Private tour Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks 1.5h

Exploring Montenegro’s Hidden Gems in a Short Time

If you’re planning a quick but memorable trip to Kotor, the Private tour of Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks promises a delightful look into some of Montenegro’s most picturesque spots. While only 1.5 hours long, this tour packs in some of the Bay of Kotor’s most iconic sights, offering travelers a blend of breathtaking scenery, historical charm, and intimate moments away from crowds.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the panoramic boat ride gives you sweeping views of the bay—perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery. Second, the visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island with a unique history and beautiful church, feels like stepping into a postcard. Lastly, the charming old town of Perast offers a glimpse into 17th-century Venetian architecture without the hassle of larger tourist groups.

One potential consideration? The limited time at each stop means you’ll need to move quickly, which might be tight for travelers who love spending hours exploring every corner. It’s best suited for those with a busy schedule or first-time visitors eager to tick off the main sights.

This tour fits well for travelers seeking a snapshot of Montenegro’s scenic beauty and historic charm, especially if they prefer private, flexible experiences over large group tours.

Good To Know

• Short but sweet: The entire experience is just 1.5 hours, making it perfect for tight schedules.
• Stunning views: The panoramic boat ride offers memorable vistas of the bay and surrounding landscapes.
• Authentic stops: Visit a man-made island and a well-preserved old town with real charm.
• Private experience: Only your group participates, ensuring a personalized touch.
• Included amenities: Bottled water and snorkeling masks are provided, adding value.
• Affordable entry: The tour’s price includes the boat ride and exploration of the main sites, with optional museum visits for a small fee.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

The Journey Begins with a Scenic Ride

The tour starts from Kotor, where you’ll meet your skipper and hop aboard a private boat. The ride itself lasts approximately 20 minutes, offering sweeping views of the bay—an ideal time to take photos, enjoy the breeze, and get a first taste of Montenegro’s stunning coastline. Reviewers have praised the “amazing views” and the “good tunes”, which make the journey feel like a true highlight rather than just transportation.

Exploring Our Lady of the Rocks

The first stop is Our Lady of the Rocks, a fascinating man-made island created over centuries by local residents. Its origins are rooted in legend—each year, locals throw stones in the bay to build this island, which now features a church and a small museum. Admission is included, but note that museum and church entries are a modest 3 euros each, and the toilet on the island costs 1.5 euros.

You’ll have around 20 minutes to explore. Many visitors love the unique charm of the island, with some mentioning that the church’s interior and the views from the island are worth seeing. A reviewer appreciated the flexibility, noting the island’s “beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere”, perfect for a quick photo stop or a moment of reflection.

Discovering Perast’s Historic Streets

Next, the boat takes you to Perast, a UNESCO-protected town that feels frozen in time. Its well-preserved streets, lined with baroque and Venetian architecture, provide a glimpse into Montenegro’s past as a maritime hub. You’ll have 30 minutes here to walk around, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy the quiet beauty of this small town.

Many guests comment on Perast’s authentic feel, with one reviewer saying, “It looks exactly as it did in the 17th century”. The town’s charm lies in its simple, historic streets and the friendly vibe of locals. It’s a rare opportunity to wander at your own pace, taking photos of the stunning facades and the peaceful waterfront.

Return Journey with a Splash

The return boat ride lasts about 20 minutes, giving you another chance to enjoy the views and perhaps do some snorkeling if you’ve brought your gear or used the provided masks. Reviewers have mentioned that the skipper is accommodating, often adjusting the trip for families or those wanting to swim at different spots.

The Experience’s Practical Aspects

Transportation & Timing

The entire tour is designed with efficiency in mind—starting and ending in Kotor, it’s an ideal short activity. The boat ride’s duration ensures a relaxed pace, and the entire experience fits comfortably into a 1.5-hour window. Many travelers appreciate how easy it is to book in advance—most plan their trip about a week ahead, valuing the convenience of mobile tickets.

Group Size & Private Feel

Limited to just your group of up to 10 people, this private arrangement offers a more personalized experience. Many reviews commend the skipper’s friendly attitude and the flexibility to adapt the trip—making it suitable for families, couples, or small groups of friends.

Price & Value

At around $150.49 per group, the cost covers the boat ride, water, and access to both sites. Considering the private nature and the scenic quality, this is a fair deal, especially when compared to larger tours that might offer less personalized service. The optional museum visit comes at a small additional fee, which some travelers find worthwhile for the full experience.

What’s Not Included

The museum entrance fee (3 euros) and the use of the toilet on the island (1.5 euros) are not included but are minimal. The tour’s value lies in the scenic, cultural, and historical highlights, rather than exhaustive museum exploration.

Authenticity and What Travelers Love

From reviews, it’s evident that most guests value the stunning views and flexible approach. One traveler noted, “Perfect time and crazy atmosphere,” emphasizing how the skipper’s skill and the atmosphere made the experience memorable.

Another reviewer with young children appreciated how the skipper “adapted the trip” to their needs, highlighting the tour’s user-friendly nature. The boat’s snorkeling masks are also a bonus for those wanting to cool off or explore the water briefly, although swimming spots are not extensively detailed.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private tour is perfect for travelers who want a quick, scenic overview of Montenegro’s highlights without a heavy time commitment. It suits those with a sense of adventure but limited time, or visitors eager to avoid large crowds by opting for a personalized experience. Families with children, couples, and small groups looking for an intimate, atmospheric trip will find this tour especially rewarding.

If you crave a structured, informative tour with in-depth historical content, you might find this experience somewhat lacking. However, for pure visual appeal, relaxed exploration, and professional guidance, it hits the mark.

The Sum Up

This 1.5-hour private boat tour of Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast brings together scenic beauty, historical intrigue, and a relaxed vibe. The inclusion of a private boat, flexible stops, and the chance to explore both a man-made island and a historic town make it a standout option for those short on time but wanting to capture the essence of Montenegro’s Bay.

The stunning views, friendly skipper, and intimate atmosphere are what many travelers remember most—along with the authentic charm of Perast’s old streets. While the brief stops mean you won’t have hours to explore, this tour offers a perfect snapshot of Montenegro’s treasures, ideal for first-timers or those seeking a scenic escape.

For travelers who prioritize beautiful scenery, personalized service, and quick immersion into local culture, this tour is a highly recommended choice.

FAQs

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including boat rides and time on the island and in Perast.

Is the tour private?
Yes, only your group participates, making it ideal for a more personalized experience.

What’s included in the price?
The boat ride, bottled water, and snorkeling masks are included. Museum and toilet fees are extra.

Can I explore the sites at my own pace?
You’ll have around 20 minutes at Our Lady of the Rocks and 30 minutes in Perast, enough for a quick visit but not extensive exploration.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, especially since the tour can be adapted, and the boat ride is short. Some reviews mention traveling with young children.

Do I need to book in advance?
Most travelers book about 7 days ahead, and booking is straightforward via mobile tickets.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, some cash for optional entries, and comfortable shoes for walking in Perast.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this private Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks tour offers a compact, scenic, and flexible way to enjoy Montenegro’s bay. It’s best suited for those valuing authentic views, personalized service, and an efficient itinerary—making it a worthwhile addition to your travel plans.