Itinerary Dubrovnik/Split/Rovinj/Venice

I've been to Venice two times already and still haven't seen it all. Ironically, I'll be there for one day next week. I plan on doing more backstreet sightseeing. If you feel you have too much time, take in the islands of the lagoon (Murano, Burano, etc) or take a half day trip to Padua.

Michelle, we did a similar trip this June. We too like to spend a little more time seeing things. Here is what we did and it worked out well logistically. Dubrovnik (3 full days) Day 4 morning (2.25 hr)drive to Korcula with 1 hour stop in Ston to see the walls. Day 5 Korcula (park in Orebic and take ferry to Korcula (10 minutes) Day 6 Drive to Split or on to Plitvice Lakes. We thought an afternoon plenty of time to see Split or we could have bypassed it alltogether to spend another day in Plitvice Lakes. Day 6 (if skip Split), 7: Plitice Lakes. Day 8, 9: Rovinj (side trip to Motovun 1/2 day if interested)
Day 10,11,12 Venice. I've been there 3 times and still have not seen it all so with 2 or 3 days there just plan to come back in the future. The main thing for our itinerary was to minimize travel time and maximize time relaxing at our stops. Places like Split and Motovun were flex stops depending how energetic we felt. Venice is never relaxing, just too crowded except early in the mornings and late at night.

We spent 3 nights in Venice, and had plenty to do. Particuarly if you like a more leisurely pace. I would suggest St. Mark's cathedral and Doge's Palace one day. You could go to Murano another day. There is also the Rialto Bridge and the market area. It's easy to just wander the streets, stop in shops, and have a leisurely meal and glass of wine in a little cafe. As for Dubrovnik, we were just there for a day as part of a stop on a cruise. We were able to see the entire old city in the morning, and then did an excursion to a local vineyard in the afternoon. I'm not sure what else is in the area, but we found that was enough time to see what we wanted to see.

We slept in Dubrovnik 3 nights, but only spent one full day in the city (did day trip to Kotor one day, then flew out from DBV after 3rd night). I agree that we felt we could have been happy with a half day in Split. I know some love it, but to us it didn't live up to expectations. Tastes vary. Your pace seems about OK to me - but i would say that I tend to travel fast, faster than many here suggest. No Plitvice? Hmmm. Only thing I'd tweak on your schedule: a side-trip to Pula from Rovinj is well worth it. The amphitheater is awesome - better than the Colosseum in Rome (because you can have it all to yourself). I do see one potential problem with your plan (and perhaps a second, smaller one): 1. How exactly are you planning to get around? Your plan sounds OK at first glance, but I assume it involves car rental. If you rent in one country and drop off in another, prepare for a nasty drop-off fee. Also - you didn't say what time of year. Be aware that many public transit options (ferry and bus) have drastically reduced schedules - and some dont run at all - in their "off season". Check the links you'll be using will be available.

Thank you everyone for your great input. It sounds like we have the right amount of time in Venice. Regarding our Croatian itinerary, we will be traveling end of May beginning of June. We like going to Europe at this time. We may take a trip to Plitvice but we realize we can't do everything, there's always a next time. Regarding Pula, we've seen Roman amphitheaters in a few countries now and we're OK skipping this one. We will be renting a car to do the 5 hour drive from Split to Rovinj, only a one day rental if we have to incur extra costs dropping off in another town, we will do that. We do not care to do buses and would rather drive. We are taking the ferry to Venice, and it does run this time of year. We will probably change it up a bit, Dubrovnik then ferry to an island (still deciding on which one) then ferry from island to Split, rent a car in Split drive to Rovinj and ferry to Venice. In either Dubrovnik or Rovinj, I want to do a winery tour with dinner at the winery so we may not be in either town the entire time. Thanks again for all of your help!

Hi!
Michelle, did you end up taking this trip? My BF and i are planning almost the same trip this June. How was driving from Split to Rovinj? Did you arrange the car rental ahead of time? How was getting from Rovinj to Venice? Did you arrange the ferry ahead of time?

Thanks!
Lindsay

Michelle,
Also would love to know how your trip went. New bride and I are doing similar in Sept '14.

Thanks,
Carl

Hi Carl,

my recommendation is Istria region, the largest green oasis of the North Adriatic. It is the largest Croatian peninsula, located in the northeastern part of the Adriatic Sea. Especially it is worth to visit cities Rovinj,Umag and Porec. More info on Holidays-To-Croatia.com