(Photo: Abercrombie & Kent)The Nile, aboard the Zein Nile Chateau
The Nile carves more than 4,000 miles through the cradle of civilization, but the heart of this behemoth waterway resides in Egypt.
Hundreds of years ago, men traveled the river in dahabiehs, long wooden boats rigged with special triangular sails called lanteens. Elite tour company Abercrombie & Kent has revived the old commerce vessels for travelers of the modern world, outfitting their brand-new Zein Nile Chateau with panoramic windows for striking views, a cigar lounge and library, a sun deck with an oasis pool, outdoor shower and an open, Arabian-style sky lounge for star gazing. The only thing it doesn’t come with is the noise from a motor.
Aboard this floating hotel, you visit the expected destinations of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, but then continue onward to The Temple of Horemheb, carved into the riverside rocks at Gebel Silsila, and El-Kab, the pre-Dynastic capital of Upper Egypt with tombs and temples dedicated to the vulture goddess, Nekhbet.
Price: Seven-night charters from $29,600 for up to 12 guests.