We've stayed in Podstrana, and at Le Meridien Lav. Yes, we liked the hotel and we enjoyed our 3 days there.

There's really nothing to do in Podstrana but Split is a mere 15 minutes away, so I think its a good base. In fact, we usually eat dinner in Split as there are more restaurant choices there. You can also go the opposite way, and visit some towns along the coastal road - Brela, Baska Voda and Makarska.

If you think there's not much to do in Split, what about flying into Pula or Rijeka? There's probably more to do along the Istrian Peninsula.

Good Luck!

What about hiring a car in Split when you arrive and driving to Dubrovnik? It's only a few hours' drive, much of it on a modern expressway toll road. Or taking a bus? Croatia has a good bus system. If there are pm flights home out of Dubrovnik, you could return the car in Dubrovnik instead of driving back to Split.

Or a ferry? Yes, the big car ferries (also take passengers) only run a few times a week all year. But you don't say when you'll be going, but I think there are more ferry options in the high season (summer).

I thought a number of museums in Split worth visiting, and so I happily spent a very busy day there; I would have enjoyed more time (easily 2 days if visiting the palace, museums, market, waterfront, etc. at a leisurely pace.) And I thought Trogir well worth a big chunk of a day; I think it could be seen very pleasantly as a leisurely day trip from Split.

I also enjoyed a day in Sibenik, which (as I remember) is just a few hours away. Slightly longer trips would take you to Krka National Park, Hvar Island (by ferry), and the Plitvice National Lakes. I'm not sure I would want to try visiting these places as day trips from Split, but then I prefer to move frequently than to spend a lot of time traveling back and forth to base locations. You'd have to check how the timing fits with your preferred schedules.

Andrew's suggestion to spend 1/2 your time based in Split and the other 1/2 based in Dubrovnik is worth considering. And you might consider taking a bus - then everyone can see the spectacular views!

JoyC also offers an interesting option, although I admit that I personally would find a week in Istria a bit too much. I enjoyed it immensely, but for me, 4 or 5 leisurely days would be enough. Of course, I don't know what I missed, and it really depends on what people want to see and experience - viva la difference!

Good luck! I must admit being envious of your chance to travel with your parents and trust that you will find a plan that works for all of you, even if it is a challenging work of love!

Using www.opodo.co.uk you can search for flights leaving at specific times, or all afternoon flights, etc.

A quick search using a random date in June shows there are afternoon flights though all involve one stop.

Best option looks like Croatia Air from Heathrow - shortest time, stops in Zagreb but I don't think involves a change of plane. For example, Sunday 3rd June...

17.20 LHR - arrive DBV 22.05 (35min stop) £80.50 GBP

Hope this helps a bit.

Otherwise, Trogir is not far from Split airport - I've stayed there twice and the Old Town is lovely.

Do try to get to Dubrovnik if you can, it will be worth it.

Split centre is nice pretty have stayed there

several times around Diocletian's Palace well worth a visit.

booking.com for many excellent options there.

Go for it... Dubrovnik is prettier though

a do not miss for me.

Of our first Croatian holiday, Split was the least favourite place we stayed - in our mind it was not very pretty and we found it very hard to find nice restaurants. There was plenty to see (Diocletian's Palace in particular) but it was just not as relaxing as we had hoped for. We also made a day trip from Split to Trogir which we really enjoyed.

For me, Split and surrounding area for a week would not be first choice for a holiday, unless I had overriding reasons for wanting to visit that part of Croatia. On the other hand, Dubrovnik certainly would - Andrew's suggestion of driving from Split to Dubrovnik would work for me (I am sure we saw buses going that route also if you do not want to drive).

We've stayed in Podstrana, and at Le Meridien Lav for 3 nights and enjoyed our time in Split. We started in Rovinj and drove the coast down to Dubrovnik, do not miss Dubrovnik, rent a car, take a bus but try to visit this beautiful city, we also took a side trip into Bosnia, Trogir and you can ferry to several islands, so much to do and see, we took 2 weeks and still did not see everything we wanted to.

Thanks for all the input, I'll see if any of the suggestions work for us. I think a rental car is not likely to be an option - I don't drive at all, and I don't think my parents will want to overseas; I'll sound them out on the bus (although have a sinking feeling that won't be acceptable to my mother). Worth trying, anyway.

I'll also check out non-direct flights, which I had discounted beacuse I assumed it meant changing planes and hassle. But it might be possible. Thanks again.

I think there is absolutely just as much to do near Split as there is near Dubrovnik. You have not said what month, but would heading to an island upon arrival work for your family. Hvar is s ahort ferry or catamaran ride after a quick bus ride from airport to port. You could relax on the island or take easy trips to the mainland.
Split is extremely convenient for the public transport, but lacks the beauty of Dubrovnik, so Podstrana may be a perfect choice but I am not familiar with it. Trogir is a good alternative.