Full-Day Tour Bay of Kotor Perast Kotor and Budva small group from Dubrovnik

If you’re planning a day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro, this tour promises a well-rounded experience of the region’s highlights. It’s designed for those who want a taste of Montenegrin charm without the hassle of organizing transportation or navigating borders themselves. We’ve looked into what this trip offers and what you can realistically expect from a full day on the coast.

What really caught our eye are the scenic coastal drives—letting someone else handle the wheel means you can truly enjoy the spectacular views. Plus, the small group size (up to 8 people) makes the experience more personal and relaxed, far from the crowded bus tours that dominate some itineraries.

One thing to consider is the long day’s duration, which can be tiring with all the driving and sightseeing packed in. Also, if you’re expecting extensive guided commentary, bear in mind that the guide works as both driver and guide, with some optional extras like a local guide in Kotor available for an extra fee.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love history, scenic drives, and exploring charming old towns without the stress of planning every detail. Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and flexible timing will find this tour a good fit.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Visit two countries and see several iconic sites in one day.
• Comfortable transport: An air-conditioned vehicle makes the long day more manageable.
• Personalized service: Small groups ensure more attention from the driver-guide.
• Freedom of exploration: Plenty of free time to wander and take photos at each stop.
• Border crossing ease: The driver handles border formalities, saving you time.
• Cost comparison: The price of around $102 per person offers good value considering the full-day itinerary.

What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour is priced at approximately $102 per person, which covers round-trip transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The tour starts early, with pickup from your Dubrovnik hotel, around 6:45 am, so be prepared for an early start—something most reviews agree is worth it for avoiding traffic and crowds.

As the driver also functions as your guide, you’ll get a friendly, informative narration about each stop. While there’s no official guide in Kotor included, the driver offers plenty of information, and you can opt for a local guide if you wish, for an additional fee.

A notable aspect is the border crossing. With a small group, the process is quicker than with larger buses, and the driver manages all the paperwork. Expect to pay around 3 euros for the entrance tax to Kotor and 2 euros for the tax to enter the Bay of Kotor itself. For the boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, there’s an extra charge of 10 euros per person.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Bay of Kotor

The tour kicks off with a visit to the Bay of Kotor, a winding fjord-like inlet flanked by dramatic limestone cliffs. This is a highlight for its scenic beauty and the chance to appreciate Montenegro’s rugged coastline. According to reviews, the early start helps avoid the crowds, especially at popular spots like the bay.

Stop 2: Perast

Next, you’ll spend about an hour in Perast, an old town with a charming, historic atmosphere. It’s famous for its proximity to the islets of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks. Many travelers appreciate the peaceful vibe here, contrasting with the busier Kotor. Some reviews mention the option of a boat ride to the islets, costing around 10 euros, which adds a special touch to your visit.

Stop 3: Kotor Old Town

The largest chunk of the day is dedicated to Kotor, with around two hours to explore its maze of winding streets and squares. The city’s medieval walls, Romanesque churches, and the fortress above are often described as stunning. Many reviewers praise their guides—driver or optional local guides—for providing interesting commentary. Since the old town can get crowded during high season, arriving early and avoiding cruise ship congestion is a plus, as some travelers have mentioned.

Stop 4: Budva

The final stop is Budva, known for its beaches and lively nightlife. You’ll get about two hours here, which is enough for a leisurely stroll through the old town’s narrow streets, a quick bite, or some souvenir shopping. Comments from travelers suggest that Budva can feel quite commercialized, so if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you might prefer to explore on your own during this time.

What Past Travelers Say

The reviews are largely positive, with many travelers praising the knowledgeable guides and beautiful sights. For example, one traveler states, “Ivo was very knowledgeable about the places we visited,” and many highlight how the early start helped them beat the crowds. Several reviewers mention how the driver’s skillful navigation avoided major traffic issues, especially around Kotor during peak season.

However, some reviews point out potential drawbacks. One reviewer notes that traffic and road conditions can make the day quite long and slow, with some commenting on the roads not being in the best shape. Another person expressed dissatisfaction with the guide in one review, who made microaggressive comments and downplayed the atrocities of the Bosnian War—an important reminder that while most tours are straightforward, guides can sometimes impact your experience heavily.

The Long Day

Many travelers mention the long hours—the 10-hour duration can be demanding, especially if you’re not used to full-day excursions. Still, many agree it’s worth it for the chance to see Montenegro’s top sights in one go.

Cost and Value

For about $102, including transport, border crossings, and multiple stops, most find the tour a good deal. The convenience of round-trip pickup from Dubrovnik, combined with the flexibility of free time at each stop, justifies the cost for many.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for history enthusiasts, scenic lovers, and those who prefer small group experiences. It’s perfect if you want to explore Montenegro but don’t want the hassle of renting a car or navigating borders. Travelers who enjoy flexible sightseeing and want to avoid large tour groups will find this option appealing. However, if you’re sensitive to long hours or prefer guided commentary at every stop, you might want to consider the optional local guide upgrade or another tour.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, value-packed day trip from Dubrovnik, this tour offers an excellent way to see Montenegro’s highlights without the stress of planning. The small-group format means more personal attention, and the scenic drives make the long day much more pleasant.

The stops at Perast, Kotor, and Budva offer a good balance of history, culture, and coast. While the tour’s pace can be a bit intense, especially if roads are busy, most travelers come away feeling like they’ve experienced a lot in one day. It’s a solid choice for those who want a stress-free, scenic, and informative adventure in Montenegro.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available? Yes, the tour includes hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubrovnik.

How long is the tour? The full day lasts about 10 hours, starting early at around 6:45 am.

Do I need a passport? Yes, a valid passport or EU ID is required to cross into Montenegro, as it is not part of the EU.

Is the tour suitable for everyone? Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for a long day with significant driving and sightseeing.

Are entrance fees included? No, you’ll need to pay for some attractions like the Our Lady of the Rocks boat ride (10 euros) and the Kotor entrance tax (3 euros), along with the Bay of Kotor tax (2 euros).

Can I upgrade for a guide in Kotor? Yes, a local guide in Kotor can be arranged for an extra charge.

What if I don’t want to visit Budva? The itinerary includes time in Budva, but you can choose to explore or rest during that period if you prefer.

Are the roads in Montenegro good? Roads can be narrow and winding, especially in mountain areas, and some reviews mention that they aren’t always in perfect condition.

Is this tour family-friendly? While not specifically marketed as family-focused, most children who enjoy scenic drives and exploring old towns should find it suitable. Just be mindful of the long hours.

If you love exploring scenic coastlines, historic towns, and want a hassle-free way to see Montenegro from Dubrovnik, this tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to do just that. It balances comfort, sightseeing, and flexibility—perfect for those who want a memorable day without the stress of planning every detail.