If you’re planning a trip to the Dubrovnik area, a day tour to Kotor and Perast promises a scenic journey through some of Montenegro’s most captivating landscapes. This guided trip, offered by Adriatic Explore Travel Agency, is designed for travelers eager to see the dramatic beauty of the Bay of Kotor while enjoying the comfort of organized transport and insightful guides.
What we like about this experience is the opportunity to see two of Montenegro’s most picturesque towns in one day, with highlights such as the Our Lady of the Rocks island and the medieval charm of Kotor’s old town. The scenic drive along serpentine roads offers spectacular views, and the guided tours at each stop help you appreciate the area’s history and architecture.
A potential consideration is the long day’s duration—about 12 hours—which might be tiring for some travelers, especially if you’re not used to full-day excursions. Also, the group size and guide translation style can influence your overall experience, as some reviews mention translation issues on the bus.
This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, historic towns, and guided insights, especially those with limited time who want to maximize their Montenegro experience from Dubrovnik.
Key Points
- Stunning scenery: The Bay of Kotor’s dramatic landscape is the main reason to choose this trip.
- Two charming towns: Perast and Kotor offer a mix of history, architecture, and authentic local atmosphere.
- Guided insights: Knowledgeable guides enrich your understanding of the area’s history and sights.
- Flexible itinerary: Free time in Perast and Kotor allows for personal exploration.
- Transport convenience: All transportation, including hotel pickup, is included.
- Value for money: The full-day experience combines transportation, guided tours, and local highlights.
A Deep Dive into the Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bay Of Kotor.
The Journey from Dubrovnik
Starting from Dubrovnik, the trip begins with a roughly 2.5-hour bus ride along scenic roads that snake through the countryside and along the coast. The drive itself is a highlight, with spectacular views of the bay, rugged mountains, and charming villages dotting the coastline. It’s a good time to settle in, relax, and prepare your camera for the next few hours of sightseeing.
Perast: A Picture-Perfect Stop
The first stop, Perast, is about an hour of free time. This tiny town is a postcard come to life—gabled houses, narrow streets, and waterfront cafes. It’s a peaceful place, perfect for wandering or simply soaking in the views. The main attraction here is Our Lady of the Rocks, a small island church that you can visit (note that visiting the island is optional and might incur additional costs).
Reviewers often praise Perast as one of Montenegro’s most beautiful destinations, with one traveler noting it as “absolutely amazing” and highly recommending it. The town’s calm atmosphere makes it ideal for a leisurely walk and taking photos of reflections in the water.
The Charm of Kotor
Then, it’s back on the bus for a 30-minute scenic drive to Kotor, the highlight of the day. You’ll have about 2 hours of free time here, which is enough to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site’s medieval walls, winding streets, and main square. The guide provides a city tour, giving context to Kotor’s history, fortifications, and notable sights.
Kotor’s old town is a maze of cobbled streets, stone buildings, and lively cafes. The views from the city walls are spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of the bay and surrounding mountains. We loved the way guides can make history come alive, helping you appreciate the centuries of stories behind each alleyway.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Island of Our Lady of the Rocks
On the way back, there’s a stop at the Our Lady of the Rocks island. This small man-made island is famous for its church and museum, and while its visit is technically optional, most travelers find it a charming addition. Be aware that some reviews mention that visiting the island may involve additional fees, so plan accordingly.
The Return Journey
After the island visit, your tour concludes with a 3-hour bus ride back to Dubrovnik. The return trip allows for reflection on a day filled with stunning views, historical insights, and memorable moments.
What the Tour Includes — and What It Doesn’t
Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation fees, a knowledgeable guide, and a guided city tour in Kotor. VAT is also covered, ensuring transparency in pricing.
Not included are local taxes in Montenegro (about 3 euros per person), and the drop-off in Dubrovnik’s Old Town is at a bus stop 600 meters away due to traffic regulations. This means a short walk downhill from the bus stop to the historic core, which is manageable but worth noting for travelers with mobility concerns.
Optional visits, such as the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, may involve extra costs and are not included in the base price.
The Experience of Guides and Group Size
From reviews, guides are generally knowledgeable and enthusiastic, but some travelers have noted that the translation style—speaking in both English and Spanish—can be a bit overwhelming or repetitive. One traveler expressed frustration about the translation process, mentioning it felt like “she spoke the whole time on the bus without a break,” and that the translation could have been more considerate of individual travelers’ language preferences.
Timing and Pacing
With a 12-hour duration, the trip is quite comprehensive, covering multiple stops and a fair amount of driving. This makes it ideal for those who want a full-day experience, but it might be tiring for some, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want more time at each site.
Value and Cost
Considering the cost includes transportation, guided tours, and hotel pickup, the price offers decent value for travelers eager to see Montenegro’s highlights without the hassle of separate arrangements. If you’re short on time and want a structured, guided experience, this tour maximizes your day efficiently.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This guided day trip is a solid choice for first-time visitors who want an overview of Montenegro’s coast without the hassle of independent travel. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate guided insights and want to learn about the history and stories behind the sights.
However, if you prefer a very relaxed or independent exploration, or if you’re sensitive to long days of travel, you might want to consider spending more time in each location or exploring at your own pace.
The Sum Up
In essence, this tour offers a well-organized, scenic, and informative way to visit some of Montenegro’s most beautiful spots from Dubrovnik. The combination of breathtaking bay views, charming towns, and knowledgeable guides makes it an appealing choice for travelers eager to experience Montenegro’s coastal treasures in a single day.
While the long hours and group dynamics might be a consideration, the overall value is high, especially if you want a rundown without the stress of planning each step yourself. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy guided tours, picturesque scenery, and authentic small-town atmospheres.
If you’re after a hassle-free, visually stunning day that captures the essence of Montenegro’s coast, this trip is definitely worth considering.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making the start and end of your day seamless.
How long is the bus ride from Dubrovnik to Kotor?
The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, giving you time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Can I visit Our Lady of the Rocks?
Yes, the island visit is optional and might involve additional costs, but most travelers find it charming and worth the visit.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID card, and don’t forget swimwear if you plan to take a dip or explore around the water.
Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, the full-day itinerary suits families, though be prepared for a long day of travel and sightseeing.
What about the group size?
The experience is organized by a professional guide, but specific group size details aren’t provided. Expect a typical tour group with others traveling from Dubrovnik.
What languages are available on the tour?
Guides speak mainly English and Spanish, with some translating on the bus, which might be a bit frequent according to reviews.
Are there any restrictions at the old town of Dubrovnik?
Yes, due to traffic regulations, the drop-off is 600 meters from the Old Town, so be prepared for a short downhill walk.
How much time will I have in Kotor and Perast?
You’ll get about 1 hour in Perast and 2 hours in Kotor, enough for sightseeing, photos, and some casual exploring.
This full-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenery, history, and culture, making it a great way to see Montenegro’s coast for those short on time but eager to experience its highlights.
You can check availability for your dates here: