8 nights, 9 days in Croatia - recommendations please

Since you have limited time I would skip Korčula, it is similiar to Dubrovnik. Even though we have family on Korčula and visit yearly, it pains me to say skip it. But, if you read many posts here, Hvar gets rave reviews - we never seem to have enough time to stop there.
You can ferry from each place, no car needed. Check out croatiaferries.com for times.
On another note, if you wanted to visit another city, such as Mostar, I know a tour guide who could take you for one or two nights. His website is privatedriverguideincroatia.com. He took us to Međugorju and Mostar for 2 nights. He could take you from Split to Mostar to Dubrovnik eliminating the need for a car.
Just a thought.

Thanks Barbara! Saw your other post about a guide in Split, Pero Ugarkovic. But the post was awhile back I think so not sure if he’s still in business.

And would 3 nights in Split, 2 nights in Hvar, and 3 nights Dubrovnik a good way to divide the time?

I just edited my post. Read it and answer again
And yes Pero is still in business. We saw him last September in Split.
The other guide, who has a business is Mate Perajica.
About the time, if you are beach people add a day to Hvar from Split, otherwise perfect.

Thanks again Barbara! I’ll consider the Split-Mostar-Dubrovnik guide and will look into the 2 guides as well. Appreciate the recommendations. I was hesitant planning this trip by myself, but getting a bit more confident that I can do this with helpful advice such as yours.

We are beach and water people! Will definitely check out Hvar.

If you do contact either guide, mention Barbara & Sanjin from NY say hello.
Also, if you have any detail questions you can PM me.

I actually think nine days is fine if you don’t really plan to leave the coast. I think 4 (or three) nights in Dubrovnik, 2 (or three) nights in either Korcula or Hvar and ending with 2 nights in Split is a nice itinerary.

How you might divide that up exactly is just a choice. Dubrovnik is (in season) extremely touristy, very hot and crowded. You don’t need days and days to see the place, and a good chunk of extra time is often devoted to getting OUT of Dubrovnik during the busy day, either to a beach or other nearby day trip. And if your itinerary includes another, quieter coastal stop like Korcula or Hvar you can do beachy stuff there. The beaches and waters are generally a better situation in those places. Still, it might sound as if I’m down on Dubrovnik, but I am not. As touristy and crazy as it is, I had an amazing time.

I stayed in Korcula and absolutely loved it. Beautiful place, and though small, I never tired of walking around in it. Visiting the nearby Lumbarda wineries is pretty easy and a nice way to spend an afternoon. I didn’t stop in Hvar, but I have the impression you could pick either and be perfectly happy.

Thank you all for your helpful responses! Barbara, will PM you if I have more questions. GeoffB, will check out your post. Awrensinski, thanks for your feedback!