Base of operations

I highly recommend spending one night in or near Plitvice Lakes National Park, because it gets slammed during daytripping hours during busy periods. Conditions can be extremely crowded. You probably do not need a full day there; it would be fine to arrive mid- to late-afternoon, see part of the park then, then see a bit more early the next morning before the throngs arrive.

You might list your other day trip plans. Split is the major hub, but sometimes buses heading north will stop in Trogir.

We might go see Krka nat’l park, and just explore some of the surrounding towns to split.

What did you most enjoy around Dubrovnik? That would help. And what time of the year are you traveling. That would help. And are you good with renting a car or will you be doing this with busses and transfers or tours?

We haven’t been to Dbv yet. We’re going in late June/ July for about 5 days in the split area. Trying not to rent a car, and just use public transportation.

I am certain others will have better ideas, but I guess if it were me, I would stay in Split and I am not a huge Split fan. But Split will be the hub for a lot of packaged small group excursions and local guides and transfers.

Sure, you can do it solo by hopping on a bus (maybe) but you gotta find the bus, the right bus, and you gotta get from the bus stop to what you are going to see and that could be a pretty good walk. Then you gotta find the right bus back. All that is very doable; or with a small group excursion they take you to the door of the sight, and getting back is easy. If you don’t like the guide, dump them, just be back to the meeting point on time.

What I described is my second choice, first choice, is private transfers but that can get a bit pricy in Croatia. Still, I know the people that do it in Croatia and it’s so easy that I often go that way for part of the visit.

As for what to see, go to Viator and see what is selling. I always go to Viator when planning a trip it’s a great catalogue of everything to be seen.