Hi! We are planning a month-long trip to Europe in late May of 2012, beginning in Dubrovnik, working our way up the coast to Rovinj and Pula, then on to Ljubljana , then on to Florence and Rome, ending in the Amalfi. I'd love to hear any general comments (favorites? issues? etc.) from those who have done similar trips, and would also love to hear any advice about getting from Rovinj to Ljubljana and from Ljubljana to Florence. We won't be driving, so it's public transportation or flying for us :) I'm extremely excited, and welcome any stories or reflections about your travel to this part of the world. We've been to Italy before, but this will be our first time to Croatia and Slovenia, and I've been waiting to visit these countries for ages. Thanks in advance!
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
I did a similar trip in September 2008, but went from Rovinj to Venice skipping Ljubljana. While in Dubrovnik, I'd suggest taking a day trip to Montenegro. Atlas Travel (near Plie Gate) offers a nice all-day trip. From Dubrovnik, I'd suggest going to Mostar for 1 or 2 nights before heading north. Ask your hotel to call the bus station and reserve morning tickets, which you'll pay for when you pick them up. In Mostar (at least in 2008), I had to pay for my bus ticket to Split in local currency. Buy the tickets ASAP after arrival in Mostar as buses do sell out. I stayed in Split for a couple of nights and then took a morning catamaran to Hvar for a few nights. That worked better than going to Hvar first as the catamaran back to Split leaves very early, thus maximizing travel options for that day. It also gives you time to purchase bus or train tickets for travel north before you go to Hvar. Didn't go to Korcula, so can't comment on that option. I rented a car for the north and Istria, so I'm less familiar with public transit options in the north. My thought for the north is to stop in Plitvice on the way and then go to Zagreb for at least a night. From Zagreb, there should be buses to Istria. Piran and Rijeka are the 2 likely transit points for Ljubljana, although I'd inquire about direct buses (maybe from Pula or Porec if none from Rovinj). Once in Ljubljana, trains will be your best bet for the rest of the trip, except for travel to Lake Bled where bus is the better option. Have a great time!
Posted by
OP
baton rouge, la, US
269 posts
Thanks, Frank! What great information -- I really appreciate it. I can't wait for this trip to begin! We were forced to miss out on our annual European journey last summer so we're extra-excited for this one.