Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik: Kotor, Perast & Budva Private

Summary

From Dubrovnik to Montenegro’s coast—Kotor, Perast, Budva in one day with flexible stops and a private guide

You’ll start your Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik with hotel pickup, then cross into another world—quiet Risan mosaics, island-hopping in Perast, wandering Kotor’s ancient streets with a local guide. There’s time for lunch by the sea or spontaneous photo stops along the coast. The ferry ride home feels like a pause you didn’t know you needed.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect crossing from Croatia into Montenegro. Our driver, Marko, just grinned and said “wait until you see the bay.” He wasn’t wrong. The light over Kotor Bay was this soft, almost silvery blue that morning—kind of made me wish I’d brought sunglasses. We stopped for a quick coffee somewhere near Risan (the place smelled like fresh bread and car exhaust—classic Balkan roadside), and Marko pointed out some Roman mosaics tucked behind an old church. I probably would’ve missed them if he hadn’t insisted we peek inside.

Perast was next—a sleepy little town with those two islands just floating out there. We took the boat out to Our Lady of the Rocks (I still can’t pronounce “Gospa od Škrpjela” right), and our local skipper told us how they keep adding rocks every year. It felt kind of ritualistic, watching him gesture at the water while the wind picked up. There was this salty tang in the air, mixed with engine fumes and incense from inside the chapel. I think my favorite part was just sitting on that stone wall for a minute before heading back—felt like time slowed down.

Kotor itself is all stone alleys and cats—so many cats. Our guide walked us through stories about Venetian walls and earthquakes; she laughed when I tried to guess how old the city gates were (I was way off). Lunch was optional but honestly worth it—we found this tiny spot where they served grilled fish that tasted like it had been pulled straight from the bay. Afterward we drove on to Budva, which felt more lively but also kind of surreal with its mix of old walls and loud beach bars. On the way back, we took a ferry across Kotor Bay—the sun was setting behind some mountains, and everything got quiet for a bit except for someone’s radio playing old pop songs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Montenegro coastal sightseeing tour

• Pick up from Dubrovnik accommodation
• Drive through Konavle region
• Stop for photos along the way
• Enter Montenegro and drive through Kotor Bay
• Visit Risan Roman mosaics
• Visit Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks island
• Explore Kotor old town and city walls
• Optional lunch in Kotor
• Visit Budva old city
• Take ferry across Kotor Bay
• Drive back to Dubrovnik for drop off

Top questions

How long does the Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik take?

This is a full-day tour—expect around 10-12 hours including travel time and sightseeing stops.

Is hotel pickup included in this private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik or nearby areas are included.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes, you must bring a valid passport as you’ll be crossing an international border.

Can we customize our stops during the Montenegro private tour?

Yes, your guide can adjust stops based on your preferences and available time.

Are entry fees or ferry tickets included?

All taxes, fees, handling charges, and ferry transport are included in your booking.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No set lunch is included; there is free time to choose your own spot for lunch.

Are infant seats or strollers allowed?

Specialized infant seats are available; infants can use strollers or prams during stops.

What sights are visited on this Montenegro tour?

The main sights include Risan (Roman mosaics), Perast (with boat to Our Lady of the Rocks), Kotor (UNESCO city), Budva old town, plus optional St. Stefan if time allows.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubrovnik or nearby areas, all taxes and fees covered by your private driver-guide, comfortable transport by air-conditioned minivan or private vehicle (with infant seats if needed), plus ferry tickets across Kotor Bay before returning home in the evening.