Small group day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro

Exploring Montenegro from Dubrovnik: A Day Trip Rundown

Travelers looking for a seamless way to see Montenegro’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail will find this small group day trip from Dubrovnik quite appealing. It promises a blend of panoramic views, cultural attractions, and relaxed exploration—all within an 11-hour window. We’ve reviewed the experience, and here’s what you need to know to decide if it’s right for you.

What we love most about this tour are the breathtaking vistas of Kotor Bay, the chance to visit UNESCO-listed Kotor, and the opportunity to explore Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks. The tour offers expert guides, a comfortable shared vehicle, and a well-organized itinerary. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour operates on a minimum number of participants during the off-season, which can mean variability in transport type or timing. This trip suits travelers who enjoy scenic drives, cultural sights, and a taste of Montenegro’s coastline—all in one day.

Good To Know

• Spectacular Views: Expect multiple scenic lookout points with incredible photo opportunities.
• Cultural Highlights: Explore UNESCO-listed Kotor and the charming Perast.
• Flexible Itinerary: The guide adapts to passenger interests, allowing extra time if needed.
• Comfortable Transportation: Small group size ensures personal attention and comfortable travel.
• Additional Options: Optional boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks adds a special touch.
• Cost-Effective: Includes guide, transport, and a sightseeing cruise, making it good value.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Montenegro Day Trip

The Journey Begins: From Dubrovnik to Montenegro

The trip kicks off early with pickup from your Dubrovnik hotel or designated point, generally between 6:45 and 7:30 am. This early start is key to fitting all the highlights in within the day. Once everyone is aboard, we head toward the border crossing, usually around 8:15 am. It’s worth bringing your passport, as border checks are obligatory—a quick step that shouldn’t cause much delay if you’re prepared.

During this drive, the guide shares insights into Montenegro’s landscape and history, setting the scene for the day ahead. The journey from Dubrovnik is quite scenic, with the Croatian coastline gradually giving way to the rugged beauty of Montenegro’s mountains and coast.

First Stop: Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks

Our first destination is Perast, a picturesque town famous for its charming baroque architecture and peaceful setting. Here, you have about an hour to wander the narrow streets, snap photos of the colorful buildings, and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Many travelers appreciate the flexibility—if you’re keen, they offer an optional boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island with a church and museum that’s considered a cultural gem.

A reviewer notes, “The boat ride was a highlight, providing a different perspective of the bay and some beautiful views of the church on the island.” Keep in mind, this optional ride is not included in the tour price, so plan accordingly if you want to add it.

Exploring the UNESCO-Listed Kotor

Next, we head to Kotor, the star of this trip. Arriving around 11 am, you’ll have roughly two hours to explore this well-preserved medieval town. Its narrow alleys, ancient walls, and the impressive Kotor Fortress offer plenty of photo opportunities. The guide provides historical context, helping you appreciate the town’s unique blend of Venetian and Balkan influences.

Many guests mention that the guide’s knowledge enhances the experience—like one saying, “Our guide, Ivan, was incredibly knowledgeable and made the history come alive.” You’ll also have time for shopping, visiting local cafes, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Panoramic Views and Photo Breaks

The route from Kotor to St. Stefan offers breathtaking viewpoints. The tour includes a short stop for photos, giving you a chance to capture the stunning coastline and rugged mountains. This is one of those moments you’ll want to keep in your camera roll forever.

Lunch and Free Time in Budva

By early afternoon, the group heads to Budva for a relaxed lunch at a recommended local restaurant. Many travelers enjoy sitting outside and sampling regional cuisine, although meals are not included in the tour. Afterward, you can stroll through the old town, visit the beach, or grab a gelato—whichever suits your mood.

The Return Journey: From Montenegro to Dubrovnik

The return trip begins around 3 pm, with a scenic ferry cruise in the Bay of Kotor around 4:10 pm. This short cruise offers a different vantage point of the bay, adding to the visual feast of the day.

Border checks occur again around 5 pm, and the bus heads back to Dubrovnik. Expect to arrive around 5:40 pm, with the tour ending at your hotel or designated pickup point.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour cost covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a licensed tour guide, and a licensed driver, plus a sightseeing cruise in Kotor Bay. These inclusions ensure comfort and expert commentary, making the experience both enjoyable and informative.

On the flip side, you’ll need to budget for food and drinks, entry fees to churches and museums (like the church on Our Lady of the Rocks), and the Kotor entry tax (€1 per person) and Perast entry tax (€1 per person). The optional boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks is also extra.

Value for Money

At a glance, the price appears reasonable given the inclusions and the comprehensive itinerary. The guided experience, combined with the sightseeing cruise and transportation, provides good value—especially considering the convenience of door-to-door pickup and drop-off.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

• Bring your travel documents for border crossing.
• Wear comfortable shoes—many cobblestone streets require sturdy footwear.
• Carry swimwear, towel, and sunscreen if you want to enjoy the beach or take a dip during free time.
• Book early in the season, as the tour requires a minimum of four participants to operate during off-peak times.
• Contact the provider in advance to confirm your pickup location and time—especially if you’re staying in a hotel.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a curated, relaxed exploration of Montenegro’s most iconic sights without the hassle of independent planning. It suits those interested in history, culture, and scenic landscapes, with enough free time to soak up the atmosphere. If you’re a fan of picturesque towns, stunning vistas, and a mix of guided commentary and free exploration, this tour ticks all the boxes.

While it’s a good value, those seeking a more immersive or flexible experience might prefer to spend additional days exploring Montenegro independently.

Final Thoughts

This small group day trip from Dubrovnik offers a well-balanced taste of Montenegro’s highlights. You’ll enjoy a comfortable ride, expert guidance, and unforgettable views, all packed into a manageable day. The inclusion of a sightseeing cruise and proximity to stunning towns makes this an excellent choice for travelers who want to see as much as possible with minimal fuss.

It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate scenic drives, cultural landmarks, and small intimate groups that allow for personalized attention. Just remember to bring your passport and a sense of adventure, and you’re all set for an enriching day across the border.

FAQs

Do I need a visa to join this tour?
If you’re an EU passport holder or resident permit holder, no visa is required. Non-EU travelers should check their visa requirements, especially if they need a multi-entry visa to re-enter Croatia after the tour.

What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on cobblestone streets, and swimwear, towel, and sunscreen are recommended if you plan to enjoy the beaches or take a dip.

Can I join the tour if I don’t stay in Dubrovnik?
The pickup locations are in Dubrovnik, so you need to be able to reach the pickup point. It’s best to contact the provider to confirm arrangements if you’re staying outside the main area.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Yes, as long as they’re comfortable walking and standing for periods, especially in towns like Kotor and Perast.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The guide is willing to listen to passenger preferences and may extend free time or adjust stops accordingly.

What’s the price of the optional boat ride?
The cost is not included in the tour price; check locally if you wish to take this scenic excursion.

How long are the stops at each site?
Perast (about an hour), Kotor (around two hours), and free time in Budva are the main segments, with additional short photo stops.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
The tour runs year-round, but spring and early fall offer the best weather for sightseeing and swimming.

This day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro is a fantastic way to sample the country’s best sights without the stress of planning and logistics. Whether you’re after scenic views, cultural sights, or just a change of scenery, it’s an experience worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: