Montenegro from Dubrovnik visiting Perast and Kotor

Montenegro from Dubrovnik visiting Perast and Kotor: An Honest Review of the Experience

Exploring Montenegro on a day trip from Dubrovnik offers a chance to glimpse some of the most scenic spots along the Adriatic. This particular tour, offered by Ragusa Tours, takes you through three key destinations: Perast, Kotor, and Budva, with options for a boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks. While the journey promises stunning views and memorable moments, it also comes with some notable caveats. If you’re considering this trip, here’s what you need to know.

What’s often appreciated about this experience is the chance to see Kotor’s UNESCO-protected old town, stroll through Perast’s charming stone streets, and enjoy the breathtaking Bay of Kotor. The optional boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks is a highlight for many travelers wanting that extra scenic perspective. On the flip side, some find the long bus rides and timing issues less appealing — especially if delays happen or the guides are hard to understand. This tour is best suited for travelers who love a structured day with scenic stops, but don’t mind a bit of a rush or crowded spots.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary with stops in Perast, Kotor, and Budva, plus optional boat ride.
• Stunning views of the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic coast.
• Long travel times (roughly 7.5 hours) with potential delays and crowded sites.
• Limited free time at each stop, especially Kotor, which may feel rushed.
• Cost of $88 per person, which includes transport and guide, but not the boat ride.
• Requires travel documents like passports, especially at border crossings.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Early Morning Pickup and Border Crossing

Your day begins around 6:30 to 7:00 am with pickup from your Dubrovnik accommodation. This early start is typical for day trips to Montenegro, as the drive involves crossing borders — in this case, the Croatian-Montenegro border. Expect a passport check around 8 am, so be sure to carry your travel documents.

From what travelers note, the early pickup is convenient, but the border crossing can add some waiting time, especially during busy periods. The guide usually provides commentary during the drive, but if you’re lucky, you might find yourself in a bus where the guide’s accent is a bit hard to understand — as one reviewer pointed out, local guides are often the only option, which can influence the clarity of information.

Visit to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks

By about 8:30 am, you’ll arrive at Perast, a tiny town famous for its stone architecture and historical significance in Boka Kotorska. This spot is quite picturesque, with buildings all on stone, and many travelers find it a photographer’s paradise. The highlight here is the optional boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, a small island with a church that’s steeped in local legend. The boat ride costs around 10 euros and isn’t included in the tour price, which some guests find disappointing considering the added value.

Perast offers about 20 minutes at the lookout point, perfect for snapping photos of the bay and the islets, though many feel this brief stop is too short for truly soaking in the atmosphere.

Kotor: The Crown Jewel

Next, you’re driven approximately 20 minutes to Kotor, where you’ll have about three hours for sightseeing. This is the part of the tour where expectations and experiences can vary significantly.

Some visitors, like one guest, mention that Kotor’s streets were crowded with cruise ship visitors, which can detract from the charm. Others note that guides tend to be late, and there’s often little useful commentary during the free time, which can leave you wandering without much context.

That said, Kotor’s medieval architecture, fortress walls, and narrow alleyways make it a city you don’t want to miss. If you’re a history buff or someone who loves wandering through historic towns, this stop has a lot to offer. The scenery of the bay from the city’s vantage points is breathtaking, and even short walks can be rewarding.

Return Journey and Ferry Ride

After Kotor, the group heads back towards Dubrovnik, with an additional boat ride in the Bay of Kotor scheduled around 3:10 pm. The ferry offers a different perspective of the bay’s dramatic cliffs and boat-filled waters, which many find to be a highlight.

The return journey involves border crossings again, with plans to arrive back in Dubrovnik around 5 pm. Travelers note that delays can happen — some reviewers experienced significant wait times, which cut into sightseeing or relaxing moments.

The Value and Realities of This Tour

This tour hits a sweet spot for travelers wanting a guided overview of Montenegro’s highlights without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple bookings. For $88, the price includes air-conditioned transport, a guide in the vehicle, and hotel pickup/drop-off, which simplifies logistics.

However, the additional costs — like the boat ride (€10) — and the short amount of free time at each stop mean you’re getting a quick snapshot rather than an in-depth experience. For those wanting to really explore Kotor or Budva, or spend more time at sites like Our Lady of the Rocks, this might feel a bit rushed.

The long bus journey (about 7.5 hours total) can be tiring, especially if your group experiences delays or if the guide’s commentary is hard to follow. Also, with only a few hours in Kotor, some travelers mentioned missing out on exploring more deeply or enjoying the city at a relaxed pace.

Is It Worth It?

If your priority is to see the main sights and capture some iconic photos of the bay, this trip offers a decent introduction. Expect stunning views of the Adriatic and the bay’s dramatic cliffs, which are undoubtedly the best part of the experience. But if you prefer more time in each location or detailed guided tours, you might want to consider other options or extending your trip.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for day-trippers from Dubrovnik who want a straightforward, guided day with minimal planning. It’s ideal if you’re mainly interested in breathtaking scenery and quick visits rather than in-depth exploration. If you’re okay with some crowds and a bit of a rushed schedule, this tour can be a good way to tick Montenegro off your list.

The Sum Up

This Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik offers a convenient, scenic overview of some of the most beautiful spots along the Bay of Kotor. The stunning views of the coastline, the charm of Perast, and the historic allure of Kotor shine through, making it a solid choice for travelers who want a taste of Montenegro without dedicating days to it.

However, the long travel times, potential delays, and limited free time mean you won’t get an immersive experience. The optional boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks adds a special touch, but at additional cost, which could impact your budget.

This tour provides a practical introduction to Montenegro’s highlights, perfect for those with limited time or who prefer guided comfort over independence. Just prepare for a busy day, keep your documents handy, and be ready for some crowds — the scenery makes it worth the effort.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers who want to explore Montenegro’s cities thoroughly?
Not exactly. It’s a quick overview with limited free time at each stop, so if you want to explore in depth, you might find it rushed.

What should I bring for this tour?
You’ll need your passport for border crossings. It’s also wise to carry some euros for optional expenses like the boat ride and perhaps a camera or smartphone for photos.

How long is the total tour?
The tour runs approximately from 7:30 am to 5 pm, including all travel, stops, border crossings, and the boat ride.

Are there any issues with delays or timing?
Yes, some travelers have experienced significant delays, especially at border crossings and during the return journey. It’s advisable to remain flexible.

What’s included in the price?
Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a guide in the vehicle, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks is extra.

Can I pay for the tour and cancel later?
Yes, you can reserve and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour is a practical way to see Montenegro’s top sights from Dubrovnik, offering amazing views and a taste of its history. Just keep in mind the timetable, potential crowds, and extra costs for a well-rounded experience.