Kotor: City, Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks and Cooking Class

Explore the enchanting towns of Kotor and Perast, along with the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks island, on this 5.5-hour guided tour in Montenegro. Priced affordably, the experience includes a cooking class at a local family home, a scenic boat ride, and visits to historic squares and churches. This tour offers a perfect mix of sightseeing, culture, and culinary delight, ideal for those seeking an authentic taste of Montenegro.

While the tour involves walking through charming streets and some boat riding, it is suited for travelers comfortable with light walking and a moderate pace. With a private group setting and English-speaking guide, the experience feels personalized and relaxed. The combination of historical sites, scenic views, and hands-on cooking makes this tour both enjoyable and memorable.

Key Points

• Includes a scenic boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks island with museum entrance
• Visits Kotor’s main squares, including Armory Square and Flour Square
• Highlights Perast’s beauty, a coastal town with baroque architecture
• Enjoys a hands-on cooking class at a local family’s home, with recipes and a traditional lunch
• Takes approximately 5.5 hours, with flexible starting times
• Transportation and guide services are included, with optional pick-up from key Montenegrin cities

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Discover Kotor’s Old Town and Iconic Squares

The tour begins with a transfer from your accommodation to the UNESCO-listed city of **Kotor. Here, the main town square hosts the clock tower at Armory Square, dating back four centuries, and the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (built in 1166), which dominates the skyline with its impressive façade. The guide leads you through Flour Square, once a trading hub, where Buca and Pima Palaces stand as examples of historic architecture.

Next, you explore the Orthodox Churches Square, home to St. Luke (constructed in 1195) and St. Nicholas (from 1540). These sites showcase Kotor’s religious and cultural heritage, with the cathedral being the most prominent sight. The entire exploration lasts about one hour, providing ample time to absorb the charming atmosphere of the Old Town.

Scenic Ride Around Boka Bay to Perast

After walking through Kotor’s historic streets, the tour takes a 20-minute boat ride across the Boka Bay, renowned for its stunning scenery. The boat journey offers sweeping views of the bay’s rugged coastline and traditional houses perched along the water. Upon arrival in Perast, visitors enjoy a leisurely walk through this picturesque coastal town, famous for its baroque architecture and quiet charm.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks Island

The highlight of the boat trip is the visit to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Here, you enter a 15th-century church and explore the museum, which houses religious artifacts and historical exhibits. The station offers a glimpse into the island’s cultural significance, with total time in Perast and the island around one hour. The island’s scenic setting and historical charm are standout features of this part of the tour.

Returning to Kotor and Joining a Family Cooking Class

Back in Kotor, the tour moves to a local family home, where Susan, the host, welcomes guests for a three-hour hands-on cooking class. This experience is lively and engaging, with the host sharing stories and demonstrating how to prepare 1 or 2 traditional dishes characteristic of the Bay of Kotor region. The class emphasizes authentic Mediterranean recipes, mostly based on fish and seafood, reflecting the area’s coastal cuisine.

Participants wear aprons and actively participate in cooking starter, main course, and dessert. After preparing the meal, everyone sits down together to enjoy the tasty lunch—paired with local wine, rakija brandy, or homemade juice—making for a convivial and flavorful experience. The host’s warm personality and humor add to the welcoming atmosphere, making every participant feel part of the family.

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Practical Details of the Cooking Experience

The cooking class takes place in a family home, providing an intimate setting to learn about Montenegrin culinary traditions. Recipes are shared at the end, allowing guests to recreate the dishes later at home. This part of the tour is especially appreciated for its interactive nature and the chance to sample authentic local cuisine freshly made.

Transportation, Guide, and Additional Inclusions

The tour includes transportation in a sedan, minivan, van, or minibus from various locations including Podgorica, Cetinje, Budva, Tivat, Bar, Ulcinj, and Kotor. The licensed English-speaking guide ensures smooth navigation and insightful commentary throughout the day. All road and parking fees, as well as the tourist tax, are covered.

The boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks and entrance fee for the museum are included in the price, providing a seamless experience. Plus, participants receive recipes of the prepared meals for later recreation.

Not Included and Optional Extras

Tickets for attractions like Saint Tryphon Cathedral and the Maritime Museum are not included but can be purchased separately. Visitors should also budget for food and drinks bought outside the scheduled activities or other non-program costs. Travel health insurance is optional but recommended.

Flexible Booking and Cancellation Terms

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, making planning flexible. The duration is approximately 5.5 hours, with some variation depending on pickup location and pace.

The Experience Provider: Monte Mare Travel

This tour is operated by Monte Mare Travel, known for organizing engaging small-group and private Montenegrin experiences. The focus on personalized service and authentic local encounters makes this tour stand out among other options in the region.

Savor Montenegro’s Coastal Charm and Culinary Treasures

This tour offers a rich blend of sightseeing, cultural insight, and culinary discovery. The visits to Kotor’s historic squares, the scenic boat ride around Boka Bay, and the visit to Our Lady of the Rocks capture the essence of Montenegro’s coastal beauty and history.

The cooking class at a local family home provides a heartfelt glimpse into Montenegrin cuisine and everyday life. The combination of informative guides, beautiful scenery, and authentic food makes this experience a well-rounded choice for those eager to explore both the sights and flavors of the Bay of Kotor.

The tour’s flexibility, inclusive transport, and personalized small-group setting make it especially suited for travelers who enjoy immersive experiences, cultural stories, and homemade meals. It balances sightseeing with participatory fun, creating lasting memories of Montenegro’s coastal treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5.5 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and the cooking class.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes transportation, a licensed English-speaking guide, tourist tax, road and parking fees, a boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, museum entrance fee, and the cooking class with lunch and drinks.

Can I join this tour from other cities?
Yes, pick-up is available from Podgorica, Cetinje, Budva, Tivat, Bar, Ulcinj, and Kotor. For other locations, prices are available upon request.

What should I prepare for the cooking class?
Participants wear aprons and actively help prepare 1 or 2 traditional dishes. The host provides the recipes afterward so you can recreate the dishes later.

Are there any additional costs not covered?
Yes, tickets for attractions not included in the package, extra food or drinks outside the program, and other non-program expenses are not covered.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
The tour involves light walking and participation in the cooking class, making it suitable for most ages, but travelers should be comfortable with moderate activity levels.

This Kotor, Perast, and Our Lady of the Rocks tour with a cooking class offers a genuine taste of Montenegro’s coastal charm, cultural richness, and culinary traditions—all in a relaxed, private group setting. The blend of sightseeing, scenic boat rides, and hands-on cooking promises a rewarding day for those eager to explore Montenegro beyond typical tourist spots.

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