Istria or Split? can you help me choose?

I'd go with Plan A. There is plenty to do and see in Slovenia and Istria--getting to Split involves several hours of driving there and back. Save the south for another time. We didn't go to Crikvenica/Senj but did go to Piran for a day trip. I'd consider staying there.

With just one week, I'd consider eliminating Plitvice Lake. Check the drive times on Google Maps--plan so you're not spending a good portion of the trip in the car!

Look at the possibility of Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Piran, and Rovinj as overnight stops. You'll have a great time no matter what you decide--it's really a beautiful part of the world!

Edit: I'd add that Rick Steves' Croatia and Slovenia Guidebook is really helpful for planning a trip like this!

Hi, I'd would recommend plan A also. Besides less driving, I think there is plenty to see and occupy your time in your plan A itinerary. For me, Split is a good place to stay a night if you are working your way through Hvar/Korcula and on to Dubrovnik, but I did not think it worth being a destination stay of its own where compared to other places we stayed.

Enjoy your trip!

Thank you very much :)
your comments are very helpful! I think the best option is A now too, and we can plan another trip in the furure more based on the Dubrovnick-Split area.
Thanks again.

That sounds like a good plan...have a great trip!

I would also choose plan A. It includes lots of great sites and less long-distance driving.

We are planning a similar trip in June and I've got the same delimnas. I have a couple questions to add:

We are travelling with 2 teenagers (19 & 16).

1) They would like some beach time. Are any of the beach areas in Slovenia/Istria suitable for "beach time" or are they more like a fishing port? We had thought to spend time near Hvar or Korcula but not sure the distance is worth it?

2) Istria region - i think my kids might get bored with too much history and just looking at old buildings. Are there more interactive things to do in Istria?

3) I had really wanted to see Dubrovnik. So one option was leaving Slovenia off this trip. Any opinions on which would be more rewarding - Dubrovnik vs. Slovenia? (as a guide - we are more nature/activity interested over museums/art)

Ann, my 2 teenagers LOVED Split, Dubrovnik and Korcula because of the clear water and jumping off the rocks. That was their favorite part of the trip and they will remember it forever! They also had a great time in Lake Bled. It was very relaxing and riding bikes around the lake was fun. It was a little cold when we were there, so they didn't swim much. There is also a toboggan course in Lake Bled that is really fun during the summer. Look it up online. You can't really go wrong with any of those places.

Thanks karin.
That was my challenge - we only have about 8 days so i was thinking either
1) Bled/Istria/Karst region
or
2) Dubrovnik, Korcula, Split

Sounds like #2 may be better for the kids.
Wish I could fit both in...but I don't want to spend the entire time driving.

Where did you fly in and out of?

We flew into Venice, took a bus/train to Lake Bled, train to Ljubliana, rentral car to Plitvice and Split, ferry to Korcula, then a bus to Dubrovnik. We flew out of Dubrovnik. All of the stops were great, but the kids loved the water and rock jumping. It will be a hard trip to beat. They weren't jumping off cliffs, just high rocks (depends on your comfort level). We rented a car on Korcula and went to some beaches off the tourist track. I would recommend it. One of our neighbors charted a boat in Croatia with their teens, that was also a hit. If you want more detailed information, you can email me at karin@redmonkeydesign.net.

Plan A, but one night in Plitvice would be enough unless you are planning to hike around the park more than 6 hours.