Hi, I am currently planning a trip to Croatia at the end of June. I am only there for 5 days and it's my first trip there. I've sketched out a preliminary itin. but would greatly appreciate any thoughts or comments.

June 26: Fly into Split. Spend night in Trogir in Apartment Bakica as I understand that it is in the middle of old town


June 27: Ferry to Hvar in the afternoon. Night in Hvar. Dalmacija Hotel or Bodul Hotel


June 28: Rent car to drive to Sucaraj for ferry, heading towards Peljesac. Night in Peljesac.

June 29: Spend another night in Orebic on Peljesac peninsula. Side trips to Korcula and Mljet

June 30: Head to Dubrovnik. Spend night at Villa Argentina. Leave in evening.

Questions I have:

1. I had originally wanted to go to either Vis or Lastovo but the ferry connections are tough and I would basically have to skip Hvar and Peljesac to visit either of the islands. Is it worth the time/sacrifice? My husband and I are not party people but I thought the Hvar scene would be interesting to watch for a short period of time. And I do hear that Peljesac is very nice, although I have not read many people commenting on the area on this message board.

2. Does it make sense to stay in Trogir? I am concerned about looking around Split while carrying all my bags before the ferry to Hvar. Is there a lot to see in Split?

3. With regards to accomodation, any thoughts? Has anyone stayed in the Villa Argentina? I thought it would be a wonderful treat but I am not sure if it is worth the cost.

4. Where is the best place to rent a car? The only place that I know of is AutoEurope. Are there any other companies that I could try that may be more economical?

Thanks again. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Wow, I'm a huge fan of Croatia and all it has to offer, but you're trying to do too much. For 5 days I would just pick one place and see it well. I think for me it would be Dubrovnik. From there you can take a couple of day trips (Korcula for the island experience, Montenegro?) and save some of the other places for another trip.

I stayed at the Villa Argentina and found it wonderful indeed. But you will hardly have time to enjoy it or Dubrovnik overnight.

I thought the same thing - pick a city and just do the area around it. Dubrovnik would be my choice also. Our group took a boat ride to Cavtat and a day trip to Montenegro. Or fly into Split, see the Palace, and then head south to Dubrovnik. I could envision doing months in Croatia but unfortunately may never get back...but who knows.

I agree with the previous posters that you are perhaps trying to do too much in 5 days to appreciate the wonder that these places in Croatia are.

I agree with Grasshopper that Dubvronik is a great choice to warrant a larger portion of your time. I was there for 3 days last September (with a day trip to Bosnia) and it was magical. More than I expected. The Villa Argentina is a good choice though I opted for private accommodation about 20 feet outside the Pile Gate which was excellent for my needs, and it came with a postcard view of the Bay right outside my window that you could reach out and touch.

Having spent a day in Trogir I can heartedly recommend it. I cannot say enough about this wonderful little town and it's mazes of cobbled streets and shops. And it's closer to Split airport than Split itself which is how I ended up there.

Split is larger, but theres lots to do there too. You may find it useful to know that the bus terminal and ferry port are across from one another. There is also a luggage storage place beside the bus terminal which is most convenient. I left my suitcase in their care (the storage place looks a little ramshackle but its reliable) for the 4 days that I spent on the islands and it cost me 70 kuna ( = inexpensive).

Much has been said about the island of Hvar - all good and all true - but for me, my discovery was Bol which I loved, and spent 3 days there.

I've been struggling to write up a trip report about my adventures in Croatia but am being hindered by all the detail. Being very busy at work and home makes it harder. However the end is in sight and I hope to post it soon which you might find helpful.

Hi Mathieu,

Can't wait for your trip report. We're planning a trip in Sept and looking for all the advice we can get. Also, I'm interested in your Dubrovnik lodging.

Thanks much for the comments. I guess we are being quite greedy. Unfortunately, we have time constraints due to in-laws. Will think about settling in Dubrovnik and figuring out where to go from there.

Any thoughts on the Peljesac peninsula?

Mathieu, can't wait for your trip report and the name of the place you stayed at in Dubrovnik. Also, thanks much on the advice of luggage storage in Split!

SuY, the Peljesec Peninsula would be a GREAT place for you to explore. If you do have a car you can check out the beaches, coves, wineries. If not, Atlas has a wine tour that is really worth a day. I took that Atlas trip and the one to Montenegro. Then you could spend the rest of your days in Dubrovnik. Fun!

SuY, if you click on my name you will find my trip report along with a link to some of the photos I took.

The other posters are correct. You are trying to do too much in too little time. Where are you coming in from? What time do you arrive? Any chance you could take a couple more days?

Trogir is a great island. Apartment Bakica is actually just on the other side of the bridge off the island. You can easily walk from that wonderful accomodation to the Trogir side of the bridge in less than 10 minutes. We stayed at Bakica in May. The ownders are sweet as can be and the place is fantastic!

Maybe stay there for one night and then take the 4 hour bus ride into Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik deserves 4 solid days.

Feel free to ask questions but my trip report is quite detailed so you will find lots of info there.

Cheers!

SuY and Tuni01-- I suspect that Mathieu is referring to Villa Adriatica in Dubrovnik--at least it fits the description he gave. My wife and I spent several days there in early October. I have made several posts about the place which you can find by clicking on my name.

As others have mentioned - waaay too much in that period of time. Dubrovnik is fantastic, but you should do 2-3 days there. That leaves little time to island hop, but you could spend a couple days on the Peljesac peninsula. Me, I would get myself to Korcula, as this is about my favorite island in Croatia. I have been to a number of them, but this one has got a great blend of the historic (Korcula Town) and the beach life. Stay out in Lumbarda where there is a great sandy beach (a bit of a rarity in Croatia) at the edge of town. There are other great islands in the area, too, but just do one of them (or the peninsula).

You can also save yourself a bundle by staying in sobes, typically a room or an apartment in a house. Ask to see the accomodation first, then bargain. They are *everywhere*. I stayed at one across the street from the Argentina Hotel in Dubrovnik, had two rooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen for about a quarter of what the hotel was charging. The hotel has other great amenities of course, but if all you need is a room, save the nickel.

Do NOT miss the wall walk in Dubrovnik. It will be a highlight, guaranteed. Have a great trip!

Regards, Bruce
Croatia Travel Photos -- http://www.brucegcollier.com/galleri...level2_all.htm

Hi dcdee;thanks for the note. I've read your report and got some great ideas. Villa Ad. sounds terrific! We're meeting up with two friends and also considering an apt rental.

Thanks much for all the input. I think I will go directly to Dubrovnik and do side trips from there. Sounds like the Peljesac Peninsula is a worthwhile detour. Seems odd not many people go there much.

Quick question. Has anyone gone to the restaurant right by the Dubrovnik airport that specializes in meats under a bell? Any ideas?

Also, FYI. While I was thinking of visiting Trogir, I contacted Apartment Bakica. Their apartment rate is now 70 Euro per night in June.

Bruce,

Your pictures are fantastic!! I only wish that mine came out a fraction as nicely on trips!

Sally

Here is a link to some photos I took on my 2 week trip in Croatia last year.

Enjoy!

http://community.webshots.com/user/tkoedoot

In case you have any interest - my photos from September 2004; each area has its own set of photos. With my digital, I am a photo fanatic (and these are only some of what I actually took and which are still residing on my home computer.)


Plitvice National Park, Croatia
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...p;sort_order=0


Coast , Croatia
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...p;sort_order=0

Opatija , Croatia
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...p;sort_order=0


Dubrovnik/Cavtat , Croatia
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...p;sort_order=0

Split and Zadar , Croatia http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...p;sort_order=0

Kotor/Budva , Montenegro http://www.ofoto.com/AlbumMenu.jsp?v...mp;page=2&

Lake Bled , Slovenia
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...p;sort_order=1

Lake Bohinj/ Ljubljana, Slovenia http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...p;sort_order=1

Zagreb , Croatia
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...p;sort_order=1

Venice
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...p;sort_order=1

Palette, I really enjoyed your photos! Particularly Dubrovnik and Cavat and the photos of Bled. If this doesn't convince SuY that 5 days is too short, nothing will.

Funny thing about the hay racks. It seems like every country bales their hay differently.

Thanks. I could easily have spent another two weeks and still only hit the high spots. We didn't even get to an island (Cavtat is a peninsula although we approached by boat). It was explained that the area uses "racks" for hay instead of bales because of the humidity in the area. But we saw all kinds; I especially liked the cone shaped ones with ropes weighted down with old soda cans!