We are taking the tour that starts in Lubajania and ends in Dubrovnic. We thought about renting a car in Dubrovnic and driving back to Lubajania by way of Zabreb. What problems will there be with this? What about a special drivers license? Are there car rental agencies that will allow such a rental? Are we nuts?
Posted by
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
3063 posts
We were in that area last summer. We had a car, but did not get to Dubrovnic. We did drive from Split to Ljubljana, in about 6 hrs. Driving is very easy and comfortable. Split to Ljubljana is along the coast for a period - we took the autobahn. Just like in Wauwautosa! I'm ready to go back (either 'tosa or Split). Since you are going to Zagreb from the coast YOU HAVE TO GO TO PLITVICE LAKES. It will be the best time of the trip - such a magical place!! Ljubljana is also great - we stayed in Hostel Celica - a converted prison - what a hoot. They had an evening drinks party in the courtyard, and we really enjoyed ourselves. Slovenia is a great part of Europe.
Posted by
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
3063 posts
My wife and I did get the International drivers license, and it was handy once. I'm glad I got it. It's basically a translation of the US license. You can get it at AAA. Not required, but a good idea. You'll really love Croatia.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA, USA
508 posts
Lee - A couple of years ago we rented a car and drove the opposite direction, dropping the car off in Dubrovnik. Since we rented in Slovenia and dropped off in Croatia, there was an extra $100-200 drop off charge which we gladly paid because we were really short on time. You might think of driving back to Zagreb and then taking the train to Ljubljana if the drop off fee is a concern. The roads in Croatia and Slovenia were great. We had only a map and didn't have any problems except finding our lodging in Split at night. We did have the International Driver's permit but I'm not sure if it's required there. We really enjoyed our car trip and we also made a stop in Trieste, Italy along the way. Sixt is the company we rented from - their drop off rate and overall insurance package was the cheapest at the time. We checked with them ahead of time regarding driving in both countries and if we had the proper stickers, so we didn't have any trouble. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
143 posts
Hi Lee! I'm taking that same tour in September. It will be great! Well, you may be nuts... So, why are you going to drive back to Ljubljana just to fly home? I'm actually planning on flying into Zagreb, spend a few days there with Croatian friends, and then take the train to Ljubljana, of which there are like eight per day. Then, I'll catch a fly out of Dubrovnik when the tour is over. Tentatively planning on flying to Milan, Italy to see some friends there and spending a few days in the Cinque Terre. Flying 'open-jaw' is generally no more expensive than round-trip (example: MinneapolisZagreb and then Dubrovnik-Minneapolis. If you are using Orbitz, for example, just specify 'multi-city' rather than 'round-trip'