Hi people,

It's been a while since I posted here. Missed you.

I'm currently in the process of planning a summer trip to Europe. Thinking of spending a week in Italy and a week in Croatia.

What places would you recommend for a first visit to Croatia?

I'm thinking Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes, Krokucla, and Split.

Any itinerary advice?

I meant to say Korcula

Those destinations are among Croatia's highlights -- but you would be hard pressed to see them in a week.

You might want to consider spending both weeks in Croatia -- you'll still only see at most half its highlights. With 2 weeks, I'd recommend either Split south to Dubrovnik, and places in between; or Split, the Plitvice Lakes, Istria, and other highlights to the north.

Good luck!

It takes time to travel between Croatia and Italy (unless you fly I guess, which I try to avoid if I can). Your entry/exit points may help determine where you visit.

I agree with kja that I don't think you could see all those places in a week without being very rushed, especially if part of that week is travelling to or from Croatia.

I've only been to Croatia once and we stayed in Rovinj (explored a bit of Istria), Krk and Rab over 7-8 nights. Had a great time but would have liked longer as I felt it was a bit rushed.

I was planning on spending the whole two weeks in Italy. But I have some friends who will be travelling to Croatia, so I thought I'd divide my time.

What if I focus on the south? Does a week sound good for Dubrovnik, Korcula, and Split?

Or Maybe just Dubrovnik, Korcula, and Hvar.

Focusing on the south sounds good. I'd pick your option 1. You get to sample an island as well as the town of Split. The Roman palace embedded in Split is unique, and it has a biggish airport you can fly out of. Maybe do a half-day trip by bus to Trogir, a cute town on its own island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I loved Korcula, a truly relaxing place. You can fly into Dubrovnik, take a boat or a bus and ferry to Korcula. Then continue by catamaran to Split. (The catamaran stops at Hvar en route.)

Thanks everyone. How many days do you recommend we stay in each place?

Dubrovnik 3
Korcula 1
Split 3

This works:

Dubrovnik 3
Korcula 1
Split 3

Dubrovnik to Korcula- Early morning
Korcula to Split- Late afternoon or early evening
Use transportation as described by Mimar above.

Of course, this would be better:

Dubrovnik 3
Korcula 2
Split 3

Yeah I think I would like more time in Korcula. It looks gorgeous.

This is a useful website: www.korculainfo.com.

Dubrovnik, Korcula, and Split could work. Or Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split. Or many other possibilities! Do you want to take a day trip or overnight into nearby destinations like the stunning Bay of Kotor or fascinating Mostar? Do you want to visit Ston or Mljet or any part of the Peljesac Peninsula? What about the friends you say you hope to meet? It really depends on what you want to see and experience….

If you are a Game of Thrones fan you should take a GoT tour in Dubrovnik and Split. Beautifull tour of film locations and you will visit amazing places.