My husband and I would like to visit Croatia in September. We know the cities we would like to visit and can book our own hotels. We are in our 70’s and don’t want to rent a car. Would the hotels we stayed at help us get a private driver or help us find the best way to get to our next city. I’ve planned many trips, but Croatia has me stumped. We are not tour people, but have put us on the waitlist for one of RS Croatia tours. Thank you for any advise.
Posted by
5613 posts
Croatia has an excellent public transport system. You are of course free to hire private drivers if you wish, but the bus was perfectly comfortable and efficient in my experience on four trips. And an even nicer way to travel (more scenic, though some of the bus rides are quite scenic) are the catamarans, which connect the major towns on the mainland and islands (Krilo and Jadrolinija are the main providers).
Bus times between Split and Dubrovnik are quite frequent for example, and most schedules can easily be found online, but if you wish to share your itinerary once it is formed, you can get specific guidance on the routes. Perhaps on some trips the bus would be fine and on others you may want to splurge.
Posted by
1110 posts
Depends on where you want to go obviously, but the distances can be a bit challenging. Along the coast, the catamarans/ferries are excellent, inexpensive, fast and comfortable. What little train service you might find can be a far cry from the slick train system you’ll find in Western Europe. Busses are the primary people mover. Check getbybus.com for schedules. My experiences of busses on my trip was a bit mixed, but they were on schedule and did the job.
More to your point, private tour connections definitely exist and if money isn’t an issue would be a great option. Most of the tour operators listed in RS guidebooks seem to offer these custom services on top of their standard trips listed on the websites. I would start looking there rather than trying to rely on your hotels to refer you.
Posted by
OP
Geneva, IL
122 posts
Thank you both for your responses. I have RS book, so I will check it out. Don’t mind taking a train, but rather not take a bus. Wish one of Rick Steves tours would open up :-).
Thank you again
Posted by
5613 posts
There is train service between Zagreb and Split only, but bus is reportedly better.
The local tourist office can be a great help with this kind of thing also.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
21691 posts
I go to the Balkans every year, sometimes twice. Still, it's one of those places where help is worth the cost so I still use a local tourism company. They will do as little as you want, like find your transfers, or they will book the entire trip for you. Up to you. Dijana Krkotic, Guide & Tour Designer
Doclea Travel
+382 69 277 749
[email protected]
www.docleatravel.com
I know of two other RS types that have used her. Maybe one will add something.
Posted by
Indiana
985 posts
Your post does not state which cities you wish to visit. However, if you are going to be in the Dubrovnik area, I would suggest you contact Petar Vlasic. He is terrific, and we used him for several excursions. Well worth every cent! http://www.dubrovnikrivieratours.com/ For other areas, we have used daytrip.com numerous times. They offer excellent service with private drivers (not guides). We too, do not wish to travel by bus, and are willing to spend the money for other transportation.