Bay of Kotor, Perast & Budva Day Trip from Dubrovnik

Summary

Small group journey from Dubrovnik to Montenegro’s medieval coast

You’ll cross borders and time zones on this small-group day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, exploring Perast’s quiet charm, Kotor’s winding alleys and ancient walls, plus Budva’s lively beaches. Expect real conversation with your guide, salty air on your skin, and moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I was half-asleep when our minivan rolled out of Dubrovnik — but by the time we crossed into Montenegro, I was wide awake, craning my neck for that first glimpse of the Bay of Kotor. Our guide, Marko, chatted about border quirks and how you always need your passport handy here (he wasn’t kidding — I saw a few people scramble for theirs). The light was weirdly silvery over the water that morning; it made everything look sharper. We stopped in Perast first. It’s this tiny town with stone houses right at the edge of the bay, and you can actually smell the sea mixed with old church incense if you stand near the docks. Marko pointed out Our Lady of the Rocks island and joked about how many weddings happen there — “Montenegrin Las Vegas,” he said. I tried to say ‘Boka Kotorska’ like he did but honestly butchered it. He laughed and shrugged.

Kotor itself is a maze — narrow streets twisting under laundry lines, cats everywhere (I counted at least 12), and those old city walls looming above. Marko led us through Romanesque churches and told stories about sailors who brought back relics from all over. There’s this Maritime Museum tucked into one of the squares; we ducked inside for a bit to cool off and I swear it still smells faintly like salt and wood polish. Lunch was on our own, so I grabbed some grilled calamari at a place where two old men were arguing quietly in Montenegrin — no idea what about, but it felt like real life happening around us while we just passed through.

We finished up in Budva, where everything feels brighter somehow — maybe it’s just the sun bouncing off those Venetian walls or maybe because there were kids splashing in the sea right next to medieval towers. Some folks went swimming (the beaches are sandy here), but I just wandered through Stari Grad watching local women sell figs and lavender sachets by the gate. The ride back to Dubrovnik was quiet; everyone kind of sunk into their seats, tired but happy in that way you get after seeing too much beauty in one day. Even now, sometimes I catch myself thinking about that silver light over Kotor Bay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bay of Kotor and Montenegrin towns

• Visit Bay of Kotor overview
• Tour old town of Perast
• Explore medieval Kotor streets
• See Kotor Cathedral and Maritime Museum
• Visit Budva old town and beaches

Top questions

Do I need a passport for this day trip from Dubrovnik?

Yes, a valid passport or EU ID card is required to enter Montenegro from Croatia.

Is hotel pickup included in this Bay of Kotor tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

How many people are on this small group tour?

The group size is up to 8 people per minivan.

Are entry fees included for attractions in Kotor?

No, there is an entry tax of 2 euros per person payable upon entering Kotor.

Can infants join this tour? Are car seats available?

Yes, infants and small children can join; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible on this tour.

Should I bring a bathing suit for Budva?

If you’d like to swim at Budva’s beaches during free time, bring a bathing suit.

What currency should I bring for expenses in Montenegro?

The official currency in Montenegro is euro (€).

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned minivan transport with hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubrovnik, guidance throughout by a local driver-guide who shares stories along the way, plus plenty of free time to explore Perast, Kotor (with its UNESCO-listed old town), and Budva at your own pace before heading back across the border in the evening.