Hi, We are going to be in Croatia next July. Family of 5 (kids are 23, 18, 16). We are hoping to see a few countries, as we fly into Zagreb and then out of Budapest. I know its a crazy flight path, but the deal was good. We plan make our way from Zagreb to Dubrovnik then utilize regional flights from Dubrovnik to get somewhere closer to Budapest.

Ok, so heres my question. Our total trip is 12 days. I am seeing gorgeous week long boat tours, but I don't feel we really have enough time for that. Does anyone know or recommend a company that does 3 or 4 day boat tours? That are SAFE and affordable?

Also, I'm up for another recommendations anyone has! We have never been to this area of Europe and are super excited!!

I have always heard most sail trips are a week in duration.
Have you considered exploring northern Croatia instead of Dubrovnik? That would save you time, and I can assure you the northern coast is also gorgeous.

Yes, I would LOVE to explore that area. I do want to spend a day or two in Dubrovnik because I am not sure when I'll get back to the area.

yorkshire, any specific locations you suggest?

Well if you want to visit Dubrovnik then it is probably moot, but I would rent a car and visit Plitvice and then go to one of these three areas before dropping the car back in Zagreb to train to Budapest: Zadar, Krk, or Cres/Mali Losinj. In Mali Losinj, there were several day boat trips on offer to visit small islands or see dolphins.
Have you determined how many days for Budapest? Once you work that out and confirm a flight from Dbv to there, we can better advise on itinerary.

Have had some life events pop up, and just now getting back to this trip! Thank you for the advice. We are flying into Zagreb, so that would make those locations much easier.

Yes, arriving July 12 to Zagreb (arrive 6:30 am) then leave on July 23 (3:30 am) from Hungary. trying to decide if its better to pick just a few places and relax and be there longer, or try to see as much as possible.... Any advice is greatly appreciated!!! We will be traveling as a family of 5!

Personal choice, personal definition of what it means to "see as much as possible"!

Rather than trying to see a LOT of places, I try to maximize the time I have to actually see and experience the places that I choose to see, while minimizing the time spent traveling between places. So rather than skimming the surface (and skipping much of what any one location offers) and spending time getting from place to place, I choose to skip some places entirely, even if I am sure I would enjoy them. While some people enjoy "sampling" itineraries, I’ve realized that if I can return to a region, the LAST thing that I am likely to want to do is spend my time re-tracing all that extra travel time so that I can go back and finally see the things I skipped the first time. In fact, I might end up not returning specifically because it would mean wasting so much time going from place to place!

I think the number of travelers also makes a difference. I travel solo, and so can move around with relative ease. Moving a family of 5 from location to location is an entirely different thing and would, I think, make slowing down well worth considering. JMO.

Hope that helps!

Boat trips also available all along Istria coat for those who want to concentrate in the general area.

Boat trips also available from towns along Istria coast.

Update: I found a short sail. Used the KimKim site and they had a 3 day 2 night from Split, and a 5 day 4 night from Split to Dubrovnik. We are doing the shorter tour and it is only our family of 5, and it was quite reasonable.

We went on our trip and it was amazing! We did find a ocmpany that did a 3 day 2 night sail from Split! Was able to watch the World Cup final (Croatia/France) on the island of Vis. We used KimKim and they found the said trip for us.

Thanks for getting back to us with this. Glad you were able to see some of the wonderful Dalmatian islands from the water, as they should be seen. I did not respond to your request about sailing charters as our cruising experience there was over 40 years ago in our own boat. I'm sure the ports have changed, but not the bright clear seas nor the friendly helpful Croatians.

Like nukesafe, I'm glad you reported back to us and I'm very glad that you enjoyed your time!

Unlike nukesafe, I thought the views OF the water and islands FROM the cliff-side roads infinitely preferable to the views from the water -- JMO, and thank goodness for individual differences! (I honestly don't think there's a right or wrong answer on that -- just personal preferences.)