From Dubrovnik: Perast, Kotor & Budva Small-Group Day Trip

Key Points

• Small-group tour with a maximum of 8 travelers offers a personalized experience.
• Price of $100 per person includes visits to three key Montenegrin towns.
• Highlights include the boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, Kotor’s 4-km wall, and the beaches of Budva.
• Guided by knowledgeable drivers such as Darko and Andrew, praised for their friendliness and expertise.
• Flexible free time in each town allows for sightseeing, shopping, or relaxing at the beach.
• Border crossing is streamlined thanks to early departures and experienced guides.

Travelers seeking a well-organized, intimate escape from Dubrovnik to explore Montenegro’s captivating towns will find this $100 per person small-group tour a practical choice. It departs early in the morning, ensuring smooth border crossings and avoiding crowds. With a focus on visiting Perast, Kotor, and Budva, the tour balances sightseeing, cultural insight, and leisure, making it ideal for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Montenegro’s coast in a single day.

Throughout the trip, guides like Darko and Andrew receive high praise for their professionalism, knowledge, and friendly manner. The tour’s small size — limited to just 8 travelers — means more personalized attention, flexible timing, and the chance to ask plenty of questions. While the boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks is a highlight, it’s important to note that the boat ride and entry fee are not included in the tour price.

• Small-group size ensures a more personal experience and quicker border crossings.
• Price of $100 covers visits to three picturesque towns and a boat ride.
• Guides Darko and Andrew earn praise for their professionalism, friendliness, and local knowledge.
• Early departure helps beat the crowds and maximizes your time at each location.
• Free time in Perast, Kotor, and Budva allows for exploring at your own pace.
• Additional costs include a tourist tax in Kotor, boat ride, and food in Budva, which is not included in the tour fee.

The tour begins with passenger pickup from Dubrovnik between 06:40 and 07:20, making for a smooth start. The group then heads towards the border crossing around 07:40, with the guides managing the passport check efficiently. This early start is a key advantage, helping travelers avoid long waits and making the most of the day.

Once across into Montenegro, the first stop is Perast, where a free hour allows visitors to stroll the charming streets or take a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks. The boat ride itself is optional and incurs an additional fee, but it’s a widely recommended highlight. The guides ensure the timing fits comfortably, so travelers have plenty of opportunity to enjoy this small island and its church.

Perast is a small, picturesque town known for its baroque architecture and peaceful atmosphere. The one-hour visit provides enough time to walk along the waterfront, admire the historic buildings, and decide whether to hop on the boat to Our Lady of the Rocks. This islet features a notable church and a treasure trove of stories, making it one of the tour’s most loved features.

While the boat ride is not included in the base price, many visitors find it worth the extra cost for the chance to see the island’s vibrant history and stunning views. The guides are happy to recommend the boat trip, which adds about 15 minutes to your time in Perast.

The tour continues with a 15-minute drive to the ancient town of Kotor, arriving around 10:00 AM. Travelers enjoy a two-hour free period to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its 4-kilometer city walls that encircle the old town. The walls are a defining feature, offering panoramic views of the bay and a glimpse into the town’s fortified past.

During this time, visitors can walk through narrow medieval streets, visit local shops, or ascend part of the city walls for breathtaking vistas. The guides provide history and tips, helping maximize this visit. The walk can be a bit steep in parts, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

By 12:30 PM, the group arrives in Budva, renowned for its stunning beaches and lively old town. The tour includes a lunch recommendation at a local restaurant, although the cost of food is not included in the tour fee. In Budva, travelers often take the opportunity to relax on the sandy beaches or enjoy sights such as the ancient city walls and fortress.

The free time here also allows for exploring the narrow streets of the old town or simply soaking up the vibrant seaside atmosphere. The guides suggest local restaurants but emphasize that you are responsible for your own meal.

After lunch, visitors can opt to visit the beach or continue sightseeing within the old town. The area is perfect for those wanting a quick dip or to browse boutique shops and cafes. The lively ambiance, combined with scenic views, makes Budva a highlight for many travelers.

The tour departs for Dubrovnik at 14:30, giving enough time to enjoy the town’s charm. The return journey begins with a ferry ride in the Bay of Kotor at around 15:10, offering another scenic perspective of Montenegro’s coastline before heading back through the border.

The group crosses back into Croatia around 16:00, with guides managing the border process efficiently, thanks to the early start and guides’ experience. The return journey takes approximately an hour, with the estimated arrival back in Dubrovnik at about 17:00.

This schedule ensures travelers can enjoy a full day of sightseeing while returning at a reasonable hour. The tour concludes with drop-offs at original pick-up points, making logistics straightforward.

Darko and Andrew, the most frequently praised guides, stand out for their professionalism, local expertise, and friendly attitudes. Review comments highlight their ability to share interesting stories, explain historical sites clearly, and keep the group engaged. Their knowledge extends to the best shortcuts and timing for border crossings, which significantly enhances the experience.

Transportation is provided via a comfortable 8-seater minivan, which contributes to the intimate setting and quick movements between stops. Travelers appreciate the clean and well-maintained vehicle and the early start that reduces congestion and wait times.

While the tour price includes visits to Perast, Kotor, and Budva, additional costs apply for the boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, the tourist tax in Kotor (payable on-site), and food and drinks in Budva (not included). Travelers should bring passports and visas if required, especially Indian passport holders or those needing multi-entry Schengen visas.

The tour is conducted in English and Spanish, catering to a diverse group. Since it is a small-group experience, booking in advance and keeping flexible with plans—like the optional boat ride—is recommended for a smooth day.

This small-group tour from Dubrovnik offers a compact yet rundown of Montenegro’s coastal highlights. The early departure and smooth border crossings maximize sightseeing time, with expert guides making each stop informative and enjoyable. The visits to Perast, Kotor, and Budva are carefully timed to balance exploration with leisure.

While some costs like meals and the boat ride are extra, the overall value lies in the personalized attention and careful planning. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to see Montenegro efficiently without sacrificing depth or comfort. The high praise for guides like Darko and Andrew underscores the quality of the experience, making it likely to leave a lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks included in the tour?
No, the boat ride and entry fee are not included in the tour price. Travelers can choose to take the boat ride for an additional cost.

What is the departure time for this tour?
Passenger pickup is from 06:40 to 07:20, with the tour leaving just after, ensuring an early start to beat crowds and delays.

How long is the free time in each town?
Visitors enjoy about 1 hour in Perast, 2 hours in Kotor, and leisure time in Budva to relax, explore, or have lunch.

What should I bring for the trip?
Travelers need to bring passport and visa if required. Comfortable shoes and sun protection are also advisable, especially for walking around the towns.

Is this tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking through narrow streets and some uphill sections, particularly in Kotor’s fortress walls, so mobility considerations are important.

Can I customize or extend my time in any of the locations?
Since the schedule is fixed, extra time would need to be arranged independently, and guides do not extend free periods beyond the scheduled times.

This Montenegro day trip from Dubrovnik, led by attentive guides and designed for small groups, offers an engaging way to experience some of Montenegro’s most beautiful coastal towns in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby