Sandramiani

We are a couple in our golden years (65 and 80), who appreciate seeing the great architecture and enjoy sampling the great foods countries have to offer. So we are planning a trip to Croatia (neither one has ever been), so far, this is what we've planned:

1) Arriving into Dubrovnik - 3 nights
2) By bus to Split - 3 nights
3) So here is where we were thinking of going to Plitvice Lakes. We are not sure however, if this will be a place for us since we are not big on hiking - is there a way to see the park in a shuttle bus? Or at least, walk very little?
4) Rovinj - 2 nights
5) Pula - 2 nights and our planes leave out of the country.

If we determine that Plitvice is not for us, then we have to find another city to visit (which?)
Also, we were thinking of renting a car in Split to make the Plitvice visit possible, so if we don't do that, maybe we're better off going just taking a bus from city to city ??

We are flexible in changing our reservations in any of these places - if it makes more sense. The only non-negotiable is the arrival in Dubrovnik and departure from Pula.

Any help will be appreciated. Thank you very much.

tower

There is a shuttle around the lakes...though walking is not overly difficult. I would suggest Hotel Jezero (very few lodging choices)....I do not do trip reports, but these pix will familiarize you with former Yugoslavia in the 70's and 80's..and Mostar(before the bridge was bombed out), Split, Trogir, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, Kotor, Sveti Stefan, Kosovo (before the war), and Slovenia.....as well as many Plitvice pix.
You're in for an exciting trip.

https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...Kq1odTr3IKLHA#

rialtogrl

I'd skip Plitvice if you don't want to walk too much. There are no shuttle buses down to the lakes - they are high up, looking down, and are really for getting people from one parking area to another. You do have to walk up and down hills and stairs to get around. I'd add a night onto Rovinj or stop somewhere else on the way from Split.

Since you are going in September you can take the coastal ferry from Split to Rijeka - then take the bus to Rovinj.
I've never done it - but here is the link, should you want to investigate -
http://www.jadrolinija.hr/pdfs/COAST...INE%202013.pdf

Hope this helps.

Delaine

Personally, I wouldn't want to stay in Split 3 nights. If you could, I would suggest visiting Korcula and/or Hvar for at least one of the nights and instead of Plitvice. They are both charming. You should love Rovinj and Dubrovnik, and Pula has some really nice Roman ruins.

Mimar

Note the coastal ferry referenced by rialtogirl only travels on certain days of the week.

Pula is not my favorite place. I'd stay another night in Rovinj. It's nice to have a car for Istria, for visitiing the hilltowns. Grožnjan was our favorite.

kja

> thinking of going to Plitvice Lakes. We are not sure however, if this will be a place for us since we are not big on hiking - is there a way to see the park in a shuttle bus? Or at least, walk very little?

As I recall, some of the higher lakes are close to the shuttle bus depots, and I think some of the middle lakes can be reached by shuttle and then boat, but I am NOT at all sure. Like rialtogrl, I think that some of the most spectacular lakes would be hard to reach by shuttle. But these lakes are truly spectacular, so I would encourage you to contact the park to find out what your options are. http://en.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr There's an e-mail address for info at the bottom of the page.

If you decide to skip the Plitvice Lakes, you might consider stopping at the Krka National Park just north of Sibenik (which is north of Split) instead. IMO, it is not as impressive, because it does not hold the variety that the Plitvice Lakes offer, but some of the falls are larger and at least as lovely. And the largest, most impressive set of falls at Krka - the Skradinski Buk - is just a few minutes by foot on a flat pathway from the ferry dock. (The best way to get there is probably by bus from Sibenik to Skradin and then by a pleasant ferry ride to the park.)

> If we determine that Plitvice is not for us, then we have to find another city to visit (which?)

You have LOTS of options! Given your interest in architecture, you might want to consider Zadar or Sibenik or Hvar or Korcula, each of which offers a somewhat different mix of interesting buildings from different ages. And they all offer slightly different mixes of other things that might/might not suit interests you have aside from architecture. (IME, one can experience good foods anywhere in Croatia! ) If you haven't already done do, you might consult a few good guidebooks for further information.

> we were thinking of renting a car in Split to make the Plitvice visit possible, so if we don't do that, maybe we're better off going just taking a bus from city to city ??

For most places in Croatia, public transportation should serve you well. The Plitvice Lakes can be visited by bus, but are much more easily visited by car. (If you go, try to stay there the night before your visit.) In many areas, a car would actually be a disadvantage because it will limit your ferry options and because parking may be limited and/or expensive. But you may need to be prepared to walk a bit from a bus/ferry terminal to your lodging - that will depend on where, exactly, you plan to go and where you plan to stay.

From Delaine: Personally, I wouldn't want to stay in Split 3 nights.

Vive la différence! Split is one of those cities that some people love and some people hate. I'm one of those who loved it! I found the architecture and the ways that the city has evolved and made use of existing structures to meet current needs through the better part of two millenia fascinating. I loved its energy and vibrancy and the fact that it is a "real" city, not a place that is primarily dependent on tourism. While I found it delightful, I can understand that others don't.

If you spend any time in/around Split, I encourage you to visit Trogir as well, particularly given your interest in architecture.

Hope that helps!

bilboburgler

another vote for Hvar, or Bol on Brac is pretty little port with hydrofoil ferries.

Sandramiani

Thank you so much everyone for your advice - we will take everything into consideration as we firm up the plans - we will look into every ciy that is mentioned here. We are very excited to see this part of the world.