Europe Newbie Needs Advice on Itinerary

I would love some feedback on this itinerary. I realize that many will think we are packing too much in, and I know that we won't have enough time to see all the sites in each destination. However, we are looking for a heavily coastal vacation and were persuaded to add some Italy on the front and back ends, along with Croatia.

Are we making any major mistakes? I haven't been to Europe in years and haven't ever planned a vacation there, and my husband has never been. Thanks for any tips you've got.

Aug 6 - Take IAH overnight flight to IST
Aug 7 - Overnight layover in IST, stay in New Town area
Aug 8 - Flight to Genoa, arrive around noon, train to Monterosso
Aug 8-11 - Play in the Cinque Terre towns, hike the towns on 1st full day, hire a local fisherman and hang on beach the 2nd full day
Aug 11 - Drive to Ancona, hang around town until overnight Ferry to Split leaves
Aug 12 - Arrive in Split in morning, hang out until we can catch a catamaran or ferry to Hvar
Aug 12-15 - Play in Hvar -- thinking about a wine/food or other tour around island 1 day, kayak island hopping the other full day
Aug 15 - Rent car, drive to Sucuraj on Hvar, ferry to Drvenik, drive to Dubrovnik, return car
Aug 15-17 - Play in Dubrovnik, on 17th catch the 9 am coastal ferry up to Rijeka
Aug 18 - Arrive at 7 am in Rijeka, rent car and drive up to Lake Bled, play around the lake during the day, stay around the lake that night.
Aug 19 - Take an early morning walk around lake, drive back to Rovinj, hoping to stop at some wineries around Kabola, Kozlovic…return car
Aug 19-21- Play in Rovinj, on 21st take 7 a.m ferry on 21 to Venice
Aug 21-23 - Play in Venice, on 23rd, fly back to IST, stay in old town area
Aug 24 - Fly back to IAH

As a frequent Euro traveller, I don't believe this is too much at all. I think there are a couple very very long days..... but if you are comfortable with that, then I think you are fine. My husband and I had a very similar itinerary about a year ago. I have ridden that ferry from Ancona to Split and it is awesome! Make sure you set an alarm to see the sunrise coming into Split! It's amazing! If I was going to suggest anything though I would say spend less time in Croatia and take a night or two in Tuscany in Italy. I have been to all the places you are suggesting and I think you are missing out if you don't. Check out Greve in Chanti. Rent Scooters and run around the countryside and wineries in them. It's amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

One of the best places to stay is http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g580240-d1027491-Reviews-Poggio_Asciutto-Greve_in_Chianti_Tuscany.html Massimo and his wife Eva are AMAZING!!!!!!!! Great hosts!

Thanks so much! We'll check out your recommendation.

You can save a day with Bled and Rovinj. Bled is a nice lake, but it is small and there isn't that much to do. You could return to Rovinj the same day and go to Venice a day earlier, if your goal is to spend more time in Italy.

There is also a bus from Rovinj to Venice, it's much cheaper than ferry and the ride itself lasts almost the same.

Otherwise, this itinerary isn't exhausting at all, you could even fit some other places in it. :)

http://www.novasol.co.uk/p/ckc668?SD=07-06-2014&DUR=7&RTYPE=houselist&HQ=ckc668&ED=14-06-2014