Dubrovnik to Montenegro: Private Day Trip with Kotor & Perast

Summary

Private drive from Dubrovnik to Montenegro’s bay towns with time in Kotor and Perast

You’ll cross from Dubrovnik into Montenegro with a local guide, winding along coastal roads past ancient fortresses and quiet bays. Wander Perast’s stone lanes, visit Our Lady of the Rocks by boat if you like, then dive into Kotor’s medieval streets and city walls. There’s time for lunch or just sitting under fig trees watching locals chat — it lingers with you after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll see why we Montenegrins never rush,” our driver Marko said, grinning as he eased us along the curves south of Dubrovnik. I’d never crossed a border by car before — it felt almost sneaky, watching Croatian pines give way to Montenegro’s sharper peaks. The air changed too, somehow saltier. Marko pointed out old fortresses above Herceg Novi, and I tried to imagine centuries of traders and soldiers along these same roads. We stopped for coffee near the Bay of Kotor; the water was glassy and quiet except for a couple of old men arguing softly over chess on the dock. I still think about that silence.

Perast looked like it had been painted onto the hillside — all faded stone and laundry flapping from tiny balconies. Our guide Ana told stories about Venetian captains and pirates, then asked if we wanted to take the boat out to Our Lady of the Rocks. I did, even though my hair got completely tangled in the wind (worth it). The church is small but full of odd treasures — silver ships, embroidered icons, things left behind by sailors hoping for luck. Li laughed when I tried to say “Hvala” right; apparently my accent is hopeless.

Kotor itself was busier than I expected — cats everywhere, winding alleys that made me dizzy. Ana led us through the city walls and pointed out where floods had left their marks on old stones. There was this moment in a shaded square where we just sat with cold drinks, listening to bells echo off the cliffs above. Afterward there was free time for lunch (I went for grilled fish at a place Ana recommended) before heading up a mountain pass for one last look at the bay from above. The light was gold on the water by then; hard not to feel small in such a place. On the way back toward Dubrovnik, nobody talked much — just watched mountains slide past until we hit the border again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Montenegro tour from Dubrovnik

• Pickup from Dubrovnik accommodation
• Drive south along Adriatic coast
• Cross border to Montenegro
• Drive along Montenegro coast past Igalo and Herceg Novi
• Photo stop at Verige isthmus viewpoint
• Coffee break and admire Kotor Bay
• Drive past Risan to Perast village
• Visit St Nicolas church in Perast
• Optional boat to Our Lady of the Rocks island
• Arrive in Kotor UNESCO city
• Private walking tour of Kotor old town
• Free time for lunch and exploration in Kotor
• Drive to Trojica Mountain pass viewpoint
• Return drive to Croatia border
• Drive back to Dubrovnik hotel

Top questions

How long is the private day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro?

The tour lasts a full day, typically departing in the morning and returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included on this Dubrovnik to Montenegro tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Dubrovnik is included.

Do you need your passport for this day trip?

Yes, you’ll cross an international border so bring your passport.

Is there a local guide in Kotor?

Yes, a licensed local guide leads a private walking tour in Kotor Old Town.

Can you visit Our Lady of the Rocks island?

The boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks is optional and costs 10€ per person.

Are meals included during this tour?

No meals are included but there’s free time for lunch in Kotor or at a family tavern on Morinj Bay.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and infant seats are available if needed.

How much free time do you get in Kotor?

You have free time after your guided tour to explore or have lunch at your own pace.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Dubrovnik, all transportation with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide throughout Montenegro’s coast, stops in Perast and Kotor Old Town with entry fees covered, plus a private walking tour led by a licensed local guide in Kotor before returning comfortably back across the border late afternoon or early evening.