Bay of Kotor & Perast: Small Group Day Trip with Boat Ride

Summary

Montenegro’s bay towns, island legends & winding coastal roads

You’ll wind along Montenegro’s coast from Dubrovnik to Kotor Bay, stopping for coffee views at Verige and wandering Perast’s flower-scented promenade before taking an optional boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks island. In Kotor Old Town, you’ll get lost in medieval alleys or climb ancient walls — all with a local guide and small group warmth.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I almost missed the pickup because my hotel breakfast wasn’t ready yet — turns out most people order it ahead for these early starts. So there I was, clutching a paper bag with a cold croissant as our driver greeted me with a sleepy grin. The van smelled faintly of coffee and sunscreen (someone in the back was already reapplying). Crossing into Montenegro from Dubrovnik took less time than I’d feared; our guide, Ana, joked about her “border luck” and told us stories about smugglers who used to sneak salt through these hills. I liked her right away.

The first real stop was Verige, where the view just sort of sneaks up on you — cliffs dropping into that glassy blue water, and Perast looking like it’s been painted onto the shore. There were two older men arguing gently over chess at a café; one waved when he saw us gawking. Walking along Perast’s waterfront felt slow in the best way, like you’re allowed to just stand there and breathe in sea air mixed with something floral (maybe those white blossoms everywhere?). Some folks took the boat ride out to Our Lady of the Rocks — I did too, mostly out of curiosity. The little church is stuffed with silver votives and old paintings; our local skipper explained how fishermen built this island stone by stone after finding an icon floating here. He laughed when I tried to say “Gospa od Škrpjela” — probably butchered it.

Kotor itself is busier but still feels wrapped up in its own world. Ana handed out audio guides for anyone who wanted them (I stuck close to her instead). The city walls zigzag up behind the town like something from a storybook — not that I climbed them all, but even wandering those shadowy alleys was enough for me. There’s this moment where sunlight hits St. Tryphon Cathedral and everything goes quiet except for pigeons flapping overhead. I still think about that hush sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bay of Kotor day trip from Dubrovnik

• Drive along Adriatic coast
• Cross Montenegro border
• Stop at Verige viewpoint
• Visit Perast town and promenade
• Optional boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks
• Drive to Kotor town
• Audio guide walking tour in Kotor
• Explore St. Tryphon Cathedral and city walls

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor Bay?

This is a full-day tour including travel time between Dubrovnik, Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks (optional), and Kotor.

Is hotel pickup included for this Kotor Bay day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from Cavtat to Sun Gardens in Orasac.

Can I visit Our Lady of the Rocks island during this tour?

Yes, there’s an optional short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks from Perast.

Are audio guides available if English isn’t my first language?

Yes, comprehensive audio guides are provided on your smartphone.

What should I bring for this Montenegro day trip?

A valid passport or ID is required for border crossing; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included but you can bring your own or buy food during stops in Perast or Kotor.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants seats are available and strollers/prams can be used.

Does this small group tour use comfortable transportation?

You’ll travel in air-conditioned Mercedes vehicles with WiFi onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or nearby point between Cavtat and Orasac, transport in an air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle with WiFi, a friendly local guide (plus audio guide option), all border logistics handled smoothly, and time to explore Perast, take an optional boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks island, and wander Kotor Old Town before heading back late afternoon or early evening.