mar35ge

Help! We will be traveling to Prague, Budapest, Zagreb, (renting a car), driving to Plitivice National Park then to Dubrovnik for 5 days in September. Based on what we've heard and read, we think 5 days will be too long to stay in Dubrovnik, so we are looking for a side trip. What would any of you recommend as a day trip from Dubrovnik. We were planning on dropping off our car in Dubrovnik, but we can keep it for one additional day, if we need to. Or we can travel by boat or bus. We read that traveling by boat to Korkula takes "several hours". We would not consider this as a day trip. Any suggestions?
One more issue--Our trip commences on 9/2 and ends on 9/18. Will we need jackets or sweaters? We are planning on bringing an umbrella.
Thank you in advance for your help.

Debs

You might consider day trips to Moster and Montenegro. Coastal Montenegro will continue to give you beautiful views of the Adriatic, or you can head inland for extraordinary views of the Bay or Kotor. If you choose Mostar, you'll experience something totally different from the coast. 3 days in Dubrovnik will give you plenty of time to explore this delightful city. Definitely do the wall walk.

Do a search on Dubrovnik and sereral posts will come up to help you decide on your day trip options.

You have a beautiful trip ahead of you ... ENJOY!

CarolA

I was in Dubrovnik approximately the same time a few years ago. My suggestion is to keep the car. We returned ours only to discover that there were not many options for "organized" day trips that worked for us. In the "off season" they tend to be once a week not daily for example.

KayF

We had 4 nights in Dubrovnik and didn't think it was too long but we like to explore thoroughly and also spend time sitting in cafes people watching and relaxing. Dubrovnik has lots of cafes which are perfect for this! I would say bring one warm top for the evening, just in case it gets cool. You can check historial weather averages on www.wunderground.com

We did a short day trip by boat to the island of Lokrum. It was quite cheap, a few euros I think and the boat ride took about 30 mins. There is not a lot on the island, some people were swimming and there is walking and a cafe and some nice views if you climb to the top of the hill. It was a very relaxing trip.

Kay

Lolo12

I spent 5 days in Dubrovnik a couple of years ago before hooking up with a tour. It was wonderful. The first day we spent just walking around the city - did the walls and the general area. Another day we took a bus to Cavcat and spent the day there. Also - a fun day.
For the other days, we took an organized tour (I think it was through Atlas tours) to Montenegro. Then, we had hired a private guide who one day took us to Korcula and another day to Mostar.
Dubrovnik is a beautiful city with lots to do in and around the area. Don't miss all that it has to offer.

sessa

We enjoyed both Mostar and Montenegro (Bay of Kotor area). You could also consider driving from Plitvice to Split and taking the car ferry to Korcula for 2 nights then moving on to Dubrovnik by driving down the Peljesac Peninsla from Orebic which was very pretty. We did this on our trip but in reverse.

If you decide to keep your car for one night in Dubrovnik just be careful of where you park (there is a public parking area outside of the Buza Gate) and make sure you understand the parking meter. We kept our car in Dubrovnik for one night, and we got a parking ticket because the meter was very confusing and we couldn't find anyone to help us figure it out. I was mostly worried, though, because the cars were packed like sardines in the lot, and I was so afraid that someone was going to dent our car.

Luhimari

There is a new parking in Dubrovnik with free bus transportation to/from Pile Gate. Ask the attendant for the daily rate.
Have a good trip.

Mimar

You could also drive the car to Split, drop it there, and boat to Dubrovnik via Hvar and Korcula. (From Korcula to Dubrovnik might require a bus; depends on the day of the week. Check the boat schedules carefully.)

In general, tourist activity in Croatia, previously limited to high summer, seems to be extending a little more into the shoulder seasons. Although, with the world economy in the dumps and travel down, they may back off this.

Dubrovniktravelady

The weather should be lovely in mid September and believe me it is not considered should or off season. You could easily spend 5 days in Dubrovnik and take a couple of lovely day trips. The boat to Cavtat, about 45 minute ferry ride. Another to the island of Lokrum, only 15 minute ferry ride from the old town. If you keep the car driving down to the Peljesac peninsula to visit the wineries is a lovely day, it's about a 2 hour drive. You must, however, have a designated driver as Croatia has a zero tollerance for drinking and driving. There is more than enough to do and see in Dubrovnik and 5 days is not too long.

Dobrodosli u Dubrovnik

mar35ge

Thank you, everybody, for your good advice. I will email this information to our traveling buddies and come up with a plan.

tcreath

We took a daytrip to Montenegro (Perast, Kotor and Budva) and loved it. Dubrovnik is small but it's so beautiful and you will appreciate being able to explore the town after the cruise shippers leave for the day, I'm sure. We travel faster than most on this board, but never tired of our time in Dubrovnik despite it's size.

Tracy

Mathieu

I too was in Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split, Trogir, Hvar and Brac)in September 2004 and the weather was perfect. Sunny and warm (25C on average) and not a drop of rain. I hope you have the same.

I had 4 days in Dubrovnik, one of which I spent on a day trip to Bosnia with Atlas tours. I throughly recommend them - nice clean coaches and great guides and assistance. They also have a number of 1 day tours so look them up on the net.

3 days in Dubrovnik was just right for me. I was ready to leave after that. Enough time to walk around, stop and admire the many views at will, eat well, listen to great live music in the square, and get a sense of place of this charming town.

Have fun.

mar35ge

I went on the Atlas Tours web site and they conduct tours to Ston & Korcula only on Sundays. Unfortunately, we are not there on a Sunday. Does anyone know of any other reputable tour companies in Dubrovnik who conduct this tour? Those towns look fascinating!
Thanks again.

anniemackie

I think your time in Dubrovnik depends on what kind of travel you prefer. 5 days can be long if you like to be on the move. Dubrovnik is a wonderful place for sitting and soaking up the atmosphere, but not if someone in your party is prone to being restless. We kept our car for this very reason and took a day trip to Montenegro and on another day went outside the gates just to "look around".

If you are interested in Ston, let me second the suggestion for a drive up the Peljasac peninsula as a day trip. It is an easy and lovely drive...and well worth the day away. You do not necessarily need to do this as an organized tour, unless, of course, you don't have the car anymore.

--Annie

mar35ge

Ooops, we are returning the car as soon as we arrive in Dubrovnik. We don't want to struggle with parking, etc. We have checked Atlas Tours and they do not offer tours on the days we are in Dubrovnik...they offer them on weekends and we are there Tues through Fri. I'll check Elite Tours as someone else suggested.

Thank you all for your assistance.

tower

Marge: hopefully you have your lodgings reserved...as Dub Lady says, September can be very crowded...in my visits, beginning in Tito days, we either were early spring or late fall, but a cousin who went in September two years ago told of the massive crowds particularly when the cruise ships came in. Complete your lodging reservations soon.

I know Dubrovnik Lady doesn't favor our favorite get-away, a beautifully situated brook-side restaurant in the hills a few kms.beyond the airport, but you might want to consider it...it can be a very pleasant experience, but Dub Lady recently announced on another thread that unfortunately the cruise ship crowds have discovered it too....that could have changed the whole complexion, I'm afraid.

<u>"Konavoski Dvori"</u>...easy drive past airport, left hand turn into the hills (large painted arrow points the way into the village of Gruda and then a short few kms. drive toward Ljuta. Maybe have an earlier lunch before the busses arrive...no such problem whenever we were there. Enjoy.

http://www.esculap-teo.hr/restaurant...vori_menu.html

http://www.esculap-teo.hr/galerija_dvori/index.html (great photos)

Oh yes, Marge...have no fear..it won't cost you $250..promise!

Stu T.

tower

p.s. Marge...on my favorites I dscovered this additional page with a very descriptive video on the K.D.
stu

tcreath

mar35ge, we booked an Atlas tour to Montenegro and they never showed up so we ended up booking a private tour with a cab driver. We were told that most cab drivers are more than happy than to give you a private tour and take you where you want to go, and because most are life-long residents you will certainly learn a lot as well.

With that being said, driving in the area is very easy. At the time we went there wasn't a lot of info on driving into Bosnia and Montenegro like there is now and my husband was nervous so we booked the tour. In retrospect we could have easily done it ourselves. The drive to Ston is beyond gorgeous. If you drive yourself you can pull over whenever you want to take photo after photo.

Tracy

julia_t

Unless you are easily bored 5 days will not be too long in Dubrovnik. Apart from all there is to see and do in the city, there are all the excursions to the islands, into Montenegro, Peljesac, Ston, etc.

I thoroughly recommend Mostar - could you not factor in an overnight there en route to Dubrovnik? I did that, and here is the link to my trip report...

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...llet-holes.cfm

It is an easy drive down to Dubrovnik after.

I ate at Konavoski Komin, a bit higher up in the hills than the Dvori, a fabulous setting, quite unspoilt, and more off-the-beaten track.

Dubrovniktravelady

I no longer love Konavoski Dvori only because the last time we tried to have dinner there the parking was filled with 5 large buses. You're right the large tour groups are now favored and it has stolen the beauty of this once magnificent restaurant. Now you need to understand that I've been coming to Croatia since 1971 and in those days it was my favorite restaurant.

I can tell you that Juliat is absolutely correct whey she describes Konavoski Komin as quite unspoilt and off the beaten track. Do make a reservation and ask about their pick up service, they do offer it.

Dobrodosli u Dubrovnik