Zadar to Dubrovnik

Korčula is one of my favorite islands. Has some sightseeing in the old town, nice cafes, a small tower climb for views, good shopping for locally made jewelry, and very friendly people. Haven't been to Split in all our trips to Croatia, but we are going this July for 4 days/3 nights. When faced with a this one or that one decision, we look at ease transportation, hotel location, availability, and price, or maybe just one museum or sight which catches our eye. Wherever you choose I'm sure you will have a great vacation.

You have to see Dubrovnik because people will ask you about it, but it is huge and relatively "touristy". Split is much more rewarding, but also heavily traffic-ed.

Look for daytime water polo and evening basketball - even though I personally think sports are overrated.

I havent been to all your list, but I liked Trogir, Zadar,Korcula.

Do be sure to spend time in Zadar as it is lovely. We really enjoyed the Falkensteiner Family resort Diadora for 4 days. Great food, great beach and excellent family rooms.

The two monuments along the waterfront in Zadar (one needing to be seen after dark) are unusual and worth seeing. Sorry that I can't provide helpful advice about the rest, but I agree with the suggestion to consider ease of transport so you minimize wasted time. I like to say that--especially if one doesn't have a rental car--travel is "the art of the possible".

Because accommodation will be hard to find for less than 2/3 nights, base close to Split and one other place.

Buses in Croatia are easy to use, reasonable, and run on time. I would take the bus from Zadar to Split. At Split, I would stay 3 nights, You can do a 1-day boat to Trogir. You can then take the ferry boat to Dubrovnik. The boat to Dubrovnik stops in 3 islands. You can at least see them. I would consider adding 1 day from the national park/beach section to this section