakfast on board, it’s time to disembark and be transferred to the airport for your flight back to London.
Best time to go: September to May
Price: From £1,895pp for 7 nights cruise based on 12 people travelling together
If you wanted to hire the Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau dahabiya exclusively for 4 nights and include it in a larger itinerary, then this element would be available from as low as £700pp (based on 12 travelling), inc FB and guided tours, for a 4 night cruise as part of a tailored FIT package.
The price shown is a guide. Your holiday will be tailor-made to suit you and there are many factors that can influence the price, such as standard of accommodation, class of flight and time of year. Please do provide us with your chosen dates and we can provide a more accurate cost – 01428 658777
