A Dubrovnik to Montenegro Day Trip

Edited on August 26, 2026

One of the best things about visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia, is its proximity to surrounding countries. There are some great sights in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro that you should definitely fit into your Croatian itinerary.

If you’re looking to do a bit of exploring outside Croatia while you’re in Dubrovnik, I highly recommend a Dubrovnik to Montenegro day trip. You can easily book a small group tour and experience both Perast and Kotor, Montenegro. The drive is less than two hours, and you’ll get to travel to an exciting, new country.

In this post, I’ll detail what to expect, where to eat, and the best tour company to book with. So, get ready for a day trip to Montenegro!

Why Visit Montenegro?

Montenegro is one of those places that completely caught me off guard. Before I visited the Balkans, I assumed it was simply a quieter alternative to neighboring Croatia. What I discovered instead was a country where dramatic mountains plunge straight into the sparkling Adriatic Sea, medieval towns sit tucked beneath towering cliffs, and every winding coastal road seems to reveal an even more breathtaking view than the last. Pro tip: if you’re taking a day trip there, make sure you snag a window seat on the passenger’s side of the bus for the most dramatic views.

Despite being one of Europe’s smallest countries, Montenegro packs an incredible amount of variety into a compact space. What I love most about Montenegro is that it still feels a little undiscovered. The pace is slower, the crowds are generally smaller than in many other Mediterranean destinations, and it’s remarkably easy to experience diverse landscapes in a single trip.

Whether you’re exploring charming seaside villages, cruising the Bay of Kotor, or simply lingering over a meal with a view of the Adriatic, Montenegro is well worth the trip. If you’re looking for a destination that combines spectacular scenery, rich history, and a sense of adventure without feeling overrun by tourists, Montenegro just might become your favorite surprise in Europe.

Why not get a taste of it on a day trip?

The Best Tour Company For Your Dubrovnik To Montenegro Day Trip

I used Select Dubrovnik for my trip. You can book with them below for only $61 per person. That’s an amazing price for 12 hours of adventure. Their guide was fantastic and very knowlegeable without seeming dry and boring. The bus and boat were both very comfortable and the bus was air conditioned. They also offer pick up from your hotel, which was very convenient.

It’s important to note that while this is a guided tour, you do get several hours of free time. You’re not chained to a guide listening to a dry presentation the whole time.

A Brief Overview of What You’ll See

On your day trip to Montenegro you’ll make your way via bus to take a boat cruise down the Adriatic Coast. You’ll see Boka Kotorska Bay and enjoy breathtaking views of the fjord while you learn more about the cultural heritage of the Bay area.

You’ll then sail to the small town of Perast where you’ll visit the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks and get some free time to stop for coffee or and or one of the tasty local cakes in the beautiful town center.

You’ll also get to explore Kotor, the city of cats, and its defensive city walls. You’ll see UNESCO World Heritage Sites as you explore Montenegro. There’s also a 30 minute guided tour of Kotor, which you can choose to skip if you want to explore on your own, but you’ll also have few hours of solo free time to explore the monuments of the Old Town after the guided tour. I recommend taking the guided tour as it will help you orient yourself and give you a brief overview of the city.

You’ll then return to Dubrovnik via bus and after the border crossing you can be dropped off at your hotel.

Accessibility

The downside to group tours of Montenegro is that none of them are wheelchair accessible. However, I will say that Perast and Kotor were by far the easiest part of my Balkan trip for me to navigate. After having busted my back trying to avoid hills and stairs in Dubrovnik and nearly rolling my ankle on cobblestones in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the flat, relatively wide streets of Montenegro were a welcome releif. So if like me, you use a cane, you should do just fine on this trip.

Perast Montenegro

Perast is the kind of place that reminds you that sometimes the smallest towns leave the biggest impression. Nestled along the breathtaking Bay of Kotor, this tiny waterfront village is known for its elegant Venetian architecture, quiet stone streets, and a slower pace that feels worlds away from the busier destinations along the Adriatic. Once a prosperous maritime town under Venetian rule, Perast is filled with beautiful Baroque churches, centuries-old captains’ palaces, and postcard-perfect views of the bay. Just offshore, you’ll spot the famous twin islets of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George Island, which have become symbols of Montenegro’s coastline.

The tour includes a trip to Our Lady of the Rocks. It’s important to note that this is a catholic church and you must dress accordingly. Knees and shoulders must be covered. If you do not cover your shoulders they will make you take a scarf so you can cover up before entering.

There is also a small flight of stairs (pictured above) which is required to exit the church.

What makes Our Lady of the Rocks remarkable is that it isn’t a natural island at all; it’s entirely man-made. According to local legend, sailors discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rocky reef in 1452 and vowed to honor it by dropping a stone into the bay after every successful voyage. Over the centuries, those rocks, along with old ships intentionally sunk around the reef, gradually created the island you see today, a tradition that’s still celebrated each July during the Fašinada festival.

A short five-minute boat ride from Perast brings you to the beautiful blue-domed church filled with Baroque paintings, silver votive offerings, and a small museum that tells the island’s remarkable story. But honestly, the biggest attraction might be the setting itself. Surrounded by crystal-clear water and framed by the dramatic mountains of the Bay of Kotor, it’s one of those places where you simply admire the view.

Entrance costs an extra 5 Euro which your guide will collect from you before you leave the bus.

Once you’re back on the mainland, you’ll have time to explore Perast. There’s not much to see here as it’s a fairly small town. But you can snag some souvenirs and get a cup of coffee. I also highly recomend the Perast cake, a traditional, protected centuries-old dessert made with a crumbly crust and a rich, moist filling packed with ground almonds, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and a splash of cherry liqueur or maraschino.

Kotor Montenegro

Tucked between the towering mountains and the glassy waters of the Bay of Kotor, this UNESCO World Heritage city feels like it was lifted straight from the pages of a storybook. Inside its medieval stone walls, you’ll find a maze of cobblestone streets, charming squares, centuries-old churches, hidden cafés, and friendly neighborhood cats that seem to have claimed the Old Town as their own.

Thanks to centuries of Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian influence, every corner tells a different chapter of Kotor’s history, while the dramatic mountain backdrop reminds you that nature is just as much a part of the city’s charm as its architecture.

As I mentioned, when you arrive in Kotor, you’ll be given the option of taking a 30-minute guided tour. I highly recommend it as it will help you orient yourself and learn a bit about the city. At the end of the tour, we were given two and a half hours to explore, grab lunch, and do some shopping, which was more than enough time.

If you’re a cat lover, I highly recommend walking to the square outside the church where volunteers take care of the city’s cats. When I visited, there were tons of kittens and adorable cats that you could pet. A small donation is suggested, and it will go towards the care of these cats. You’ll also notice a lot of the shops have donation jars that benefit the city’s cats.

Where To Eat In Kotor Montenegro

The best restaurants in Kotor include Galion for high-end romantic bay views, Konoba Scala Santa for classic local seafood in the Old Town, and Restobar Taraca for classic European options, including a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Not in the mood for a big meal? No worries. You’ll find plenty of gelato and ice cream stands dishing out a mouth-watering array of flavors.

Final Thoughts On A Dubrovnik To Montenegro Day Trip

A Dubrovnik to Montenegro day trip is well worth the $61 tour price. It’s also not one of those boring structured tours where your guide is with you the whole time. You have plenty of time to roam and explore on your own. Which is great, because you can go at your own pace. Not physically able to clime the fortress walls in Kotor? No big deal. You can still have a great time seeing the churches and squares, grab a bite to eat, and do some shopping. You can also get amazing views without climbing anything.

FAQs

Is a day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro worth it?

Absolutely! A day trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro is one of the most popular excursions in the Balkans. In just one day, you can experience breathtaking coastal scenery, medieval towns like Kotor and Perast, and the spectacular Bay of Kotor. All without changing hotels.

How far is Montenegro from Dubrovnik?

The Montenegro border is only about 25 miles (40 km) from Dubrovnik. Depending on traffic and border crossings, the drive to Kotor usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours.

Do you need a passport to visit Montenegro from Croatia?

Yes. Since you’ll be crossing an international border, all travelers need a valid passport. Be sure to check visa requirements for your nationality before your trip. US citizens DO NOT need a visa.

How long does it take to cross the Croatia–Montenegro border?

Border crossing times vary depending on the season. During the quieter months, it may take only 15–30 minutes, while summer weekends and holidays can see waits of one to two hours or more. Leaving early in the morning is usually the best way to avoid long delays. Your tour will leave around 7am.

Can you visit Montenegro without renting a car?

Yes! Many visitors choose a guided day tour from Dubrovnik, which includes transportation and stops in Kotor and Perast. You can also hire a private driver or take a bus, although a rental car gives you the most flexibility.

What are the best places to visit on a Montenegro day trip?

The highlights usually include:

• Kotor Old Town
• The Bay of Kotor
• Perast
• Our Lady of the Rocks
• Kotor’s waterfront promenade
• Scenic viewpoints along the Adriatic coast

Is Kotor worth visiting?

Without a doubt. Kotor is one of Montenegro’s most beautiful destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its medieval streets, Venetian architecture, lively squares, and stunning mountain setting make it one of the highlights of the Adriatic coast.

How much time do you need in Kotor?

Three to five hours is enough to explore Kotor’s Old Town, enjoy lunch, browse the shops, and stroll along the waterfront. If you plan to hike the city walls or visit several museums, you’ll want a little more time. The guided small group tour will give you three hours in the city.

Is Perast worth stopping for?

Absolutely. Perast is one of the prettiest villages on the Bay of Kotor. Its peaceful waterfront, Baroque churches, and beautiful stone palaces offer a quieter contrast to bustling Kotor.

How do you get to Our Lady of the Rocks?

Small boats depart regularly from Perast and take about five minutes to reach the island. The boat ride is inexpensive and offers beautiful views of the bay.

Is Montenegro expensive?

Compared to many destinations in Western Europe, Montenegro is relatively affordable. Restaurants, cafés, and attractions generally cost less than those in nearby Dubrovnik, making it a great value for travelers.

What currency is used in Montenegro?

Although Montenegro is not part of the European Union, it uses the Euro (€) as its official currency.

Is Montenegro wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility is improving, but it varies by location. Kotor’s main squares and waterfront promenade are relatively accessible, though many of the Old Town’s historic streets are paved with uneven stone. Perast’s waterfront is mostly flat and easy to navigate, while Our Lady of the Rocks can usually be accessed by boat with assistance, depending on the operator and sea conditions.

What should you wear on a Montenegro day trip?

Wear comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing during the summer, sunscreen, and a hat. If you plan to visit churches, bring clothing that covers your shoulders as a sign of respect.

What is the best time of year to visit Montenegro?

The best months are May, June, September, and October, when temperatures are pleasant and crowds are smaller than during the peak summer season. Spring and fall also offer excellent photography conditions around the Bay of Kotor.

Can you swim during a Montenegro day trip?

Yes! During the warmer months, several waterfront areas around Kotor and Perast offer opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Kotor. If your itinerary allows, packing a swimsuit and towel is well worth it. You’ll even have time to swim if you book a small group tour.

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Jenn Lloyd is the founder of Sick Girl Travels and has explored destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and North America while traveling with chronic illness. Her goal is to help others travel confidently through practical accessibility advice and honest firsthand experiences.