Bay of Kotor: Private day tour from Dubrovnik

Summary

Stories & small surprises on a private Bay of Kotor day trip

You’ll cross from Dubrovnik into Montenegro with a local guide, winding along dramatic Adriatic roads toward Perast’s quiet waterfront and Kotor’s medieval walls. Expect small surprises — like fresh pastry or church bells — plus time to wander at your own pace. It’s an easygoing day trip that leaves you with more memories than photos.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I got nervous at the border — not because anything was wrong, just that weird feeling when you hand over your passport and hope you didn’t miss some tiny rule. Our driver, Marko, just grinned and said, “Montenegro is easy.” He was right. The road curled along the Adriatic, salt in the air and those sharp mountains crowding the sky. I kept trying to take photos through the window but they never caught how blue the water looked — almost fake.

We stopped first in Perast, which Marko called “the Venice that got lost.” It’s tiny but feels older than time, with stone houses pressed right against the bay. There was this little bakery where I tried something flaky with cheese (I forgot the name — Marko laughed at my attempt). Bells rang from somewhere above us and a couple of old men were arguing about football in front of the church. You could smell coffee drifting out from a café by the water. I kind of wanted to just sit there all day.

Kotor itself was busier but still felt like a secret — narrow streets twisting under laundry lines, cats everywhere (seriously, so many cats). Our guide pointed out carvings above doorways and told stories about earthquakes and pirates; I only half-remember them now but I remember her voice echoing off the stones. The climb up to the fortress looked brutal in the heat so we skipped it and wandered instead. Sometimes you just have to let yourself be lazy on a day trip to Bay of Kotor from Dubrovnik, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bay of Kotor and Perast Tour

• Visit fortified town at Gulf of Kotor
• Explore Perast and nearby islets

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Bay of Kotor tour from Dubrovnik?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included in your booking.

Are entry fees covered on this day trip?

All fees and taxes are included in the price.

Is this tour suitable for families with infants?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

Can I bring my service animal on this tour?

Service animals are allowed on this private tour.

How far is Perast from Kotor?

Perast is just a few kilometers from Kotor along the Bay of Kotor.

What’s included

Your private Bay of Kotor day trip includes hotel pickup in Dubrovnik, comfortable air-conditioned transport across the border into Montenegro, all entry fees and taxes taken care of by your local guide, plus plenty of time to explore Perast and Kotor before heading back in the evening.