Expert: Vedran - 5/29/2004

Question
-Vedran
Thank you for your prompt answer. You have provided me with information I have been seeking for several weeks.
Would we be able to accomplish your suggested itinerary on public transport without wasting too much time/
If we took our own transport, do  the ferries you suggest carry vehicles?
How do I find the timetables for these ferries and do we need to book ahead since we are out of peak season?
Thank you again for your most valuable assistance.
Geoff
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Followup To
Question -
Vedran greetings from "Downunder"
I am coming with a group of friends (10) to visit your country on September 21 for 14 days  this year. We want to travel down the Dalmatian coast from Rijeka to Dubrovnik enjoying the scenery, people and culture.
Is it possible to make the complete journey between these places by a series of ferry?
The Lonely Planet guide recommends travel by local ferries where possible  - “Jadrolinja ferries ply the waters between Dubrovnik and Rijeka.  If you buy a ticket for the whole trip, you can stop off as many times as you want for up to a week each time.”
The response to my direct inquiry to Jadrolinija is confusing – ”Please note that only one
stopover may be arranged on 7-days basis only on deck tickets ( without
cabin).” This seems contradictory to the LP Guide. They have provided some timetable for the ferries between Rijeka and Dubrovnik.
Will we need our own transport if we stay on the islands for a few days.? If yes we will need to take the vehicle on and off the ferries.
Would it be better to hire transport to drive down the coast road with trips out to various islands?
Thank you for your assistance.
Geoff Fuller Australia

Answer -
The reason for the confusion is the fact that main islands are located either in the northen Adriatic (ferries from Rijeka) or in central Dalmatia (ferries from Split).
Anoter thing is thet there is no "island hopping" ferry service. The ferry service Rijeka-Dubrovnik only has 2-3 stop-overs in the main ports along the way.
I would suggest either starting from Rijeka and spending a couple of days visitng the Kvarner area. Then head for Split from which there is regular ferry service to Brac and Hvar. From there catch a ferry to Korcula and from Korcula to Dubrovnik. This way you will miss some of the islands like Kornati archipelago, but 14 days is barely enough to see all there is to see.
Also please note the the period after September 21st is considered to be past the main tourist season. The good side is that there are no crowds and you'll have less trouble findind accommodation at short notice and at the lower price, but the downside is thet the ferry service may not be as frequent as during August for example.  

Answer
I am glad you found the information helpfull.
Grtting to the islands won't be a problem, because although less frequent than in peak season, the ferry service usually has several lines per day to all the major islands. Getting around the islands would definitely take more time if you depend on the local public transport. All the ferries on the routes I mentioned carry cars as well as passangers.
For details on sailing schedule try Jadrolinija home page www.jadrolinija.hr, they have an english version as well.
Booking ahead is not necessary because outside the peak tourist season you won't have any trouble getting a ticket even 5 inutes befofe the ferry's departure.