luvtosee

After an overnite stay in Zagreb I will pick up a rental car and drive to Istria for five nights before going on to Trieste and then Venice. I was thinking of staying 3 nights in Rovinj, and 2 nights in Opatija. Does this sound like a good plan, or perhaps I should spend the whole time in one town? Looking for advice, suggestions, any ideas or alternatives. Also which daytrips would you suggest?

kja

> was thinking of staying 3 nights in Rovinj, and 2 nights in Opatija. Does this sound like a good plan, or perhaps I should spend the whole time in one town?

I thought Rovinj and Opatija were quite different in character, so if you are interested in seeing both, then splitting your nights as you have suggested would make sense.

LittleVicky

I agree with kja, two lovely and very different towns.Maybe stay in one of the local waterside villages, Lovran or Volosko which has super restaurants. Drive to the islands,Krk via the bridge or on to Cres/Mali Losinj by ferry.
What time of year will you travel? This will dictate whether or not you need to book accommodation in advance.

luvtosee

Thannks for the suggestions. I will be there mid May.I am wondering if five days is too long for this areaeven including daytrips. Any thoughts about this?

LittleVicky

I would definitely see Plitvice after Zagreb or on a day trip from Opatija.

monte07

After leaving Zagreb visit on your way down Plitvice and then head to Opatija. From Opatija you can also visit hill towns like Motovun, Grožnjan, Buzet & Hum in one day, or do it when your leaving Opatija last day. While you're in Rovinj visit Pula and NP Brijuni one day, next Poreč & Vrsar, and last leave it for Rovinj and Lim bay.

LittleVicky

If you want to squeeze in more, you can include a piece of Slovenia. It would be a mistake to tr and do too much, i would wait until there and finalize then.

luvtosee

I am interested in the Slovenia suggestion. Where would we fit this in? Would this be a daytrip from Trieste? If so how would we get there without a car? How long would it take? Anymore info on this suggestion, {or any other} would be appreciated. Thanks so much.

anniemackie

I don't think five days is too much. Last year we took a daytrip that included the caves in Slovenia. It was an easy drive and a fantastic day. I wrote a trip report if you are interested in the specifics.

--Annie

anniemackie

Oops, just read the part about the car. I don't think I would plan this trip without a car...it's practically a must to see Istria fully.

--Annie