Private tour to Montenegro, Perast, Kotor and Budva

Private tour to Montenegro, Perast, Kotor, and Budva

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines stunning scenery, charming towns, and a taste of Montenegrin culture, this private tour from Dubrovnik is hard to beat. Visiting Perast, Kotor, and Budva, you’ll spend around 10 hours with a knowledgeable guide in a comfortable van, making it an intimate and flexible experience tailored just for your group. For about the cost of a nice dinner, you gain not only a guided journey but also the freedom to explore at your own pace.

What we love about this tour is the personalized attention and the chance to enjoy spectacular views of the Bay of Kotor, which truly lives up to its reputation. Plus, the optional boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks adds a charming touch of history and scenery. On the flip side, a possible drawback is the long travel time—about 40 minutes crossing the border—so patience and proper documents are necessary.

This experience suits travelers who value comfort, local insight, and scenic beauty over rushed schedules. If you enjoy a private, relaxed pace with plenty of photo opportunities and authentic town visits, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Private Group Flexibility: Tailored experience in a comfortable van just for your group.
• Stunning Views: Panoramic lookout at Kotor, photo stops, and scenic coastal towns.
• Cultural and Historic Highlights: Visit charming Perast, Kotor’s ancient walls, and Budva’s lively old town.
• Optional Boat Ride: Visit Our Lady of the Rocks, with free time to explore.
• Full-Day Experience: Around 10 hours, including border crossing and travel time.
• Good for Photographers and Culture Enthusiasts: Plenty of picture stops and local insights.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect from Each Stop

Pickup in Dubrovnik and Border Crossing

Your day begins early, around 7 am, with pickup from your Dubrovnik accommodation. The journey to Montenegro includes crossing the border, which needs about 40 minutes. Remember your passport—you’ll need it for the obligatory checks. While border crossings can sometimes cause delays, this is a small price for what awaits on the other side.

Panoramic View and Perast (Stop 1)

By around 8:30 am, you’ll arrive at the Bay of Kotor, a sight that instantly rewards you with sweeping vistas of rugged mountains meeting shimmering waters. You’ll get a short photo break at the lookout point—perfect for capturing the landscape’s drama.

Next, you’ll visit Perast, a beautifully preserved baroque town on the bay. With a full hour here, you’ll have time to wander its narrow streets, admire centuries-old stone houses, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The highlight for many is the boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, a small island with a church and museum. If you choose to go, you’ll have time to enjoy the island’s charm and learn about its history through the guide.

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Kotor: The Medieval Marvel (Stop 2)

A quick 15-minute drive takes you to Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved medieval walls and fortress. From around 10 am, you’ll have roughly two hours to explore. Walking through the old town, you’ll encounter winding alleys, lively squares, and historic landmarks like the cathedral and ancient city gates.

Many reviews mention how knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, sharing stories behind Kotor’s fortress and its strategic importance. You’ll appreciate the blend of history, culture, and the chance to take photos of the fortress walls against the bay. You might find that climbing up the fortress for a panoramic view is worth the effort, but note that it can be a bit steep.

Lunch and Leisure in Budva (Stop 3)

At around 12:30 pm, you’ll head to Budva, a lively coastal town renowned for its vibrant old town and beautiful beaches. The tour includes a recommended local restaurant where you can enjoy a traditional meal—perfect for refueling after a morning of sightseeing.

Most visitors enjoy walking around Budva’s walled old town, with its narrow streets, quaint shops, and seaside cafes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might take a stroll down to the beach or explore the fortifications, which offer lovely views of the Adriatic. Food is not included in the tour price, so this is an excellent chance to sample regional cuisine.

Return Journey and Ferry Ride

After exploring Budva, you’ll start heading back to Dubrovnik around 2:30 pm. A notable experience is the ferry ride in the Bay of Kotor at about 3:10 pm, giving you a chance to see the bay from a different perspective—many travelers find this scenic cruise particularly enjoyable.

Border control at around 4 pm is another checkpoint, and although delays can happen, most find the process smooth enough. The tour concludes with an estimated arrival back in Dubrovnik around 5 pm, bringing an end to a full day of sightseeing.

The Experience in Practice: Authenticity and Value

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Montenegro’s coast, balancing cultural richness, stunning scenery, and relaxed pace. The private group setting means you won’t be jostling for space, and your guide, often praised for their knowledge, can tailor the experience slightly based on your interests.

The van transportation ensures a comfortable ride, especially important given the winding coastal roads. However, the 40-minute border crossing is the only potential hiccup, so travel documents are essential, and patience is advisable.

Many reviewers highlight the spectacular views at the lookout points and the chance to explore authentic towns rather than tourist-heavy spots. The optional boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks is a highlight for several travelers, providing a chance to step onto a tiny island with a storied past.

Cost and Value

While the tour’s price covers the transportation, guide, and entrance to Perast and Kotor, the boat ride and entry to Our Lady of the Rocks are extra. This means you have the flexibility to decide whether to indulge in these additional experiences. Given the relatively short duration of free time at each location, having a private guide who can help prioritize what you want to see adds great value, especially if you’re short on time.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This trip appeals to history buffs, scenic lovers, and those seeking a personalized experience. If you prefer structured sightseeing with expert insights, this tour offers a nice blend of guided and free exploration. It’s also a good choice if you want to avoid the hassle of self-driving or navigating border crossings independently.

The Sum Up

This private tour from Dubrovnik to Montenegro’s coast offers a balance of scenic beauty, cultural charm, and personal attention. With flexible stops and a knowledgeable guide, you’ll enjoy the highlights of Perast, Kotor, and Budva at a comfortable pace. The panoramic views and historic towns make it a memorable way to experience Montenegro without the stress of independent travel.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed, guided day trip and appreciate authentic towns and stunning vistas. The optional boat ride adds a special touch to the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing tour but a genuine exploration of Montenegro’s maritime heritage.

If you’re eager to see the Montenegrin coast with a local guide, enjoy beautiful views, and have a flexible, private experience, this tour is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my passport for this tour?
Yes, you must bring your passport because you’ll be crossing the Montenegro border, which requires passport checks.

How long does the border crossing take?
It generally takes around 40 minutes, but wait times can vary depending on border traffic. It’s best to have your documents ready.

Can I join this tour if I don’t want to take the boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks?
Absolutely. The boat ride is optional, and you’ll have approximately one hour in Perast to decide whether to go or explore on your own.

How much free time do we have at each stop?
You’ll have about one hour in Perast, two hours in Kotor, and around two hours in Budva, allowing for sightseeing, meals, and optional activities.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses an 8-seater private van, providing a cozy and relaxed ride through the scenic coastal roads.

What is included in the tour price?
The private guide, transportation, and visits to Perast, Kotor, and Budva are included, but the boat ride and entry fee to Our Lady of the Rocks are extra.

Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?
Yes, the comfortable van and manageable walking distances make it suitable for most ages, but be prepared for some walking and potential hill climbs in Kotor.

This private tour offers an authentic taste of Montenegro’s beautiful coast, blending scenic vistas, historic towns, and flexible exploration—all led by a knowledgeable guide who makes the experience engaging and personal. Perfect for those who want to see the highlights without feeling rushed or crowded.

You can check availability for your dates here: