Me and my wife are leaving for Croatia at the end of April. Arriving in Durovnik April 24th and will return to Us from Zagreb on May 6th. I am having a hard time making plans for travel within Croatia. Maybe someone with experience could tell me how should I plan. How many days needed for each place.
Thanks
As I count it, you'll have 12 days to visit and will depart on the 13th day. Your options will differ depending upon whether you have a car for all or part of your trip. Without a car, I'd suggest spending your first 3 nights in Dubrovnik (possible day trip to Montenegro) and then either of 2 options: 1 additional night in Dubrovnik, 1 night in Mostar, 2 nights in Split, 2 nights in Hvar, 1 night at Plitvice and 2 nights in Zagreb OR 2 nights in Korcula, 2 nights in Hvar, 2 nights in Split, 1 night at Plitvice and 2 nights in Zagreb. If you'll have car, then you can consider swapping one or more of the places I've mentioned for time in Istria. Istria is challenging without a car.
Tell us a bit about what you want to do and see and your preferences for transportaiton (car or public transit). It's difficult to respond without more information.
I am not sure if I should rent a car or rely on the Croatian bus system. How is the car rental and driving in the country. I like to see old places, buildings and ruins etc. I would prefer to not move from place to place to stay each night carrying all luggage. Can Montenegro be a one day trip from Dubrovnik?
I am thinking few days of stay each at Dubrovnik,Split , Pula ( if possible) and Zagreb. I really appreciate your input.
Based on you comments, I'd suggest spending you first 4 nights in Dubrovnik with a day tour to Montenegro. I took an all-day tour offered by Atlas Travel and enjoyed it. Take the bus to Split and spend 3 nights. Use one of your days for a day trip to Hvar by catamaran. Rent a car in Split and drive to Istria for 3 nights. A car will be invaluable for visiting other towns in Istria. Return the rental car in Zagreb and spend your last 2 nights there. Consider stopping at Plitvice National Park on your drive from Split to Istria. I've rented from Uniline, a Croatian rental car company. They charge no drop off fee on rentals of 3 days or longer, and they'll pick you up during business hours like Enterprise does here. Roads in Croatia are generally very good. Take along a GPS to help navigate.
I think Frank's option 2 looked really good. Also recommend the day tour to Montre Negro. The Bus trip to Korcula from Dubrovnich isn't bad. From there it is an easy ferry to Hvar and on to Split. Check out croatia air for cheap flights from spit to Zagreb. it is a longish trip over land