Croatia Itinerary Help

Dubrovnik for 3 nights w/daytrip to Lokrum National Park which is 15 minutes away from Dubrovnik by ferry. Two -hour catamaran (ferry) to Korcula for 2 nights. 90-minute catamaran to Hvar for 2 nights. One-hour catamaran to Split. Overnight in Trogir which is by Split’s airport where you can begin your return flight home.
www.Ferryhopper.com

That sounds great! It's just too hard to get to Zagreb in this length trip, right? Flight options home from Split aren't great, but I think I can make it work. Would it be worth getting back to Dubrovnik for the last night if flight options are better? That's a 3.5 hour ferry?

8 nights is a decent amount to play with. Flights are always the sticky bit when Dubrovnik is on the itinerary. I think 3 nights in Dubrovnik and 3 nights on Korcula/Hvar should be considered the meat of the trip, with your other two nights in play to negotiate the air travel.

If round trip through Dubrovnik works, then I think keeping it all in the coast is more than fine. There are worse things than a 3.5 hour ferry, and maybe you arrange it so that you go Dubrovnik-Korcula-Split-Hvar-Dubrovnik to break it up a tad.

Open jaw Zagreb/Dubrovnik flights might even be cheaper. You’ll have to weigh the logistics. What I will say is I’ve literally just come from Zagreb and also just taken an intra Croatian flight. That wasn’t something I was keen on either, but the flight was cheap and a breeze. Look at Croatia Airlines direct. Also, my second time through Zagreb and it’s my vote for most underrated city. I just love it. So, a night or two spent there is a win.

Flights are going to be the real tricky part here. If flights home from Zagreb give me some better options, how would you suggest I break up the whole trip then where we spend a bit of time exploring Zagreb. We've done intra trip flights in Europe and Asia before so I'm not fully opposed to that. I could potentially find a 9th night and instead of the 1 hour ferry to split, take a 1.5 hour flight to Zagreb and spend the last 2 nights there. Edit: no airport in hvar, that makes getting to Zagreb much trickier. How would this look with 9 nights ending with 2 nights in Zagreb? Could also reverse it starting on Zagreb and ending in Dubrovnik if that makes the logistics any easier.

And considering we can do most any dates, is there a part of September that won't be more ideal? Beginning, middle of end? Flight options may dictate that I'm the end though.

Everyone is going to want to go in a different direction on this. The choices are going to be from very personal to tour book / AI / Package Tours. Mine is probably closer to the personal. I am more of a laidback people watching in beautiful environments sort of guy vs how many places can I hit bang, bang, bang.

So my holiday, I would fly to Dubrovnik. Don’t know where you live but in my perfect world, I would fly Turkish Air and spend a few nights in Istanbul on the way. Then Turkish Air goes direct to Dubrovnik. Just my favorite airline.

I have been to Dubrovnik 3 times thanks to friends and ex-wives. For me the town is good for two full days and that’s it. But those two full days are amazing … especially the evenings.

A lot of Island hopping and two-night stays for me isn’t enjoyable or relaxing. I am an old-fart, and it would wear me out. Then there are the Islands, Korcula for a night or two, is enjoyable. Hvar and Lokrum Park for me were the sort of places I was taken to because those were the options and sort of fall into the Tour Book tour category for me. If it were anyplace else in the world with other options I would have skipped them.

So, what would I do. I would land in Dubrovnik and do three nights in Dubrovnik (inside the walls, anything else is an unacceptable compromise for me), at least one night in Korcula, then another night in Dubrovnik (this time it could be most anyplace), then early the next day I would head down the coast and along the way visit a winery for lunch and maybe stop for some olive oil tasting (yes, it’s a thing and really interesting), I would end up in Perast where I would check into the Hotel Conte and stay for 3 nights at least (skip Korcula and make it 4 nights). Laidback simple day trips 30 minutes up the road to Kotor, maybe up above Kotor to a place where they make prosciutto, a few boat trips to the tiny islands and the caves. But lots of laid-back time on the bay front with good food and wine .... among the most beautiful places in the region.

Then Turkish Air back home, out of Podgorica so no back tracking. There are other carriers out of Podgorica …. I just said in my perfect world.

Oh, and I have done this once, something very similar twice. Never gets old. If any of this interests you, the details are simple. And here is what it looks like:

Perast, https://youtu.be/q2nckBnc7_M?si=CohK_4nsI6l7chEB AND Hotel Conte https://youtu.be/zYJcm2zlXA8?si=w7VstV-oLoVEQLr7 AND P1 Mountain Road https://youtu.be/QSz5hZVNxQ8?si=kAUpMBWDbSSztzt5 AND Prosciutto at Zora on the P1 https://youtu.be/08il6EXog3o?si=PkQ6Rrueu6c_-U98 AND Kotor https://youtu.be/G7QgBl7XNKU?si=pK1etsEr8UcAlofr

And the rest of the region in videos: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/montenegro/podgorica-to-dubrovnik-by-car

And considering we can do most any dates, is there a part of September
that won't be more ideal? Beginning, middle of end? Flight options may
dictate that I'm the end though.

Middle to End. Cooler and fewer tourists.

There are no direct flights from Croatia to the United States, except for seasonal travel between Newark and Dubrovnik. So you will need to transfer somewhere in Europe anyway. Just use Google flights to find the best fare, travel times.

I did a tour through that region in September, and (while noting that weather of course is never entirely predictable), found that Dubrovnik in very early September was hot and crowded, and inland and northern Croatia in mid September was ideal touring weather, warm and sunny but not too hot. Zagreb makes a nice contrast with the coast, as it has more of a Central European than Mediterranean architecture and vibe.

Will shoot for mid-Sept. Yes, I can figure out flight opions. I've been to Kotor so do not need to go there again.

Would like to figure out a way to work in Zagreb, but is it going to be too much of a pain to get there? The flight options back from Zagreb are better though.

9 nights: Dubrovnik (3), Korcula (2), Hvar (2), transfer to split, fly to Zagreb on night flight, 2 nights Zagreb with 6am flight out. Split to Zagreb flight is 8:45pm so I have to leave Hvar by 4:00pm or so to then get to Zagreb, sleep and have one full day there with 6am flight out the next day. Is that worth it?

8 nights: Dubrovnik (3), Korcula (2), Hvar (2), transfer to split (1), fly home.

I have been to Zagreb many times as well as to the coast many times. You really want to stay on the coast - trust me. There is nothing in Zagreb that is better than the coast.

United has nonstop roundtrip flights from EWR to Dubrovnik. Spend 3 or 4 nights staying within the walls and pick one other place for the other nights. I would ferry to either Korcula or Mljet, depending on interests. There are many places within a few hours of Dubrovnik that look lovely. No need to go to Zagreb!

Hi David, I agree w/ Emily and Cindyeb on this one. After my Croatian neighbor, Josip—who previously was a chef with his own restaurant in New York City—
suggested the Dubrovnik-Korcula-Hvar-Split itinerary. Was finally able to go for 9 nights on the coast and found even more time on the coast would have been more optimal. Going solely by catamaran really relaxed the whole trip in Croatia and made it unique.

The interesting footnote is that Josip never mentioned Zagreb.

EWR is a bit of a pain for me, but I could do it, but not seeing reasonably priced, well-timed flights and not seeing any direct flights home from Dubrovnik. I'll look more closely on united.com before finalizing.

Yes, I think we'll cut Zagreb. We have to fly home out of Dubrovnik or Split then. If, for better flight, I have to make it back to Dubrovnik and not Split, the logistics of that shouldn't be too bad?

Optimally, I'd like to do this in 8 nights. Do I do something like Dubrovnik (3), Korcula (2), Hvar (2), Dubrovnik/Split (1) or Dubrovnik (4), Korcula (3), Dubrovnik/Split (1). Seems like getting around by ferry is pretty easy. Are the accomodations pretty close to where the ferry dropoff is so it's not like I'm coming in from an airport and will lose 2 hours getting to the new accomodations? Or would it make any sense to do Dubrovnik arrival flight and head right to Korcula (2), Hvar (2), Dubrovnik (4)? We just did something exactly like that in Italy where we landed in Rome and headed right to Florence, then to Sorrento and then back to Rome. Long day, but made things a bit easier.

The Krilo catamarans go directly to Korcula Town and Hvar Town which is where you’ll want to be. You’ll be able to walk to your accommodations. The huge Jadrolinija ferries dock in Stari Grad and Vela Luka which will mean 30 to 40-minute transfers to Korcula Town and Hvar Town.

You can walk Hvar Town’s promenade to get to Amfora Beach if you want to stay on a beautiful beach with turquoise water.
There also is a new company recently launched called “TP Line” which may dock in Korcula Town and Hvar Town as well.

Have a great trip!

I didn't realize there was a difference betweet catamarans and ferries. So I want to go to Dubrovnik to Korcula, Korcula to Hvar and Hvar to Dubrovnik or Split via catamaran and not ferry? And I would purchase those tickets at https://krilo.aktiva-info.hr/ or maybe at https://www.tp-line.hr/en/? That way I get off the ferry and walk to my accomodations? I presume it's more scenic/relaxing traveling via catamaran? And bringing luggage on is ok?

I didn't realize there was a difference betweet catamarans and
ferries. So I want to go to Dubrovnik to Korcula, Korcula to Hvar and
Hvar to Dubrovnik or Split via catamaran and not ferry? And I would
purchase those tickets at https://krilo.aktiva-info.hr/ or maybe at
https://www.tp-line.hr/en/? That way I get off the ferry and walk to
my accomodations? I presume it's more scenic/relaxing traveling via
catamaran? And bringing luggage on is ok?

Ferries = cars and passengers; catamarans = only passengers. Car ferries are more limited and slower. Both are scenic, but you may or may not go outside on catamarans. You handle your own luggage (or put it in a storage room).
There are a few other operators, Jadrolinija is one. If you go to Croatia Ferries you can see if there are any others you missed, but go to the specific company website to verify schedules. You will in all likelihood be on catamarans for all of those routes. There are kiosks at the ports if you don't buy online.

There is also bus--if you go from Dubrovnik to Korcula by bus, the bus gets on a ferry at Orebic, and they bus you to old town on Korcula from the larger ferry port. I like this route, it is also scenic. Decide based on schedules.

I could potentially come into Split and head right to Hvar as well. I presume timing that with the catamaran schedule would be near impossible. I see I can get a private transfer from Split airport to Hvar, but I don't think 500 euro is in the budget for that. Is there some other way it would make it work to fly into Split and go right to Hvar? I'm hung up trying to make it work by flying in and heading right somewhere rather than coming back to Dubrovnik or Split for the last night before the flight.

I could potentially come into Split and head right to Hvar as well. I
presume timing that with the catamaran schedule would be near
impossible. I see I can get a private transfer from Split airport to
Hvar, but I don't think 500 euro is in the budget for that. Is there
some other way it would make it work to fly into Split and go right to
Hvar? I'm hung up trying to make it work by flying in and heading
right somewhere rather than coming back to Dubrovnik or Split for the
last night before the flight.

I am not frugal at all, but a private transfer would be off the table entirely for me.
Why do you assume you could not get a boat to Hvar the day you arrive at Split--have you checked the schedules? What is the arrival time and date? Without the specifics, it is all speculation. You also have the option of going to another place on Hvar and traveling to Hvar town by land if the schedule works better that way. Stari Grad and Jelsa are also options (SG much better than Jelsa, which is about 40 minutes across the island).

For example, I see a flight scheduled to arrive Split on 9/13 at 2:15pm. Flight being on time, getting through customs, etc is all variable. I'm not sure how long it takes to get from Split airport to catamaran area. I see a catamaran at 4pm and 7:10pm. 4pm probably is too early and 7:10pm is a long wait. I assume I would have to book the catamaran ahead of time. Seems tricky to be able to make a connection like that. I guess that's why the private transfer is 500!

Maybe it's just easier to get an evening catamaran back to Dubrovnik or Split and stay there the last night before heading home. Then I come into Dubrovnik, transfer to hotel, stay there a few night, off to Korcula, then to Hvar and then back to Dubrovnik/Split at the end.

For example, I see a flight scheduled to arrive Split on 9/13 at
2:15pm. Flight being on time, getting through customs, etc is all
variable. I'm not sure how long it takes to get from Split airport to
catamaran area. I see a catamaran at 4pm and 7:10pm. 4pm probably is
too early and 7:10pm is a long wait. I assume I would have to book the
catamaran ahead of time. Seems tricky to be able to make a connection
like that. I guess that's why the private transfer is 500!

I think you can make the 4pm UNLESS your flight is late. It's a small airport and not a long ride to the city port by bus or taxi.

Maybe it's just easier to get an evening catamaran back to Dubrovnik
or Split and stay there the last night before heading home. Then I
come into Dubrovnik, transfer to hotel, stay there a few night, off to
Korcula, then to Hvar and then back to Dubrovnik/Split at the end.

You are comparing a lot of different variables so it's hard to keep track (I know it's dizzying checking all those cat schedules!). Another complicating factor: If you want to head to Korcula from Dubrovnik airport on arrival (before working your way back to DBV), you can check a transfer service called Korkyra Shuttle. I have not used it but have seen it recommended often--it won't break the bank. Just in case that helps!

You are all great by the way, thank you for taking the time to reply! I don't mind putting in the work, but there's lots of info here that I never would have dug up on my own. I'm leaning so much and we are excited to get back to Croatia. I'm hoping to get this all ironed out in the next day or 2 and get air booked and then start working on the accomodations.

I really do like the idea of landing and moving on and then having 3 hotels rather than 4 hotels with the 1 night somewhere at the end. I think I'd like to make that option work.

Yeah, my head is spinning right now. I don't see how I can bank on making that 4pm catamaran or even the 4:45 TO one, that' seems a bit risky.

If I fly into Dubrovnik, I see a flight landing at 10:15am. Perhaps I then take the Korkyra Shuttle to Korcula and arrive Korcula by 4pm or so. I guess I would have a catamaran option as well? Coming in there earlier in the day vs Split later is a bit lest risky, though a bit more travel on day 1.

Stay in Korcula for 2 nights, head to Hvar for 2 nights and then to Dubrovnik for 4 nights or split up the nights slightly different, doesn't matter yet.

I've having trouble getting the Korkyra Shuttle shuttle site to work, I keep getting an error. I'll try to email them for a schedule.

If you don't do the shuttle, you do have the option of bus or catamaran for Dbv-Korcula, so that should work. I do think you could probably make the Split one, but you never know when you'll have a flight delay, and arriving earlier would overall be easier. (though the short boat ride Split to Hvar would be faster...decisions decisions!)
There is a bus from the airport to the port, and the bus station is adjacent to the port.
good luck!

I might be able to do a Swiss Air flight arriving Split September 13 at 1pm and leaving Dubrovnik September 21 at 9:40am. Edit: I'm also still looking at the flight arriving 2:15pm. The 2:15pm option would have a return on September 22, so 9 nights total. Might actually like the 2:15pm option with the extra night better.

Would that likely allow me to make the 4pm catamaran to Korcula, stay there a couple of nights, then catamaran to Hvar for a couple of nights and then head to Dubrovnik for a few nights? I can figure out the exact split of the nights later.

Does that make sense? Am I correct on there being a catamaran from Split to Korcula on September 13 at 4pm? If somehow we don't make that catamaran what do I do.?

And how do those dates sound? Will it still likely to be warm enough to swim by the islands but a little less crowded especially by September 17 when we hit Dubrovnik? We could potentially move the start of the trip a week in either direction.

Sorry, can't edit my above post. I'm actually leaning for 9/13 arrival 2:15pm to Split and coming home 9/22 from Dubrovnik.
Also, seems like Hvar would be where I go from Split first as that's closer. And on 9/13, I think the Krilo catamaran to Hvar is 5pm, not 4pm as I mentioned above and there's another one at 6pm even. Am I looking at that all correctly? Also seems strange that tthe 6pm catamaran is 3x the price of the 5pm one. What's the process of getting from the airport to the catamaran and how long does that take? 2:15pm landing should allow me to make the 5pm catamaran pretty easily?

So if I do 9 nights arriving in Split and immediately heading to an island, how would you all suggest I break up the 9 nights? Still 3 locations total or might 4 locations make sense then or is that too much hopping around?

Again, thank you all so much for sticking with me.

We may have to move the trip from 9/6 to 9/15. Same flight arriving Split at 2:15pm. Do we run the risk of it being much more hot/crowded than the week after or it's all pretty much about the same at that point?

Accuweather shows historical temperature averages during September consistently around the mid-70’s. The UV index is usually quite high, so it will feel comfortably warm most days. September is a great month to visit the Dalmatian coastline with sea temperatures at their warmest ( about 75 degrees).

From SPU airport to Split’s ferry port, a taxi takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. You will still need to walk out to the catamaran that you take and this can take another 10 minutes. Split’s Port is a busy one, with a lot of boats docked and it could take several minutes to find your boat. Because of this, the boats all require passengers to be at the dock 15-30 minutes before departure so passengers can board in an orderly way and no one misses their boat.

With all that in mind, I would plan to take the Krilo catamaran departing Slit for Hvar on 9/13 at 18:00. You might be able to make the 17:00 boat, but I think I would buy a reserved ticket for the last boat which you know you can make—rather than having to rush to make the earlier boat. At less than €9 per ticket— you won’t be out a lot of money no matter what you decide.

With Hvar your first island, you might stay 3-4 nights, then Korcula for 2 nights, then Dubrovnik for 3 nights.

Have a great trip!

We actually just booked the flights for the later week of the two arriving September 13th and leaving September 22nd.

Am I correct about reading the catamaran schedule that there are catamarans at 1700 and 1800 on September 13? For some reason the 1700 was like 8 Euro and the 1800 was like 25 Euro. Sounds like there's a very good chance I would make 1700 so I'll probably book that.

4 nights in Hvar wouldn't be too much? I can adjust time in each island depending on whether I take a morning catamaran or late catamaran to the next Island as well.

Probably keep to just two islands and dubrovnik even with nine days?

Krilo is less than €9. TP Line is €25.
I would stay in Hvar 4 nights since day 1 arrival is in the evening. then Korcula 1 night; then Dubrovnik 3 nights. Korcula Town is tiny enough and the Krilo catamaran docks right near the gate to the medieval town- about a 5-minute walk.

Am I looking at something wrong then? For Sept 13, Split to Hvar (main port), I see 1700 Normal Ticket 8.36, 1800 Normal ticket 25.

I just want to be certain that I'm looking at what I need with arriving at Split airport on Sept 13 at 2:15pm.

You have it correct: on Krilo the 17:00 departure is€8.36 and the 18:00 departure is €25.
Figuring you’re in the airport taxi by 16:00 you should be able to make the 17:00 Krilo catamaran.
The Split airport is a small one, and that’s favorable for a quick exit.

Thank for for confirming. I'll probably book the 1700 one. I guess the concern is that the 1800 could sell out and then I have a real problem is I miss 1700, but could have made 1800?

Also you say "I would stay in Hvar 4 nights since day 1 arrival is in the evening. then Korcula 1 night; then Dubrovnik 3 nights."

We actually booked for 9 nights, so maybe Hvar 4, Korcula 2, Dubrovnik 3?

Yes! I miscounted your number of nights.
Your 4/2/3 would be the perfect trip!

I started out with 8 so most of the thread was 8, but 9 seems better than 8 :)

Our travel strategy is usually to move around pretty quickly, but we wanted something more relaxing this trip, so hopefully Hvar 4, Korcula 2, Dubrovnik 3 accomplishes that. Hopefully enough stuff in Hvar to keep us busy for 3+ days.

I guess I start looking for places to stay now. Any paritcular areas in each place I should be looking at? I know Dubrovnik, I want to be inside the city walls. I would guess that for Hvar and Korcula, we want to be near the main town?