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Message
Europe Suggestions - Croatia > Munich
Posted on 12/4/25 at 12:05 pm
Posted on 12/4/25 at 12:05 pm
Hi everyone. We are planning about a 20 day trip next year and I would love some input on the best spots to include and the best ways to get around.
We fly into London at the end of May and then fly to Dubrovnik a couple of days later. At the end of the trip we will fly home from Munich.
So the question is what to see in between Dubrovnik and Munich. Right now we are thinking about Dubrovnik, Split, maybe Zadar or Zagreb, then on to Slovenia for Ljubljana and Lake Bled, then on to Salzburg, and finally Munich. If Venice is worth mixing in I would consider that as well, I have been there but kids have not - so really looking at it, only for ease of transportation.
I would love ideas on the best route, how many nights in each place, and the easiest transportation options between these cities. We are a family of four with kids who travel well. We like a mix of relaxing coastal time, urban travel, and any cool nature stops.
We fly into London at the end of May and then fly to Dubrovnik a couple of days later. At the end of the trip we will fly home from Munich.
So the question is what to see in between Dubrovnik and Munich. Right now we are thinking about Dubrovnik, Split, maybe Zadar or Zagreb, then on to Slovenia for Ljubljana and Lake Bled, then on to Salzburg, and finally Munich. If Venice is worth mixing in I would consider that as well, I have been there but kids have not - so really looking at it, only for ease of transportation.
I would love ideas on the best route, how many nights in each place, and the easiest transportation options between these cities. We are a family of four with kids who travel well. We like a mix of relaxing coastal time, urban travel, and any cool nature stops.
This post was edited on 12/4/25 at 12:10 pm
5
Posted on 12/4/25 at 2:27 pm to CidCock
I think you're better off going from Lake Bled to Salzburg and skipping the Venice stop.
Bled>Salzburg is a 2 hr 45 min drive or perhaps upwards of 4-4.5 hours via public transit.
On one of our trips we went from Hallstatt, Austria to Venice and it was a long, hectic travel day...I think 8+ hours (In addition, it's going from somewhat serenity to a bit of chaos on the island...I'd probably save that for an Italy-specific trip)
Can't speak to getting around in Croatia but there's an easy train from Salzburg>Munich. I'd say 2 days/nights in Salzburg and 3 in Munich would be sufficient if you can make the itinerary work with that.
Bled>Salzburg is a 2 hr 45 min drive or perhaps upwards of 4-4.5 hours via public transit.
On one of our trips we went from Hallstatt, Austria to Venice and it was a long, hectic travel day...I think 8+ hours (In addition, it's going from somewhat serenity to a bit of chaos on the island...I'd probably save that for an Italy-specific trip)
Can't speak to getting around in Croatia but there's an easy train from Salzburg>Munich. I'd say 2 days/nights in Salzburg and 3 in Munich would be sufficient if you can make the itinerary work with that.
Posted on 12/4/25 at 6:24 pm to CidCock
Zagreb is a dump and one of my least favorite capitol cities in all of Europe. If you must go I would encourage you to stay near Plitvice Lakes in the country side. Seriously it is quite grimey and the locals are not very welcoming, even in the touristed parts. Dubrovnik is just okay. It is worth seeing, but honestly you only need 3 nights there max. Approx. 90% of the locals moved out of old town (the touristy part) since the 90s and essentially the city itself is really cool but on the flip side it is over touristed, overpriced, and you can see almost all of it in a single day.
Slovenia is a hidden gem and I highly recommend more time there. You can spend a few days at Bled and a few in Ljubjlana and honestly wish you spent more time. It is such a green country. See the Skokjan caves or Predjama castle (IMO the best castle tour in my whole year living in Europe)
Salzburg is cool. 2.5 days there is more than enough. Innsbruck is cool too, especially if you are there in the winter.
Venice is crowded but could be cool. Personally I would go if you are in that side of the Adriatic, but you could also consider Trieste if you want to save money.
Slovenia is a hidden gem and I highly recommend more time there. You can spend a few days at Bled and a few in Ljubjlana and honestly wish you spent more time. It is such a green country. See the Skokjan caves or Predjama castle (IMO the best castle tour in my whole year living in Europe)
Salzburg is cool. 2.5 days there is more than enough. Innsbruck is cool too, especially if you are there in the winter.
Venice is crowded but could be cool. Personally I would go if you are in that side of the Adriatic, but you could also consider Trieste if you want to save money.
Posted on 12/4/25 at 8:21 pm to CidCock
Dubrovnik can be over run with tourists now but may be a bit better in May vs. The summer. Split is worth a day or 2 just to check out Dioclerians (so) palace but the town itself while be nice is not spectacular. Zagreb is a more modern town and really not worth a stop. Lake Plitvice is a must but 1 day is all you need to see the park. Look at the island of Korcula as it is as beautiful as Dubrovnik and is a walled city like Dubrovnik but less touristy. In Slovenia look at Triglav National Park
Triglavski narodni park which is near Bled but further into the mountains. Bohinj is a great little town in the park similar to Bled. Between there and Munich is Vienna and Innsbruck which are both great but very expensive. In the opposite direction from Slovenia but not too far....maybe 4 hours on the train... is Budapest which is very beautiful.
Triglavski narodni park which is near Bled but further into the mountains. Bohinj is a great little town in the park similar to Bled. Between there and Munich is Vienna and Innsbruck which are both great but very expensive. In the opposite direction from Slovenia but not too far....maybe 4 hours on the train... is Budapest which is very beautiful.
Posted on 12/4/25 at 11:29 pm to Zappas Stache
To add on, don't spend more than 2 days in Dubrovnik. The walled part isn't really a living city any more. I went during COVID so I got to see it not crowded though which was cool.
If you don't go to an island like Zappas is suggesting, stop on a beach somewhere on the way to Split. I stopped at Plaza Duba. Omis is a cool little town to stop in for a few hours too.
As mentioned Plitvice is can't miss. I did it over two days technically but I stayed at the government run hotel on site so I was able to get the pass that's good for two days for price of one. I did one half late afternoon on arrival and the next half in the morning which made it more enjoyable in my opinion.
If you don't go to an island like Zappas is suggesting, stop on a beach somewhere on the way to Split. I stopped at Plaza Duba. Omis is a cool little town to stop in for a few hours too.
As mentioned Plitvice is can't miss. I did it over two days technically but I stayed at the government run hotel on site so I was able to get the pass that's good for two days for price of one. I did one half late afternoon on arrival and the next half in the morning which made it more enjoyable in my opinion.
This post was edited on 12/4/25 at 11:31 pm
Posted on 12/5/25 at 8:16 am to Teddy Ruxpin
Thanks everyone, lot to process here.
Is Croatia even worth the stop based on yalls experience? I have flights from London to DBV, but can shift gears and work our way to Munich in some other direction.
The only reason I had Zagreb was for ease of transport, trains from Split into Slovenia are tough to come by and seems like it was easier to get from Zagreb.
We did London - Belgium - and Paris in 2023, Spain/Portugal last year, so this is definitely going to be a different vibe. I preferred Spain and Portugal as it just was a more laid back time, but I don't want the kids (and my wife) to be bored.
ETA: I could shift to going from London to Prague, but read mixed reviews on Prague. Also, I could lop a few days off on the front end and go to the Cotswolds before flying into DBV.
Is Croatia even worth the stop based on yalls experience? I have flights from London to DBV, but can shift gears and work our way to Munich in some other direction.
The only reason I had Zagreb was for ease of transport, trains from Split into Slovenia are tough to come by and seems like it was easier to get from Zagreb.
We did London - Belgium - and Paris in 2023, Spain/Portugal last year, so this is definitely going to be a different vibe. I preferred Spain and Portugal as it just was a more laid back time, but I don't want the kids (and my wife) to be bored.
ETA: I could shift to going from London to Prague, but read mixed reviews on Prague. Also, I could lop a few days off on the front end and go to the Cotswolds before flying into DBV.
This post was edited on 12/5/25 at 8:37 am
Posted on 12/6/25 at 1:04 am to CidCock
quote:
We fly into London at the end of May and then fly to Dubrovnik a couple of days later. At the end of the trip we will fly home from Munich.
So the question is what to see in between Dubrovnik and Munich. Right now we are thinking about Dubrovnik, Split, maybe Zadar or Zagreb, then on to Slovenia for Ljubljana and Lake Bled, then on to Salzburg, and finally Munich. If Venice is worth mixing in I would consider that as well
You're moving around too much for 20 days. I count 8 cities, including your stay in London and 9 if you try to hit Venice. That's two days per stop and some of them will involve long travel times. Think of all the packing, unpacking, checking in and out of hotels and dealing with all of the hassle of dragging family around. You need to rethink your plan.
A rule of thumb I try to follow is stay in one place for at least four nights. If you can't find a reason to stay that long then try to do it as a day trip or eliminate it. For example, Bled is an easy day trip from Ljubliana, Salzburg can be done expeditiously as a day trip from Munich, etc.
Posted on 12/6/25 at 9:37 am to CidCock
FYI, I've been to Italy 4 times (Venice twice), Slovenia and Croatia.
If you're locked in on flying into Duborvnik, then I'd say you must visit one of the great wonders of the world: Plitvice National Park.
But...
I'd spend most of my time in (to me) the most beautiful country in the world: Slovenia!
We spent two weeks there and barely scratched the surface. If you’re looking for a destination that combines breathtaking scenery, rich history, and authentic charm, Slovenia should be at the top of your list.
Lake Bled – A picture-perfect lake with a tiny island crowned by a church, surrounded by mountains. Whether you’re rowing across the turquoise waters, hiking up to Bled Castle for panoramic views, or indulging in the famous Bled cream cake, it feels like stepping into a fairytale.
Kobarid – Known for its role in World War I, Kobarid offers both history and adventure. The award-winning museum tells powerful stories of the past, while the Soca Valley and Kozjak Waterfall showcase nature at its finest. It’s a place where history and beauty meet.
Beyond these highlights, Slovenia is full of surprises:
- Stroll through Ljubljana, one of Europe’s most charming capitals with riverside cafés and vibrant culture.
- Explore the mysterious Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Sip wine in the rolling hills of Brda, often called Slovenia’s Tuscany.
Selected Photos Of Croatia and Slovenia
We based in Kobarid.
Photos Around Kobarid
Kobarid is great because it blends natural wonders, outdoor adventure, and deep history into one unforgettable stop in Slovenia.**
- **Slap Kozjak (Kozjak Waterfall)** – Just outside town, this emerald waterfall hides in a mossy gorge, creating one of Slovenia’s most magical natural scenes. The short hike to reach it is part of the **Kobarid Historical Trail**, so you get both nature and history in one walk.
- **Kobarid Historical Trail** – A 5 km loop connecting WWI sites, the famous Napoleon Bridge, and natural landmarks. It’s a living museum under the open sky.
- **Kobarid Museum** – Award-winning exhibits tell the story of the Isonzo Front in World War I, making Kobarid one of Europe’s most important small towns for military history.
- **Soca River Adventures** – The turquoise waters of the Soca are perfect for rafting, kayaking, and canyoning. Nearby Nadiza River offers calmer swimming spots.
- **Local Flavor** – Don’t miss Tolminc cheese, a regional specialty, or traditional Slovenian dishes in family-run restaurants.
- **Julian Alps Gateway** – From Kobarid, you can hike to Mount Krn or explore the wider Soca Valley, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts.
If you're locked in on flying into Duborvnik, then I'd say you must visit one of the great wonders of the world: Plitvice National Park.
But...
I'd spend most of my time in (to me) the most beautiful country in the world: Slovenia!
We spent two weeks there and barely scratched the surface. If you’re looking for a destination that combines breathtaking scenery, rich history, and authentic charm, Slovenia should be at the top of your list.
Lake Bled – A picture-perfect lake with a tiny island crowned by a church, surrounded by mountains. Whether you’re rowing across the turquoise waters, hiking up to Bled Castle for panoramic views, or indulging in the famous Bled cream cake, it feels like stepping into a fairytale.
Kobarid – Known for its role in World War I, Kobarid offers both history and adventure. The award-winning museum tells powerful stories of the past, while the Soca Valley and Kozjak Waterfall showcase nature at its finest. It’s a place where history and beauty meet.
Beyond these highlights, Slovenia is full of surprises:
- Stroll through Ljubljana, one of Europe’s most charming capitals with riverside cafés and vibrant culture.
- Explore the mysterious Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Sip wine in the rolling hills of Brda, often called Slovenia’s Tuscany.
Selected Photos Of Croatia and Slovenia
We based in Kobarid.
Photos Around Kobarid
Kobarid is great because it blends natural wonders, outdoor adventure, and deep history into one unforgettable stop in Slovenia.**
- **Slap Kozjak (Kozjak Waterfall)** – Just outside town, this emerald waterfall hides in a mossy gorge, creating one of Slovenia’s most magical natural scenes. The short hike to reach it is part of the **Kobarid Historical Trail**, so you get both nature and history in one walk.
- **Kobarid Historical Trail** – A 5 km loop connecting WWI sites, the famous Napoleon Bridge, and natural landmarks. It’s a living museum under the open sky.
- **Kobarid Museum** – Award-winning exhibits tell the story of the Isonzo Front in World War I, making Kobarid one of Europe’s most important small towns for military history.
- **Soca River Adventures** – The turquoise waters of the Soca are perfect for rafting, kayaking, and canyoning. Nearby Nadiza River offers calmer swimming spots.
- **Local Flavor** – Don’t miss Tolminc cheese, a regional specialty, or traditional Slovenian dishes in family-run restaurants.
- **Julian Alps Gateway** – From Kobarid, you can hike to Mount Krn or explore the wider Soca Valley, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts.
This post was edited on 12/6/25 at 10:00 am
Posted on 12/6/25 at 10:31 am to AUFANATL
quote:
A rule of thumb I try to follow is stay in one place for at least four nights. If you can't find a reason to stay that long then try to do it as a day trip or eliminate it. For example, Bled is an easy day trip from Ljubliana, Salzburg can be done expeditiously as a day trip from Munich, etc.
This is a good approach. 3 days/nights can work in some places if travel is well planned, and day trips are a great idea, especially if you can do it by train in Europe.
Posted on 12/8/25 at 2:13 pm to AUFANATL
I appreciate it and don't disagree; but we did back Madrid / Granada / Sevilla / Lagos / Lisbon into 13 days last year and it wasn't terrible. I like 3 nights at a spot, but would prefer to find a home base and hit some more sights if posisble.
Munich v Salzburg, I'm good to stay at either, I just definitely want to spend time in Salzburg and am flying out of Munich regardless.
Munich v Salzburg, I'm good to stay at either, I just definitely want to spend time in Salzburg and am flying out of Munich regardless.
Posted on 12/8/25 at 7:55 pm to CidCock
We were in Salzburg last December. Stayed for five days. It’s really fun in a beautiful location. Actually got to see Krampus, which is amazing!
Posted on 12/16/25 at 9:38 am to Nole Man
Wife and I did Croatia for our 20th anniversary and loved it but we were mainly on the islands.
Did 3 days in Split (all great advice above) and one day trip to Krka as we did not want the full travel to Plitvice and it was great.
Did 4 days and nights in Hvar...essentially rented a boat and did island hopping and it was terrific. If you are younger, great party scene, as for us older still lots of fun during the day and early evening :)
Then spent a day and night in Korcula which is a cool little city with some great architecture and history.
Then spent a day and night in Stone, which has a little history and old salt field, but stopped their for their oysters which they are famous. They lived up to the hype.
Spent 4 days in Dubrovnik with one of those days a day trip to Montenegro which was 5 stars.
Really loved Croatia.
Did 3 days in Split (all great advice above) and one day trip to Krka as we did not want the full travel to Plitvice and it was great.
Did 4 days and nights in Hvar...essentially rented a boat and did island hopping and it was terrific. If you are younger, great party scene, as for us older still lots of fun during the day and early evening :)
Then spent a day and night in Korcula which is a cool little city with some great architecture and history.
Then spent a day and night in Stone, which has a little history and old salt field, but stopped their for their oysters which they are famous. They lived up to the hype.
Spent 4 days in Dubrovnik with one of those days a day trip to Montenegro which was 5 stars.
Really loved Croatia.
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