Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride

Exploring the Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride

If you’re considering a day in Montenegro that offers a mix of stunning scenery, cultural sights, and delicious food, this Kotor and Perast private tour might just be the experience you’re after. From exploring medieval streets to island-hopping and learning to cook local dishes, it promises a well-rounded taste of the Bay of Kotor.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how thoughtfully it’s put together — it hits key highlights without feeling rushed, and the local guide’s knowledge adds a genuine touch. Plus, the boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks is a memorable way to get out on the water and see the bay’s beauty up close.

One downside to consider is that the price point of around $397 per person isn’t exactly cheap, especially for travelers on a tight budget. However, when you factor in the private transportation, guided experience, boat ride, and cooking class, it offers a level of convenience and depth that many group tours can’t match.

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a comprehensive day trip that combines sightseeing, local culture, and culinary fun — particularly for those who want a more personalized experience rather than a large group shuffle. If you’re into culture, scenic boat rides, and hands-on activities, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Private & Personalized: The tour is exclusive, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a more relaxed, tailored experience.
• Cultural & Scenic Highlights: Includes visits to Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, and Kotor Old Town — all packed with photo-worthy moments.
• Boat Ride & Artifacts: A boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks is included, along with entrance tickets to the church and island artifacts.
• Culinary Experience: You’ll learn to prepare traditional seafood dishes amid the gorgeous setting of Boka Bay, making it both educational and delicious.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned vehicle, and bottled water keep things comfortable.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour means you can plan worry-free.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting at Perast

The tour kicks off with a visit to Perast, a tiny yet charming baroque town along the bay. We loved the relaxed vibe here — it’s the kind of place where narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-colored buildings make you want to slow down and soak it all in. The highlight is the boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny island with a fascinating story and impressive art collection.

The boat ride lasts about 20 minutes and is included in the tour. It’s a great way to see the bay from a different perspective and get a close-up look at this island’s unique charm. The church on the island is open for visitors, and you’ll see paintings, votive tablets, and even a tapestry made of hair — all worth a little exploration.

Exploring Kotor’s Medieval Streets

Next, you’re whisked off to Kotor, famous for its fortress walls and medieval architecture. The guided walk takes you through the Old Town, where you’ll find a blend of churches, squares, and narrow alleyways. Key sites include Saint Nicholas Church, Saint Luka Church, and the Cathedral of Saint T.

We appreciated that the tour includes free entrance to the old town, so you can truly wander at your own pace afterward if you want to linger. The guide’s insights help bring the town’s history and multicultural influences to life, making it more than just a photo stop.

Culinary Experience at a Traditional Boka Bay Restaurant

One of the tour’s highlights is the two-and-a-half-hour cooking class at a traditional restaurant outside Kotor’s walls. Here, you’ll learn how to prepare a traditional seafood dish, all while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of Boka Bay.

This isn’t just about watching — you’ll get hands-on experience, and the chef is usually very friendly and eager to share their secrets. The included lunch means you’ll get to taste your own creation, plus some local bites and Mediterranean flavors that reflect the region’s culinary style.

Many travelers rave about the food, with one reviewer mentioning the delicious tapas and knowledgeable guides. It’s a nice break from sightseeing, blending learning and eating into a memorable experience.

Transportation and Overall Experience

The entire day is wrapped in private transportation, which means no worries about group schedules or crowded buses. The air-conditioned vehicle makes the long drives comfortable, and the hotel pickup and drop-off add to the convenience.

The tour lasts around 7 hours, which is a good length for covering a lot without feeling rushed. It’s worth noting that the tour is designed for most travelers, with minimal physical strain, but be prepared for some walking in Kotor’s Old Town and on the boat.

The tour’s price of roughly $397 includes many aspects: transport, guide, boat ride, entrance fees, and the cooking class. That said, it’s a considerable investment, but if you’re after a full, curated experience that balances sightseeing with culture and culinary fun, it’s likely worth the cost.

The One Review That Stands Out

A Tripadvisor reviewer praised their guide Uro, calling the experience “absolutely perfect” and mentioning the luxurious speedboat used during other parts of their trip. Although their review focused on other boat trips, it reflects the high-quality service Boccato DMC Montenegro aims for, which is also true for this tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want an in-depth exploration of the Kotor Bay area with a personalized touch. It’s perfect if you’re into history, culture, scenic boat rides, and cooking. Because it’s private, families or small groups who value exclusivity and flexibility will find it especially appealing.

While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the tour’s pace and variety make it accessible for most ages, provided everyone is okay with some walking and a boat ride. If you enjoy combining sightseeing with culinary activities, this tour offers a rewarding way to experience Montenegro beyond the usual.

Final Thoughts

This private tour offers a well-rounded, meaningful way to discover Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor. From wandering medieval streets and exploring historic islands to learning local recipes, it hits many of the highlights in a single day. While the price is on the higher side, the private aspect, guided insights, and hands-on cooking class add genuine value.

If you’re after a flexible, intimate, and engaging experience that marries scenery with culture and cuisine, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially suited for those who want a memorable, personal touch to their Montenegro adventure and aren’t just looking for a quick snapshot.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is included, with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, the tour includes tickets to the church at Our Lady of the Rocks and entrance to Kotor Old Town.

What’s the main focus of the tour?
It combines sightseeing (Perast, Kotor, Our Lady of the Rocks), a boat ride, and a cooking class — offering a mix of culture, scenic views, and culinary fun.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour begins, making it flexible if your plans change.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, most travelers can participate, and the activities are generally accessible for children prepared for some walking and boat rides.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring Kotor’s streets and the island. Bring sun protection and a hat for outdoor parts.

Is this tour good for photographers?
Absolutely. The scenic stops, especially on the boat and in Perast, offer plenty of photo opportunities.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone eager to see the stunning scenery of Montenegro, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience that balances all these elements. It’s a bit of an investment, but for a full day of personalized and memorable exploration, it could be well worth it.