Croatia

Monday 16 September

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

Tuesday 17 September

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

Wednesday 18 September

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 enjoy a traditional Slovenian dinner. 

Thursday 19 September

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 20 September

Travel from Bled through the countryside to the well-renown ‘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 a two night stay. 

Saturday 21 September

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 at leisure in this popular summer resort.

Sunday 22 September

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 tonight. 

Monday 23 September

This morning, travel through the mountains to Sarajevo - Bosnia and Herzegovina’s unique capital for a two night stay. Dinner is included.

Tuesday 24 September

After breakfast, depart for your walking tour of Sarajevo, 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 25 September

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 26 September

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 27 September

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

Saturday 28 September

Today we travel north to Split where embarkation on ms ‘Equator’  begins at noon. Meet your Cruise Manager at an on-board Welcome Reception. This evening, relax or take a walk through Split’s vibrant streets. 

Sunday 29 September

Set sail for Brac Island and discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Time for a swim stop before continuing onto Jelsa with time to walk around the old town streets, squares and parks. 

Monday 30 September

This morning set sail for the Island of Korčula, with time for a swim and lunch before arriving at the 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.

Tuesday 01 October

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 02 October

We cruise north to the Island of Mljet. Walk to the saltwater lakes in the Mljet National Park and enjoy the boat ride to the St Mary Isle to visit an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and a church dating back to the 12th century. Enjoy a special Captains Dinner Tonight.

Thursday 03 October

After a morning swim we cruise to Hvar, a charming seaside town with over 8 centuries of architecture. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour and then free time to explore. An impressive fortress overlooks the town which offers magnificent views and there are many waterfront restaurants to enjoy an evening meal. 

Friday 04 October

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 café’s and restaurants. 

Saturday 05 October

After breakfast we disembark the m/s Equator. Enroute to Zagreb we stop and enjoy a farm tour before a hearty lunch made from local ingredients served in their Dalmatian Tavern. Continue onto the Capital City of Zagreb.

Sunday 06 October

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 07 October

A leisurely morning before we transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to Dubai arriving late evening. We overnight before continuing on to Auckland.

Tuesday 08 October

Depart Dubai 

Wednesday 09 October

Arrive Auckland. Welcome home.