Montenegro: Boka Bay Private Tour

Discover the beauty of Montenegro’s coast on the Montenegro: Boka Bay Private Tour, a 4-hour journey curated by Monte Mare Travel. This tour offers an intimate look at the charming towns of Perast and Kotor, along with a scenic boat ride to the island of Our Lady of The Rocks. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a private, flexible experience with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. The tour departs from several key locations, including Podgorica, Cetinje, Budva, Tivat, Bar, and Kotor, giving you the convenience of customized pickup points.

The itinerary combines easy walking tours of historic centers with a relaxing boat cruise around Boka Bay, offering spectacular views and insightful commentary. The entire experience is designed to be relaxed and accessible, with about 2 hours of free time in Kotor to explore, shop, or enjoy local cuisine. While the focus is on natural beauty and historic sites, travelers should be aware that some stops, like the island museum, require entrance fees not included in the price.

This tour balances guided visits with free time, making it suitable for those who appreciate both structured sightseeing and flexibility. Weather conditions can influence the availability of the boat ride to Our Lady of The Rocks, so it’s wise to check availability if visiting in winter. This private tour provides a practical way to see Montenegro’s coast without the hassle of public transportation, offering a personalized experience for a memorable day along the Adriatic.

Key Points

• Private 4-hour tour exploring Perast, Our Lady of The Rocks, and Kotor’s Old Town
• Flexible pickup locations including Podgorica, Cetinje, and Budva
• Includes a boat ride to the 15th-century church and museum on Our Lady of The Rocks
• Scenic cruise around Boka Bay, showcasing stunning Mediterranean views
• Guided walking tours of Kotor’s iconic monuments and squares
• Optional climb on the fortress of San Giovanni for panoramic bay views

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Pickup Options

The tour begins with pickup from six different locations: Podgorica, Cetinje, Budva, Kotor, Tivat, and Bar. For travelers in Ulcinj or other towns, arrangements can be made at an additional cost. This flexibility helps travelers start their day conveniently from their accommodation or central meeting points. The exact pickup time depends on your departure point, and the tour is available year-round, weather conditions permitting.

Exploring Perast: A Coastal Town Steeped in Charm

Perast is the first stop, where a guided walking tour highlights its beautiful coastal architecture and historical ambiance. The town’s peaceful streets and scenic waterfront set a perfect scene for a leisurely exploration. The highlight here is a boat ride to Our Lady of The Rocks, a small island known for its 15th-century church and museum.

The visit to the island lasts about 1 hour, giving ample time to see the church’s artworks and relics and appreciate the history of this unique site. The boat ride itself adds a relaxed, scenic element to the tour, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the bay and learn about local traditions surrounding the island.

Scenic Boat Ride to Our Lady of The Rocks

The boat ride to Our Lady of The Rocks is a centerpiece of this experience, taking roughly 1 hour round-trip. The church, built on a foundation of legends and stories, is a key attraction, along with the museum that showcases religious artifacts and photographs of the island’s history. This stop provides a quiet, reflective moment amid the tour’s sightseeing, with views of the bay’s rugged coastline.

Note that the entrance fee to the museum is not included in the tour price, and the boat ride might be affected by weather conditions or seasonal closures, especially in winter. Still, the visit offers a tangible glimpse into local customs and the island’s significance.

Cruising Boka Bay: Spectacular Mediterranean Views

After returning from the island, the tour continues with a scenic cruise around Boka Bay, lasting about 30 minutes. This part of the tour reveals the spectacular natural beauty of Montenegro’s coast, with panoramic views of rugged cliffs, lush hills, and the peaceful waters of the bay. The cruise sets the scene for the next stop—Kotor—highlighting the area’s spectacular landscape.

The boat ride is a laid-back way to absorb the Mediterranean atmosphere and offers countless photo opportunities of the coastline and fishing boats dotting the water.

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Discovering Historic Kotor’s Old Town

The highlight of the tour is the guided walk through Kotor’s Old Town, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area features well-preserved medieval walls, churches, and squares. Key sights include the St. Tryphon Cathedral, Arms Market, Saint Luke’s Square, and the Maritime Museum.

Visitors have about 2 hours of free time to enjoy local cafes, shops, or to climb the San Giovanni Fortress. The climb takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, but the views from the top are worth the effort, offering a panoramic vista of the bay and the town’s rooftops.

Climbing the Fortress of San Giovanni for Panoramic Views

For those interested in a more active experience, the climb to the fortress is a major highlight. It’s a 45-minute to 1-hour ascent, leading to a spectacular lookout point. From here, the view of the bay and Kotor’s rooftops provides a memorable photo opportunity and a sense of the city’s historic defensive strength.

While optional, this climb adds a physical element to the tour and is suitable for most visitors with moderate mobility. It’s best to start the climb early in the free time segment to maximize your sightseeing.

Practicalities and Tour Inclusions

The Montenegro: Boka Bay Private Tour includes pickup and drop-off from major towns, a guided walk through Perast and Kotor, a boat ride to Our Lady of The Rocks, and a scenic cruise around Boka Bay. The guided tours are led by an English-speaking guide, providing informative narration throughout.

The tour excludes entrance fees to the museum, boat ride costs, and the tourist tax for Old Town Kotor. Parking fees and road expenses are also not included, which is typical for private tours. Cancellation is free if made 24 hours in advance, and booking allows you to reserve now and pay later for flexible planning.

Suitability and Considerations

This private tour is ideal for travelers who prefer a personalized experience with flexible stops and comfortable pacing. It is described as easy in difficulty, making it accessible for most visitors, though the climb to the fortress requires moderate effort. The weather-dependent aspects, such as the boat to Our Lady of The Rocks, mean that plans may shift slightly in winter or during bad weather.

The duration of around 4 hours makes it a manageable half-day activity, perfect for those with limited time in Montenegro. Catering to those who appreciate scenic views, historic sites, and a relaxed pace, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of the Montenegrin coast.

Final Thoughts on the Montenegro Boka Bay Private Tour

The Montenegro: Boka Bay Private Tour delivers a focused, comfortable way to see some of Montenegro’s most notable coastal sights. The combination of charming towns, a scenic boat ride, and the opportunity to climb the fortress walls makes it both engaging and scenic.

While the museum visit and boat ride involve additional costs, the included highlights and flexible stops make this option a value-packed choice for those eager to explore Montenegro’s coast with a private guide. It suits travelers seeking easy walking, spectacular views, and personalized service.

This tour provides a balanced mix of culture, history, and nature, all wrapped into a compact four-hour experience that captures the essence of Montenegro’s stunning Boka Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the duration of the tour? The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, plus transfer times depending on your pickup location.
• Where does the tour start? It departs from Podgorica, Cetinje, Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Bar, or Ulcinj with pickup options available.
• Is the tour suitable for all ages? Yes, it’s considered easy in difficulty and suitable for most guests, including those with moderate mobility.
• Are entrance fees included? No, entrance fees to the museum on Our Lady of The Rocks and boat ride costs are not included.
• Can I visit the fortress? Yes, with about 45 minutes to 1 hour dedicated to climbing the walls for panoramic views.
• What should I wear? Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the town walks and fortress climb.
• Is there free time in Kotor? Yes, about 2 hours are allocated for exploring, shopping, or dining.
• What if the weather is bad? The tour reserves the right to cancel due to bad weather, especially affecting the boat ride.
• Can I customize this tour? Yes, there’s a possibility to change the tour according to your wishes and budget.
• How do I book? Reservations can be made with Monte Mare Travel, with options to reserve now and pay later.