Croatia and more

[julers]

Hi Everyone!

You have all been so helpful to me in my previous European adventures, that I figured I would come back for more help/suggestions.

I'm thinking about heading back out to Europe this summer, but it would sadly be only for 2 weeks or so (rather for months at a time like I've been used to). I need to go somewhere Mediterranean, and I was thinking Croatia or Greece, but preferably Croatia. This would probably be linked up with a brief stint in France or Italy. I'd like to hit Grenoble for a weekend or so to meet up with some friends in our old study abroad town.

So, what are thoughts about this combo? Timeframe would be about July 1-15ish (July 1 is probably definite, but could maybe go longer than 15).

Croatia + Grenoble France/elsewhere in France/open to suggestions

Thanks in advance, guys. I know we can brainstorm an awesome vacay!

[madamtrashheap]

Welcome back, julers.

Depending on how many places you wanted to stop at in Croatia, you could happily spend 7-10 days in Croatia and then continue on to Grenoble for another 2-3 days. If you can go past 15th July, then throw in another place in France you didn't get to see last time around, more than that will make a rushed trip and even though, if memory serves correctly, you managed to fit a lot in to your last trip, you know how long travel can take.

July is the perfect time for Croatia - sunny, warm - and although there will be quite a few people enjoying the beaches and islands at the same time, you'll still enjoy yourself.

[julers]

Thanks for the response Madamtrashheap! I wish I could go another time, one that isn't smack in the middle of tourist season, but it's the curse of having a real job I guess. (I'm a tax accountant and my bf is an auditor, so thanks to our busy seasons, July is the only feasible time to go.)

I've got two big questions: What's the best way to get there? What are the best things to see/do?

I did some cursory research about getting there, and it seems somewhat difficult. I'm thinking of trying to find the cheapest flight to a big hub, like London, and then try to find an Easy Jet or Ryanair flight to Dubrovnik. Any thoughts on that? I generally have preferred flying to trains/buses over long distances, because they save time and money (no rail pass for me).

Are there other worthwhile places to see in Croatia? I'll be honest, most of my knowledge of the country comes from beautiful pictures and outdated knowledge about it being a dangerous, war-ridden country. I know the latter is not true anymore, to some extent. What's the travel like within the country? Bus, train, hitchhike ?

Alright, that's all I've got for now. Thanks again for your input!

[WillTravel]

The cheapest hub is often in Germany nowadays, and there are many options from Germany to Croatia too.
www.whichbudget.com

[herrbert]

Also take a look at the surrounding countries, some interesting places are not that far away, and maybe good as a daytrip. (think of Mostar, in Bosnia, or Kotor in Montenegro.)

Most of the European tourists seem to flock around Istria, as the beaches there are nice. But also the inland of the peninsula is beautiful.