Escorted Tour

Croatia

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

This exceptional tour combines cultural treasures with Adriatic beauty. Begin 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.

What our previous tour clients say...

“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 13 September

Auckland – Dubai

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

Tuesday 14 September

Dubai – Zagreb (Croatia)

Breakfast

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 15 September

Zagreb – Ljubljana – Bled (Slovenia)

Breakfast Dinner

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 16 September

Bled

Breakfast

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 17 September

Bled – Postojna – Opatija (Croatia)

Breakfast Dinner

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 18 September

Opatija

Breakfast Lunch

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 19 September

Opatija – Plitvice Lakes

Breakfast Dinner

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 20 September

Plitvice Lakes – Sarajevo

Breakfast Dinner

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 21 September

Sarajevo

Breakfast

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 22 September

Sarajevo – Mostar – Dubrovnik (Croatia)

Breakfast Dinner

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 23 September

Dubrovnik

Breakfast

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 24 September

Dubrovnik

Breakfast Lunch

Today 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 25 September

Dubrovnik – Trogir - Embarkation

Breakfast Dinner

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

Sunday 26 September

Trogir – Bol – Hvar

Breakfast Lunch

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 your own in one of the many restaurants in town.

Monday 27 September

Hvar – Mljet NP

Breakfast Lunch

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 28 September

Mljet NP – Dubrovnik

Breakfast Lunch

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 29 September

Dubrovnik – Korčula

Breakfast Lunch

This morning set sail for the island of 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 30 September

Korčula – Pucisca

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

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 01 October

Pucisca – Split - Trogir

Breakfast Lunch

Today 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 02 October

Trogir – Velim - Zagreb

Breakfast Dinner

After breakfast we disembark the MS Stella Maris. Travel to the Capital City of Zagreb.

Sunday 03 October

Zagreb

Breakfast Dinner

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 a Farewell Dinner.

Monday 04 October

Zagreb - Dubai

Breakfast

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

Tuesday 05 October

Dubai - Auckland

Depart Dubai on Emirates.

Wednesday 06 October

Auckland

Arrive Auckland. Welcome home.

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. Euro 70)
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 Share

Single

Lower Deck Stateroom (14m² – two small portholes)

$22,495

$32,574

Main Deck Superior (11m² – two large windows)

$23,790

$33,200

Premium economy	Price on application
Business Class Upgrade	Price on application
Early Booking Discount (01 March 2027)	$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 secures a place on the tour
Full payment no later than 04 June 2027

Cancellations

From date of booking until 04 June 2027 – loss of deposit
After 04 June 2027 – no refund

Ship Information

For the ship information please click here

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

Prices From

$22,495NZD

per person twin share

Travel Dates

Depart: Mon 13 Sep 2027
Return: Wed 06 Oct 2027
Duration: 23 nights

Early Booking Discount

Save $150 if your deposit is paid by 01 Mar 2027

Previous Client Discount

Our previous International Tour clients can save a further $100 per person