Montenegro Coast Small Group Excursion

If you’re traveling through Croatia and itching to see a bit of Montenegro without the hassle of planning every detail yourself, this Montenegro Coast Small Group Excursion might just be your ticket. Offered at a reasonable $59.95 per person, this full-day tour takes you from Dubrovnik across the border into Montenegro for a taste of its famous coastal towns, scenic bays, and island charm. It’s a popular choice among travelers, with bookings often made about a month in advance — a sign of its appeal.

What we love about this tour is how it combines stunning scenery with cultural highlights in a manageable, day-long format. The small group size promises a more intimate experience, which is often a big plus when exploring such picturesque yet busy spots. The guided comments are useful for newcomers, and the boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks adds a special touch. On the other hand, some reviews highlight issues like border crossing delays and group size discrepancies, so it’s worth considering these factors.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a taste of Montenegro’s coast without the complexity or expense of a private tour. It suits those who enjoy scenic drives, historic towns, and a relaxed pace — perfect for a day trip from Dubrovnik. If you prefer highly exclusive, in-depth tours focused on history or gastronomy, this might be a bit more surface-level, but for most, it’s a solid introduction with plenty of photo ops and memorable moments.

Key Points

• Small group size offers a more personalized experience than large bus tours.
• Unforgettable views of Boka Kotorska bay make for fantastic photo opportunities.
• Convenient transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
• Well-structured itinerary balancing guided visits with free time.
• Boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks adds a unique element to the day.
• Mixed reviews note border delays and group size surprises, so prepare accordingly.

An In-Depth Look at the Montenegro Coast Tour

Starting Out: Pile Old Town Pickup and Early Departure

The tour kicks off early, with pickup arranged from the Pile Old Town area in Dubrovnik. The start time at 6:40 am might seem early, but it’s necessary to maximize your day. The ride out of Dubrovnik is comfortable, thanks to a modern, air-conditioned minibus. This is your chance to settle in, maybe grab a coffee, and get a quick overview of what’s ahead.

The journey itself is part of the experience, as you cross the border into Montenegro. According to reviews, the use of a small bus allows the group to navigate border crossings more swiftly than larger vehicles, which is a definite perk. Still, some travelers note border delays, so patience is key. The driver and guide work hard to keep the mood up, and most travelers agree that the scenic drive along the coast is worth the wait.

Stop 1: St. Tryphon Cathedral

The first stop is a brief visit to St. Tryphon Cathedral — an iconic landmark in Kotor’s Old Town. You get about 15 minutes here, just enough to snap a few photos or appreciate the intricate architecture. Since admission isn’t included, it’s a quick exterior look, but the real highlight is the walk into the Old Town itself.

Stop 2: Exploring Kotor’s Old Town

The heart of the tour is Kotor Old Town, where you’ll spend roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes. This ancient walled city is famous for its labyrinth of cobblestone streets, lively squares, and dramatic setting against towering hills. Your local guide helps you navigate, pointing out historical details, hidden corners, and must-see sights.

Many reviews praise the guide’s knowledge, though a few mention that they spoke too quickly or with a heavy accent, making some historical details hard to catch. Still, most appreciate the guided insights and the opportunity to explore independently afterward. You’ll love the views from the city walls if you choose to hike up — some say it’s well worth the extra effort for the panoramic vistas of the bay.

Stop 3: The Charming Perast

Next, the tour moves to Perast, a peaceful town with a handful of historic churches, charming piazzas, and waterfront cafes. The stop lasts for about 45 minutes, providing a relaxed window to stroll, take photos, or pick up souvenirs. The reviews highlight Perast’s beauty and tranquility, making it a perfect short escape from busier spots.

Stop 4: Our Lady of the Rocks Island

The highlight for many is the boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, a small island with a striking church and museum. The tour organizes a quick boat ride, lasting about 20 minutes, to this island, which many find enchanting. You’ll have about 20 minutes ashore to explore, take photos, and enjoy the views of the bay.

Guests describe the boat ride as a “nice and interesting” addition that breaks up the land-based sightseeing. However, note that admission to the island isn’t included, so you might want to bring some extra cash if you wish to visit the museum or the church.

Return to Dubrovnik

After a full day of sightseeing, the journey back to Dubrovnik is just as scenic. Most travelers find the drive relaxing and appreciate the opportunity to reflect on the day’s highlights. The tour ends back at the original meeting point, around 6:40 pm, giving you ample time for dinner or further exploring Dubrovnik.

What to Expect from the Tour: Transportation, Guides, and Timing

The transportation — a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus — is ideal for a small group, which generally means fewer delays and more flexibility. The group size, often noted as around 13-15 people, allows for a more intimate experience, though some reviews indicate it can be larger than expected, especially when group numbers swell.

The guides, both on the bus and in Kotor, are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Many guests mention guides like Patricia, Marinella, or Sanja for their caring attitude and extensive information, which adds depth to the sightseeing. However, a few reviewers note that guides spoke too fast or with accents that made it harder to follow.

Timing is tight but manageable. The itinerary balances guided time with free exploration, so you’ll want to keep an eye on the clock. The early start is necessary, but it means you’ll get a full day of sightseeing, returning around early evening.

Value for the Price

At $59.95, this tour offers great value considering transportation, guides, and multiple stops. You get a taste of Montenegro’s most famous coastal sights, a boat trip, and some free time in charming towns — all in one package. While some feel the experience could be more in-depth, most agree it’s a good introduction and well worth the price for a day out.

The Reviews: The Good, The Not-So-Good, and The Real

Many travelers praise the stunning scenery and friendly guides. The boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks is frequently mentioned as a highlight, along with Kotor’s enchanting streets. Several reviews mention the knowledgeable guides who made the experience more engaging.

On the flip side, some reviews point out border delays and group size surprises, with a few feeling misled about the small-group nature. One person described it as more of a large bus experience, with long waiting times at borders and limited time in towns.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for those looking for an easy, scenic day trip from Dubrovnik without the hassle of independent planning. It suits travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace, picturesque towns, and a bit of history without intensive touring or long walks. It’s also suitable for first-timers wanting a taste of Montenegro’s coast.

Conversely, if you’re hoping for a deep dive into Montenegrin culture or history, or prefer very exclusive, private experiences, this may not be quite enough. Also, be prepared for an early start and some border crossing delays.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour strikes a nice balance between value and experience, offering a well-organized way to see Montenegro’s highlights from Dubrovnik. The scenic drives, charming towns, and boat trip make for a memorable day, especially if guided by knowledgeable, friendly guides.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy group tours with a relaxed schedule, great photo opportunities, and manageable pacing. If you’re okay with potential border delays and slightly larger groups than advertised, you’ll find this tour to be a rewarding introduction to Montenegro’s coast.

For the price, you’re getting a good mix of scenery, culture, and convenience — a worthwhile addition to your Adriatic itinerary. Just remember to bring your patience for border crossings and a camera ready for stunning views.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 6:40 am with pickup at Pile Old Town in Dubrovnik, so be prepared for an early start to make the most of your day.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a modern, air-conditioned minibus that’s suitable for small groups. This helps keep the journey relaxed and more flexible than large buses.

What about border crossing delays?
Border delays are sometimes mentioned in reviews, but the small bus can navigate borders more quickly than larger vehicles. Still, patience is advisable.

How much time do I have in each location?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes at St. Tryphon Cathedral, roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes in Kotor, 45 minutes in Perast, and 20 minutes on the boat to Our Lady of the Rocks, with some free time in each spot.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Most reviews praise the guides for their friendliness and information, though some mention they spoke quickly or with accents that made details harder to catch.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers transportation, a local guide in Kotor, and guided visits. Admission to sites like St. Tryphon Cathedral and Our Lady of the Rocks isn’t included, so consider extra cash for entry fees.

This trip offers a well-rounded glimpse of Montenegro’s coast, perfect for those who want a hassle-free, scenic, and culturally interesting day from Dubrovnik. With stunning views, engaging guides, and a boat ride, it’s a memorable way to add a touch of Montenegro to your Croatian adventure.