Croatia itinerary help needed. Will this work?
 

I was planning to sail from Trogir to Dubrovnik, but because of the falling dollar (we have a big event planned in Italy and everything is getting much more expensive)I am thinking of just renting a car in Split and using the ferries. Here is my revised itinerary. I am not sure how long it takes to ferry from Split to Hvar and Hvar to Dubrovnik, does anyone know?
I would be spending:
1 night in Split
3 nights in Hvar
4 nights in Dubrovnik

-flying from Athens to Rome to Split, overnight at Park Hotel
-Renting car in Split and take afternoon ferry to Hvar (is there one every day?) staying at Palace Hotel.
- ferry to Dubrovnik Are there other options w/faster service? Overnight at Villa Argentina or Villa Dubrovnik. Should I take a day trip to Korcula or stay overnight 1 night instead in Dubrovnik?

I can't find a direct flight on croatia airlines or Alitalia to Rome on a Saturday in June so I am going to lose my 1 day in Rome. Any other airlines I could try?

Thanks! WT

I am afraid I m no help on flights. In the Thomas Cook European Timetable I see that you could take an Eurostar train from Rome Termini at 1740, sup in the buffet car, transfer at Ancona 2005 to 2100 or 2200, and reach Split at 0600 or 0700. The boats are those of Jadrolinja (see web site below) and Adriatica (http://www.adriatica.it/frameset.php3?language=e). I cannot make the Adriatica site work, so you may need to e-mail them for days of travel in June.

http://www.jadrolinija.hr/jlenglish....e?OpenFrameSet
shows until 28 May a daily catamaran at from Split at 1400 to Hvar at 1500. It comes back from Hvar at 0630 to Split at 0730. The line has not yet posted their summer timings for this route, but you could e mail them to ask, on [email protected]/.
The site http://www.jadrolinija.hr/jlenglish....s?openframeset shows boats in June from Split at 0700 on Mondays, Wednesdays Fridays and Sundays to Dubrovnik at 1615. I am afraid that if the local times to Hvar stand unchanged in June the line it thus neatly fails to give you a connection at Split. The failure to connect is stil true if you turn the trip round, to read Dubrovnik 0900, Split 1810 to 1400, Hvar 1500 to 0630, Split 0730.

Welcome to Europe.

[email protected]

There are three companies running overnight ferries from Ancona to Split: Adriatica, Jadrolinija and SEM (www.bli-ferry.com). There is little point in renting a car to take it on the ferries - it's easy to use buses or taxis on the islands. Most ferries to Hvar island use the port of Stari Grad. Jadrolinija has three or four local ferries a day from Split, taking under two hours, and there are always buses and taxis waiting on the quay at Stari Grad to go to Hvar town or anywhere else on the island. Most days, there is also a ferry from Split to Hvar town but these do not take cars as cars are banned from Hvar town centre. Jadrolinija's coastal service goes up to four times a week from Split via Stari Grad and Korcula to Dubrovnik, normally leaving in the morning, calling at Korcula at lunchtime and reaching Dubrovnik in the afternoon; these ships are much bigger and have restaurants and cabins (the local ferries just have snack bars). It's one of the most scenic ferry trips anywhere.

I agree with Geoff, unless you want to drive down the coast, don't bother with a car. Also, if you're spending nights in Split and Hvar I wouldn't leave Dubrovnik early to spend a night on Korcula. If you take the ferry from Split to Dubrovnik (7 am to 4 pm) you will stop in Korcula at noon. It's a very small town and you'll see it from the ship.

Dubrovnik is wonderful. 4 nights will feel very short to you. Villa Argentina was my favorite hotel anywhere. Be sure to get a sea view room. The rooms in the Villa across the street from the hotel were fantastic.

If you have an inclination, consider one or two of the Atlas excursions. The all day tour of Montenegro was incredible. I also enjoyed the wine tour of the Peljesac Peninsula.

Judi recently did an excellent trip report on Croatia. It's well worth searching for.

Wandering Texan -
I took a slow ferry from Split to Hvar which took about 2 1/2 hours but did not unload cars. I think you have to go to Stari Grad - not sure if Jelsa is option. Coming back from Hvar to Split I took a catamaran - no cars - which took 1 hour. Some acquaintences I met in Hvar were going to Dubrovnik via the ferry and i think it took about 6 hours (I could be completely wrong about that). I would not recommend the Palace Hotel - it's a dump but it is in a great location. The Hotel Adriatic may be a better option and is also on the harbor. Korcula is great for a day trip. I wouldn't sacrifice a night from Dubrovnik.

the Croatian Tourist Board may be able to help - 212.279.8672

Hi
We spent almost 2 weeks in croatia last fall. We rented a car. If you rent a car as someone suggested, it is a wonderful idea to drive along the coast. We drove from Rovinj on Istria to Trogir and return. The drive takes about 6 1/2-7 hours, but is a beautiful drive along the Adriatic. There are many seafood and grill restaurants along the way. we stopped at one, don't remember but people were having grilled whole fish, really fresh. If you can spare a couple of days consider Istria in croatia. We stayed in Porec and Rovinj a good part of the time because we decided on s,maller towns. Istria is very Italian. It's bi-lingual and many tourists there are Italian. About car rentals, we flew Adria air from frankfurt to Ljubiana and drove about 2 hours to Porec in Istria. The reason was, you could not rent a car in Italy and drive to Croatia. we went through Auto Europe and Italian auto rentals don't allow cars to be taken there. We picked up the car in Ljubiana.
Enjoy your trip

I can't seem to get this posted, so I will try again. If it posts twice, I apologize.

Thank you all for all the great information. I wanted a car because I wanted to drive around Hvar and it sounds like I won't need one if I use the boats.

If I wanted to drive along the coast, would I be able to get a car ferry at Sucuraj on Hvar, then back to the coastal road to drive to Dubrovnik? I could just fly into Dubrovnik and use it as a base, but I am afraid it is too far from Hvar and I want to go there. If I drove along the coastal road and then over to Hvar could I see it in a day?

Has anyone stayed in or seen the little villas on the pakleni islands? Would this be a place to stay or is it too far from the nightlife? Is the Adriatic Hotel the best choice? I would like something equal to a 4* if at all possible. BTW, thanks for letting me know the Palace is not an option.

Thanks again. WT

Jadrolinija runs a ferry from Sucuraj at the eastern end of Hvar island to Drvenik on the mainland. From Drvenik, another ferry goes to Korcula; this is run by Mediteranska Plovida not Jadrolinija. From Hvar to Korcula, apart from Jadrolinija's coastal service from Stari Grad, Jadrolinija also runs services from Hvar to Vela Luka on Korcula island; these don't take cars, but there are connecting buses from Vela Luka to Korcula town. From Korcula to Dubrovnik, there are daily buses which go on the ferry to Orebic on the mainland then along the coast. Most of these bus journeys are very scenic. Croatia is not busy in June as the peak holiday season doesn't start till mid-July, so you should have no problem finding hotel rooms wherever you go. I've been there in early-July and had no problems.

4 stars on Hvar - as far as I can tell - don't exist (at least, what I think is 4 star - and I'm not thinking Four Seasons). The Palace Hotel needs a major update - the Hotel Adriatic at least looks modern and clean (though I didn't see any of the rooms). There is a huge monolothic hotel/casino about a 20 minutes outside the town of Hvar but it looks really impersonal. My next trip I'm going to rent a room from a local as I travel around - I feel comfortable enough doing that being that i've visited Croatia twice. As for transport around the island of Hvar - what about just renting a scooter when you need one? I saw a wide age range of people renting motor bikes. There are numerous ways to get around without a car - and not having to deal with the hassel of a car makes my trips so relaxing. As for the Pakleni Islands - there are some cabins on some of the islands but very basic - no electricty, no running water. There are some restaurants which have a couple rooms to rent but you'll be cut off from the nightlife from Hvar. If you have the time it might be nice to do for a couple nights but if you're looking to get away from the crowds I'd recommend something on the south side of the island like Zavala.

Thanks again! I am starting to wonder if Croatia is worth all the trouble? Getting around is such a problem. Is it worth it do ya'll think? I am going to be in Santorini, so I could go to Crete or to Sardinia with some of my family, but I have stubbornly set my sights on Croatia.

I looked up the Adriatic and it sounds fine. Mark, did you go in the public areas of the hotel?

Would you spend 3 nights in Hvar and 4 in Dubrovnik
or
2 in Hvar, 5 in Dubrovnik
or
2 in Split
2 in Hvar
4 in Dubrovnik

Thanks for your opinions... always very helpful. WT

WT - I went into the lobby which looked clean and new. Plus there's an outdoor dining area that over looks the harbor. And to be honest - you won't be spending much time in your room - Hvar is beautiful. Croatia is really easy to get around - I was using ferries, boat taxis and cabs to get around - the only mode I didn't try was the public bus. Some other posters here have done the buses. I'm assuming being that having a car is a luxury there - there has to be good public transportation infrastructure. Croatians are very savy when it comes to getting around. If you have concerns give the Croatian Tourist Board a call. I'm inclined to say 3 days in Hvar and 4 in Dubrovnik. As for the Split - if you catch an early bus from Dubrovnik, you can walk around Split for a few hours then catch the afternoon ferry to Hvar. I thought Split to be dirty, dusty, lots of graffitti, gritty due to the concrete factory north of the city, the ugly high rises - others here liked Split . I was at first a bit intimidated going to Croatia - because I knew nothing about it and had misperceptions about a former communist country. Is Croatia as moderrn as Houston - no, but it's a lot prettier.

Hi
I just wanted to comment that cars are not a luxury there. Parking in Trogir is difficult and you have to park out of the city center which does not allow cars. There are many cars on the road as well as local car rentals. Most of the cars are newer and in good condition.
alan

luxury was the wrong word in - no offense was meant - I noticed there were more people than cars in Hvar and that there were other forms of transport used - once again, no offense meant.

Thanks so much for all the advice! It is a great help to me.

Here is a good private home page about Hvar where you can find many info including accommodation:
www.holidayinhvar.co.uk

Pakleni islands accommodation:
www.palmizana.hr

I suggest www.visit-croatia.co.uk for information about Croatia. There you will also find a message board and a great booklet to download Croatian words and phrases. An attempt to try their language is appreciated.

Thanks, Grasshopper for your kind words. We loved our visit to Croatia and I wrote a report title Ahhh, Croatia on this site.

I know you will have a great time. We will definitely return.

Thanks for the web site. Jonas, I did find that site, but I am wondering if it is too out of the way. I contacted them and they only do weekly bookings, so I would have to pay for a week for 3 days. I am thinking it might be too far away from the restaurants, etc.

Hi
Try the Croatia Tourist Office for information. Last year one of the books they sent me listed hotels in Croatia by area. Then by star rating and price.They have an office in NYC 212.279.8672. or www.croatia.hr for their website. I asked for my information on line and received it about 4 wks later. It's a great place to visit.
alan

We accidentally stumbled across the indoor swimming pool/bar area of Hotel Adriatic on a walk back from the Fortress (a path leads you right onto the pool deck). I think it was on their 5th floor. It looked very nice, great view, and clean.

We, like Mark, stayed at Palace Hotel. The location is wonderful, nice terrace with views where they serve breakfast or cocktails. Our room had a small balcony as well. But, rather than add a small TV and telephone to the rooms, some paint with color and some wall/ceiling mouldings would have went a long, long way. The rooms were pretty stark, the inside of the place was Motel 6 type surroundings.

They did have a kitty who sat by us at breakfast each morning and gave the place some redeeming qualities. It may have been the shared breakfast that kept him there! The breakfast buffet did have a lot to offer.

We only had 3 nights in Dubrovnik, I wish we had 1 more so that we could have taken a day trip to Montenegro. We toured Split briefly while waiting for the catamarran to Hvar, then we also had a night there before flying to Zagreb (Hotel Split, would not stay there again mostly due to location). I felt the time in Split was adequate.

We did not have a car, did traveling via bus and plane. We were there in May and transportation was a bit limited. For instance, we wanted to take a day trip to Korcula from Hvar, however they did not have enough people so the trip was cancelled.

I hope you have a wonderful trip, we loved our visits!

One of the things I found pleasant about Croatia was how easy it was to get around without a car. So, please don't think it's a lot of trouble! We were in Croatia in June 2001 - we spent an afternoon in Split, then took the ferry to Hvar, stayed in Stari Grad, which we loved, for three nights. You can take a bus to Hvar Town. Then we took a ferry to Korcula (a large, comfortable ship), where we spent one night, and then on to Dubrovnik by ferry-bus. It was all very easy and inexpensive. And, yes, Croatia is worth the trouble! (But it's not trouble.) In Dubrovnik you can rent a room from a travel agency right outside the walls. So, I would suggest 1 day (not staying overnight) in Split, 3 in Hvar, and 4 in Dubrovnik. I hope you decide to go.

Thank you for the additional info. I am going to try to decide this weekend.

Rebecca, How late in the day can you get transportation to Hvar from Split?

Thanks.

WanderingTexan,
You can find the ferry schedule at:

http://www.hvar.hr/eng/travel.htm.

Good luck!

Thank you. WT

I found another hotel that says it has been renovated, The Pod Stine. Did anyone see it? It is a short walk from town. If you are familiar with it, would you choose the Adriatic or the Pod Stine.
Thanks.

I also found another hotel in Dubrovnik. Has anyone stayed at the Pucic Palace or know anything about it. It is described as a luxury hotel and I am wondering how it compares to Villa Argentina or Villa Orsula. Thanks.

WT, we went by the Pucic Palace and I remarked how fun it would be to be staying in the middle of the Old Town. But it appears to be very expensive and doesn't have that marvelous view of the Adriatic Sea.

A sea view room in the Villa Argentina just can't be beat. It's a ten minute walk to the Old Town and I think that is a good trade off for the beautiful rooms at the Argentina. I assume the Villa Argentina is less expensive than the Pucic Palace.

Thanks Judi, That is exactly the info I was looking for. Is it worth it to stay in Villa Orsula or would you stay in Villa Argentina. It appears that there are really several properties at Villa Argentina? WT

Anyone heard of the Pod Stine Hotel in Hvar? Thanks.

WT, Villa Argentina has a main building, which is several stories and several small villas which they have annexed. The villas are on the same side of the road, and one across the road. I stayed in the one across the road. I suspect that the villas may be more updated.

If you stay in the villa be sure to get one on a higher level and that you have a sea view. Mine was a really great comfortable room with a king bed, lots of pillows and a soft duvet, a large tile bathroom, lots of amenities, and a tile balcony with a fantastic view of the sea and the old walled city. The only caveate was that there was no elevator and 53 stairs to my room.

I would stay in that room again in a heartbeat.

The common areas of the hotel; the wonderful breakfast on the outside deck, the lobby with a wall of sea view, the bar, the pool and private sea access, are all in the main building and you can access everything by elevator.

website looks great

http://www.podstine.com

I can't figure out though where the hotel islocated in relation to the town, Hvar. Let me know - maybe i'll stay there in September.

I second staying at a hotel south of the Old Town in Dubrovnik - the view is enchanting.

I can't figure out if they just have a good website, or if it looks better than the Adriatic. Simply Travel has some good photos of the Pod Stine so I am leaning that way just because I can find so few photos of the Adriatic. On the other hand, on my last trip, I trusted my fellow fodorites and never went wrong and several of you have suggested the Adriatic.

Thanks for the info on the villas Grasshopper! I am definitely staying there. wt

Back to the Villa Argentina...
We stayed in the main building and the room was beautiful. The rooms are built around an atrium so you don't walk down a long dark hall to get to your room.
We appreciated the elevator to our room after that uphill walk from the Old Town to the hotel.

The view from the balcony is fabulous.

You must be getting excited about your trip to Croatia after hearing all of these enthusiastic responses!

WT -
I was glad I stayed in Hvar proper on my first visit - being able to hangout at a cafe and be in my room in less than 5 minutes was nice (even though the room wasn't) - lots of restaurants at my fingertips.

I am getting excited! It is so great to hear from those that have been there.

The Pod Stine is just below where we stayed last June.The town map doesn't show you that there is a steep hill/mountain just to the north which is the reason that the roads on the whole run from west to east.Our apartment was up on the bank and it used to take us about 20 minutes to walk down to the waterfront.We invariably got a taxi back!

Frances -
Is Podstine towards the lighthouse (the south side of the island) or is it in the other direction (towards Stari Grad - the north side of the island)?

I'm only going from the town map on the website(the third map down)but it showed me that this is west of the town so if you are standing with your back to the sea its just out of sight on the left.
We traweled around for quite a long time before we found accomodation in Hvar and it was one of the most difficult places we went to in this respect. Before finding our "pad " we had driven pretty high up behind the Pod Stine and failed at a number of places there. It was on our way back into town that we struck lucky-about £35 for our apartamen for 4 per night.

Frances, how did the Pod Stine look to you? Would you stay there?

Francis, How far from town is the Podstine? If it is too far, perhaps I would enjoy the Adriatic more?