Expert: Vedran - 5/11/2006

Question
Hi Vedran,
My boyfriend & I live in New York and are planning a trip to Croatia from 8/17 thru 8/28.  We would like to fly into Italy and take the Ferry over.  Jadrolinija Ferry Line said we could either go from Ancona to Split,  or Bari to Dubrovnik, but the schedule is confusing to figure out.  What is the best way to do this since we do not have alot of time and want to spend as much time in Croatia as possible,  yet take advantage of the of the beauty of the views from the Adriatic Sea.   How long is the ferry ride from Ancona to Split and Bari to Dubrovnik? We would like to stay in Hvar and Dubrovnik primarily, but are open to your expert advice.  How would you recommend we do this trip and what places and things to do are a must?  I am concerned about the logistics of coordinating the travel between NY, Italy and Croatia as I understand if you miss a ferry train or bus in Croatia there may not be another for days....the infrastructure is not developed as in the U.S.    Look forward to your reply.  

Answer
Hi,
for details on ferry serivece try
http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2
You will have little chance to experience the beauty of teh adriatic from the ferry except on the laste leg of the voyage near Croatian shore. For details on what to see I suggest you tray www.croatia.hr. In terms of traffic infrastuture Croatia doesn not lag behind Western Europe so there is no way you aill have to wait days, for a ferry of a bus. In August the ferries and buses run almost round the clock on all major routes. I suggest you base yourself on Hvar and on teh last few days return via Dubrovnik.

I wish you pleasant vacation.