• Escorted Tour

Croatia

The Islands & Neighbours. Plus a private 7 night Croatian Island Cruise

This exceptional tour combines cultural treasures with Adriatic beauty. Begin with two nights in Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital, then explore Slovenia’s charming Ljubljana and fairy-tale Lake Bled before reaching the Habsburg resort of Opatija.

Experience unique adventures including truffle hunting near Motovun, a captivating city tour of Sarajevo where East meets West, and a walking tour through the medieval streets of the  ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ – Dubrovnik.

Cruise the sparkling Adriatic islands aboard the elegant MS Stella Maris from Split, visiting the pristine national park of Mljet, medieval Korčula, stunning Brač beaches, and glamorous Hvar.

Previous travellers consistently praise this region’s natural beauty, warm hospitality, and rich heritage. From alpine lakes to ancient cities, this popular tour offers an unforgettable taste of the Adriatic’s most treasured destinations.

Cast off from Trogil on board ‘ms Equator’ for a return cruise around the sparkling Adriatic islands including Mljet, Korčula, Dubrovnik, Brac and Hvar. A popular tour to a special region.

“This was our fifth tour with Pukekohe Travel and by far the best. Well organised and amazing history and scenery” – Mark and Margaret

“We loved seeing Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Montenegro! The itinerary was well planned and the tour was extremely well organised” – Felicity and Gary

Your travel itinerary

Monday 14 September

Auckland – Dubai

Depart Auckland on Emirates Airlines for our evening flight to Dubai.  

Tuesday 15 September

Dubai – Zagreb (Croatia)

Dinner iconDinner

Arrive in Dubai, change planes (Fly Dubai) and depart for Zagreb. On arrival, transfer to a centrally located hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner tonight.

Wednesday 16 September

Zagreb – Ljubljana – Bled (Slovenia)

Breakfast iconBreakfast Dinner iconDinner

Today travel through farmland and rolling countryside dotted with villages to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Visit the most significant sights of the old city centre, the picturesque central open-air market, the three bridges and Robba’s Fountain, before continuing on to the alpine town of Bled. Tonight, visit the small medieval town of Radovljica for a traditional Slovenian dinner. 

 

Thursday 17 September

Bled

Breakfast iconBreakfast

This morning, a tour of this charming town set in the Italian Alps on the shores of Lake Bled. See the imposing Bled Castle perched on a cliff high above the lake. Continue to Lake Bohinj and enjoy a relaxing walk along the lake shore. Rest of day free to explore.  

Friday 18 September

Bled – Postojna – Opatija (Croatia)

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Travel from Bled through the countryside to the well-renowned ‘Postojna Caves’. Tour this cool (8˚c - 10°c) subterranean world by miniature electric train. Later, continue to the elegant coastal town of Opatija for dinner and overnight.

 

Saturday 19 September

Opatija

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Travel to the medieval hillside town of Motovun to enjoy a truffle hunt followed by truffle/wine/pasta tasting  at a local restaurant. Return to Opatija and enjoy the balance of the day on your own in this popular summer resort.

Sunday 20 September

Opatija – Plitvice Lakes

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Journey inland past small farms with gate stalls selling cheese and other produce to arrive at Plitvice Lakes National Park. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and see the 16 terraced lakes of many colours surrounded by densely wooded mountains and lush vegetation. Dinner out at a local restaurant.

Monday 21 September

Plitvice Lakes – Sarajevo

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This morning, free time to take a final look at the lakes before  travelling through the mountains to Sarajevo - Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unique capital for a two-night stay. 

Tuesday 22 September

Sarajevo

Breakfast iconBreakfast

After breakfast, depart for your city tour of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Hercegovina’s capital and home of the 1984 Olympic Games. Visit the picturesque Turkish Bazaar ‘Bas Carsija’, the Husref Bay’s Mosque and Gavrilo Princip Museum. The balance of the day is free to explore the cobblestone streets and enjoy dinner in one of many local restaurants.

 

Wednesday 23 September

Sarajevo – Mostar – Dubrovnik (Croatia)

Breakfast iconBreakfast Dinner iconDinner

Today we coach through mountains and along the Neretva River to Mostar where conflict in the 1990’s saw the destruction of the beautiful ‘Stari Most’ (Old Bridge). The 16th century bridge and the historic old town have now been reconstructed. Continue to Dubrovnik for a two-night stay.

Thursday 24 September

Dubrovnik

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Enjoy a walking tour of the ‘Old City’ which remains almost unchanged from the 13th century. Then take the cable car to the top of Mt Srd for stunning views over the town. Your time is then free to further explore the ‘Old City’. 

Friday 25 September

Dubrovnik

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch

Today we travel into the countryside to experience rural life first-hand before enjoying lunch in a local homestead. Return to Dubrovnik with an evening at leisure.

Saturday 26 September

Dubrovnik – Trogir - Embarkation

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Today we travel north to Trogir where embarkation on MS Stella Maris begins this afternoon. Meet your Cruise Manager at an onboard Welcome Reception. 

Sunday 27 September

Trogir – Bol – Hvar

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Set sail for Bol on Brač Island and discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Time for a swim stop before continuing on to Hvar with an afternoon walking tour around the old towns streets, squares and parks. Evening to explore further and dine on you own in one of the many restaurants in town. 

Monday 28 September

Hvar – Mljet NP

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This morning set sail for the Island of Mljet. Join the cruise director for a stroll to the famous saltwater lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy a boat ride to St Mary Island or alternatively rent a bicycle, scooter or kayak. Evening is free to explore the town on your own. 

Tuesday 29 September

Mljet NP – Dubrovnik

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In the morning sail to Dubrovnik, with time at leisure this evening to continue exploring the magnificent town of Dubrovnik. Why not take in the old town of Dubrovnik by night or walk the old city walls. 

Wednesday 30 September

Dubrovnik – Korčula

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This morning set sail for the island or Korčula, with time for a swim and lunch before arriving at one of the best preserved medieval towns, thought to be the birthplace of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Take a walking tour of Korčula which takes you through its narrow, cobbled streets full of history and enjoy wine tasting in one of the local wine bars. Evening is free to explore the town on your own. 

Thursday 01 October

Korčula – Pucisca

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Continue towards Pucisca. Lunch on board and enjoy a swim in one of the many coves and bays, weather permitting. Pucisca is situated on island of Brač, a village of the stone sculpture, where you have the option to visit an amazing stonemasonry school. Enjoy a Captains Dinner tonight. 

Friday 02 October

Pucisca – Split - Trogir

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Today we cruise back to Split, with time for a swim along the way. On arrival we step ashore and enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic inner city, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A free evening allows time to explore the retail shops, bustling market or waterfront cafés and restaurants. 

Saturday 03 October

Trogir – Velim - Zagreb

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After breakfast we disembark the MS Stella Maris. Enroute to Zagreb we stop and enjoy a farm tour before a hearty lunch made from local ingredients served in their Dalmatian Tavern. Continue on to the Capital City of Zagreb.

Sunday 04 October

Zagreb

Breakfast iconBreakfast Dinner iconDinner

This morning’s tour of the historic capital of Croatia includes a walking tour of the ‘Upper Town’. The balance of the day at leisure, before our farewell dinner.

Monday 05 October

Zagreb - Dubai

Breakfast iconBreakfast

A leisurely morning before we transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Dubai arriving late evening. 

Tuesday 06 October

Dubai - Auckland

Depart Dubai on Emirates. 

Wednesday 07 October

Arrive Auckland

Welcome home.

Ask us about extending your stay!

Inclusions

  • Return Economy flights Auckland – Dubai – Zagreb //  Zagreb - Dubai - Auckland (Emirates / Fly Dubai)
  • Driver / guide from arrival to departure in Trogir
  • Travel by air-conditioned luxury coaches
  • All transfers on tour
  • City / town tours in Zagreb, Ljubljana, Sarajevo, Bled, Plitvice, Dubrovnik, Mostar, Bohinj
  • Seven-night luxury cruise on board MS Stella Maris
  • Sightseeing tours in Mljet National Park, Korčula, Hvar & Split 
  • Wine tasting in Korčula.
  • Breakfast daily
  • Lunches and dinners as specified
  • Truffle/wine/pasta tasting in Motovun
  • 14 nights’ in 4 star accommodation
  • Meals as specified on board MS Stella Maris
  • Local guides on the islands
  • English speaking guides throughout
  • Entrance fees included
  • Port Taxes (Approx. USD110)
  • Advanced ‘Whisper’ technology throughout the tour 
  • Captain’s Dinner with live entertainment
  • Complimentary filtered water, coffee & tea on board 
  • Free WIFI on board
  • Hotel porterage
  • Airport, Airline and fuel surcharges (Approx. NZ$250)
  • Pukekohe Travel Escort subject to 20 passengers travelling

Cost

ESTIMATED Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland

Twin ShareSingle

Lower Deck Stateroom (14m2 – two small portholes)

$19,195   

$27,397

Main Deck Superior (11m2 – two large windows)

$19,695          

$28,260
Business Class Upgrade

To Be Confirmed

Early Booking Discount (01 March 2026) $150
Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount $100

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Exclusions

  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities to drivers, local guides, Tour   Manager, Ship’s crew and Cruise Manager   (approx. Euro10 per person / per day
  • Meals not specified, drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Travel insurance is essential (please ask us for a quote)

Booking Conditions

  • A non-refundable deposit of $2000 per person will secure a place on the tour 
  • Full payment no later than 05 June 2026

Cancellations

  • From date of booking until 05 June 2026 – loss of deposit
  • After 05 June 2026 – no refund

General Information

Currency: NOTE Croatia currency is the EURO. Credit / Debit Cards accepted most places along the route BUT NOT ON THE SHIP – CASH ONLY! Please plan accordingly.

Climate / Temperatures

  • September Max 26˚c   Min 19˚c
  • Early October   Max 22˚c.  Min 15˚c

Documentation

  • A current passport is required valid six months beyond return date of travel
  • Visas are not required for New Zealand passport holders
  • All other passport holders, please ask

 Clothing / Weather

  • The weather is warm and sunny in September / October 
  • There will be around 15 hours of daylight and the chance of the odd thunderstorm and light rain.
  • Comfortable casual clothing is required with good walking sandals / shoes and smart -casual for the evenings.
  • On board shorts will be fine for men in the evenings.
  • Don’t forget swimming gear!

Health and Mobility

A good standard of health and fitness is required as walking tours are an important part of the itinerary and the ability to walk on uneven surfaces and negotiate stairs unaided is required.

 

Travel Insurance

 Travel insurance is essential  - please ask for a quote. 

Terms and Conditions

For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.


Note: Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change

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