I am planning a "sort of" last minute trip to Croatia. Please review and help me understand if this itinerary looks good or if there are additions or changes we should consider. I can fill in activities once I nail down flights and hotels. My main question is whether we should spend nights on other islands vs so many at hvar. Another question is whether we can rent scooters and travel along coastline to some of the destinations (very experienced). Thank you in advance!!! - late june early july

fly into Split 2 nights
Plitvice Lakes 1 night
HVAR 6 nights (had originally planned a few nights in Korcula but thought we could ferry there from HVAR) - pls advise
Kotor 1 night
Dubrovnik 3 nights

When you say you can ferry to Korcula from Hvar, do you mean you would stop over on Hvar for a couple hours before continuing on to Dubrovnik? If that is your plan, you need to check ferry schedules to make sure this will work.

I think you have a good itinerary but I would make a few changes or suggestions:

I would add at least one extra night to Split. We loved Split. It’s a beautiful city with lovely architecture and a pretty location on the Adriatic. And it’s so unique because the city was developed around the ruins of Diocletians Palace. It’s fun to wander around. I also recommend a guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace and Old Town. We hired Maja Benzon who is recommended by Rick Steves. She is awesome. Visit the interesting ethnographic museum. Wander around the outdoor market. And take a day trip to Trogir. Enjoy drinks on the Riva.

One night in Plitvice is a good idea.

Regarding Hvar, we visited for a day and loved Hvar. Wish we could have spent a few nights. If you want to relax and go to the beaches, 6 nights is a good idea. Or, another alternative would be to spend 3 nights on Hvar and 3 nights on Korcula. We didn’t visit Korcula but I’ve seen photos and it looks beautiful.

We hired a driver to drive us around the Bay of Kotor for a day. We visited Budva, Kotor, and Perast. I think spending a night in Kotor would be nice. I do know that some people suggest skipping Kotor because they say it’s too similar to Dubrovnik (but not as nice). We liked Kotor so I think spending a night there would be nice.

Hope this helps.

If you are interested please find below links to our three trip reports: Montenegro (Kotor), 4 nights; Mostar, Bosnia, 1 night; and Croatia 9 nights, all in September last year. Near perfect weather made this combination for us near perfect as well. We spent one night in Dubrovnik, prior to a flight from there to Athens to just experience the city after the cruise ship people leave. It seems three nights is too much. HVAR for 6 nights would have been overkill for us, but you may have something in mind there. And, we didn't get to Plitvice Lakes. We had a car and saw a lot. We were very happy we spent the extra time in Montenegro; it was truly a surprise. Hopefully, our reports and photos will provide an assist.

Nine Relaxing Days in Croatia

Fabulous Four Days in Montenegro

24 Hours in Bosnia and Mostar

Thank you so much for your advice. I had just added in Korcula and took out Kotor after reading a lot of posts and appreciate that you confirmed this - below is what I believe to be the final itinerary unless I get more advice. I am still curious about travelling on scooters on the coastline between some of these areas - maybe I will post just that question. Now I just need to find reasonable airfare! Thanks again.

Fly into Split 2-3 nights
Plitvice 1 night
Hvar 5 nights
Korcula 3 nights
Dubrovnik 2 nights - fly home from here

Whitehall - Thank you - this is really helpful - pictures tell a really good story and answer a lot of questions. Based on one of your comments about leaving Korcula early, I am contemplating taking out one night in Korcula (see my most recent itinerary) and adding it to Split, HVAR, or Dubrovnik. My current itinerary has us flying into Split, to Plitvice Lakes, HVAR, Korcula and Dubrovnik. We may day trip to Montenegro. Please let me know of your recommendations regarding taking out night in Korcula down to 2 and adding it in to one of the others.

My husband and I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively - toured the Himalaya on a motorcycle Sept '22. We love adventure, beautiful beaches/snorkeling, traveling via motorcycle/scooter, history, architecture, wine and food.

sph, I hope you didn't misunderstand what I was saying about Kotor. We liked Kotor a lot and we were very happy that we saw Kotor. I was only pointing out that some people think it's similar to Dubrovnik, but not as nice, and not worth seeing. We didn't feel that way at all. And Whitehall, in his post above, really liked Kotor and Montenegro.

With that said, your revised itinerary is a good one. We spent 3 nights in Dubrovnik but that included the daytrip to Montenegro. While in Dubrovnik, be sure to walk the walls, visit War Photo Limited, and take the cable car to the top of Mt. Srd for drinks and/or dinner and fabulous views.

So grateful for your help! I will try to post trip report.

Susan

That would be great! We would love to read your trip report!

Although our itinerary worked out perfectly for us, you are doing the right thing to get experiences from others and making it your trip. Sounds like you are very seasoned travelers. Wishing you all the best. We found all the places in Montenegro and Croatia to be worthwhile and gorgeous, and we definitely enjoyed our one-day getaway in a very different place (Mostar).

Looking into Mostar - again, thank you so much. I think it's a must do.