From Dubrovnik: Full-Day Group Tour of Montenegro Coast

Exploring the Montenegro Coast from Dubrovnik: A Practical Look at the Full-Day Tour

If you’re dreaming of combining the beauty of the Montenegro coastline with a manageable day trip from Dubrovnik, this full-day group tour might catch your eye. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, we’ve sifted through reviews and the tour details to give you an honest, balanced picture of what to expect. It’s an option worth considering if you’re looking to see iconic spots like Kotor and Perast without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What we like about this experience is the chance to enjoy panoramic views along the coastline and visit some historic towns with plenty of charm. Plus, it includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is a big plus for smooth travel. On the flip side, some reviews mention that the day can feel a bit rushed, with a lot of time spent on the bus, so if you’re after a more relaxed pace, this might not be your ideal choice. Still, if you’re eager to explore the highlights of Montenegro in a single day, this tour could work well.

This experience tends to suit travelers who enjoy organized trips, are comfortable with a busy schedule, and want a taste of Montenegro’s beauty without the hassle of independent travel. Keep in mind, it’s a budget-friendly option at just $59 per person, which is quite competitive considering the destinations covered.

Key Points

• Scenic coastal drive with impressive views of the Adriatic Sea
• Visit historic towns like Kotor and Perast
• Option to visit Our Lady of the Rocks island
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience
• Rushed schedule might limit time for exploration or detailed explanations
• Travel time on the bus could be lengthy, sometimes over 13 hours total

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Montenegro Coast Tour

If you’re considering this tour, understanding what’s actually included and what you can expect day-to-day will help you decide if it’s a good fit. The core idea is a full-day journey through some of Montenegro’s most beautiful and historic spots, with an emphasis on sightseeing and scenic travel.

The Pickup and Initial Drive

The day starts with hotel pickup, which simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying in Dubrovnik. Once on the bus, you’ll enter Montenegro, crossing the border with just an ID if you’re an EU citizen—making border crossing fairly straightforward. The drive is where you’ll start to appreciate the turquoise waters and islands dotting the coast. The journey itself is a highlight for many, offering a chance to relax while enjoying the views.

Perast: Small Town with Big Charm

Your first stop is in Perast, a town praised for its fresh sea air and picturesque setting. It’s a relatively quick visit, often around an hour, so don’t expect to get deep into the town’s history or wander for too long. Many reviews mention that this amount of time might feel a bit tight, with some travelers wishing for more to soak in the atmosphere. Still, you’ll have enough time to walk around and snap photos of the old buildings and waterfront.

Optional Visit to Our Lady of the Rocks

You have the option to visit Our Lady of the Rocks, an island with a church and museum. The trip involves a boat ride, which is not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to pay extra if you want to go. Many travelers find the island charming, but some also mention that the church is tiny, and the entrance fee isn’t included, which might be disappointing if you’re expecting a more extensive visit.

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The Marvelous City of Kotor

The next stop is Kotor, arguably the star of the show. This UNESCO-listed town is packed with winding streets, historic buildings, and a fortress that offers amazing views if you decide to climb. The free time here is usually around two hours, giving plenty of opportunity to wander, explore shops, or just soak up the atmosphere. However, some reviews note that two hours can feel a little rushed, especially if you like to explore at a leisurely pace. Others appreciated the chance to explore independently, citing the guide’s explanations as brief but informative.

The Scenic Return Journey

The ride back is equally scenic, passing through Herceg Novi and along the Dubrovnik Riviera. The tour includes a ferry crossing in Boka Kotorska bay, which adds a bit of variety to the trip. The return to Dubrovnik can be lengthy—some travelers report the entire day stretching to about 13 hours, especially considering traffic and border waiting times.

The Experience: What the Reviews Say

While many travelers praise the stunning views and friendly guides, there are notable criticisms. One reviewer mentioned that “the guided tour is 35 minutes,” and the overall pace felt rushed, which could limit your ability to enjoy the stops or absorb the history and atmosphere fully. This is a common theme—if you’re looking for in-depth exploration and more relaxed timing, this might not be your best bet.

On the positive side, several reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides and drivers. One traveler said, “Annette and the entire team… made this tour smooth, safe, and truly memorable,” which shows the value of good organization and personable staff. Others appreciated the value for money, citing the trip as a reasonable way to see Montenegro without breaking the bank.

There are some less favorable reviews too, especially regarding traffic delays, border crossings, and a lack of time to enjoy explanations or explore at leisure. For instance, one person noted spending “more time on the bus and waiting in line at customs than visiting the sites,” which can be frustrating if you want a more immersive experience.

Practical Tips from Reviews

• Be prepared for a long day (sometimes over 13 hours).
• Bring some cash for city taxes in Kotor—a small fee per person.
• Expect some traffic delays, especially on peak days.
• If you don’t want to pay extra for the island trip, stay on the mainland and enjoy walking around Perast instead.
• Be aware that guides may only speak English and Spanish, so language might be limited depending on the guide.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $59 per person, this tour offers a fair price for a comprehensive look at Montenegro’s coast, including transportation, guide, and some scenic stops. However, the value really depends on what you’re after. If your goal is quick sightseeing with minimal hassle, it’s a solid pick. But if you prefer more time at each site or a relaxed pace, you might find it somewhat rushed given the schedule.

Some travelers feel that the price is justified by the convenience and the opportunity to see multiple highlights in one day. Others say the bus ride dominates the experience, which might not be ideal for everyone. Remember that the tour does not include food or drinks, so plan for snacks or meals during the day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is suited for travelers who want a full taste of Montenegro’s coastline without the fuss of organizing transport and logistics themselves. It’s a good choice if you’re on a budget but still want to see Kotor, Perast, and Our Lady of the Rocks (if you opt for the island). Keep in mind, it’s best for those comfortable with a packed schedule and long bus rides. If you’re looking for a leisurely day with plenty of time to explore or learn detailed history, you might want to look for a slower-paced alternative.

Final Thoughts

This full-day trip from Dubrovnik offers a practical way to see Montenegro’s coast with minimal planning. You’ll enjoy amazing views, visit charming towns, and get a taste of local history. The trip’s value is boosted by professional guides and organized logistics, but it’s worth noting that the schedule can feel rushed, and some might find the long hours on the bus tiring.

For those who are eager to tick off Montenegro’s highlights and don’t mind a busy day, this tour could be a good fit. Just remember to keep your expectations realistic regarding the time spent at each stop and prepare for some traffic delays.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for EU citizens?
Yes, all EU citizens can cross the border into Montenegro using just an ID card, making border crossing straightforward.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, plus a guided tour in Montenegro. Food, drinks, and the island visit are not included.

How long is the total trip?
The day can stretch to around 13 hours, especially due to traffic and border crossing times, so be prepared for a long day.

Can I visit Our Lady of the Rocks?
Yes, it’s an optional visit. You’ll need to pay extra for the boat ride and entrance fee, as these are not included in the tour price.

How much time do I get in Kotor and Perast?
Typically, around two hours in Kotor and about an hour in Perast. Some travelers find this enough, while others wish for more time to explore leisurely.

What are the main downsides of this tour?
The biggest drawbacks are the lengthy bus ride, some feeling it’s too rushed, and limited time to fully enjoy each site or hear detailed explanations from guides.

If you’re after an organized day to see some of Montenegro’s most iconic spots and don’t mind the busy schedule, this tour offers a practical, budget-friendly option. Just pack patience and an appreciation for scenic views—you’ll find plenty of both.

You can check availability for your dates here: