HELP pls. we're looking into travel 31 July through 14 Aug. 2009. We are severely inept on travels throughout Croatia. Lonely planet has helped but here I go:

We would like to spend a few days in Zagreb (would 3 days be sufficient), then we'd like to travel along the coast and go inland for some MUST see out of the way areas.

We would be interested in ending our journey in Dubrovnik. If we fly into Zagreb, would we be able to depart from Dubrovnik? Also I've read there's air, ferry, bus and car rental options to get from one end of Croatia to the other but I'm not certain which is the best option. How much would a car cost, I would also need car rental agencies which are reputable.

I've reached out to several individuals in Zagreb for affordable apartments as most of our budget is being eaten up by air travel from NY. I've read a bit about Motuvun (haven't been able to spot on map), Split and Istria.

ANY and all information would be so appreciated.

Here are some pics to get you excited--we liked Croatia.

http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=3882

skip Dubrovnik. Split much nicer.

However-In Zagreb-yes Zagreb-the Hotel called Hotel Dubrovnik is very nice and on the main square. large rooms with balcony overlooking main square

Motovun is on the northern part of the Istrian peninsula. We just got back from Croatia & Slovenia. We flew into Zagreb, rented a Hertz car, drove around Slovenia, back down to Istria, Plitvice, Mostar (Bosnia), Dubrovnik and Hvar. There are lots of car rental agencies including some budget consolidators. Hertz did not charge us a one-way fee. Generally speaking manual transmissions are cheaper, and diesel gas is a little bit less expensive than regular. Car travel is very easy, although if you're not on a highway things can be a little slow. Ferries between the islands are fantastic--clean, modern & on time. Continental let us do an open jaw itinerary, into Zagreb and out of Split, although we had to lay over in Paris on the way over and Rome on the way back.

Skip Split, Dubrovnik is much nicer!

Not sure if leaving from a different airport in Croatia will keep the air fare low.
My 2 cents worth. Return flight to Venice - Train//bus to Croatia and pick up car - tour from Istria to Dubrovnik and drop car - Ferry back to Rijeka - Bus//train to Venice.
You could get a car at the airport and keep it for the full period but having a car in Dubrovnik is a big hassle with parking. You also would be doing a bit of backtracking this way.

Motovun is a small town in Istria.

There are more flights into and out of Split -- compared with Dubrovnik; you might check that out.

The time of your trip is high season, but if you're going to use ferries for part of the trip, it's important to check the schedule, especially if you need a car ferry.

Other possible destinations to look at: Plitvice National Park (inland), islands along the coast, like Hvar and Korcula. In fact, it seems like you need to get more information about Croatia. Maybe look at more guidebooks and check out online info, like Fodor's Destinations above.

I have to agree that I would skip Split and go to Dubrovnik. Especially if you are driving - Split is a disaster for driving. It is actually fairly easy to drive from Zagreb through to Dubrovnik. I believe they have just completed a new motor way. Driving is not that bad in Croatia - other than Split.

zagreb is a small homely kinda capital city
not a lot to see
id say a night and a full day -or less

we liked plitvice lakes

liked zadar
loved trogir
liked split

loved dubrovnik - that was our base

split- yes go to split
lots dont like it with its mix of shabby residential and ancient treasures but we liked it and glad that i talked OH into docking there instead of another marina so we had an afternoon and evening there
the promenade is nice beside the harbour

dubrovnik is out of this world beautiful and not to see it what would be a grand shame

3 days are enough for Zagreb, beautiful small town, visit Upper Town, with St Marco Church, Cathedral, and museum of Zagreb. Take one day to rent a car and visit castel near Zagreb, Veliki Tabor an Trakoscan.There are few superb rastaurants near the castels. here are links with the directions http://www.veliki-tabor.hr/html/english/start.htm,
http://www.trakoscan.hr/sazetak_en.asp.
After 3 days try cheap airline tickets with Croatia Airlines to Split. Than just take ferry to the islands of Hvar, Brač an Vis(visit Komiza) small charming fishing willage with great beaches, take the trip to the Blue Cave-stunning.After Vis there is ferry to Dubrovnik, you will love it. From there take a flight to Zagreb, and connect to NY. www.croatiaairlines.com

disagree. LOVED SPLIT. Dubrovnik just a walled town-very limited fine on a quick one day stop impressive when yiu walk in but very confined.. loaded with all the cruise ship people. Split much nicer. fabulous boardwalk . very interesting walled old town plus a whoe out of the old town.
nice seafood restaurants.

I agree that Split is besutiful, but day or two in enough to see Split(Diocletians Palace, Old Town, Piazza, and Benedictine Monastery).And beaches in the nearby islands are much much nicer than ones in Split. Dubrovnik is loaded with people in this time of the year- it is peak of the season in Croatia.
But you must go there when you are in Croatia, it would be shame to missed it. George Bernard Shaw once said "Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik".