I just started reading information on Croatia and looking at the forums. The idea of going there intrigues me but right now I know next to nothing about it. If I were going for ten days in the Fall, where would you suggest. Am interested in history, beautiful scenery and walking around in different towns, etc. I was in Dubrovinik nearly 40 years ago but thinking it would be nice to return. Would love any suggestions you may have.
thanks,
Sue

We did 8 days there last summer and loved it. We did 4 days Dubrovnik with day trips to Mostar and Montenegro, then 2 days in Korcula and 2 in Split. An extra couple of days would have been even better. Here is my trip report - http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rful-weeks.cfm

If you search here there are many more trip reports which will give you lots of ideas.

I would let the best flights you can get make the decision. If very early fall (Sept.), then certainly the southern coast and islands are great. However, a little later in fall sounds like a pretty fantastic time to be in Istria (truffle season, etc.) Even the less visited northern region has castles and national parks, so it is really up to you!

Here's my trip report from 2009 (includes Croatia, Slovenia, plus some Italy and a stop in Paris):

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...009-photos.cfm

You could easily spend all ten days on or near the Dalmatian coast, between Dubrovnik and Split, with detours to Mostar etc. and stops on the islands. If you can, try to add a night in Plitvice Lakes National Park, an amazing park full of turquoise-colored lakes (full of trout!) and dozens of waterfalls, which is between Split and Zagreb on a map. FYI, if you choose to rent a car and drive, I found driving in Croatia very easy and safe (although driving into Dubrovnik was slightly unnerving - otherwise a piece of cake).

Flying direct to Croatia from the US in a single day can be challenging. There are tricks; you can if you plan carefully change in another European city like London or Paris if there are good connections between your US city. Croatia Airlines for example flies between Croatia and many European cities and fairly cheap flights within the country, so you can get between Zagreb and Dubrovnik fairly quickly instead of driving (there isn't really a train system on the Dalmatian coast though Croatia has an excellent bus system). If you have the luxury to stop a night at the beginning or end of your trip somewhere like London between flights, that could make things easier.

We loved Split. We'd originally planed to stay for 2 days and ended up staying a week. If you're interested in Roman history is is definitely worth exploring and I personally think it is one of my favorite places in the world.

It depends heavily on when you go though. We were there in December and didn't have to fight the crowds. In summer the crowds especially on the Dalmatian coast can get heavy. Just driving across the country was one of the most interesting things we did especially the the north east where the signs of war still exist amid all the new buildings.

these are all great suggestions. My question would be do we stick strictly to the coastline or is it worth exploring Zagreb as well. We are planning to do this in the Fall- end of September.

I have not been to Zagreb so can't comment on that part of Croatia. We very much enjoyed a trip to Sarajevo/Bosnia and Herzegovina and the southern Dalmatian coast last fall. (I posted a trip report with lots of details) Sarajevo is closer to Dubrovnik and Split than Zagreb is and is a wonderful city. If you don't want to go that far into BiH, many people take day trips to Mostar.

We had wonderful warm weather in Croatia and Herzegovina in early October last year. We are seriously considering going to Slovenia and Istria this fall.

bookmarking

We thought Zagreb was nice but it didn't really stand out in our memory, especially compared to how stunning the coast was. It's a smallish city and really doesn't have the density of sights that you find along in the towns along the coast. Not that it isn't pretty but I don't know if it would be worth the trip inland. If you do go you should stop at the Plitvice Lakes which are roughly between Zagreb and Split.

You could also consider adding Slovenia to your plans right next door and beautiful in the mountains.

The Dinaric Alps in Bosnia and Herzegovina are also very beautiful.

My husband and I watched Rick Steves' TV show on Slovenia yesterday and it certainly does look like a gorgeous country with scenery comparable to Austria and Switzerland.

So many places, so little time.

Hayestrip, I would like to perhaps email with you about your trip to Croatia. We are going for a month in May and have some questions about driving down the coast. Also, would appreciate more details on Split. We are planning on renting an apartment there, also in Rovinj and again in Dubrovnik. Anyone else is welcome to chime in here. We are experiencec travelers and will have a car--at least some of the time.

Hey Auleen, R u going in May 2011 or May 2012....If in 2012 perhaps we could keep in touch and try to work something out so we could travel in a group. My hubby and I are deff planning to drive along the coast line. I am a croatian born woman who lives here in Australia (40 years now) and am able to converse on a high level with the locals. We are planning to hire a car in Dubrovnik and drive along the coast line heading towards Zadar, Sibenik Split, Plitvice lakes and eventually ending in Zagreb. Along the way I was hoping to see a couple of out of tourist places towns such as Biograd Na Moru (White City by the Sea) and, Pakostane....my email is [email protected] if your intersted pls drop me a line.

Suzzi1961 can you please tell me about Biograd Na Moru and Pakostane.. are they on the Coast and have you been there before? What have you heard about them?
thanks

Both the towns are off Split. They are towns where my father and my grandmother were born. I just want to go and see them for myself...