Full-Day Group Tour of Montenegro Coast from Dubrovnik

If you’re planning a trip to Dubrovnik and craving a glimpse of Montenegro’s beautiful coastline, this full-day group tour might catch your eye. It promises visits to charming towns like Perast, the historic city of Kotor, and a scenic ferry ride across Boka Kotorska Bay. While it’s an affordable way to tick off multiple highlights in one day, it’s worth understanding what you’re signing up for.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is the convenience it offers—hotel pickups and drop-offs mean you don’t have to worry about logistics, and the included ferry ride adds a touch of adventure. Plus, the tour’s price of just under $70 per person makes it accessible if you’re traveling on a budget. On the flip side, some travelers have noted timing constraints and the fact that the guides can sometimes be less experienced, which might impact the overall experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a cost-effective, hassle-free way to see a few key spots along the Montenegro coast without needing to organize transport or worry about border crossings themselves. If you’re okay with busy days and don’t mind group settings, it can be a practical option. However, if you’re looking for a deeply immersive or personalized experience, you might find some parts of it a bit rushed.

Key Points

• Ease of logistics is a major plus, thanks to hotel pickup and drop-off.
• The ferry ride across Kotor Bay adds a scenic element that many enjoy.
• Cost efficiency makes this tour appealing for budget travelers.
• Timing might be tight, with limited time at each stop, especially Kotor.
• Guide quality varies; some reviews mention less experienced guides.
• Beautiful views and picturesque towns make it a visually rewarding day.
• Not all inclusions are guaranteed—for example, the ferry back might sometimes be affected.
• Great for reducing planning stress on a busy travel schedule.

Exploring the Montenegro Coast: What to Expect

This tour is designed to cover some of the most photogenic and historically interesting spots along Montenegro’s coast, while keeping things straightforward in terms of organization and cost. The entire day runs approximately 9 to 10 hours, starting early at 7:00 am, which means you’ll need to be prepared for an early start but will get plenty of time in each place.

Pickup and Transportation

Right from the start, the ease of this tour is a big bonus. The provider, Deep Green Travel, offers hotel pickup and drop-off, alleviating the stress of navigating public transport or arranging your own ride. The transport itself is a standard group bus or van, comfortable enough for a day trip, and the maximum group size is around 100 travelers, which strikes a balance between social and manageable.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Perast – about an hour

Your first stop is the lovely town of Perast, which the tour describes as a “city-museum.” This little town is famous for its baroque buildings, cobbled streets, and proximity to two artificially created islands. Visitors love the chance to stroll around, take photos, and explore without feeling rushed. The tour mentions the islands, which are a highlight, especially the one with the church of Our Lady of the Rocks, though the boat ride to these islands is not included in the standard package.

Stop 2: Kotor – about three hours

Kotor is, without a doubt, the crown jewel of this trip. Its winding, narrow streets, the fortified walls, and the stunning bay views make it a favorite for many travelers. You’ll get some free time to wander, soak up the atmosphere, and perhaps enjoy a quick coffee. A key point from reviews is that the guided commentary here can vary; some travelers found guides highly knowledgeable, while others felt they could have been more experienced.

One reviewer said, “Nice trip with experienced guide. A bit short of time if you want to explore Kotor deeper.” This hints at the fact that the allotted time might limit just how much you can see and do—so if you’re a history buff or love wandering on your own, you might find the schedule a little tight.

Stop 3: Bay of Kotor and Return Journey – about three hours

On your return, the route takes a scenic drive over the bay, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding mountains. The ferry ride back across Kotor Bay is included, providing a different perspective of the coast from the water. The journey then continues through Herceg Novi, the Croatian border, and back to Dubrovnik.

Some reviews mention that the ferry ride isn’t always smooth or guaranteed, with at least one traveler noting that it “did not happen,” but overall, most found it to be a highlight. The scenic drive and ferry are great opportunities for photos and relaxing as you listen to the guide’s commentary.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation along the coast and across the bay
• Ferry ride back across Kotor Bay
• A local guide (though guide experience varies)

Not Included:

• The boat ride to the island of Gospa od Krajela (Our Lady of the Rocks) is not part of this package, which disappointed some travelers, especially those eager to explore the islands up close.

The Experience from Reviews

While many travelers praise the stunning scenery and the knowledgeable guides, some point out inconsistencies. A review from a traveler said, “The sights are beautiful but this tour company is not the way to go. While the bus driver was an excellent driver, the guide was not well-trained and read scripts from paper.” It seems that guide quality can vary, so managing expectations about depth of commentary is wise.

Another reviewer appreciated the ease of having border requirements handled and found the guide very informative. Conversely, some were disappointed that the ferry back didn’t happen as planned, which slightly affected the overall experience.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable price for a full-day tour
• Convenient pickup and drop-off saves hassle
• Beautiful views and towns that are picturesquely postcard-worthy
• Ferry ride adds a fun, scenic element
• Less planning needed—the logistics are handled for you

Cons:

• Limited time at each stop, especially Kotor, which may feel rushed
• Guide quality can be inconsistent—some reviews mention less experienced guides
• Ferry may not always operate smoothly, or could be affected by weather or schedules
• You won’t visit the island with the church, unless you pay extra or organize separately
• Long travel time (around 4 hours driving from Dubrovnik), which might be tiring for some

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves scenic drives, picturesque towns, and doesn’t mind a busy schedule, this tour can be a great way to cover a lot of ground without the hassle of planning. It’s particularly suited for budget travelers wanting to see Montenegro’s highlights without breaking the bank.

However, if you’re craving a more immersive experience or want to explore Kotor at a deeper level, you might find the limited time a bit frustrating. Also, if having an expert guide with detailed commentary is important to you, we’d recommend checking reviews on guide quality before booking.

This tour is ideal if you’re in Dubrovnik and want a stress-free, cost-effective day trip with some stunning views, a ferry ride, and a taste of Montenegro’s charming towns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off at your location, making it convenient and saving you time on logistics.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 9 to 10 hours, starting at 7:00 am and returning in the evening.

What are the main stops on the tour?
You’ll visit Perast for about an hour, explore Kotor for around three hours, and enjoy a scenic drive through the bay with a ferry ride back to Dubrovnik.

Does the tour include a boat ride to the island of Gospa od Krajela?
No, the boat ride to the islands is not included in this package.

Is the ferry ride back across Kotor Bay included?
Yes, the ferry ride is part of the standard tour and offers a different view of the bay.

What’s the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 100 travelers, which balances social interaction with manageable numbers.

Are guides well-trained?
Guide quality seems to vary; some travelers mention very knowledgeable guides, while others note less experienced ones reading scripts.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance, and receive a full refund.

Is this suitable for families or travelers with children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the tour’s flexible schedule and scenic stops make it suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind the long day and bus ride.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Montenegro coast tour from Dubrovnik offers a practical, budget-friendly way to see some of the most beautiful spots along the coastline. The combination of picturesque towns, scenic drives, and a ferry ride makes for a memorable day—especially if you’re not looking for a highly detailed or personalized experience.

While some may find the tight schedule and variable guide quality a bit limiting, most will appreciate the convenience and stunning views. It’s a good pick for travelers eager to tick off Montenegro highlights without the fuss of organizing logistics themselves or for those on a tight budget.

If you’re after a straightforward, scenic day with some nice photo opportunities and don’t mind a busy schedule, this tour could be just right. But if you prefer more depth at each stop or a more niche, tailored experience, you might want to explore other options or consider a private tour.

Happy traveling, and enjoy the breathtaking views along the Montenegrin coast!