First Trip for 30 year anniversary to Croatia

Congrats!
You have two options for Split. The airport is not far, so no need to stay there, though Trogir is closer and you could also stay there.
I would map out some of your drives, because Split to Plitvice after a flight (how far?) would be too much for me. Otherwise, looks like a nice plan!

Good points, yes, it is a long flight from Michigan with a 4 hour layover in Amsterdam, we arrive in Split at Noon and the drive is about 3 hours but Plitvice is something we don’t want to miss. Our only alternative was to do the drive back and forth to Plitvice in same day and that would be more difficult so we decided to suck it up and stay near Plitvice and spend a more leisurely day the following morning. KRKA National Park probably won’t happen unless we get a second wind.

I know many itineraries hop from one spot to another to squeeze in as much as possible but we decided to opt for a more relaxed pace and enjoy the culture of each island. Our return flight to Michigan leaves at 6:30am so would need to leave Riva by around 3:30am unless others can chime in getting through Split airport security, we decided to do a leisurely drive back from Dubrovnik and stopping along the drive in some smaller towns, stopping in Split (RIVA) until tired. When retire we plan on a return trip of several months as the more I research Croatia the more I want to return. Maybe a month in Croatia and work our way around to Italy.

I would not drive on a day that I arrived after a long flight, unless rather than a second honeymoon you are looking for a divorce. I would spend a few nights in Split, then rent the car to drive to Plitvice. J

Lol, happily married for 30 years, she will sleep on plane and in the car, it’s only 2.5hr drive. More worried about me, I never sleep on planes, even when fly DeltaOne, but I also only sleep 3-4 hr’s a night. It’s the only thing that fits in our schedule but thanks for your concern.

If you insist on that initial drive (I get it) take small breaks to stretch your legs and stay hydrated. Driving when it’s sunny out, while jet-lagged or sleep deprived can be a recipe for disaster. Skip past Krka park, the few hours you spend there could cost you. Plus, by most accounts Krka is something like a poor man’s Plitvice. No notes otherwise, looks great.

Good advice, we are in no hurry to get to our bed and breakfast so will be a leisurely drive, thanks for your concern. Counting down the days, beyond excited.

You don’t need to do Plitvice and Krka imo.

The drive from Split to Plitvice is pretty long, even by North American standards imo. And frankly, imo, it’s not that impressive. I wouldn’t personally burn what will amount to almost 3 days on that. Go to Krka, back to split same day, save the driving.

Appreciate the advice but Plitvice has been on our agenda since we decided to go to Croatia, we love National Parks

Sounds like fun. Enjoy.

I think Split is worth a day. Have not been to Hvar, but it's just hedonism. Split is history.

Yes, we cut a day out of Dubrovnik and added a day for SPLIT, HVAR is beautiful so won’t change that agenda, gives,us good access to other islands for a day trip. Thanks for input.