We need help, please, with Croatia itinerary

I chose "Croatia" as a tag but only Slovenia showed up, drats!

Hi Sandy

We loved Dubrovnik and stayed inside the Old Town which we really liked. It was quite peaceful in the mornings before the day tours arrived. Dubrovnik is a popular place for cruise ships so there were always heaps of tourists during the day but then it quietens down again for the evening. We stayed here:
http://www.dubrovnik-amoret.com/dubrovnik_apartments.html

I was also looking into this place which looks OK:

http://www.dubrovnik-area.com/Eng/details.asp?SmjestajID=RZ-A-0459

We really liked Croatia and it's people and said we would like to return. We just had our second trip there and concentrated on Istria, the bit at the top, near Slovenia. I think it's a bit too far to travel from Dubrovnik up to Rovinj (which is lovely), perhaps you should concentrate on the coastal area between, say, Split and Dubrovnik and visit a couple of the islands.

You will probably find it cheaper to collect and drop off a car within the same country. I did look at hiring in Croatia but found Italy to be cheaper. I also looked at picking up in Croatia and dropping off in Italy and that was dearer too. We went with Hertz as we have had good experiences with them.

August is peak time for Croatia, I'm not sure that just rocking up is such a good idea but others who've done this may have a different opinion. If it was me, I'd book now to get somewhere in your price range that you are happy with.

If you make it as far as Piran, on the sliver of Slovenian coast, you might like this place, we paid 60 euro a night but it may be more in summer:
http://www.maxpiran.com/

Kay

In Dubrovnik you will probably be able to find accommodation at the last minute through the tourist office, but it may not be what you want as all the nicest places will be booked up well in advance. There will always be some sobes available.

Where are you flying into? That will determine very much where you go and what you see thereafter. If you can tell us that then we can help plan your itinerary.

I used www.economycarrentals.com they do not charge for dropping in another location within one country, but I don't know what their policy is on that. You could have a look at their website anyway. I found them fine to use.

My first time to Croatia I only had a week. I flew into Split, picked up a car, spent one night in Trogir, one night in Mostar (well worth a visit) and then 4 in Dubrovnik. This included a day in Montenegro. My sixth day I drove up to Orebic, parked up and took a foot-ferry across to Korcula town. Later I drove across the peninsula to Trpanj and got the car ferry to Ploce. I headed back up towards Split, stopping overnight at Brela. My final day I continued to Split, saw Diocletian's Palace and the town, before going back to the airport for my return flight.

As you yourself say, there is too much to see! I am going back in October for the third time!

Here is my trip report of our trip to Croatia. It was fantastic. Just skip the first part about Hungry!

http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/hungarian-and-croatian-adventures-in-summer-2006.cfm

Where are you flying in to and out of?
Accommodation could be a problem in very popular places, as August is high season.

KayF, thanks for the websites, I looked at them and am going to email them to check for avail.

Julia_t, that was certainly am ambitious schedule, did you think you missed a lot by not staying in one location for a few days? I checked out that rental car site, the prices are VERY good.

Images2, I LOVED your report! We're also going to Budapest so I didn't have to skip any of it. Lots of great info and I'm jealous that we don't have the time to follow your route.

yorkshire, We are arriving in Zagreb from Budapest by train on Fri, Jul 30 and we need to be on our way to Ljubljiana the next Fri, Aug 7.

Thanks for your help,
Sandy (in Denton)

Hi Sandy,

have you considered flying from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, have a few days there, then collect your hire car to drive up the coast and on to Ljubljiana? I'm pretty sure there are flights, try Croatia Airlines. It could save quite a bit of time.

When we flew into Dubrovnik, there was a bus waiting outside arrivals, cost a few kuna/euro each, and 20 mins later we were dropped at the main gate of the Old Town. You don't need or want a car in Dubrovnik and you would save on money by hiring it a few days later, when you are leaving Dubrovnik.

Kay

Well, it didn't seem that rushed. Trogir is very close to Split airport, so an evening and the following morning was enough, it is very small. I had 24 hours in Mostar which was just about enough.
http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/mostar---a-city-of-beauty-and-bullet-holes.cfm

I did spend 4 nights in Dubrovnik so I had 3 full days to spare in Dubrovnik and spent one of those going to Montenegro. I spent half a day on Lokrum, and spent the rest of the time exploring Dubrovnik itself. I'm glad I had that down-time, originally I had wanted to visit Hvar as well but realised it would be too much.

The last day was the busiest and with the most travelling, but it was still fun!

My last trip was just to Dubrovnik and then only for 3 nights and 2 1/2 days. I went up on Mt Srd, explored the hills behind Konavle and Cavtat. Took a boat tour of the Elafiti Islands, and enjoyed being back in Dubrovnik.

Here is one sample itinerary for hitting "the highlights"
Fri, Jul 30 arrive Zagreb
rent car, drive to Plitvice, overnight there
July 31 (or Aug 1) drive to Trogir/Spit
Now at this point, you could drop off the car and ferry to an island, or keep the car until Dubrovnik so you can explore, but then you will be limited to car ferries and have to make sure the rental agency allows cars on ferries.
August is high season, so I would avoid Hvar town and Korcula town (but other places on those islands may be okay--that will also help with your accommodation costs.) I would try Sobra myself. Also, remember that summer traffic may be heavy. Your biggest challenge is going to be crowds--some accommodation should be booked in advance--in particular Dubrovnik. (Unless maybe the economy is having a big impact on tourism)
Aug 1 island
Aug 2 island
Aug 3 island
Aug 4 Dubrovnik (get there by car or ferry)
Aug 5 Dubrovnik
Aug 6 depart Dbv via plane
Aug 7 train or bus to Ljubljiana

You know, you can always go back, so you may consider sticking to the north (maybe the Zadar region) or Istria, and save Dubrovnik for a future trip. It would not be a travesty to maximize your time and money by sticking to a more limited region.
Also, the bus and ferry system is quite convenient, and can't be beat for getting from town to town. So, that would be another way to reduce costs if you do not need a car.

Yorkshire, I like your plan. If we wanted to spend more time in Dubrovnik, how important is it to visit the islands. Are they something we could skip or if we just went to one, would we be able to get the "flavor" of the islands. If so . . . which one would you (or anyone else . . . everyone, please feel free to chime in) think is the most important or best to visit?

We're thinking we might have to cut out Ljubljiana!

Sandy-- I added "Croatia"--

Thank you Katie! I'll try to be more careful next time!

KayF, I just booked us flights from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, about $50 ea (were $40 yesterday!).

Since we know we want to go to D, we're flying there, will pick up a car a few days later and start up the coast and back to Zagreb. That gives us more time . . . plus, we're cutting out Ljubljiana. That added a day or 2 to our itin.

Thanks to all for your great suggestions . . . and if you have anymore, keep them coming, esp. on which islands to visit.

Sandy (in Denton)

we had a night in trogir -a guy called miro owns it and organised parking close by for us
you can find him through 'carol' rooms when you go to the tourist bureau- really lovely young guy

the tourist info centre in trogir is past the church on the harbour strip
we didnt book ahead- only our first night in plitvice lakes
but this was june

in trogir go up the church tower for views - we couldnt because it was closed for maintenance
check out the school that must have one of the best locations in the world- harbourside in trogir
the kids were having running races on the promenade



in dubrovnik we did the same and got a lovely apartment with ivanka and niko who own the pizza shop in the old town- again through the tourist centre..boy was she hospitable!

cheaply - at 70 aud dollars a night- same as trogir= was about 150 euros for three nights

but in august i dont know.. we were told that august is when all the europeans travel on their annual holidays..you might be wise to book something


if you have a car ( we had a chevrolet opel form sixt that we got at zagreb airport) in dubrovnik you cant park inside the old walled town but look for a street that you come in-it's called ulica zagrebacka

( otherwise there is parking near the wall but it is limited ..it was free of charge between 9pm and 7 am but then you will have to get up and move it or else youll be charged- it was about 10 kunas an hour)

this street ( ulica is word for 'street') will lead you to a travel agency on your left ( he also has accommodation upstairs that is ok but it is much nicer in the old town)
there is a supermarket called konzum and not far from it is a vacant lot of land where people park free of charge-we do so quite safely every night we were there...
at least this was the case back on 2006!

we drove to montenegro for the day and visited kotor fjord which was great- a wonderful day and easy driving- just ned eurosfor the border toll...they dont take croatian kunas
and didnt have credit card facilities
note that in croatia you pay the toll at the end of the section not before- have kunas ready and when you park anywhere in the little villages do check the metre carefully and get verification from a local that all is in orde
our tyres were clamped on the markarska riviera while we were happily eating icecream and strolling around! we didnt realise we needed to find a parking metre!

if youre driving back to zagreb - stop in a tiny village called ston along the coast not far from dubrovnik - it has a nice wall to walk with a great view- wont take you long
also have a look at zadar- nice town then you can head to zagreb

we had a hire yacht to sail the islands of hvar brac and vis
hvar was my favourite
but we had a good time on vis - not so touristy and a bit wild and woolly
brac was ok
zlatni rad the famous beach was a bit disappointing for me ...quite small but pretty if youre not used to living on the beach for a big part of your life

Free parking is now a thing of the past. The town just opened the new garage in February. There is a fee and I have no idea how much. You won't find any parking spaces in August, it's insane here. There is a shuttle bus from the garage down to the Pile entrance which runs now every half hour. Honestly you should just park the car for the entire time you're in Dubrovnik and use public transportation. The garage is located on Zagrebcka road, utilize the facility and save yourself from sitting in traffic for hours.
Dobrodosli

Yes, now you have your Dubrovnik arrival date set it is best to pick up your car when you are ready to leave the city.

I would agree with lanejohann that you probably should reserve an apartment in Dubrovnik. Most places will have a minimum 3 night stay at that time of year.

I have stayed up on the hill with THAT view of Dubrovnik, and also just outside the city walls, again with a fabulous view. I loved both locations. I'll post the links, but there are many rental agencies in Dubrovnik with literally hundreds of places to choose from!

http://www.travel-library.com/apartments/europe/croatia/dubrovnik/room_karla.html (if you google Room Karla Dubrovnik you will allso find it with other agencies)

http://www.dubrovnik-area.com/Eng/details.asp?SmjestajID=MN-A-0312

Definitely spend some time on at least one southern Dalmatian island (Hvar, Brac, Korcula - unbeatable) or at the very least, spend a day or two on the Peljesac peninsula. Car ferries are easy and efficient, but August may be a challenge.

And on your way back to Zagreb, find a way to stop in Plitvice. As cliched as it sounds, it is a natural wonderland and unique to this world.

FYI, we spent all our time in zimmers/sobes, and you will seen signs for them everywhere. Hosts are happy to let you inspect, so there's really no risk. As nice as most hotels at half the cost.

Regards, Bruce
Croatia Travel Photos -- http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleries/croatia/level2_clr.htm

Bruce:

Your Croatia photos are fantastic, I've not seen many to compare. You've captured the beauty of the country, please post more.

Hvala

Bruce...you are a brilliant photographer. I was blown away by your photos of Italy. Thank you so very much for sharing with us.

Bruce, your photos are fantastic! I had a good time last night looking at all of them. I am all reved up for Croatia.

Thanks for the island suggestions too. We do plan to stop at Plitvice.

Lanejohann, thanks for posting your trip report, I have printed it out, lots of good info there.

Our trip is firming up quite nicely . . . thanks to you all.

Sandy (in Denton)

I would certainly include an island, but it is difficult to choose among the 1000+! Your goal will be eluding the crowds, but it will still be wonderful. One thing you could do if you stay in Dbv longer is day trips to the Elafiti islands, but the Peljesac peninsula suggestion is good too.
I cannot give first-hand knowledge on this because I have always visited the south in off season, but I would read up on the lesser known islands of the central and northern Dalmatian coast (near Sibenik and Zadar, and even further north)--although these are hardly secrets, they may be less inundated with people than the famous ones. If you choose this strategy, you could drive inland and then go back to the coast after you skirt the madness that will be Dbv-Split in high summer.
Good Luck!
Another suggestion, check out the area of Hercegovina if you will be crossing borders with your rental car--it sounds lovely (my planning for my next visit) and the B-H tourism website is very informative http://www.bhtourism.ba/eng/region2.wbsp

With just one short week, visit Dubrovnik by all means. Perhaps the island of Korcula is close enough so that you're not spending all your time driving.
August is high season, there are many tourists and you will not find any hidden secrets in one short week.
The Dalmatian coast consists of 1185 island with only 65 of them inhabited. There are some secret places, but you won't locate any of them in August. It's madness here, perhaps your next trip.

Dobrodosli u Dubrovnik

We're not looking for hidden treasures . . . we just want to meander around, look at the beautiful buildings/scenery, eat different (and hopefully delicious) food . . . we are typical tourists.

We are hale and hardy young seniors but are still backpackers at heart . . . we love changing/making our plans on the fly. We always start with a plan but seldom stay with it. We want to be able to seize the moment in case a moment materializes.

I think our plan now looks like this:

Fri, train from Budapest to Zagreb, fly to Dubrovnik
Sat, Dubrovnik
Sun, "
Mon, Ferry to Korcula
Tue, Ferry to Split, pick up car
Wed,
Thr, Plitvice
Fri, Turn car in Zagreb, night train to Venice
Sat, Venice
Sun, Fly home

Or . . . on Mon, we might just pick up the car and head out. What do y'all think?

Thanks,
Sandy (in Denton)

I think your plan looks good.

But it is an easy drive from Dubrovnik to Split, via Korcula, and the scenery along the Peljesac Peninsula is fabulous. Also you get to drive through Ston, with the wall and the oysters.

Then when you are heading north the Adriatic Highway is most scenic and there are all manner of small towns and villages you can just turn off the road into. Some have lovely old churches, others are little fishing villages, all are attractive.

Frankly I find sitting on a ferry for several hours very dull, I'd much rather drive, and having driven this route I would suggest you consider it.

If you did choose to drive from Dubrovnik you could get from the Peljesac Peninsula to the mainland on the car ferry Trpanj to Ploce, or you could get the car ferry from Korcula to Drvenik which is a bit further up the coast.

Ferry info is here...

http://www.korculainfo.com/ferries-korcula.htm

julia_t, I don't think we would like sitting on a ferry much either, we're like kids, have a short attention span! We have rented our car through AutoEurope and it specifically says we can't take it on a ferry.

So . . . we are going to scrap Korcula and just head out toward Split/Trogir and then do as you suggested, head north and stop in the small towns . . . I think we would like to just go and not be rushed. If we end up with time at the end (fat chance), we can always spend it in Zagreb.

Sounds good--I agree about the ferries. They are just fantastic for about 2-3 hours, then it is pure torture! If you could park in Orebic then I imagine you could still visit Korcula though. I love that Peljesac drive, but would worry about traffic.
Also, one of the northern islands is connected by a long bridge--I'm sure you'll come across that info at some point. There is a lot to explore near Zagreb, and I really liked the city itself.
By the way, I have heard great things about Sibenik, as well as Omis and Imotski--two places near Split you might want to check out.
Have a great trip!

Quite a few car rental companies do not allow you to take the vehicle on to ferries. Mind you they park them in so tight it is not hard to see why. I was unable to get out of my car on one ferry, so the ferrymen literally bounced and lifted the car with me in it across a couple of inches so I could just squeeze out! I was worried about scratches and damage but they seem to know exactly what they are doing and all was well. They must all be very good at jigsaw puzzles!


You could still go to Korcula town... drive to Orebic, it was free parking down at the harbour, then either get the foot ferry across to the town or go as a passenger on the car ferry and get a taxi into town. Depends on the timings. After a few hours in Korcula you would then have to drive back along the Peninsula but it is so pretty and the views so spectacular it would not be much hardship! As I recall it took about 50mins to an hour from Ston to Orebic, with stops for photos. There was very little traffic when I went at the beginning of October and the road was good. The only bit I didn't like was climbing up the hairpin bends out of Orebic because I am not that good with heights and I was on the outside with only a concrete barrier between me and the edge - that was the scariest few minutes of my trip! Then you would have to drive up the coast exactly parallel to the peninsula road, so it's a bit of backtracking. Anyway, you know it is possible if you feel like doing it, you don't have to rule it out completely.

yes enjoy croatia sandy!
i gathered so much info from forums before our trip
boy would i love to give all those people a big hug
truly- all these anonymous posters with buckets of knowledge who just love to share and pass on the tips just cos it feels good to do so ( well in a way it validates your own trip hey lol)

Lots of great suggestions here . . . thanks to all. I agree, I would like to give everyone a big hug and sloppy kiss for all the good input. I'll be sure to post a report when we return.

BTW, first reserved a compact car with a/c from AutoEurope for $255 for 6 days. Someone recommended econonycarhire.com . . . I checked and they were the same price except they included all the insurances! I called AE and they dropped the price to $249 and included all the insurances . . . woo hoo! With Economycarhire.com, I had to prepay, stiff cancellation fees, plus a fee to book using a credit card. With AE, no fee to use cc, can cancel anytime w/o penalty . . . going w/AE!

I just hope the sw*** flu doesn't gum up my plans.

Sandy (in Denton)

Hi, I'm a bit late coming in on this but for whatever it is worth we did a very similar trip last year and loved every bit of it. We spent 3.5 days (the half day being the day of arrival) in Dubrovnik, with one of those days as a day trip to Montenegro-- which was fantastic. Then we drove to Split (took about 5 hours with an hour stop for lunch) and the next day did a day trip to Hvar, spending the night again in Split. With it to do over again, I might recommend going straight to Hvar or an island instead of doing that first night in Split as our time on the island was limited. Then we had a full day in Split, taking a ferry that night to Venice. So that was basically 6.5 days and we didn't feel rushed at all. The only thing that we wanted to do that we didn't was go to Plitvice, and we regretted missing it so much that we found a way to get back over a few months later. Plitvice is definitely worth seeing so I'm glad it is in your itinerary. You could always do Plitvice as a day trip from Split, though-- I think it is just a 3 hour drive from Split. To be honest, after those 6.5 days in Croatia, Venice was a HUGE let down. Meaning that if you want to add an extra day in Croatia and scrap that day in Venice, it would be worth it. Maybe that was just us, but we also figured that it is always easy to catch a flight to Venice and spend time there but Croatia is a little bit more difficult to get to right now. Have a wonderful time. You will love every second of it!

we were in Croatia in August and stayed at a small hotel in Castle Lukcic (spelling likely off a bit...Loo-chick) just north maybe 10K or so from Split...it was great...on the sea..nice view..and reasonable. Several islands are nearby, and the public bus service is fine...taxis also on call. The overnight ferry sails daily for Italy...that, in itself, is an experience. It should not be difficult to locate on the internet as the village is small. rjg

Cordeliach, thanks for the comments and glad to know Plitvice is so close, that might let us spend an extra day near Split/Trogir.

65775, I Googled Luksic and it looks very interesting, might check it out.

Anyone have any opinions on staying in Mlini and taking the water taxi back/forth to Dubrovnik? How much does it cost? I Googled it but could not find a price.

We've added an extra day to Dub and since we'll now be there 4 nights, we're thinking of trying to rent an apt.

Thanks,
Sandy (in Denton)

Definitely rent an apartment--that is one of the great things about traveling in Croatia: the abundance of fantastic private lodging. But start looking now! I always just do internet searches until something that looks nice and has a good view (preferably a balcony) comes up. Even with the stairs/grueling hills, I prefer staying outside of old town where you can look over it all and the sea. But staying inside old town--on a side street--is nice too. I would def stay near old town so as to take advantage of the relative lack of crowds in the evenings/mornings versus the afternoon when the whole place can be packed.

Well . . . this trying to rent an apartment (or room) is not shaping up easily. Everything we're looking at is either booked or too expensive.

Would it be bad or unhandy to stay in the Gruz area? I'm finding a couple of places there.

Thanks,
Sandy (in Denton)

If you decide to stay in the Gruz area, you will be taking the local bus back and forth to the old town. Gruz is our harbor area, it's where we go shopping and our big green market is located there.
August is high season at it's highest, many have booked their rooms from last year. Croatia has always been Europe's best kept secret.
If I had a choice, I would stay in Cavtat, Mlini or old town and begin to search for hostels. There is a water taxi to Dubrovnik, but you will not find any prices since they are small local boats. You also have the local bus from Mlini to Dubrovnik, it runs all day long, last one about midnight. Prices for apartments go up in August, for everything. Good luck I hope you find something to fit your budget. Dubrovnik is a must see, it's the pearl of the Adriatic.
Dobrodosli u Dubrovnik

If you decide to stay in the Gruz area, you will be taking the local bus back and forth to the old town. Gruz is our harbor area, it's where we go shopping and our big green market is located there.
August is high season at it's highest, many have booked their rooms from last year. Croatia has always been Europe's best kept secret.
If I had a choice, I would stay in Cavtat, Mlini or old town and begin to search for hostels. There is a water taxi to Dubrovnik, but you will not find any prices since they are small local boats. You also have the local bus from Mlini to Dubrovnik, it runs all day long, last one about midnight. Prices for apartments go up in August, for everything. Good luck I hope you find something to fit your budget. Dubrovnik is a must see, it's the pearl of the Adriatic.
Dobrodosli u Dubrovnik

Sorry, I don't know how a duplicate showed up. It's only 6am, must be too early for my brain.

Hi,
The guys at www.noambit.com just went on a tour guided by the tourism board in Istria Croatia. An article they posted today talks about a great little town near Porec called Motovun. The hotel there sounds wonderful and cheap. Heres the link to the article: http://tinyurl.com/cbj4hg

Dubrovniktravelady, thank you for the suggestions and for the info about the Gruz area. Actually, having the markets nearby appeals to us. If we are going to have to take a bus anyway, might as well stay in Gruz. I found a couple of places last night during my nightly search that are in our budget and have emailed to inquire.

pinkyfin, I took a look at Motovun but don't think we'll get up that far on the coast, but if we do, I've got this bookmarked.

Thanks,
Sandy

Life has gotten in the way of a timely trip report. A short version is . . . booked Intercontinental Hotel in Budapest on Priceline for $49/nt ($68 w/taxes), great hotel, in a great location. Saw the sights, took the baths, ate the wonderful food, drank lots 'o beer.

Took the train from Budapest to Zagreb, went directly to the airport and flew to Dubrovnik . . . stayed 3 nts at the Villa Amfora ($57/nt) in a nice en-suite room in the Gruz area, just a short, city bus ride from the old town . . . we loved this area, loved the ships/boats, the market.

We did the old town, spent the required afternoon at the Buza Bar, took a daytrip to Montenegro, picked up a rent car.

Drove to Trogir for 2 nts, found a great, small, new hotel (Rooms Tudor, $93/nt) right on the water across from Trogir. Did Trogir, took the ferry to Split, struck out for Zadar, stopping along the way in Sibenek.

Stayed 2 nights in Zadar at a wonderful sobe ($42/nt) in Borick . . . saw the sea organ, had good food, on to Plitvice for one night (sobe, $42), visited the park . . . to Zagreb, had no reservations, U-2 concert there, everything booked up but helpful man at Evista Travel found us a 3-bedroom apt for $96/nt on the condition that we just use the bathroom and one bedroom.

We visited Zagreb, beautiful city . . . took the night train to Venice for our flight home.

We had a perfectly wonderful trip . . . if anyone is interested in all the details (and trust me, there are lots 'o details), I've typed up our travelog and will email it to you. Let me know at behrens@unt.edu.

Thanks again for everyone's fabulous help . . . y'all are why our trip was so great.

Sandy (in Denton)