Perast, Bay of Kotor, Kotor, Sea pearls of the Montenegro coast

Explore Montenegro’s Coast with a Full-Day Guided Tour from Dubrovnik

This full-day tour from Dubrovnik offers a smooth and engaging way to experience the sea pearls of Montenegro, focusing on the medieval city of Kotor and the charming town of Perast. Priced at $83.93 per person, the tour lasts around 11 hours, making it perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip without the stress of driving. The tour is operated by Ragusa Tours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring convenience for participants.

One of the main draws of this tour is the opportunity to skip the hassle of renting a car—a guide handles all the driving while you relax and enjoy the scenery. The journey features spectacular coastal views, including sandy beaches, and finishes with a scenic ferry ride back to Dubrovnik. While the tour offers plenty of highlights, it’s worth noting that admission tickets for Kotor are not included, and there is a small tax of 2 Euros per person to enter the town.

This tour is well-suited for those wanting a guided exploration of Montenegro’s coast, with free time in Perast to wander at your own pace. It attracts travelers booking about six days in advance, reflecting its popularity among visitors seeking an organized, informative day trip with stunning scenery.

Key Points

• Full-day guided tour from Dubrovnik to Montenegro’s coast, including Kotor and Perast
• Price of $83.93 per person for approximately 11 hours of sightseeing
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience
• Drive along scenic coastal routes and enjoy views of beaches and winding bays
• Visit medieval Kotor Old Town, a well-preserved fortification built in honor of Saint Tryphon
• Free time in Perast to explore this charming town at your own pace
• Return via scenic ferry ride across the Bay of Kotor to Dubrovnik
• Note: 2 Euros tax per person required to enter Kotor; admission tickets for stops are not included
• Reviews highlight the professionalism of the guide and stunning landscapes, though one cancellation due to seas is noted

Starting from Dubrovnik and What the Tour Includes

The tour begins with hotel pickup at 7:00 am, offering a seamless start to the day. The group size is limited to 99 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience. The guide speaks English and Spanish, providing detailed commentary throughout the day, which is highly appreciated for enhancing understanding of the sites.

The package covers transportation in a comfortable vehicle, with the guide managing all driving duties. This setup allows travelers to relax and focus on the breathtaking scenery and historical landmarks. The guide’s storytelling style is praised for being informative and friendly, with some reviewers recommending Ivo as a particularly excellent guide.

Visiting Kotor Old Town: A Well-Preserved Medieval Fortress

The first major stop is Kotor Old Town, known as one of the best-preserved medieval fortified towns in the Mediterranean. Built in honor of Saint Tryphon, the town features narrow streets, historic buildings, and impressive fortifications. Visitors get approximately 2 hours to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.

While admission tickets are not included, the free-to-enter town invites visitors to wander its walls, churches, and squares at their own pace. The town’s architecture and strategic location on the coast make it a highlight, with panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor. A small entry tax of 2 Euros per person applies for access to Kotor, which travelers should prepare for.

Scenic Views of the Bay of Kotor and Coastal Beauty

During the drive and stop at the Bay of Kotor, travelers enjoy a 10-minute viewing opportunity of the famous winding bay. This area, known locally as Boka, features dramatic cliffs and lush landscapes that make for stunning photographs. While the bay itself is visible from the vehicle and designated viewing points, the highlight remains the scenic landscape that surrounds it.

This part of the tour emphasizes Montenegro’s natural beauty, with the coastal roads offering views of sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and limestone cliffs. The scenic ferry ride at the end of the day provides a different perspective, crossing the Bay and offering a relaxed way to conclude the trip.

Free Time in Perast: Charming Town Exploration

The third stop is Perast, a small town renowned for its baroque architecture and two picturesque islands. The tour allows about 1 hour of free time to walk along the waterfront, explore historic churches, or simply soak in the romantic ambiance of this coastal gem.

There are no entrance fees at Perast, giving visitors the freedom to explore at their own pace. The town’s quiet streets and scenic views make it a favorite for those seeking a more relaxed, authentic experience of Montenegro’s coast. The small-group setting ensures an intimate experience, with some reviews praising the friendly atmosphere and informative guide.

The Ferry Ride: A Scenic Return to Dubrovnik

The scenic ferry ride marks the final part of the tour, offering an extra layer of scenery as the group crosses the Bay of Kotor back toward Dubrovnik. The boat ride provides relaxing views of the coastline and a chance to appreciate Montenegro from the water. This unique ending helps distinguish this tour from land-only excursions.

Practicalities: Booking, Pricing, and Considerations

The price of $83.93 per person includes all transportation, guide services, and hotel pickup/drop-off. Travelers typically book around six days in advance, indicating steady demand. The tour operates most days, with confirmation provided at the time of booking.

Food and drinks are not included, so travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase meals during the day. Admission tickets for Kotor are not part of the package, but the small tax of 2 Euros must be paid upon entering. The group size of up to 99 people ensures a manageable and engaging experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The combination of guided sightseeing, scenic coastal routes, and free time in Perast makes this tour a solid choice for those wanting an organized day to explore Montenegro’s coast. The scenic ferry ride adds a special touch, offering a relaxing way to see the bay.

While one review mentions a cancellation due to rough seas, this highlights the importance of weather considerations when planning outdoor water activities. The guide’s professionalism and stunning views are consistently praised, making the tour a dependable option for those seeking both history and natural beauty.

Limitations and Considerations

The main limitation is the additional fee of 2 Euros to enter Kotor and admission tickets not included at stops, which travelers should budget for. The tour is quite long, so it may not suit those with limited mobility or those preferring a shorter trip. Finally, weather conditions can impact the experience, especially the scenic ferry ride.

The Sum Up: An Enjoyable and Scenic Montenegro Day Trip

This guided tour from Dubrovnik provides a balanced mix of history, natural scenery, and relaxed exploration. With hotel pickup, guided commentary, and scenic stops, it offers a hassle-free way to discover Montenegro’s coast, especially for those who prefer not to drive.

The stunning views of the Bay of Kotor, the chance to wander Kotor Old Town and Perast, and the ferry ride make it a memorable experience. The price point offers good value considering the full day of sightseeing, though travelers should be prepared for additional costs and the potential impact of weather. This tour suits history enthusiasts, scenery lovers, and anyone seeking a convenient, guided trip to Montenegro’s coastal treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, starting with hotel pickup at 7:00 am.

What is included in the price?
The price includes transportation, a guide speaking English/Spanish, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Food, drinks, and specific entrance tickets are not included.

Do I need to pay any extra fees?
Yes, a small tax of 2 Euros per person is required to enter Kotor.

Can I explore Kotor Old Town on my own?
Yes, you have about 2 hours to wander the medieval walls and streets at your own pace.

Is the ferry ride scenic?
Absolutely, the ferry crossing offers relaxing views of the Bay of Kotor and is a highlight of the trip.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but the long duration may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

What happens if the weather is rough?
In case of rough seas, the boat ride may be canceled for safety reasons, as noted in a review about a canceled trip.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking about 6 days in advance is typical, as the tour is popular.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 99 travelers.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.