23-Day Northern Africa & Oceania Northern/Scenic Route: Morocco, Egypt, Australia & New Zealand in January
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that bridges the rugged majesty of North Africa with the pristine landscapes of Northern Oceania. This itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks the silence of the Sahara and the vibrant life of the Pacific, all while cocooned in five-star luxury. In January, you will experience the crisp, cool air of the Mediterranean winter followed by the peak summer glow of the Southern Hemisphere.
From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the private yacht charters of the Great Barrier Reef, every detail of this route prioritizes comfort, exclusivity, and breathtaking scenery. Transition between continents via first-class air suites and private transfers, ensuring that the journey itself is as refined as the destinations. Prepare for a month of architectural wonders, volcanic horizons, and Michelin-starred dining under the stars.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech, Morocco - Arrival & Imperial Splendor
VIP Airport Arrival
Fast-track through customs at Marrakech Menara Airport and meet your private chauffeur for a transfer in a Range Rover to your luxury Riad.
Lunch at Le Jardin
Enjoy a refined Moroccan lunch amidst the lush greenery of this hidden garden oasis in the heart of the Medina.
Koutoubia & Secret Gardens
A private guide leads you through the history of the Koutoubia Mosque and the intricate tiles of the Le Jardin Secret.
Dinner at La Mamounia
Experience world-class dining at one of the globe's most iconic hotels, overlooking illuminated Andalusian gardens.
Day 2: Marrakech, Morocco - Art & Architecture
Jardin Majorelle Early Access
Avoid the crowds with private pre-opening access to the Yves Saint Laurent gardens and the Berber Museum.
Bahia Palace Private Tour
Explore the 19th-century palace's grand harem and jasmine-scented courtyards with a resident historian.
Souk Artisan Workshop
Participate in a private leather-working or pottery masterclass with a master artisan in the hidden workshops of the Medina.
Rooftop Sunset Cocktails
Sip signature drinks at El Fenn, watching the sun dip below the Atlas Mountains while the call to prayer echoes across the city.
Day 3: High Atlas Mountains, Morocco - Peaks & Kasbahs
Private Drive to Asni
Ascend the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains in a luxury 4x4, stopping for panoramic views of Berber villages.
Berber Feast at Kasbah Tamadot
Enjoy a traditional lamb tagine at Richard Branson’s mountain retreat, overlooking the dramatic river valleys.
Mountain Village Walk
Take a gentle guided walk through the village of Imlil, witnessing the snow-capped peak of Mount Toubkal in the distance.
Stargazing & Tea
Learn about celestial navigation from a local astronomer while sipping traditional mint tea on a private terrace.
Day 4: Ourika Valley, Morocco - Riverside Serenity
Ourika Saffron Garden
Visit an organic saffron farm to learn about the 'red gold' of Morocco and enjoy a floral-infused lunch.
Riverside Spa Treatment
Indulge in a traditional Moroccan Hammam and massage at a boutique lodge nestled along the Ourika River.
Setti Fatma Waterfalls
Take a short, private hike to the lower waterfalls, perfect for photography in the soft January afternoon light.
Private Chef Dinner
A local chef prepares a customized menu in your mountain lodge, focusing on farm-to-table Atlas ingredients.
Day 5: Casablanca, Morocco - The Atlantic Gateway
Train to Casablanca
Travel in the 'Al Boraq' high-speed train's first-class cabin from Marrakech to Casablanca in total comfort.
Hassan II Mosque Tour
Visit the world's second-largest mosque, marveling at its retractable roof and glass floor over the ocean.
Rick’s Café Afternoon Tea
Step into the cinematic history of the 'Casablanca' movie for tea and cocktails in this meticulously recreated piano bar.
Seafood Dinner at Corniche
Dine at Cabestan Ocean View, where high-end Mediterranean cuisine meets the crashing waves of the Atlantic.
Day 6: Casablanca to Cairo (Morocco/Egypt) - Trans-African Transit
Transfer to CMN Airport
Your driver ensures a smooth transfer for your cross-continental flight to the land of the Pharaohs.
Arrival in Cairo
Meet your Cairo representative for a private transfer to your hotel overlooking the Great Pyramids.
Sound and Light Show
Watch the history of Giza come alive in a private viewing area, away from the standard tourist crowds.
Late Supper
Enjoy Egyptian mezze at the 139 Pavilion, with the illuminated Great Pyramid as your backdrop.
Day 7: Cairo, Egypt - Giza Plateau & Antiquities
Great Pyramid Interior Access
Enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu early in the morning, followed by a private viewing of the Solar Boat Museum.
The Great Sphinx Up-Close
Gain special permission to enter the Sphinx enclosure, standing between the paws of this ancient monument.
Lunch with a View
Dine at 9 Pyramids Lounge, the only restaurant located directly on the Giza plateau for uninterrupted vistas.
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Explore the Tutankhamun galleries in the world's largest archaeological museum complex.
Day 8: Cairo, Egypt - Islamic Cairo & Coptic Heritage
Saladin Citadel
Visit the Alabaster Mosque and take in the sweeping panoramic views of Cairo's 'City of a Thousand Minarets'.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Navigate the ancient labyrinth with a guide, stopping at the legendary Naguib Mahfouz Cafe for lunch.
The Hanging Church
Explore the treasures of Coptic Cairo, including the 3rd-century Hanging Church and the Cavern Church.
Nile Dinner Cruise
Board a private dahabiya or a luxury cruiser for a gourmet dinner and traditional Tanoura dance performances.
Day 9: Sinai Peninsula, Egypt - St. Catherine’s Peak
Private Flight to St. Catherine
Take a charter flight or luxury transfer across the desert to the base of the Sinai Mountains.
Monastery of St. Catherine
Visit the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site at the foot of Mount Sinai.
Mount Sinai Sunset
Ride a camel part-way up the mountain for a breathtaking sunset over the jagged, granite peaks of the desert.
Monastery Guesthouse Stay
Experience the absolute silence of the desert with a luxury stay in a boutique Sinai eco-lodge.
Day 10: Dahab, Egypt - Red Sea Mountains & Reefs
Drive to Dahab
Travel through the 'Blue Desert' to the laid-back luxury of Dahab, where mountains meet the turquoise Red Sea.
Blue Hole Snorkeling
Take a private boat to the world-famous Blue Hole for world-class snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
Laguna Beach Chill
Enjoy high-end service at a private beach club, watching the kitesurfers against the backdrop of Saudi Arabian mountains across the gulf.
Bedouin Dinner in the Canyon
Experience a traditional 'Zarb' dinner (meat cooked underground) in a torch-lit desert canyon.
Day 11: Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt - Coastal Luxury
Transfer to Sharm El Sheikh
A short luxury drive brings you to the crown jewel of the Red Sea Riviera.
Ras Mohammed National Park
Charter a private yacht for the afternoon to explore the hidden coves and coral reefs of this protected marine park.
Soho Square Shopping
Browse designer boutiques and enjoy the choreographed fountain show in Sharm's premier entertainment district.
Farewell Egypt Dinner
Dine at the award-winning Saffron restaurant for a fusion of Egyptian and Levantine flavors.
Day 12: Cairo to Cairns (Egypt/Australia) - The Great Trans-Global Leap
Fly to Cairo & International Transit
Begin your journey to Oceania via a major hub like Dubai or Doha in a lie-flat business suite.
Sky-High Luxury
Enjoy on-board showers and fine dining as you cross several time zones toward Northern Australia.
In-Flight Rest
Prepare for the transition from the Egyptian winter to the tropical Australian summer.
Crossing the Equator
Celebrate your transit into the Southern Hemisphere with a selection of premium vintage wines.
Day 13: Cairns, Australia - Tropical Northern Gateway
Cairns Arrival
Touch down in Tropical North Queensland. A private limousine awaits to take you to your luxury resort.
Esplanade Lagoon & Lunch
Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Salt House overlooking the marina and the Coral Sea.
Cairns Aquarium VIP Tour
Get a private, behind-the-scenes look at the unique marine life of the Great Barrier Reef before heading out to sea.
Dinner at Ochre
Savor indigenous-inspired Australian cuisine, including kangaroo and crocodile, in a sophisticated waterfront setting.
Day 14: Great Barrier Reef, Australia - Inner & Outer Cayes
Private Helicopter Reef Tour
Skip the boats and fly directly to a private pontoon on the Outer Reef for unparalleled views of the coral formations.
Submersible Exploration
Explore the reef without getting wet in a private semi-submersible, guided by a marine biologist.
Gourmet Sandbank Picnic
Be dropped off on a secluded sandbank with a hamper of champagne and fresh local prawns for a private lunch.
Sunset Sail Return
Return to Cairns on a luxury catamaran, enjoying the sunset over the Macalister Range mountains.
Day 15: Daintree Rainforest, Australia - Ancient Mountain Jungles
Drive to Mossman Gorge
Journey north into the world's oldest living rainforest, where mountains meet the sea.
Dreamtime Gorge Walk
A private Kuku Yalanji guide shares traditional stories and medicinal plant knowledge in the heart of the forest.
Jungle Lunch
Dine at the Treehouse Restaurant, suspended above the Mossman River among the rainforest canopy.
Daintree River Cruise
Spot crocodiles and rare birds from the comfort of a private, electric-powered (and silent) river boat.
Day 16: Kuranda, Australia - Scenic Rail & Highlands
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Travel in Gold Class through the Barron Gorge National Park, passing hand-carved tunnels and mountain waterfalls.
Kuranda Village Exploration
Browse the heritage markets and visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest in the country.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Glide just meters above the rainforest canopy in a private 'Diamond View' glass-floor gondola.
Dinner in Port Douglas
Transfer to the chic town of Port Douglas for a night of fine dining at Nautilus Restaurant.
Day 17: Port Douglas, Australia - Coastal Mountain Drive
Great Barrier Reef Drive
Take the wheel of a luxury convertible for a scenic drive along one of the world's most beautiful coastal roads.
Palm Cove Lunch
Stop at Palm Cove for a relaxed lunch under the paperbark trees at Nu Nu Restaurant.
Low Isles Sunset Tour
A final Australian sunset at the Low Isles, a coral cay famous for its heritage lighthouse and turtle sightings.
Stargazing in the Tropics
Identify the Southern Cross and the Milky Way with a high-powered telescope on a private jetty.
Day 18: Cairns to Auckland (Australia/New Zealand) - Tasman Crossing
Fly to Auckland
Board your cross-Tasman flight to the 'City of Sails' on the North Island of New Zealand.
Sky Tower VIP Check-in
Arrive at your luxury suite in the heart of Auckland, offering 360-degree views of the Hauraki Gulf.
Viaduct Harbour Dinner
Dine at Soul Bar & Bistro, the epicenter of Auckland's social and culinary scene.
Harbour Bridge Illumination
Take a stroll along the waterfront to see the Vector Lights display on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Day 19: Auckland, New Zealand - Volcanic Cones & Islands
Mount Eden Summit
A private car takes you to the highest natural point in Auckland, an extinct volcano with views over both harbors.
Waiheke Island Ferry
Take the premium ferry or a private helicopter to Waiheke, the 'Island of Wine'.
Wine Tasting & Olive Groves
Sip world-class Syrah and browse the sculpture gardens at Connells Bay.
Sunset Return to Auckland
Cruise back to the city as the skyline lights up, reflecting off the calm waters of the Pacific.
Day 20: Waitomo & Hobbiton, New Zealand - Scenic Valleys
Private Drive to Waitomo
Travel through the rolling green hills of the Waikato region to the world-famous glowworm caves.
Ruakuri Cave Private Tour
Experience the longest guided underground tour in the region, featuring spiral entrances and spectacular limestone formations.
Hobbiton Movie Set Exclusive
Enjoy a private tour of the 12-acre set followed by a banquet lunch in the Green Dragon Inn.
Matamata Farmstay Luxury
Stay overnight in a premium farm-stay lodge, experiencing the tranquility of the New Zealand countryside.
Day 21: Rotorua, New Zealand - Geothermal Wonders
Te Puia Geyser Viewing
Witness the Pohutu Geyser erupt and see rare Kiwi birds in the nocturnal house of this Māori cultural center.
Māori Hāngī Lunch
Experience food cooked using ancient geothermal techniques in the steam vents of the earth.
Redwoods Treewalk
Walk across suspension bridges among 120-year-old giant Redwoods, offering a bird's eye view of the forest floor.
Polynesian Spa Private Pool
Unwind in a private lakefront mineral pool at the world-renowned Polynesian Spa.
Day 22: Lake Taupo, New Zealand - Volcanic Plateau
Drive to Lake Taupo
Follow the thermal highway to New Zealand's largest lake, created by a massive volcanic eruption.
Huka Falls Jet Boat
Experience the power of 220,000 liters of water per second with a private high-speed jet boat ride to the base of the falls.
Maori Rock Carvings Cruise
Sail to Mine Bay to see the towering 14-meter-high Māori rock carvings, only accessible by water.
Farewell Gourmet Dinner
A multi-course tasting menu featuring New Zealand lamb and Ora King salmon paired with Central Otago Pinot Noir.
Day 23: Auckland, New Zealand - Departure
Breakfast Overlooking the Lake
Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast before your private transfer back to Auckland International Airport.
Duty-Free Shopping
Browse high-end boutiques at Auckland Airport for unique Manuka honey and Merino wool gifts.
Lounge Relaxation
Relax with spa treatments or fine dining in the lounge before your long-haul journey home.
Final Departure
Board your evening flight, reflecting on 23 days of epic mountain landscapes and luxury escapes.
Best Time to Visit Africa & Oceania
Traveling in January offers a unique climatic contrast. In North Africa (Morocco and Egypt), it is the peak of winter. While the coastal areas remain mild and sunny, the Atlas Mountains and Sinai Peninsula can experience snow, making it the perfect time for scenic, crisp mountain photography and avoiding the searing desert heat of summer. In contrast, January is the height of summer in Oceania (Australia and New Zealand). You will enjoy long daylight hours, vibrant greenery, and warm temperatures perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the volcanic lakes of the North Island. Be sure to pack layers for the African cool and light, breathable fabrics for the Australian sun.
Visas & Border Crossings
For this multi-continental route, travelers should prepare for distinct visa requirements. Morocco usually offers visa-free entry for many Western nations, while Egypt often requires a visa-on-arrival or E-visa. Moving into Oceania, most international travelers will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) for Australia and an NZeTA for New Zealand. Ensure your passport has at least six months' validity and several blank pages. When crossing from Africa to Oceania, use major transit hubs like Dubai (DXB) or Doha (DOH) to simplify the long-haul journey and enjoy luxury layover facilities.
Getting Around Africa & Oceania
In North Africa, the most efficient and luxurious way to travel between major cities is via first-class rail (like Morocco’s Al Boraq) or private chauffeur-driven SUVs. For the long-haul leg between Cairo and Cairns, first-class suites on airlines like Emirates or Qatar Airways are highly recommended to minimize jet lag. Once in Oceania, domestic regional flights (Qantas/Air New Zealand) are the fastest way to move between coastal and mountain regions. Within the scenic areas of New Zealand and Australia, hiring a private driver-guide allows for the flexibility to stop at hidden viewpoints that standard tours often miss.
