dreamandgo

We plan to see Dalmatian Coast (Split to Dubrovnik) and Istanbul in middle of May 2013, total of 10 days (4days in Istanbul), group of 6 adults, it will be the first trip to both areas. I would like any suggestions on places to see and eat, transportation, accommodation, places to avoid. Is it safe to visit Istanbul and Croatia? We would like to rent a car and drive along Dalmatian Coast. Flight between Istanbul and Croatia? Any tips will be very appreciated. We love to see churches, great buildings, museums and experience the culture of the country we visit.

kja

> Is it safe to visit Istanbul and Croatia?

Safe, yes, but I wouldn't advise trying to fit both into the same trip as there is way too much to see in each of these lovely areas. With only 10 (or even 14) days, pick either Croatia OR Turkey.

Grassshopper

Yes, both are wonderful. But I have to agree with kja. Just stick with Croatia. 10 days there would be great.

dreamandgo

Kja and Grasshopper, Thanks for reply. I know what you mean, but this time we will try to see both, next trip more in depth. This one will be just taste of Istanbul and few Croatia's towns. Any suggestions? Thanks.

thursdaysd

Of course they're safe.

Avoid Dubrovnik, it's overrun with cruise ship passengers. Try to see Plitvice.

For flights try skyscanner.net or whichbudget.com or itasoftware.com

Grassshopper

OK, but I can't imagine missing Dubovnik. There may be lots of cruise ship passengers by day, but in the evening, when they've gone home, it's magical!

dreamandgo

Thanks again.
How about don't do in Istanbul?

thursdaysd

What do you mean? The only thing I might avoid in Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar if you're not a big shopper/bargainer - but you should still take a quick look.

dreamandgo

Thursdays, just looked at Plitvice Lakes (park) photos, it's amazing and worth to see it., thanks for suggesting it.
If we just go to Croatia and consider Plitvice, Trogir,Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik, what airport would you suggest, Zagreb or Dubrovnik ?
Couple of us will fly from Rome and the rest from Warsaw.
Renting a car, what company would you recommend?

thursdaysd

Fly into one and out of the other. I don't drive in Europe.

dreamandgo

Hotels in Plitvice, Trogir, Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik, we would like to be within 100-150/night/room.
Central location would be the best.

dreamandgo

Please help with finding hotels in Plitvice,Trogir, Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik. Our budget is 100-150/night/room. Please help!

turaj

dreamandgo...with no disrespect that last request is a really big job. I too am in the process of putting together an itinerary for Croatia for June with about 2 weeks to work with and have spent hours sorting through hotels here on Fodor and Trip Advisor reviews. Unless you want to go through a tour operator to do that job for you I would recommend you start the research. Maybe someone will post a suggestion for some places but my guess is since each person is looking for different things you have to do the search. I'm glad to see you have decided to give Croatia more than 6 nights which would be very difficult. Also there are coastal cruises that cover these places and might be a fun way to see things. I don't know anything about them other than reading about them on different forums. Good luck.

dreamandgo

Turaj-thanks. I was looking for suggestions from someone who was happy with the hotel choices he/she made on their trip to Croatia, that's all. Good luck with your planning.

mgiussani

Hi, there are 4 hotel "inside the park" all of them are booked through the same website http://www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr/
The hotel Plitvice(I stayed there last June) is a 60`s hotel but clean and with spacious rooms, the advantage to stay inside the park is huge
I dis all the trails in one day and a half
price around 100u$s with breakfast

mgiussani

I went from Split to Dubrovnik One way on a Gulet is far cheaper and relaxing than staying in hotels, as the places you mention(Hvar, Trogir, etc) merit only one night each

isabel

Here's my trip report in which I give the name and contact information for the places we stayed in Dubrovnik, Korcula and Split. And I would suggest you consider Korcula instead of Hvar, it's more scenic, and less 'touristy' (they are all touristy, I guess saying Korcula is less 'glitsty' would be more accurate).

I would also say consider not renting a car for the whole time and take ferries between Dubrovnik and Korcula and between Korcula and Split.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rful-weeks.cfm

Parmenter

A vote for just Istanbul. Hotel Alp Pension in the old town is great value for money and they can arrange airport transfers. You can spend all your vacation days in Istanbul and will likely wish for more.
If you do fly from Croatia Zag to IST, I would recommend the Turkish Airlines flight