Croatia Itinerary Help
Jan 22nd, 2008, 02:33 PM
#1
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Croatia Itinerary Help
Hello-
My husband and I need some help with our trip in May to Croatia. We are using frequent flier miles and will be flying to Zagreb on May 5th and will be departing back to the US from Zagreb on May 11. What do people recommend as an itinerary for such a short amount of time?? Transportation and lodging recommendations would also be helpful! Thanks for all of your help in advance!!!
My husband and I need some help with our trip in May to Croatia. We are using frequent flier miles and will be flying to Zagreb on May 5th and will be departing back to the US from Zagreb on May 11. What do people recommend as an itinerary for such a short amount of time?? Transportation and lodging recommendations would also be helpful! Thanks for all of your help in advance!!!
Jan 22nd, 2008, 03:20 PM
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There are numerous trip reports available on travel within Croatia so hopefullly you've started looking at those. Where do you plan to travel (Dubrovnik in the south, Istria in the north, or Split, Hvar, Zadar along the coast). Assume you're renting a car? Help us help you by providing more information! The coastline is jaw dropping dramatic, so be prepared for that! Each region of Croatia has its own unique personality - we just need to suggest one that's right for you.
Jan 22nd, 2008, 06:17 PM
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You've basically got 4 alternatives:
1. Fly to Dubrovnik or bus/overnight train to Split and visit some islands and the coast.
2. Head west to Istria (others will fill you in on that area)
3. Head southwest to Zadar and visit national parks on mainland (Paklenica), islands (Kornati).
4. Explore Zagreb and the region around (e.g. Varazdin, etc.), primarily by car. Small towns, castles, hiking. (Plus Plitvice, a must.)
I suggest spending some time with the Croatian National Tourist Board's website (especially the interactive maps):
www.croatia.hr/English/default.aspx
Make sure you read about the parks.
Then, come back here when you've narrowed it down.
The weather should be quite nice, with warm sunny days and cool nights, but the sea will probably be too cold to swim. Ferry schedules will be less frequent, but accomodation prices (apartment rental) will be low season too.
1. Fly to Dubrovnik or bus/overnight train to Split and visit some islands and the coast.
2. Head west to Istria (others will fill you in on that area)
3. Head southwest to Zadar and visit national parks on mainland (Paklenica), islands (Kornati).
4. Explore Zagreb and the region around (e.g. Varazdin, etc.), primarily by car. Small towns, castles, hiking. (Plus Plitvice, a must.)
I suggest spending some time with the Croatian National Tourist Board's website (especially the interactive maps):
www.croatia.hr/English/default.aspx
Make sure you read about the parks.
Then, come back here when you've narrowed it down.
The weather should be quite nice, with warm sunny days and cool nights, but the sea will probably be too cold to swim. Ferry schedules will be less frequent, but accomodation prices (apartment rental) will be low season too.
Jan 23rd, 2008, 05:33 AM
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Thank you for the responses. I guess I was hoping for some suggestions on where to travel as I am not sure where we should spend our time. I am assuming that given our limited amount of time we can only hit one part of the country. Also, given that we need to fly in and out of Zagreb I was wondering where the best location would be to visit to maximize our time. We would be renting a car. Yorkshire, I will explore the tourism website and maps also. Thanks for your help!
Jan 23rd, 2008, 06:26 AM
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I definitely agree you should focus on one part of the country. It all depends on how much you want to drive and how important it is to you to hit the most famous areas: Dubrovnik and Split (albeit with good reason). You can always come back--I went back twice, and I'm sure I'll return one day.
If I were you, I would not traverse the country to see Dubrovnik, even though it is as great as you've heard. If you pick any one of the areas I suggested, I do not think you will be disappointed.
I think based on your description of yourselves, #3 is especially worth investigation, because the outdoor opportunities are numerous--hiking and kayaking in particular.
Good Luck!
If I were you, I would not traverse the country to see Dubrovnik, even though it is as great as you've heard. If you pick any one of the areas I suggested, I do not think you will be disappointed.
I think based on your description of yourselves, #3 is especially worth investigation, because the outdoor opportunities are numerous--hiking and kayaking in particular.
Good Luck!
Jan 23rd, 2008, 07:00 AM
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This is the first time I have used this travelers service, so i apologize in advance if it is not ok to jump in on someone else's request for information ..but it seems like there are a number of responders here who know a great deal about Croatia.
We are meeting a ship in Zadar in August and would like to spend a few days there or in the area - a first visit to Croatia. Travelers include my husband and myself and our 18 year old. We like city life (art, architecture, food), beaches (the 18 year old, primarily) and photography (birds, among other nature themes).
The first thing I need to do is find a place to stay. We prefer nice, locally owned rather than US or Euro chains but for three of four nights, even that criteria is flexible. Any thoughts?
We are meeting a ship in Zadar in August and would like to spend a few days there or in the area - a first visit to Croatia. Travelers include my husband and myself and our 18 year old. We like city life (art, architecture, food), beaches (the 18 year old, primarily) and photography (birds, among other nature themes).
The first thing I need to do is find a place to stay. We prefer nice, locally owned rather than US or Euro chains but for three of four nights, even that criteria is flexible. Any thoughts?
Jan 23rd, 2008, 07:35 AM
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It's fine to hop on a related thread, jrogoz, but you'll probably get more help if you post separately. I'll go ahead and answer though.
I have only been to the Zadar area briefly, 5 years ago. Zadar has reportedly really come a long way since then (in a good way).
Apartment rentals are the norm for accomodation in Croatia, but August is high season, and some places may require a week-long stay.
Obviously your cruise will cover islands (and hopefully provide some beach and cove swimming opportunities) and the highlights of southern Croatian cities, so I would stay on the mainland. Check out Paklenica National Park, Vransko Lake, Plitvice National Park, and Velebit.
Remember it is high season, so you should go to less mentioned places. The website I posted above is very very helpful--giving you an overview of every place, island, and natural area.
I have only been to the Zadar area briefly, 5 years ago. Zadar has reportedly really come a long way since then (in a good way).
Apartment rentals are the norm for accomodation in Croatia, but August is high season, and some places may require a week-long stay.
Obviously your cruise will cover islands (and hopefully provide some beach and cove swimming opportunities) and the highlights of southern Croatian cities, so I would stay on the mainland. Check out Paklenica National Park, Vransko Lake, Plitvice National Park, and Velebit.
Remember it is high season, so you should go to less mentioned places. The website I posted above is very very helpful--giving you an overview of every place, island, and natural area.
Jan 23rd, 2008, 10:40 AM
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My wife & I spent 10 days in Croatia last September with another couple. What a beautiful country! One week was on an Adriatic cruise -- highly recommended but won't fit your time schedule. 3 cities stand out: Split (where our cruise started & ended), Dubrovnik, & Hvar. All have great historical sites to explore. Walking the many back streets of the old walled city of Dubrovnik was outstanding. There is also an evening folk show that is worth seeing there. All have neat squares, outdoor dining, etc. We also spent a day/overnight at Plitvice National Park that is a must. You'll love hiking the trails, seeing the many waterfalls, enjoying the "purity" of the park, etc. A hotel recommendation there is the Hotel Jezero in the park. Good luck & enjoy!
