Montenegro & Bosnia Day Trip from Dubrovnik: Kotor, Trebinje & Old Towns

Summary

Cross two borders in a day from Dubrovnik to Kotor and Trebinje

You’ll cross from Dubrovnik into Montenegro and Bosnia in one day—watching landscapes shift around you as you visit Kotor Bay’s peaceful waters, climb hills over Trebinje for sweeping views, and wander shaded old towns with your local guide. Expect laughter in the van, photo stops by the water, and moments that linger longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was restless the night before—something about crossing two countries in one day just felt a bit wild. We left Dubrovnik early, the city still half-asleep. Our driver, Marko, was already cracking jokes about border queues (he wasn’t wrong). The van smelled faintly of coffee and sunscreen; everyone kept peeking out at the coastline as we wound toward Montenegro. I didn’t expect the Bay of Kotor to look so glassy that morning, like someone ironed out all the ripples. Marko pointed out tiny villages—Bijela, Kamenari—and told us which ones made the best rakija. I still can’t pronounce half their names right.

We stopped for photos near Perast, and honestly, it almost didn’t feel real—the islands just kind of float there. The air had this salty-sweet smell I can’t quite place. In Kotor’s old town, sunlight bounced off stone walls and every alley seemed to hide a cat or an old man playing cards. We wandered on our own after Marko gave us a quick rundown (“Don’t get lost unless you want to,” he grinned). Lunch was optional but we caved—fresh bread and cheese at some tiny spot where nobody rushed us.

After Montenegro, Bosnia felt different right away—hard to explain, but even the light changed a little. Climbing up Hercegovacka Gracanica hill above Trebinje, I could see red roofs and the river curling through fields below. Our guide shared stories about Ottoman walls and Austrian alleys; at one point he stopped under a massive plane tree just to let us listen to birds for a minute. The old town in Trebinje felt slow and shaded—people sipping coffee under thick branches, kids darting between stone arches. Crossing those borders wasn’t just lines on a map; you really feel it in small ways.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Montenegro and Bosnia highlights

• Drive along Bay of Kotor
• Photo-stop near Perast
• Explore Kotor Old Town
• Climb Hercegovacka Gracanica hill
• Visit Trebinje Old Town

Top questions

How long is the Montenegro & Bosnia day trip from Dubrovnik?

This is a full-day tour covering both countries with several stops including Kotor Bay and Trebinje.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup is available from any location in Dubrovnik including hotels or the harbor.

Do I need my passport for this day trip?

Yes, you’ll cross international borders into Montenegro and Bosnia so bring your passport.

Are lunch or meals included on this tour?

No meals are included but there’s time for an optional lunch in Kotor Old Town.

What are some highlights of this tour?

You’ll see Bay of Kotor villages, stop for photos near Perast, explore Kotor Old Town and visit Trebinje’s historic center.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?

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

Will there be free time during the stops?

Yes—you’ll have free time to explore places like Kotor Old Town at your own pace.

What languages does the guide speak?

The driver-guide speaks English fluently throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes private car or van transport with air conditioning, pick up from any hotel or harbor spot in Dubrovnik, parking fees in both Trebinje and Kotor—and always a friendly English-speaking driver who knows every shortcut at those border crossings (which definitely helps).