Help with Itinerary in Italy and Croatia.

There is no easy train from Venice to Split; the only train route would be far out of the way via Zagreb. It would be faster to take buses or ferries - or fly. Croatia Airlines has relatively cheap in-country flights. If you can make it to Zagreb, you might fly to Dubrovnik then take the bus or ferry north to Split and fly out of there.

There are ferries from Split to Dubrovnik year round, but they don't run every day off season. You have to time your trip to the ferry schedule.

Are you sure you want to visit Croatia in late October? I visited Dubrovnik, Korcula, and Split mid-October a few years ago. Weather in Dubrovnik was unseasonably warm (I was told) but the day I left it turned cold and rainy, making Korcula and Split sometimes unpleasant. I understand that Dubrovnik is pretty dull off season. Then again, if the cruise ships stop calling the place will be a whole lot less crowded, at least. Is it possible to reverse your trip - start in Croatia and end in Italy?

I think you are wrong about ferries from Split to Dubrovnik. If you are talking about the Rijeka - Split - Dubrovnik ferry operated by Jadrolinija, it operates only twice a week, and only June to end September.

Sorry, I should have said before, option (1) is the way to go.

Yes, it looks like you're right; the Jadrolinija ferries don't run year-round. It's the catamaran from Split to Hvar (and Korcula) that runs year-round. One could take the catamaran from Split to Korcula and take a bus from there, but the bus from Split to Dubrovnik would certainly be easier and faster, unless you wanted to spend a night in Korcula.

We would love to take the catamaran to split and Korcula and spend one night then proceed by bus to Dubrovnik. Since they are smaller, I thought the catamarans would not be running in October. Thanks very much.

Dubrovnik is an exciting city in Croatia with the mix of history and adventure. You can have a great tour in this city and explore the medieval environment. Also enjoy the coastal nature and the adventure activities like sea kayaking, cruising and many more. Check this Dubrovnik travel guide to know more about this city.

Fly........