Dubrovnik: Montenegro Day Trip by Bus and Boat

Dubrovnik: Montenegro Day Trip by Bus and Boat — A Complete Guide

Traveling between Croatia and Montenegro offers a rich mix of stunning landscapes, historic towns, and cultural landmarks. This full-day tour from Dubrovnik, organized by Gulliver Travel, promises a blend of scenic cruising and sightseeing in Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor. For those who love a good combination of natural beauty and history, this trip can be quite appealing—though it’s not without a few caveats.

What makes this experience worthwhile? First, we love the opportunity to cruise along Montenegro’s fjord—a rare feature in this part of Europe. The boat ride offers breathtaking views of rugged coastlines and tiny islands that seem almost untouched. Second, the visit to Kotor’s medieval Old Town and the island of Our Lady of the Rocks provides a tangible connection to Montenegro’s unique cultural tapestry.

However, a potential drawback is the border crossing, which can be time-consuming and unpredictable, sometimes causing delays. Travelers who dislike long bus rides or strict schedules might find the day a bit rushed.

This tour suits travelers looking for a combination of scenic boat trips and cultural exploration—especially those keen on capturing memorable views and learning about Montenegro’s maritime history. It’s a good fit for first-timers to Kotor and those who appreciate an organized day with comfort and convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic cruise along Montenegro’s fjord with stunning vistas and tiny islands.
• Visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, a charming church built on a man-made island with impressive murals.
• Explore Kotor’s Old Town, a well-preserved medieval city with a cathedral and maritime museum.
• Comfortable boat amenities, including a restaurant, café/bar, and sun terrace for relaxing.
• Price point of $119 offers a decent value considering the included cruise, guide, and lunch.
• Border crossing can involve waiting and queues, which might extend the day unexpectedly.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge and helpfulness, enhancing the experience.
• Limited time in Kotor — some reviews mention a short visit, so plan accordingly.
• Not suitable for travelers with mobility issues or large luggage due to the nature of border crossings and boat boarding.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Departure from Dubrovnik

The day begins with a pickup from designated points in Dubrovnik, often the Gruz port area. Expect an early start—around 8:00 am—so it’s best to get an early night. The bus ride to Montenegro takes approximately two hours, crossing the border, which can sometimes be a slow process due to queues (a common theme in reviews). The buses are generally comfortable, but patience is key.

Transition to the Boat in Bijela

Arriving in the small Montenegrin town of Bijela, you’ll transfer to a large pleasure boat designed for passenger comfort. This vessel is equipped with a restaurant, café/bar, and sun terrace, making the cruise itself a highlight. The boat operates along the Bay of Kotor, giving you a chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

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Cruising the Bay of Kotor and the Fjord

The boat journey through the Montenegrin fjord is truly splendid. You’ll glide past towering cliffs, tiny islands, and quaint villages. The highlight here is the stop at Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny island in the bay famous for its 17th-century church decorated with murals by Tripo Kokolja. The church’s artwork and the story of its construction make this a memorable stop.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks

The visit to this artificial island gives travelers a chance to see a unique place built by local fishermen. The church and museum are small but packed with history and art, making it worth the visit despite the quick stop. Some reviews mention that the visit here might feel a bit rushed, but the views and atmosphere are rewarding.

Exploring Kotor

After the island, the boat heads to Kotor’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll have about 45 minutes to an hour—a brief window that some travelers find tight. The streets are narrow and filled with medieval architecture, with the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon as a centerpiece.

The Maritime Museum offers insights into the town’s seafaring past, and the walls of Kotor reveal centuries of history. Be prepared for some steep climbs if you choose to walk up the city walls for panoramic views—an activity that’s highly recommended if time permits.

Return Journey

The boat departs from Kotor back to Bijela, where you’ll reboard the bus for the return to Dubrovnik. The return trip is typically scheduled to arrive around 8:30 pm, making it a long but scenic day.

The Experience on the Boat and Land

The boat ride gets high marks from many travelers. The amenities onboard—especially the restaurant and sun terrace—allow you to relax and enjoy the views comfortably. The lunch included is generally described as satisfying, with some reviews praising the quality of the food and others noting it’s just average. The opportunity to swim or take a break on the boat is also a nice touch, especially in warm weather.

On land, guides are often mentioned as knowledgeable and helpful, providing context for what you see. They help make the experience more engaging, especially if you’re interested in history or local stories.

Price and Value

At $119, this tour offers a convenient way to see Montenegro without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple bookings. The price includes pickup and drop-off, the cruise, guide, and lunch, making it a fair deal for a full day of sightseeing and scenery. However, the value is somewhat dependent on how much time you want to spend in Kotor; some reviews suggest the short visit feels rushed, especially if your priority is exploring the town thoroughly.

Worth Considering

While the cruise part is generally praised, the border crossing can be a source of frustration. Some travelers mention waiting for hours, which cuts into the time available for sightseeing. If you’re someone who dislikes long delays or has tight travel schedules, this is an important factor.

Authentic Experiences and Cultural Highlights

The tour does a good job of mixing natural beauty with cultural insights. The murals on Our Lady of the Rocks and the architecture of Kotor’s Old Town give a sense of Montenegro’s artistic and historical side. The friendly guides and the chance to learn about the local traditions** enhance the authenticity of the experience.

Travelers who appreciated the knowledgeable guides and scenic views often highlight these aspects in reviews, describing the tour as both enjoyable and educational.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re eager to see Montenegro’s fjord scenery, historic towns, and island churches in one day, this trip is a practical choice. It offers good value considering the amenities onboard and the guided experience, especially for those new to the region.

But keep in mind that the short stop in Kotor and potential border delays mean it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with quick visits and long travel days. If you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to spend more time exploring Kotor’s streets and landmarks, you might find this tour a bit rushed.

Overall, it’s a solid option for those wanting a scenic, cultural taste of Montenegro with the convenience of organized transportation and a friendly guide.

FAQs

Do I need a passport or ID card?
Yes, you will be crossing the border from Croatia to Montenegro, so bring your passport or ID card for identification and border checks.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers pickup and drop-off, the boat cruise, a guide, and lunch onboard. Luggage or large bags are not allowed, so pack accordingly.

How long is the bus ride?
The bus from Dubrovnik to Montenegro takes about two hours, crossing the border—so expect some waiting time at customs.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, the boat features amenities like a restaurant and café/bar, with a sun terrace and loungers for relaxing during the cruise.

How much time do we spend in Kotor?
Expect around 45 minutes to an hour, which many travelers find somewhat limited for exploring the Old Town properly.

Are guides helpful and knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Several reviews praise the guides for their fluency in English and French, and their ability to convey technical, historical, and cultural info engagingly.

Is this trip suitable for everyone?
It’s not recommended for travelers with mobility issues or large luggage, given border crossing requirements and boat boarding.

What about the food onboard?
Most reviews mention the lunch as tasty and satisfying, with some noting it’s better than average, and others saying it’s just okay.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

To sum it up, this Dubrovnik-Montenegro day trip blends scenic boat rides with cultural visits, ideal for travelers wanting a snapshot of Montenegro’s beautiful coast and historic towns. While it’s not perfect—border delays and brief stops are inherent—they provide a solid, value-packed experience that captures the essence of the Bay of Kotor. For those who enjoy guided tours with comfortable amenities and are okay with some rushing, this trip offers a memorable day out in one of Europe’s most picturesque regions.

You can check availability for your dates here: