Montenegro Coast: Private Tour from Dubrovnik with Boat Ride

Summary

Discover Montenegro’s coastal towns & island legends in a day

You’ll cross into Montenegro from Dubrovnik with your own guide, wander medieval streets in Kotor and Budva, sip coffee by the Adriatic, then take a boat out to Our Lady of the Rocks island near Perast. Expect quiet moments on the water and plenty of local stories—this day trip leaves you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect Montenegro to feel so close to Dubrovnik — but after our driver picked us up (right on time, actually), the border crossing was just a blur of stamps and sleepy faces. The Adriatic looked different on this side, somehow softer. Our guide, Marko, had this way of pointing out little things I’d have missed — like the old men in Budva playing chess under fig trees, or how the air near Porto Montenegro smells faintly like salt and espresso. I still think about that.

We wandered through Kotor’s old town while Marko told stories about Venetian walls and stray cats (there are so many cats here). The stones were slick from last night’s rain, but the sun was already warming everything up. I tried to order coffee in Montenegrin — failed spectacularly — but the café owner just grinned and poured me something strong anyway. There’s a rhythm to these places that makes you slow down whether you want to or not.

Perast felt almost too quiet after Kotor. We took a small boat out to Our Lady of the Rocks — it’s this handmade island with a church built by sailors who kept tossing rocks into the bay for centuries. Inside, there are silver votives shaped like ships and babies (I didn’t ask why). The light flickered off the sea through stained glass. It was peaceful in a way I can’t really explain; maybe it was just being surrounded by water and old stories.

The drive back to Dubrovnik was sleepy — everyone dozed off except Marko, who hummed along to some local radio station. I watched the mountains fade behind us and thought about how much you can see in one day if someone else is steering. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a private tour from Dubrovnik to Montenegro, don’t overthink it. Just go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Montenegro coastal towns

• Pickup from Dubrovnik
• Drive to Porto Montenegro
• Visit Porto Montenegro luxury marina
• Drive to Budva
• Explore Budva old town and ramparts
• Drive to Kotor
• Tour Kotor Old Town
• Drive to Perast
• Visit Perast town
• Boat transfer to Our Lady of the Rocks island
• Return to Dubrovnik
• Drop off at accommodation

Top questions

How long does the private tour from Dubrovnik to Montenegro take?

This day trip lasts approximately one full day including travel between towns and stops at each location before returning to Dubrovnik.

Is hotel pickup included for this Montenegro tour?

Yes, personalized pickup from your accommodation in Dubrovnik is included.

Which towns do we visit on this private tour?

You’ll visit Porto Montenegro, Budva, Kotor Old Town, Perast, plus take a boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks island.

Is there a local guide during the tour?

Yes, an experienced local guide accompanies you throughout your journey.

What is special about Our Lady of the Rocks?

It’s an artificial island built by sailors over centuries; there’s a church with unique artifacts and legends attached.

Are drinks or meals provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included as well as coffee or tea during your stops; meals are not specified.

Is this private tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to tour info.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with air conditioning and bottled water throughout; there’s also coffee or tea offered at one of your stops. Pickup from your hotel in Dubrovnik is part of it too before heading back in comfort at sunset.