Trip to Croatia, Slovenia & No. Italy in September instead of June?
Aug 11th, 2014, 12:23 PM
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Trip to Croatia, Slovenia & No. Italy in September instead of June?
We were planning to go to Croatia (Dubrovnik (Kotor), Hvar, Split, Zagreb), Slovenia (Nat'l Park, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Rijeke) bus to Trieste, then No Italy (Venice, Padua, Lake Garda, Dolomites) home. We'd hoped to leave middle of June '15 and be away for 24 days. We are having no luck so far getting BC seats with our miles. I'm not sure things will improve.
How are the crowds and weather the last week in August (Croatia) and first two weeks in September? Maybe we'll have an easier time getting seats end of summer. Your thoughts svp.
How are the crowds and weather the last week in August (Croatia) and first two weeks in September? Maybe we'll have an easier time getting seats end of summer. Your thoughts svp.
Aug 11th, 2014, 12:41 PM
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I can only speak to Italy and France and the weather was wonderful for us in September. Toward the end of the month, some of the tours were no longer offered but that might not be a factor for you. Some hotels close after the season--I think more at end of October? Do check.
Once the children are back in school, I would think it easier to make plans.
Venice always busier on weekends!
Once the children are back in school, I would think it easier to make plans.
Venice always busier on weekends!
Aug 11th, 2014, 12:47 PM
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We have spent time in Croatia and Slovenia in June/July as well as the beginning of September. I really didn't see any difference in the amount of crowds...not noticeably fewer during September (at least in Split/Hvar/Zagreb and Lake Bled/Bohinj). But I must say that weather-wise, it was cooler and rainy. There was even one day when the thunderstorm was really strong in Sibenik/Split/Trogir area. We didn't visit Dubrovnik in September so I don't know about the weather or crowds, but we visited it in July where weather was really nice and warm, tho' a bit crowded (mostly cruise ship passengers).
Of course the summer months are ideal especially along the coast, but I equally enjoyed our stay during September. BTW, I can understand your frustration in getting BC seats during the summer months. I am also in the midst of doing the same.
Of course the summer months are ideal especially along the coast, but I equally enjoyed our stay during September. BTW, I can understand your frustration in getting BC seats during the summer months. I am also in the midst of doing the same.
Aug 11th, 2014, 01:04 PM
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Most of September IS summer. In Europe, summer doesn't end when American children go back to school. There is still 3 more weeks of summer weather. This is especially true of most of Italy.
There were thunderstorms in most of Italy in June and July this year. It was an abnormally extended period of instability that is generally over by the first weeks in June, but this year it hung in there. It was especially hard, I think, on people who had booked into the Dolomites. But for the destinations you are choosing either late June, early July or late August and the first weeks of September will give you the same chances for dry, sunny weather. You just need luck on your side.
Whatever the variations in air fare, the cost of lodgings in the Dolomiti and lake destinations (and beach destinations) will be peak high season in the last 2 weeks of August.
There were thunderstorms in most of Italy in June and July this year. It was an abnormally extended period of instability that is generally over by the first weeks in June, but this year it hung in there. It was especially hard, I think, on people who had booked into the Dolomites. But for the destinations you are choosing either late June, early July or late August and the first weeks of September will give you the same chances for dry, sunny weather. You just need luck on your side.
Whatever the variations in air fare, the cost of lodgings in the Dolomiti and lake destinations (and beach destinations) will be peak high season in the last 2 weeks of August.
Aug 11th, 2014, 05:00 PM
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It all sounds workable for Aug-Sept.Since we'd be in Croatia end of August, rain should not be an ordinary problem. It will put us in the Dolomites second week in Sept, in Fie allo Sciliar at Romantik Hotel Turm for our last 3 nts. Now let's see if its easier to get seats on miles later in the season.
Aug 11th, 2014, 05:46 PM
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I think it should be workable and perhaps even more pleasant in Sept. than June.
BUT you sure are trying to fit a lot into 24 days! It is potentially doable, but also potentially quite rushed. Have you plotted it out to make sure you have time for all the things you want to see and experience?
Two questions:
1. Why not the Plitvice Lakes National Park? It is, perhaps, the single most un-missable stop in all of Croatia.
2. I'm not familiar with Rijeke in Slovenia -- please enlighten me!
BUT you sure are trying to fit a lot into 24 days! It is potentially doable, but also potentially quite rushed. Have you plotted it out to make sure you have time for all the things you want to see and experience?
Two questions:
1. Why not the Plitvice Lakes National Park? It is, perhaps, the single most un-missable stop in all of Croatia.
2. I'm not familiar with Rijeke in Slovenia -- please enlighten me!
Aug 12th, 2014, 02:26 AM
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Sept will be fine though you may find unheated pools less inviting, the sea should be still warm but a sunny day is needed to go in and get out.
Getting onto the shoulder in each of the places mentioned, should be fine.
Getting onto the shoulder in each of the places mentioned, should be fine.
Aug 13th, 2014, 03:33 PM
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A bit about our travel style and limitations. My husband is 76 with a heart condition; I'm 68 with balance problems. We've traveled a lot and no longer need to see and do everything. Our hiking is limited to very gentle trails. I've been to Croatia years ago and we've both been to Northern Italy.
We were thinking of an overnight in the Plitvice Lakes NP are en route to Zagreb. Any suggestions where for scenic delight?
Rejeke is not a touristic stop. I had read that is is a location in Croatia where I can return a rental car, take a 2 hour bus to Trieste and then a train to Venice. We will rent a car when we leave Dubrovnik so we want to return the car in Croatia after touring Slovenia; cross border fees are a killer! Any other routing suggestions with this in mind are most welcome.
And yes, I am all too aware that we are at the mercy of the airlines, our our case, the partners of Alaska Air. In my perfect world, we would get BC seats on KLM.
We were thinking of an overnight in the Plitvice Lakes NP are en route to Zagreb. Any suggestions where for scenic delight?
Rejeke is not a touristic stop. I had read that is is a location in Croatia where I can return a rental car, take a 2 hour bus to Trieste and then a train to Venice. We will rent a car when we leave Dubrovnik so we want to return the car in Croatia after touring Slovenia; cross border fees are a killer! Any other routing suggestions with this in mind are most welcome.
And yes, I am all too aware that we are at the mercy of the airlines, our our case, the partners of Alaska Air. In my perfect world, we would get BC seats on KLM.
Aug 13th, 2014, 05:37 PM
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> We were thinking of an overnight in the Plitvice Lakes NP are en route to Zagreb
By all means, stop at the Plitvice Lakes! As I recall, entering by the lower end involves a fairly steep path -- but the views from the top are spectacular. The entryway near the upper lakes is much more gentle; the lakes to the north end aren't quite so spectacular IMO, but are still worth seeing. My recommendation would be to go to either entrance and talk to the park rangers who will be posted there -- they can work with you to identify a route that meets your needs and your time frame. I found them SUPER helpful!
> Rejeke is not a touristic stop. I had read that is is a location in Croatia where I can return a rental car
Ah, I think then you must mean Rijeka. There are other places that might be more convenient for you to return your rental car -- closer to Slovenia and without the traffic gridlock that sometimes encircles Rijeka. You might look at options in Porec or even Pazin.
> We will rent a car when we leave Dubrovnik so we want to return the car in Croatia after touring Slovenia
For Split and possibly Hvar (depending on what you want to do there), having a car will be a decided encumbrance. You might give some thought to using buses (very comfortable IME) until you are ready to leave Split. If you do decide to get the car upon leaving Dubrovnik, be sure you have figured out what you will do with it while in Split. And if you take the car into Slovenia, be sure it has (or you buy) the vignette that is needed to drive there.
I still think you are trying to cram too much in to the time you have and strongly encourage you to think about cutting back a bit.
Hope that helps!
By all means, stop at the Plitvice Lakes! As I recall, entering by the lower end involves a fairly steep path -- but the views from the top are spectacular. The entryway near the upper lakes is much more gentle; the lakes to the north end aren't quite so spectacular IMO, but are still worth seeing. My recommendation would be to go to either entrance and talk to the park rangers who will be posted there -- they can work with you to identify a route that meets your needs and your time frame. I found them SUPER helpful!
> Rejeke is not a touristic stop. I had read that is is a location in Croatia where I can return a rental car
Ah, I think then you must mean Rijeka. There are other places that might be more convenient for you to return your rental car -- closer to Slovenia and without the traffic gridlock that sometimes encircles Rijeka. You might look at options in Porec or even Pazin.
> We will rent a car when we leave Dubrovnik so we want to return the car in Croatia after touring Slovenia
For Split and possibly Hvar (depending on what you want to do there), having a car will be a decided encumbrance. You might give some thought to using buses (very comfortable IME) until you are ready to leave Split. If you do decide to get the car upon leaving Dubrovnik, be sure you have figured out what you will do with it while in Split. And if you take the car into Slovenia, be sure it has (or you buy) the vignette that is needed to drive there.
I still think you are trying to cram too much in to the time you have and strongly encourage you to think about cutting back a bit.
Hope that helps!
Aug 23rd, 2014, 03:02 PM
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Hi Robbie! We are doing a similar trip in October. I am just now checking on how to do parking. Some hotels and B and B's offer it free. Many have assured us October will be fine and September should even be better. Hope you got your Business class tickets. We have economy going over and are wait-listed for business returning. I always enjoy your reports--so helpful.
Sep 26th, 2014, 08:11 AM
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My favorite month is September because weather is beautiful, hot enough during day to swim but a bit cooler at night for a good night sleep. Sunsets and starry sky are the most beautiful this time of the year. In Croatia you can enjoy sweet figs and grapes, maybe learn how to make wine. Occasional showers will not ruin your day as usually they do not last long and often sun comes out right after the rain forming beautiful rainbow. If you want to avoid crowds September is definitely better option as well.Regarding your limitations, may I suggest spending couple of day on island Šolta that is a 45 min ferryboat ride from Split? It has many mild trails for walking or cycling (electric bikes available also) with breathtaking scenery. You can spend some time on household farmings trying virgin olive oil, olives, traditional sort of wine dobričić,homemade dishes, maybe learn all about bees and harvesting honey while enjoying special rosemary honey, pick figs while walking through vast fields and olive groves...Hvar is beautiful island but it is crowded and you get the same feeling as being in a city such as Split. I would suggest Dubrovnik then Split but get right away to Šolta and explore Split on your way back. One full day in Split is enough to experience all its beauty. Tourist attractions such as Diocletian's palace, St. Duje Cathedral, peristyle, and water front are all in small radius and you will be able to do it in one day without getting exhausted. If you would like to see hill Marjan (Split is above Marjan) then do it as a day trip from Šolta. From Split you can cointinue your trip as you have planned. If you plan to visit Plitvice lakes do it in September to avoid crazy summer crowds. I am Croatian and I have never heard of Rejeke. As far as accommodation goes, I suggest staying in private apartments. Owners are often wonderful hosts and often trat their guests with traditional homemade dinner and local products.Best regards,
Mia Jurjevic
https://www.facebook.com/soltamygreenisland
Mia Jurjevic
https://www.facebook.com/soltamygreenisland
