rialtogrl

Krilo runs catamarans from April 1 to the end of October.

https://www.krilo.hr/en/sailing-sche...lit-dubrovnik/

Plitvice as a day trip is doable but it is a long day.. better to get there somehow (bus, transfer, whatever) and visit the park spend the night and make your way to Zagreb the next day.

You could even join a tour, hitch a ride with them, and have them leave you at the park after the tour. Next day bus or private transfer to Zagreb.

CailinDeas

My husband and I visited Croatia in 2019 without a car. We flew in to Dubrovnik and did a yoga retreat in Mlini which is a small coastal village about 20 mins from Dubrovnik for 5 nights- The yoga was in the morning and we were free for the afternoon so we were a short boat ride away from Dubrovnik and Cavtat and were able to visit those while being able to leave the crowds behind in the evening. We took boats to and used uber to get back.
Then we took a ferry from Dubrovnik to Hvar where we stayed 2 nights. From Hvar, we took a ferry to Split for 2 nights. Then we got a transfer to Vodice which is a coastal town just over an hour from Split. We stayed in a holiday let where we wanted to relax for a few days and so we explored the local area on foot and took some local buses. There was a card a the house for a local taxi compnay. After the first trip, she gave us her card and we used her for some trips that we wanted to make in the area that we couldn't use a bus for- it was not overly expensive and certainly cheaper and less stressful than driving ourselves. We had a lovely day in Sibenik and a fab day in Plitvice National Park. We flew home from Split again
My husband who usually does the driving overseas had been injured and was unable to do so and I was really worried about being able to get around but we managed very well and I don't think you'll have a problem. As previously described by other posters, the ferries along the coast are great.

CaliforniaLady

Thank you for your helpful posts!

mike1728 - Everyone is different. It's not just the road signs, it's all the stress involved. However, my husband just said he would reconsider if I promised not to make him drive hours every day. I told him that the driving time between Dubrovnik (our starting point) and Zagreb (our ending point) is only six hours, so there could not possibly be any long drives within two weeks. Maybe we'll rent a car part of the time? Will continue to research...

kelsey22 - I will review the routing you just posted, and look back at your planning posts.

natylou - I will look into the ferries. The trouble with going in April/May is that some stuff is not up and running, but we tend to avoid the crowds. Will research....

rialtogirl - I will research the ferry link you posted. Plitvice is on the top of my list, and has been for years. Maybe that is the time to rent a car? I absolutely hate group tours, even for a day.

CalinDeas - Wow, that's intriguing that you found a reasonably priced driver. That tends to be my favorite way of getting around. I wonder if she's still around. If you still have her contact information, maybe I can PM you for the information. Or at least it gives me an idea. I just assumed that drivers in Croatia would be super expensive.

kja

So you may now have an even wider array of options than before your husband thawed (at least somewhat) on the idea of driving! Reach out if there's a way we can help with your decisions.

FWIW, I still think of the views from the road between Split and Dubrovnik, looking out over the islands, as among the most stunningly gorgeous I've ever seen. I preferred them to the views FROM the ferries. Maybe take a ferry part of the way and the road (whether by car or bus or private transfer) for another part?

kelsey22

Croatia was very special. The people were very open and helpful. It is gorgeous. Of course, you need to weigh your options, but I have never seen water like that! I hope you get to go.

CailinDeas

I am checking to see if I can find the driver's number. I seem to have people I had one interaction with 15 years ago in my phone but not her number. Will keep checking notes etc She lived locally to the area that we were staying and we didn't travel too far away from that area and just used her intermittently. Good news that your husband may be willing to do some driving.!!

CaliforniaLady

kja - Noted about taking ground transportation between Split and Dubrovnik. And I will definitely get back to you for itinerary feedback. American Airlines is getting stingier every year with award bookings. It looks like the routing this year is through Madrid, and Iberia books out only ten months in advance, so bookings are now for March. I'm going to wait until I get our air tickets before asking others about the itinerary, because I don't know how many days I can get on the ground. However, I am researching. And yes, husband said it's ok to drive reasonable distances. And it sounds like a combo trip with varying modes of transportation may be the best. Thanks, as always.

kelsey22 - Thanks, kelsey. Yes, we will go next year definitely. Our younger son came home from college and said one of his professors said that Croatia was the most gorgeous place he's ever been. Since then, it has always intrigued me.

CalinDeas - That's ok if you can't find the driver's contact information. It's the idea that counts. If need be, I'll look for local drivers, great idea. Thank you.

Silverlady

Following; I am to plan a trip for.6 adults and renting a car for 6 in Europe doesn't seem feasible. Any must see places or public transit ideas, I welcome. Thanks

janisj

Welcome to Fodors Silverlady. Europe is a big place - are you also traveling to Croatia? Even if yes, it is generally best to start a new topic of one's own rather than tagging along on a someone else's topic. You may get entirely different responses than the OP here - depending on your details.

bvlenci

We visited a friend in Croatia. She drove us to a few places near her home, but she's a nervous driver, so we did most of our sightseeing by ferry and bus. It was quite easy.