Hello! My wife and I are planning a trip to Croatia in early September for anywhere from 9 to 12 days.
Plan 1: Initially our plan was to just fly from Canada to Croatia and rent a car to travel around the country and experience different areas and cities, some for history and architecture, some for beaches and then for entertainment / food.
If we go this route, what would you suggest to make the most out of our time there? From cities to start at to cities and areas to end our trip? Would love all suggestions.
Plan 2: We just started thinking about this alternative route earlier tonight. To fly to Croatia and spend 4-5 days there, and then take a train into other counties in Europe, like Italy and possibly France? We haven’t ever been to Western Europe before, and we thought taking a train into different counties would be a fun experience. We figured Italy would make the most sense, and wonder if we would have enough time to go into France too or not. Something like 4 days in Croatia and then another 4-5 days split between Italy and France? Would love to hear some suggestions on that too and if it would make sense or not and to make the most of this trip and the potential experiences .
For some more context - We are both in our early 30s, fit and adventurous. We enjoy nature, beaches, and great food. I’m a bit more interested in history than my wife is, but she still enjoys anything that I do. We aren’t too interested in the clubbing or partying scene so that’s not something we are seeking out.
Open to all suggestions and ideas and all will be greatly appreciated!
Hi!
If you decide to only do Croatia, here's a 10 day itinerary I'd recommend to see as much as possible..
If you want other countries included I'd do this:
Fly into Zagreb and explore it (1 day) rent a car in Zagreb
Visit Plitvice Lakes (1 day)
Go and explore Istria (3 days - Rovinj, Pula, Brijuni NP)
Visit Ljubljana, Slovenia (1 day)
Visit Venice (2 days) return the car in Venice
You can also skip Ljubljana, return the car in Istria, and take a ferry from Pula/Rovinj to Venice.
From Venice either go south to Bologna and Florence (by train, Italian trains are amazing!) or go to Milan and Lake Como (again by train)
You can then fly back home from Milan or Venice, whatever's easier.
I wouldn't add France, because even in Croatia and Italy you're only seeing the main highlights. If you stretch the trip over three countries, you’ll end up seeing very little.
If you will need any other city guides, restaurant guides, sightseeing, beaches in Croatia check this subs Megathread here which has all links compiled or this CROATIA TRAVEL GUIDE.