Croatia

Monday 15 September

Depart Auckland on Qatar Airways for our evening flight to Doha.  

Tuesday 16 September

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

Wednesday 17 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, visit the small medieval town of Radovljica for a traditional Slovenian dinner. 

Thursday 18 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 19 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 overnight.

Saturday 20 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 on your own in this popular summer resort.

Sunday 21 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.

Monday 22 September

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 23 September

After breakfast, depart for your city tour of Sarajevo, Bosnia & 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 24 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 25 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 *weather permiting. Your time is then free to further explore the ‘Old City’. 

Friday 26 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 27 September

Today we travel north to Trogir where embarkation on ms ‘Equator ‘ this afternoon.  Meet your Cruise Manager at an on-board Welcome Reception. 

Sunday 28 September

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

Monday 29 September

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 road to St Mary Island or alternatively rent a bicyle, scooter or kayak.  Evening is free to explore the town on your own.

Tuesday 30 September

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 01 October

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.

Thursday 02 October

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

Friday 03 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 04 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 05 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 06 October

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

Tuesday 07 October

Depart Doha on Qatar Airways. 

Wednesday 08 October

Arrive Auckland. Welcome home.

Ask us about extending your stay!