Couple Croatia Questions

One full day at Plitvice should be fine. It will be mobbed during day-tripping hours, so try to take full advantage of late-arrival-day and early-next-day opportunities. I assume some of the paths are not included on any of the labeled routes; those would be good options during the mid-day period. As of 2015 they were selling a large map at the little shop near the entrance I used. What you got with your ticket (printed on the ticket) was microscopic and useless.

Just curious, why 10 days on Korčula. Do you have a specific plan, do you have family? I only ask because we visit family in Korčula Town and we never stay more then 3 nights. It would be a shame to miss Dubrovnik since you are right there. We have done a day trip from Dubrovnik to Korčula with a private company. It is a drive to Orebić then ferry from there. If I remember correctly it is about and 1. 1/2 drive then 20 minute ferry. It would be plenty of time to see Dubrovnik’s old city and walk the wall. You could stay in Dubrovnik for 2 nights then take a bus to Split.

Since we are traveling for 3 1/2 months from the time we leave our apartment in Italy, until we board the QM2 in Southampton, England. we are breaking up our travels with multiple 1+/- week stays on a body of water. Helps keep the travel expenses down by staying put for a week at a time in an apartment, and it would be too exhausting to change lodging every 2-4 nights for 3+ months.
And our dog loves water. We think of these stays as our relaxation vacations from our travel and sightseeing adventures.

Hi Karen,
We took the RS Best of the Adriatic Tour in 2018. We spent 1 night at Plitvice. We arrived in the afternoon and took a morning hike with our group. We started at the top of the park (per guide recommendation). We avoided the onslaught of the day trippers starting in the lower park. Many contributors from the Forum advise either early am or late pm.

We spent 2 nights in Split. Beautiful, but felt 2 nights were enough for us. We felt it was crowded and pretentious. We got away from the crowd and visited the Meštrovic Gallery. It was the highlight for us.

Korčula on the other hand was our favorite island. It felt like our vacation from our vacation. Magical! I can understand why you want to spend 8-10 nights. We were there for 2 nights and didn't want to leave. We stayed at the lovely Hotel Korsal. It was steps away from the sandy beach. Wonderful cuisine on the island. Our favorite restaurant was Nonno. Rivals some of the best meals we've had in Italy. We ate outdoors with an exquisite view. Barley will love Korčula. Lucky dog!

We stayed in Dubrovnik 2 nights in the Lapad area. This was 15 minutes away from Old town. To avoid the day crowd we took a guided tour in the am. We chose to take the bus back to Lapad right after the tour and have lunch by the beach. Ahhhh. Was it worth visiting Dubrovnik? Yes, for a brief stay.

Your itinerary looks amazing! Looking forward to your report.
Hugs to Barley!

You can take the daily Krilo catamaran to Dubrovnik, but that takes 2 hours each way and only gives you 4 hours there. You need to buy tickets well in advance at Krilo.hr. You can also take the bus from Korcula (it goes on the ferry) to Dubrovnik.

The other ferry company is Jadrolinija. You need advance tickets for the Krilo catamaran but not the Jadrolinija ferry.

I have been to Stari Grad on Hvar numerous times for periods of 2-3 weeks, but I always hire a car at Split airport and take it on the car ferry. I would find it frustrating on the islands to not have a car as public transport is not great. Avoid Goldcar. We have used numerous companies both local and international and haven’t had an issue.

One full day in Plitvice is fine. Be sure to visit Trogir when staying in Split.

My research is indicating large dogs are not allowed on catamaran ferries unless in an enclosed “basket”, assuming kennel, which of course we won’t have. So we may end up renting a car for the duration of our Croatia stay.

Do you have the link for the car ferries? I believe dogs are allowed on car ferries,

Hi Karen, when I first answered your query didn’t realize you were Karen from Italy. Yes, with your dog, Korcula would be a great place to stay and relax. It is very relaxing and has much history. You will love it.

4 days is too much for Dubrovnik. You will see the Old Town in 3-4 hours, you may visit small island Lokrum just in front of OldTown. 2 days is more than enough. Don't miss Trsteno and it's Arboretum on your way to Mostar. If there is nothing but Neptun's fountain it is worh a visit. Also in Bosnia on your way to Mostar is waterfall Kravica near Čapljina and near Mostar in Blagaj Dervish house and even more interesting the source of river Buna second greatest underground river source in Europe. Located at the foot of giant cliff. Another thing, Rovinj is beautiful (for me not less than Dubrovnik) but maybe 3 days is too much if you want to visit Slovenia also.