Croatia with teens in July

Take a catamaran from Venice to Rovinj, runs once a day during July. Stay for a night or two or three. Then either take a bus or rent a car to Zadar. If a car, either book a hotel with parking or there is a lot outside the old town wall you can park. Again, drive or bus to Split and drop car. From there you can ferry to Dubrovnik.

I try to explain to people that Croatia is an easy country to visit and take a slow vacation. THere aren’t big sights, famous museums, or landmarks to run to. The cities themsevles are like outdoors museums. Just walking around, eating good food, and people watching makes for a relaxing visit.

If you have any soeific questions, just ask.

Thank you so much for your time and suggestions! We greatly appreciate you. How many days do you recommend in Split, in Dubrovnik and in Zagreb? Also, can you recommend any hotels with pools in these locations? Do tog recommend retuning to Venice the same way by catamaran or is there a different option to see more? Thank you again for your time!

Are you flying in and out of Venice? I would suggest you fly out of either Dubrovnik or Zagreb.

We have taken many family and friends to Croatia and this is always our itinerary:

Rijeka - home city - car rental and drive to Zadar. We only visit Zadar cause we stop to see family. It is a nice, small city but skippable. Sometimes we just have lunch with the cousins and keep driving to Split.

Split - 3 nights usually at the Hotel Peristal which is inside Diocletian’s palace walls. You can day trip to Krka National Park, or to Trogir by bus or ferry, or go swimming/snorkeling.

Catamaran to the Island of Korčula. 3 nights at Guesthouse Junger (book on booking.com). Full disclosure - it is a B&B in the old town run by cousins - they also live on the property. There you can swim, take a water Taxi to nearby islands for swimming, hiking, bike riding, exploring.

Catamaran to Dubrovnik - 3 nights inside the old town. We’ve stayed at Dubrovnik Gardens, Bed+Breakfast Andio, and Apartment Paviša. The first & third places have small Kitchens. You can walk the wall, cable car to Mt. Srđ, kayaking, ferry to Lokrum for swimming and hiking, all types of fun activities. Every year we return there are New adventures offered.

If you fly out of Zagreb, Rent a car to drive or hire a driver - We’ve done both. Zagreb is much different from coastal Croatia but a nice small city, very overlooked.

You could add a stop in Šibenik, Plitvice Lakes, or any place that is on your route and catches your fancy. I know people rave about Hvar but I believe it is more of a party Island. Do some research there. Of course you could add extra days to any stop if your research warrants it. Obviously, substitute Rovinj for Rijeka.

Also, Istria has much to keep you busy. besides Rovinj there is Pula with its Roman Arena, they have shows there during the summer; Poreč, a fairly new waterpark called Istrialand - Google it - nearby. I know people would say why go to a waterpark and waste our time, but it could be fun for the boys. A little vacation day.

As far as pools, you can look on booking,Com and use the filter for pools. The only hotel I have stayed at that had a pool was the Hilton Costabella Resort & Spa in Rijeka when it first opened,

With these cities you get a feel for the diversity which is Croatia.

You have been so kind and generous with your time and suggestions. Thank you again! We will look into the places you suggested and appreciate your help.

We are coming from New York so believe we have to fly in and out from Venice. I’m not sure if that would change any of your suggestions or not. It will be a long flight so we want to enjoy our time exploring and relaxing when we arrive as best as we can. Thank you again for these suggestions!

Do you have to fly in and out of Venice. It would be a hassle to return. You can get a multi-city ticket for not much more.
If you have to fly home from Venice, I would do an entirley different trip. I would concentrate on Istria, stay by and visit Plitvice Lakes, then Zagreb, then venture into Slovenia with Ljubljana, Piran, then Trieste in Italy, back to venice to fly home.

Slovenia has Lake Bled, hiking in Julian mountains, two cave systems - Postonja and Skocjan, castles,etc. Lots to see and do.

Thank you. Yes, we will go in and out from Venice so want to try to plan a trip that makes the most sense time wise and not spending too much travel time in between destinations. Any route that makes sense to start from Venice, head towards and make our way back to Venice. Thank you again!