Visiting Italy or Spain before Croatia, suggestions please.
 

We are planning a trip to Europe next year.
The only locked in part is a trip to Croatia, we will need to be in Dubrovnik June 11. We will be spending 2 weeks in Croatia.
We will probably plan to arrive in either Spain or Italy around the 1st June, flying from Australia we can choose to fly to any major city with 1 stop. Our only limitations is picking a city to finish in that flys direct to Dubrovnik. For Italy that is Rome, for Spain Barcelona.(I think).
In the last 5 years we have spent some time in Italy (Lake Como area, Cinque Terre, Tuscany and Venice) but we do love Italy. We visited Rome 30 years ago.
In Spain we have only been to Barcelona, again 30 years ago.

Looking for some areas , ideas and itinerary suggestions. We do not like to spend 1 night stays in places if possible.
Any suggestions would be most appreciated

Take a look at the Basque country and Belle Epoque San Sebastián. The food capital of Spain, beautiful landscapes, some of the finest city beaches on the continent and a local culture that people take great pride in.
http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...stian-tourism/
"Is San Sebastián the world's greatest city for foodies": http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...y-for-foodies/

Monte Ulia is one of three hills in the city, fabulous views and walks in all three, and some sensational restaurants in Igueldo and Ulía: https://www.theguardian.com/books/bo...-san-sebastian

San Sebastián is European capital of culture this year: http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...ulture-capital

About the Basque country/Euskadi in general, rugged coastline with excellent fishing villages, inland are mountains and lovely small towns, and vibrant Bilbao is just an hour drive west of San Sebastián: http://tourism.euskadi.eus/en/
The coastline: http://tourism.euskadi.eus/basque-coast/

It looks as though you're right that Rome and Barcellona are the two cities that have direct flights to Dubrovnik. At least skyscanner.net shows only those.

There are dozens of possibilities. It would help to know something more of your interests.

I think there is a Croatia airlines direct flight from Venice to Dubrovnik but it only goes once or twice per week. It could cone in handy if you decide to explore NE Italy.

Thanks Kimhe for your information on the Basque country, I have heard that the food is good in that area and we do like good food and wine.
I guess Italy has a higher profile and maybe Spain is to be looked at further.

Yes the direct flights to Dubrovnik are limited so want to position ourselves to get there easily.

Our interests: We are not big shoppers, we love exploring the countryside like some nice walks and scenery. Like soaking up the culture but not necessarily big museums, we often like to base ourselves in one area for 5-6 days and spend day trips exploring.
We love exploring the food options and a nice glass of red wine.

Four restaurants in the Basque Country - with only four million people - on top 21 of the world's best restaurants list 2016. Twice as many as US, UK and France each. http://www.theworlds50best.com/

39 Michelin star restaurants in this small region: http://www.euskoguide.com/food-drink...r-restaurants/

16 Michelin start in San Sebastián alone, and three 3 Michelin star restaurants (Arzak, Akelarre and Martin Berasategui). http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/e...michelin-stars

The best about the food culture up here is nevertheless the quality of the food in any place you happen to walk into. Any pintxos bar or restaurant servving less than great food is out of business in no time. http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandst...rink.shopping2

Here's a guide to going for the famous pintxos in San Sebastián, gourmet style small portions for some 2-3€: http://www.todopintxos.com/home/home.php?lang=en

A great and fun video intro to the very special food culture in San Sebastián: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwmBAvqa_0U

And San Sebastián is 70 mins with direct bus from the quite large international Bilbao airport. http://www.aena.es/csee/Satellite/Ae...o/en/Home.html

In case it matters: Any reason why you MUST fly into Dubrovnik, instead of flying into another city in the area and traveling to Dubrovnik from there in time for your target date? It would seem that you are limiting yourselves, perhaps unnecessarily....

You could spend a few days in Rome and Tuscany and/or Umbria with 10 days to spend. Do have a look at my TR: https://ashwinbahulkar.wordpress.com...rence-tuscany/
In Spain, I wouldn't go to Andalusia since it would be hot.

Kimhe - thanks for all the great links. Looks like foodie heaven! I will share them with hubby and have an extensive look.

kja - I've looked at the ferry option from Bari, but not sure the positioning would be worth the effort. We will be travelling to Split after Dubrovnik as we will be picking up a boat with a group of friends to sail around the islands. So didn't want to do that trip (between Split & Dubrovnik twice). Split has limited flight options as well.

ashwimb - originally Italy was high on the list, as we love Italy but we have seen quite a few places, but it is always great to go back. But the more I read about Spain the more it seems like a great place to explore. We would probably end our time in Spain in Barcelona. But thinking of spending time in Madrid?, San Sebastian and our son loved Seville, so may have gather a few more days.

Now I get it! I wanted to see a lot in and around Croatia, so I flew into Sarajevo, moved on to Mostar by train, and from there to Dubrovnik by bus. But I can better understand your question with this additional information about your plans.