Anyone else? I'm trying to plan for my next trip, but my mind keeps taking me back to Venice and Rome. We eventually want to visit Croatia and Prague, but I keep trying to fit in Venice as a re-visit. We will only have 10 days with travel included. I know I need to move on, but it's difficult. I'm basically thinking out loud, as I know we should pick just one and enjoy. If I select Venice again, how feasible is a point in Croatia with a four day split in each? I need guidance, as you can see. Anyone have a fabulous trip they have taken in the region that could entice me? Time of year would be early spring or late fall.
Planning for 2013, keep going back to Italy
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Considering I have vacationed in Italy for each of the past 3 years and am going twice this year, I totally understand! I cannot imagine a vacation in Europe that would not include at least some time in Italy.
Doing Venice and Croatia would be easy, since there is a ferry from Venice to a couple of different ports in Croatia. So you could divide your time evenly between the two.
See the following article:
http://www.italylogue.com/planning-a-trip/how-to-get-from-italy-to-croatia-by-ferry.html
I know the feeling---17 times now.
But,Croatia is worth your time---I would give it at least 10 days by itself.
Combining Venice and Croatia is very easy.... you take a train from Venice to Trieste... then you can take either a bus (most common) or a train on to Croatia. It is easier and more effecient to see Croatia by car.
If this is your second trip to Venice consider giving it fewer days this time around so you can see more new places.
Thank you for the replies. I think I'll give serious thought to Croatia.
Last year I did a Venice/Croatia combo. It was my third time to Venice, and it just keeps getting better. I spent 4 nights in Venice then embarked on my 7-day small-ship cruise down the coast of Croatia and Montenegro. I loved Croatia; it was beautiful. Favorites included Dubrovnik, Korcula and Rovinj. I also enjoyed Split, Hvar, Pula and Kotor.
ekc, thank you for the link. Lots of useful info I'll check out.
Bob, it's mainly your fault. I keep reading your Italy Trip Reports.
Todd, I don't think I can begin to imagine giving Venice fewer days. I may try though,
Delaine, that sounds promising. What cruise line?
You could do worse!
Here is my Croatia gallery--from a small ship.
http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/showgallery.php?cat=3882
I think Italy addiction is a common affliction around here
For Istria, the area accessible from Venice/Trieste, you would definitely want more than 4 days, as the main appeal is exploring the hill towns. (I have not yet been to Istria but have visited Croatia three times.) A small (emphasis on the small--the big cruise ships are a nightmare inflicted on small towns) cruise would be the answer if time is limited and you cannot tear yourself away from Italy.
I used Tauck.
I had been to Venice twice and skipped all the group activities there. We did use the daily breakfast included with our room. It was a buffet and was very good. We had a large breakfast and just snacked during the day while sightseeing before a nice dinner. Two nights in Venice were included, and I added two more (same room, same hotel).
The line Tauck used is a French company called Compagnie du Ponant. The ship was L'Austral (http://en.ponant.com/Ships/L-Austral). It was a lovely ship and holds a maximum of 264 passengers. It's first cruise was in May 2011, and I was on it at the end of August/early September 2011. I would say that at least half of the passengers aboard were with Tauck. The other half were French, English and Australian. You can book the cruise portion directly with the company. It is 8 days/7 nights.
I chose to do the tour with Tauck because of the Venice component and other conveniences. All shore excursions were included and broken down into small groups of 20 or less, accompanied by Tauck tour directors and local guides. The ship had its own separate excursions (same towns, of course). I often went out on my own once ashore, either before, during or after any guided tour when were were in port for the day since I had a specific list of things I wanted to see. At most towns we could just dock right in the harbor and walk into town. Tenders were available constantly for the few places where needed (I believe Dubrovnik was the only place).
Airport transfers were included. There were also special included open bar cocktail hours or hours and a half every night. Wine and beer were included with lunch and dinner. All gratuities were included, and you never had to worry about handling your baggage. While my boyfriend was with me in Venice, I was on the cruise alone, so I appreciated the perks.
The ship was very nice, as you can see on the website. They had a theatre, pool, hair salon, spa, small shop and small library. There was an outdoor bar on the topmost deck overlooking the pool at the rear of the ship and an indoor bar at the very front. There were 2 restaurants, a main dining room and another more casual reservations-only restaurant with available outdoor seating. There was also afternoon tea in the mail salon daily. Since I was with Tauck all beverages, except alcohol, were included at all times as was room service, but I don't know otherwise. Almost every cabin has a balcony, which was very nice, especially when you returned from a long day.
I thought it was a great itinerary and would recommend it. I took at least 800 photos too!