My wife and I are planning to pick-up a car at Ljubljana Airport on 18 Sep and dive to Split to catch a ferry to Hvar on 25 Sep. We plan to drive to Split via Lake Bled, and the Julian Alps, spending nights in the following towns along the way; Kobard, Lipica, Rovinj, Plitvice Lakes, Trogir and Split. We would like to remain flexible along the way and were wondering if it is necessary to reserve hotels in the above towns in mid Sep? Also, we are wondering if our drive times are realistic or if there are any other suggestions/r recommendations?
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
Hi Mark,
My husband and I traveled in Slovenia and Croatia mostly without advance reservations in early October a couple of years ago with no problem. In Ljubljana we stayed at the Hotel Park (we reserved through the TI at the train station when we arrived.) In Trogir we enjoyed staying at the Vila Sikaa. We did not go to Plitvice Lakes area or Hvar. We did stay in Korcula and phoned one of the sobes listed in Rick's book a day or so before we arrived. The islands are very quiet in the off-season. Sounds like you have a great trip planned! Sharon
Posted by
San Diego
552 posts
It sounds like you have your itinerary so precisely planned out that you might as well look into securing rooms.
We'll be in the area around the same time and have no reservation for five nights of unplanned exploring. But if a plan we're to surface, I'd look into a room booking just because there are so many tour groups gobbling up the cute places.
Driving distances look fine with the exception of that quick traverse across Istria from Rovinj to Plitvice. That's a lot of hill town quaintness that you're gonna just fly past on your way to the lakes.
Only my opinion of course, but we intend to Truffle hunt and Olive Oil taste while in that area. Have Fun!
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
We drove the same area at that time of year several years ago. You will not require reservations; you can always find a room. Be sure to inspect it BEFORE taking it.
In order to save money we avoided the hotels and stayed in zimmers. Owners post signs in their yards making it easy to find a room where you want it.
You can be more flexible by not making reservations in advance. I never do.
Get a map to determine the mileage you will have to drive each day. Remember, the roads are narrow and not well maintained, making 30 mph about average speed.