ExplorerB

Next August my wife and I plan to take our annual 20-day trip to Europe, returning to some favorite destinations, such as Rome, and exploring others for the first time, namely the Dalmatian coast and environs. Given this would be our first trip to Eastern Europe, we are seeking first-hand travel advice concerning travel in and around Croatia and Slovenia, with an emphasis on small to large cities. Also, while the following itinerary is not set in stone, we wold like to begin our trip with four nights in Vienna and conclude the trip by spending three nights in Rome and three or four on the Amalfi Coast. Therefore, we would be able to dedicate about ten days to Croatia and Slovenia. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Mimar

10 days isn't much for Croatia and Slovenia. With so many destinations and so little time, have you thought how you will get between all these stops? You can train from Vienna to Ljubljana. But then getting to Dubrovnik or Split is not so easy. From either of those cities you can fly to Rome.

Have you considered renting a car and driving down the Dalmatian coast? There's a big surcharge for picking up in Slovenia and dropping off in Croatia. You could train from Ljubljana to Rijeka, pick up a rental car there and drive down the coast.

Jadrolinija (www.jadrolinija.hr) has a coastal boat which stops along the Dalmatian coast and at assorted islands if its schedule fits with yours.

RayKrebs

I think that sounds like your best plan. From Vienna, take a train to Ljubljana and then a train or bus to Rijeka. Then I would travel to Split by other ferry or bus and catch the Split - Hvar - Korcula - Dubrovnik ferry. You can get off in each location and spend a couple of days before continuing on on the next ferry. Then from Dubrovnik you can either fly to Rome or take an overnight ferry to Bari and travel overland to Rome (although I would probably recommend the flight as it is much quicker).

Mimar

I forgot to add that, in addition to the Jadrolinija boat, there are assorted ferries and catamarans between the Dalmatian coast and the islands. Visiting at least one island really adds to your experience. We took the Jadrolinija boat from Dubrovnik to Korcula (loved that place), then a catamaran from Korcula to Split stopping at Hvar en route.

ExplorerB

Mimar & RayKrebs,

Thanks so much for your replies. They were quite helpful. After giving our summer trip additional thought, I've arrived at the following tentative itinerary;

-begin trip in Vienna, where we'll spend three overnights
-take flight to Ljubljana, pick up rental car and drive to Lake Bled. Use Bled as a base to explore region, including Soca Valley. Two days here
-drive to Ljubljana, spending two days
-travel south to Split, getting there in the most direct manner. Two days in Split
-next,visit Hvar for two days
-conclude our tour of Croatia with three days in Dubrovnik
-take flight to Rome; three days
-end our vacation with a three-day visit along the Amalfi coast.

Hw does that strike you? Should we postpone Italy for the following summer, and spend more time in Croatia and/or Slovenia (Istria, Korcula)? Perhaps another day in Vienna?
Thanks for your consideration.

Dubrovniktravelady

Since I've chosen to live in Croatia, my opinion is biased I must admit. Yes save Italy for another trip and visit our lovely Dalmatian coast. There are 1185 islands along the coast, only 65 of them are inhabited. The small villages and towns along the sea are quaint, romantic and fun places to spend some quiet time. Begin in the north from Zabreb to Plitvice and over to Istra and down the coast ending in Dubrovnik. I've been visiting this area, non stop, since 1971 when Dubrovnik stole my soul. I am now lucky enough to call the magnificent town "home." It is the pearl of the Adriatic and we still have some hidden gems. However it does take time to discover these special places. Croatia is a total destination to be explored leisurely. Come visit the Med as it once was.

RayKrebs

There is certainly more to see in Croatia like Istria, Korcula, and the Plitvice Lakes. It may be best to see them while you are in Croatia rather than return another time to see them. However, I also understand that combining several different destinations into one trip can be fun (although a bit exhausting), so it really depends on how you want to spend your time.

Mimar

So how long do you plan to keep the car? I'd drop it when you get to Split and use boats for the rest of your trip.

Yes, there's more to see, but there always is. The fastest viaMichelin route from Ljubljana to Split goes by way of Zagreb, then southwest. You wouldn't be far from Plitvice on this route, so, if you can squeeze the time for a stop there, I'd definitely do it. (Google for photos of Plitvice. It's amazing -- and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.)

In fact I might take a day out of Split for this.

The only trouble with squeezing in more is what Dubrovniktravelady said. Croatia, even more than Italy, rewards slower travel. Staying in one spot for a while, soaking up the atmosphere, the scenery, the slower lifestyle, the simple things, is what Croatia is all about.

ExplorerB

travelady, krebs, mimar:

Thanks much for your replies. While I derive much enjoyment planning a trip to Europe, decisions on matters pertaining to an itinerary rarely come easy to me. Still, you've all provided much food for thought. Perhaps limiting our travels to Vienna, Slovenia, and Croatia would be wise. Certainly traveling along the "slow lane" has its attractions, and Croatia seems like a good match to meet this need.

Regarding Dalmatia's islands, any thoughts on Hvar and Korcula? Based on my readings, Korcula appears a bit more rustic, less overtly tourist-oriented. Is one island preferable to the other, or would sampling both for a couple overnights be wise? My wife and I enjoy visiting museums and art galleries, taking short, scenic hikes, staying in centrally-located accommodations, and enjoying window shopping following a fine meal.

Thanks again for your help.