Need to plan a 1 week adventurous/romantic trip in Croatia. Have you ever had a long distance relationship? Well, this is really long distance; United States gal (me) totally smitten with South African guy. We've known each other for 3 years, and try to meet in different places. This time, we're meeting in Croatia, and I'm planning the trip. Make me look good all my travel friends! ;-) Also, our trip is next month, so I've got to put my planning hat on asap!

Here's as far as I've gotten: Flying into Zagreb; flying out of Dubrovnik. That's it. Hopeless? I hope not!

How long should we stay in Zagreb? Where to stay at a reasonably priced hotel? Because of our limited time in Croatia, I thought it best to fly from Zagreb into Dubrovnik as Croatia Airlines flights are so cheap. Thoughts about that or should we be driving? Also, where to stay in Dubrovnik; must see places? Or . . . should we fly from Zagreb into Split and then on to Dubrovnik. Any help for this mid 40's hopeless romantic is appreciated! Thanks all!

I'll probably catch hell for saying this, but Zagreb is not high on the list of romantic cities. If you only have one week (per year?), you really need to maximize personal time and minimize travel time. Since your beginning/end points are fixed, here's what I would do...

Go straight from the baggage carousel to Plitvice NP. It's a piece of heaven on earth. Spend at least one full day there hiking the otherworldly trails. It will be crowded that time of year but there are far more trails than just the main ones. Explore. Get lost.

Next, I'd get myself to one of the myriad islands in the southern Dalmatian area. Actually, just about any island in Croatia will do, but choose just one since your time is so limited. Me, Korcula; Lumbarda specifically. Kayak, take bikes to the beach, swim, feast. It's a few mins away from Korcula Town where you can spend hours wandering the wonderful and historical city. 3 days minimum.

http://www.korculainfo.com/lumbarda.html

After that, off to Dubrovnik. Since this is already on your itenerary (and rightly so), not much needs to be said. Just be sure to walk the wall at least once - you will love it.

Regards, Bruce
Croatia Travel Images -- http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleri...level2_clr.htm

Bruce, thank you so much for your insight; it's very much appreciated! I'll be trying to plan the trip this weekend and will let you know! Thank you, thank you!

"Have you ever had a long distance relationship" YES! and he lives in Dubrovnik. I met him there three years ago and I've been going back for 3 weeks every year since - twice last year! You will definitely not lack in romantic places in Dubrovnik! If you only have one week, I would base myself in Dubrovnik for 4/5 days and then maybe spend the rest of the time on one of the islands, probably Korcula because it's the closest "big" island from Dubrovnik.

From Dubrovnik you can take day trips to the Elaphite Islands, the Peljesac Peninsula for wine tasting and the most incredible oysters in Ston, Cavtat, a deliciously charming little town just south of Dubrovnik (take a water taxi), Montenegro, and also a quick boat ride away to Lokrum Island with gorgeous pine woods and a little lagoon that looks like it's right out of a movie. You can also take a day trip to Mostar, in Bosnia to get a totally different experience. I would recommend spending the night there if possible.

The food is scrumptious, especially the freshest of fresh seafood and you will find many little cozy, romantic places to dine.

My very first day in Dubrovnik, sitting at the end of the jetty, soaking up that heavenly Adriatic sun, listening to the waves lapping on the stones and feeling more relaxed than I can ever remember, or thought possible, I thought to myself how wonderful it would be to be in love in this wonderful place and voila!!

I hope you and your guy have a wonderful, romantic trip -- I know you will. Please report back to us!!

Barb, I knew someone would understand! So glad you can relate and thank you for your insight! Based on your and Bruce's comments, it really seems like Dubrovnik (and the area nearby) is where we should be spending our time. The reason we were flying into Zagreb is because the airfare was cheaper, but I will check again on this. If we fly into Dubrovnik, do you think we need to rent a car at all or are the sights doable without a car?

I think it is totally doable without a car and, in fact, a car is sometimes difficult in Dubrovnik because of lack of parking (although I understand the new parking garage is now open), but lots of people like having a car for day trips and the flexibility that goes along with it. Public transportation is very good though, ferries, boats and local buses. You can also do some of the day trips, such as Mostar and Montenegro with one of the agencies like Atlas. Upon arrival at the airport there will be a large bus waiting that will take you right to the Old Town, Pile Gate, luggage is stowed below the bus. There are also lots of taxis. Depending on where you stay, some apartment owners can arrange pick up for you.

If you decide to fly into Zabreb, it's a very short flight to Dubrovnik. Be sure to sit on the lefthand side of the plane so you get that first OMG view of Dubrovnik. Will you be meeting him there, or are you flying together?

Excellent advice. Thank you. I checked flights for me again; I will definitely be flying into Zagreb and then out of Dubrovnik. I'm not yet certain where he will be flying into. I am SO looking forward to this trip. Croatia has been on my short list for several years, and hearing how much you love it makes it all that much more exciting for me. So glad you found someone special ~ really awesome!

go the car
we did
basically drove from zagreb airport for the night and morning to plitvice
and then we headed to dubrovnik through zadar and trogir ( where we stayed the next night)

once in dubrovnik we found a cute apartment with ivanka from the pizza shop ( through the tourist bureau in the main street of the old town for 70 aud a night

we explored dubrovnik and headed out to montenegro to see kotor ( fjord there )
that was a great daytrip

later we rented a yacht from split and did hvar vis and brac
but you could easily stay in dubrovnik and do day trips to the islands round there

maybe mostar could be included - three hours each way from dubrovnik - totally doable if you get your act together

forget zagreb
we had a look one afternoon between flights - just caught a bus from the airport and had a walk round the sights in town
not much to see
so id not even overnight

Hi Lv2Travl,
Last year we spent a few weeks visiting Zagreb and Dubrovnik, with a stop in Plitvice. We enjoyed Zagreb very much and were glad we decided to give it a shot. Because of the high hotel prices we stayed in the outskirts, but with the great public transportation system it worked well for us. Since you only have a week I'd give Zagreb a couple of days, spending the greater time in Dubrovnik. We have some travel pics of this trip at http://home.roadrunner.com/~TomShirl if you're interested.