We are a Senior couple about to celebrate a milestone birthday for my wife! Our love for traveling has taken us all over the world and to celebrate we have decided to visit Croatia for the first time in September . After reviewing many posts here on this forum as well as others, looking at multiple videos , reading about Croatia and asking chatgpt,I have come up with a tentative plan that I hope you will help me fine tune.

Here's the plan: We will fly from San Francisco to London, Heathrow and then proceed to Zagreb for 2 days. In Zagreb we will rent a car and spend an overnight in Plitvice National Park, followed by 2-3 days in Zadar, onto Split for 3-4 days. From Split we will ferry over to Hvar and spend 3 days there and finally head down to Dubrovnik for 3- 4 days.

These are some of my concerns/questions/options: How crazy is it to stay in 6 locations in 16 days? Should I reconsider going to Zadar and also forgo staying in Hvar for 3 days?I could stay in Split and go to Hvar as a day trip. Also if we were to spend the 3 days in Hvar I would have to decide what to do with our car rental since I don't want to take it to Hvar?We are both a bit confused as to what to do as normally we like to home base in locations for longer periods,

I would appreciate any suggestions/options, hotel recommendations!

Croatia is delightful!

Some comments:

Do you plan to spend any time in London? If not, I would encourage you to route from San Francisco to Zagreb with whatever stop that puts all your flights on a single ticket.

IMO, 3 or 4 days is a LOT for Dubrovnik.

“How crazy is it to stay in 6 locations in 16 days?” Your call! Some people hate relocating with any frequency, some of us don’t mind. As you are discovering, Croatia does not lend itself readily to working from just a few bases.

IMO, a car could be an advantage on Hvar and I believe there are car ferries to go from Split to Hvar. If you don’t want a car while there, you can return it in Split and take the bus to Dubrovnik.

Hope that helps!

I'm always the contrarian here, and I think that's a fine plan (also "older" travelers). I spent 15 days in Croatia and stayed 8 places (well, we went to Bosnia for two nights). We spent 3 nights in Split, one each in Sarajevo and Mostar, 3 in Dubrovnik, two in Korcula, two in Zadar, one in Plitvice and two in Rovinj. We drove to the Zagreb airport from Rovinj and didn't spend any time there. Took an afternoon flight to London and spent the night there before our flight home to SFO. We were scheduled for four nights in Split, but United took care of that with an involuntary overnight in Frankfurt.

I have to say, I didn't love Split and didn't miss the extra day (probably we would have gone to Krka--although the weather was not optimal). I found Split too chock full of cruise ship passengers and hokey tours. Now, people say that about Dubrovnik, but we must have just timed it better because although it was crowded, it didn't bother me as much. We did some trips out of the center of Split by car (Trogir, Klis and the Roman ruins) and also went to Montenegro from Dubrovnik.

We liked Zadar and spent some time vising Nim and Pag from there (as well as Sibnek on the way). Could have done another day there. For us, two days on an island, Korcula, was plenty--although it was not warm enough to do water activities when we were there and if it had been maybe another day would have been ok). We had planned to to to Hvar on a prior version of the trip that got postponed due to Covid and chose Korcula when we rebooked because the ferry connection was easier with a car. We were glad to have the car on the island so we could explore nooks and crannies. I assume the same would be true on Hvar, although it is a challenge to find island accomodations with parking.

As to accommodations, we loved the Excelsior in Dubrovnik--great view and easy walk to the old City, and were only meh about the Bastion in Zadar (but location was good and it had parking and an elevator). We did like the hotel we stayed at in the old city in Rovinj, but you don't appear to be going there--it changed its name right before we stayed there, I think it is called Adriatic. We stayed at one of the park hotels (Jezero) in Plitvice for ease of entry and re-entry to the falls. I know people criticize the lack of charm, but the convenience was worth it to us. It wasn't bad so long as you don't book the smallest room category. One night there was sufficient. We were able to cover most of both the upper and lower falls in one day (got there around 11 a.m.) and left the morning on the second day because of heavy rain. We had originally thought we would split the walks over two days, but the weather didn't cooperate.

Summary, I think you should keep Zadar, take your car to the island (there is a car ferry) and don't add any time to Split. But those are my personal very subjective opinions. You'll enjoy Croatia whatever you choose. It is quite beautiful and the people were friendly and helpful. Happy travels.

Thank you kja! We will be in London for a week after our trip in Croatia...There seems to be a mixed reaction regarding whether or not to take a car to the islands. One thought is to drop-off the car in Split and travel to Hvar on the ferry. We would take the ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik and perhaps not need a car there.

Right -- it depends on what you want to do on Hvar.

allyboy, your plan sounds good, and I would definitely keep Zadar and Hvar, and if you’re staying on Hvar for several days, I’d try to keep the car.

We were in Croatia in 2021, our first pandemic trip, so the large cruise ships were just starting to come back, but we were barely impacted by them. I agree that 3 nights in Dubrovnik were still enough. And, of all the places we visited, Split was by far the most crowded with tourists. We liked it but it was a shock to arrive and find more crowds here than elsewhere.

We included 4 nights in Rovinj, and in many ways, that was our favorite stop, both for the city and the surrounding area. Still, you can’t go everywhere (unless you extend your stay!) and Croatia is gorgeous and a wonderful place to celebrate a special birthday.

From the Adriatic to the Tyrrhenian Seas in 5 weeks - Part 1 (Croatia)

Thank you Traveler318 for your wonderful response! We do have concern (being older travelers as well) staying in so many places in a relatively short time. Normally we would select fewer places and stay longer, however, we do understand that if we want to experience more of Croatia we may have to plan differently. Would you change anything in your itinerary if you were to do it again? Did you enjoy your side day trips? Would it have been easier not having a car on Korcula? We too live in SF and plan to add a week in London with our trip to Croatia. In your opinion would you spend the week first in London and then fly to Croatia or plan to stay in London after?
Thanks!

First let me express how wonderful your TR of Croatia is! So helpful, informative and the photographs were just , in a word: spectacular! My wife is a photographer and we value and appreciate the time and effort it takes to produce and post!

A few questions: We are concerned with moving around to so many locations in a relatively short time. Would you change anything if you had to do it over? I see that you suggest having a car on Hvar, however, you chose to drop-off your car before going to Korcula? Any pros or cons choosing to stay on Hvar vs Korcula with or without a car? If we were to drop-off our rental in Split; spend 3 days in Hvar and then ferry/catamaran to Dubrovnik would we miss out on a spectacular drive from Split to Dubrovnik?

Thanks again for your very valuable TR!!

I took the ferry in one direction and the bus in the other. I preferred the bus from Split to Dubrovnik -- the views were spectacular! That said, I don't know that a driver would be fully able to appreciate the scenery, and some people prefer to travel on the water. Your call.

Also -- your last two posts talk about Korcula, which you didn't mention in your initial post. Are you thinking of stopping there? What would you give up to make time for it?

allyboy, the only thing I’d do again is add more time! We loved our trip! And you really can’t go wrong with any of the options. Perhaps I’d take a day from Zagreb and add it to Korcula but otherwise I wouldn’t change anything.

By the way, I was a photographer for many years, though now my only camera is the iPhone. Glad you enjoyed my TR and especially the photos - I still think visually!

We, too, are trying to consolidate our trips and stay longer in places and take day trips where we can. But, I really am glad we had the different stops that we did. I suppose if we were forced to eliminate a stop, it would be Zadar - but it was such a delightful place to stay and I’m glad we made the stop.

I suggested keeping the car for Hvar only if it’s not too much of a hassle getting the ferry there and back for the flexibility of exploring the island, assuming you’ll be there for 3 nights. I don’t know the island so it’s certainly possible you can find local transportation- or even choose to stay in one place. - the entire time. Since we were going from Split to Korcula, I didn’t want to keep the car in Split for 4 days. And we only had 2 nights in Korcula (would’ve loved another day). But it’s certainly possible that you can do the trip without keeping the car. Since I don’t know Hvar (except for the day trip), I really can’t say whether it’s necessary.

If we had another full day on Korcula, it would’ve been nice to have a car to explore further. We did see some folks (younger!) who rode bicycles, though I don’t think we’d have been up for that! I would’ve first looked into public transportation or whether it was possible to rent for a day. But having only one full day on Korcula, we didn’t need a car. We didn’t need a car on Hvar for the half day we were there since we just stayed in Hvar town.

Since we didn’t drive from Split to Dubrovnik, I can’t speak to the relative beauty of the coast compared to other parts of Croatia, but I can say that there is beauty everywhere along the coast!

kja, I believe allyboy is referencing Korcula because he read my trip report and we stayed there and only did a day trip to Hvar. And another poster mentioned Korcula as well.

I just realized that the following post was meant for Progol!

First let me express how wonderful your TR of Croatia is! So helpful, informative and the photographs were just , in a word: spectacular! My wife is a photographer and we value and appreciate the time and effort it takes to produce and post!

A few questions: We are concerned with moving around to so many locations in a relatively short time. Would you change anything if you had to do it over? I see that you suggest having a car on Hvar, however, you chose to drop-off your car before going to Korcula? Any pros or cons choosing to stay on Hvar vs Korcula with or without a car? If we were to drop-off our rental in Split; spend 3 days in Hvar and then ferry/catamaran to Dubrovnik would we miss out on a spectacular drive from Split to Dubrovnik?

Thanks again for your very valuable TR!

Well, I'm very sorry I commented! My mistake.

kja Not at all! I appreciate every comment. Thanks

Hi, allyboy,
Just want to make sure you saw my response to your questions (post #10).
Paule

Hello Paule! Yes, I did read your post. Thank you. As a result of your TR, I think my wife and I will plan our entire trip differently. Our trip includes a week in London and Bristol . As I stated my wife is a photographer who loves to photograph street art/murals and Bristol is well known for that. Originally the thought was to go to England after Croatia, however, planning flights from San Francisco with the necessary layovers, I thought it best for us to fly first to London, spend a week there and then take a very early flight from London to Zagreb and start our trip to Croatia. We will follow your itinerary, substitute Hvartown for Korcula, drop-off our car in Split and ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik. Thank you for posting the photos of the synagogue and cemetery in Split. We will certainly make sure to visit these sites.

Sounds like a great plan, allyboy! I look forward to hearing all about it!

I have decided to revise our itinerary and reduce the number of locations to stay. The new plan looks like this:

Flight from SFO to London Heathrow, stay in London for 6 days.
Flight from Heathrow to Zagreb 2 days Car rental.
Drive Zagreb to Rominj 4 days will day trip to Pula and other towns
Drive Rominj to Plitvice 1 night
Drive Plitvice to Split. 4 days. Day trips including to Hvar.
Drive Split to Dubrovnik 4 days. Day trips
By making these new decisions we will not visit Zadar, stay 3 days in Hvar, give up our car in Split and now drive along the coast from Split to Dubrovnik.
One big issue has been figuring out flights out of Dubrovnik and traveling to San Francisco.

Looking for suggestions for where to stay in each of these locations!

allyboy, In Zagreb we really enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Jagerhorn. It is very conveniently located just a short walk from Trg bana Jelacica (Governor Jelacic Square - the main square). We walked everywhere. The staff is friendly and helpful. Our room rate included a very good breakfast buffet, and there is a nice courtyard where you can eat breakfast weather permitting.
Hotel Jägerhorn – Boutique Hotel – Zagreb, Croatia

In Split we stayed at ID Regal Residence. Parking is included at a nearby parking garage. We had a very pretty room with 2 stone walls and 2 painted walls, a very contemporary feel. Breakfast was included at the nearby Bokeria Restaurant. The breakfasts are delicious! You choose from the menu, such as omelets, fried eggs, yogurt parfait, and a few other dishes. The only downside to ID Regal Residence is that the rooms are on the 4th floor and there isn't an elevator.


In Plitvice we stayed at Plitvice Miric Inn, just outside the park. We loved staying here. Just 5 minutes from Entrance 2. Our rate included one of the best breakfast buffets we've had anywhere.
Plitvice Mirić Inn

And in Dubrovnik we stayed at Karmen Apartments about a 5-minute walk from Ploce Gate and next to the walls. The owner, Marc, met us just inside Ploce Gate and gave us a bit of Dubrovnik history while walking to the apartments.
Apartments within medieval walls - Home


Trip Report Croatia, Slovenia, and a day in Montenegro! Wow!! So Many Beautiful Places!! - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

allyboy,
I like your new itinerary! You’ve consolidated the trip in a good way. I think you’ll be happy you got to Rovinj and the day trips from there are great. Don’t miss Motovun and having the best simple but delicious pasta with truffles! You’ll think you somehow landed in Tuscany. It’s just magnificent.

And I followed KarenWoo ’s day trip to Hvar from Split which was an absolutely perfect day.

Thank you so much karenwoo for all of your recommendations! I will check each of your places to stay.