We will be going to Croatia Sept 7-20, arriving in Dubrovnik & departing Zagreb. We plan to use buses and boats, no car. Sept 8 - Arr Dubrovnik Sept 9 - DBV Sept 10 - Day trip to Mostar Sept 11 - Day trip to Montenegro Sept 12/13 - Korcula via ferry Sept 14-16 - Split or Trogir by catamaran Sept 16-17 - Zandar by bus ? Sept 18-19 - Zagreb bu bus? Sept 20 - Dep Zagreb I have read Croatian honeymoon post of same # of days. I'm not sure how many days to spend in Split/Trogir - is 2 enough? Should we stay longer in Split/Trogir and take day trips to islands or go to Zandar then onto Zagreb? I am trying to limit the one-nighters. Not planning to visit Plitvice as spouse doesn't think it's necessary. We've been to Yellowstone/Glacier/Grand Canyon and seen spectacular scenery in Iceland.
Thanks.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7054 posts
I would make sure that the ferries run on certain days and that you can get to the ferry crossing in Orebic which connects with Korcula. In my own trip I assumed incorrectly that ferries run every day and I can get back and forth whenever. One thing that struck me about your itinerary is that you're flying into Dubrovnik, but only spending one full day there...it is fairly compact and probably doesn't require more than 2-3 full days, but it's rather expensive to fly into there and use it as "base" for your other trips without taking full advantage of seeing it thoroughly. I took 2 day-tours as well, back-to-back, and it was tiring (they will turn into long days, with a lot of time on the bus just getting there and back) - it's nice to break them up with a leisurely day of strolling Dubrovnik in between. You'll need at least a day in Split and separate day in Trogir - both are worth seeing. If you're already in Split, why not take advantage of the ferries to the islands instead of immediately heading for Zadar? I assume you'll need a few days to fully explore Zagreb at the end, so I would leave out Zadar, add the islands, and leave a few days for Zagreb.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6788 posts
Good advice above. I'd only add - we thought Zadar was OK but I'd consider dropping it if your schedule is tight. With a car you would have much more flexibility and you would be able to maximize your time; going by bus will slow you down. I'm not sure I agree with your plan to skip Plitvice. I've also been to Yellowstone/Glacier/Grand Canyon and seen spectacular scenery in Iceland - and lots of other places - and I'm very glad we spent half a day at Plitvice, it's beautiful and different from anyplace I've been. Me, I'd rent a car in Trogir or Split, and stop for a few hours in Sibenik (we liked it better than Zadar), then do a half-day in Plitvice, which is more or less right on the way to Zagreb. We skipped Zagreb so I can't offer any opinions on how worthwhile the time there would be. Check to be sure the ferries you plan to use are running the day you need them - many ferry routes cut back service (or eliminate it completely) outside "high season".
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2787 posts
Spent 4 nights in Zagreb in June of this year. Our first time there. Lots to see and glad we went. My only complaint: It was 98*F every day!