Dubrovnik to Montenegro Day Trip: Your Kotor Bay Cruise Review
Okay, so you’re probably thinking about hopping over from Dubrovnik to Montenegro for a day, maybe with one of those boat trips in Kotor Bay? I get it. The area around Dubrovnik is gorgeous, yet the appeal of seeing even places can be difficult to dismiss. I did a day trip kind of thing recently and figured I’d break down the whole shebang, just so you’re not going in completely blind. Was it worthwhile? What might you expect? Just a little bit about that, next.
Why go to Montenegro from Dubrovnik for the Day?
So, just picture this, the thing about Dubrovnik is that it’s this jewel of a city, I mean very well known. That’s pretty cool, still it also translates to heavy crowds, more or less most times. A chance to get away from that and experience something very, very different can be really refreshing. Kotor Bay, that is almost right across the border in Montenegro, feels completely other in a way. The stunning fjords, those lovely coastal towns—it’s like stepping into a totally separate postcard. The culture and even vibe offer a completely very unique change from Croatia. Now and then, breaking up a trip by experiencing completely unique neighboring countries can make everything even, really richer.
What to Expect on Your Kotor Bay Cruise
Typically, the tour starts early because, you know, borders aren’t the speediest. I remember being collected, almost so early in the morning, I think the pickup was around 7 am. That early start is the most certain way of beating some, anyway just a little, of the crowd at the border crossing. The drive is gorgeous, almost so picture-perfect, specifically once you get into Montenegro, those vistas are wonderful! Regarding the cruise that is in Kotor Bay, I’ve discovered the following:
- Charming Towns: Visiting places like Kotor and Perast should usually be a main thing about that part of the tour. Kotor’s Old Town tends to be circled by fortifications and is completely delightful to see, with squares and slim little pathways that look very old. Perast, which tends to be smaller, comes with old-fashioned stone homes along the sea.
- Our Lady of the Rocks: Typically included on several cruises, this small artificial island is home to a beautiful little church. Stories on the church usually make it, anyway so very interesting.
- Blue Cave (optional): Quite often, that depends a bit on the weather and the actual tour chosen, a stop to go see the Blue Cave is pretty great. Sunlight actually lights the inside of the cave so, producing this stunning, deep blue colored light, which looks pretty cool.
- Free time: Day trips typically give you quite a bit of completely free time so, just to explore either Kotor and maybe Perast solo, to find things at your own pace, which might be useful.
Border Crossing: Keep This in Mind
The border can make or really break that adventure if I’m being truthful, so prepare just a little, since that can always use a heads up. Be ready; it usually is pretty darn slow, particularly during top season, basically because who’s going to wish to move quickly while taking it slow seems, almost too hard. Have the papers or document (specifically that passport) accessible because there’s almost nothing slower than some dude searching at the bottom of their backpack when they reach that window, that I do understand. I often try grabbing like a few goodies and some water before even hitting it just in case some stops can’t be too easy with lines that almost drag, which is almost the norm now anyway.
Food Options on the Trip
Concerning food, the day trips tend to leave you to make the eating decisions, as well as to spend a couple hours on your own. Here are a couple choices worth taking a look at when thinking of having any grub during the Kotor or Perast stops. Restaurants found in Kotor’s Old City include really nice places where the setting tends to be very comfortable; try any restaurants offering regional options from Montenegro, perhaps something with seafood. Perast can be quite a bit less complicated and I find its coastal bistros nice locations where the food that comes out offers amazing seafood. Cost differences between restaurants must vary yet anticipate moderately priced food selections overall. Also note too, a few stands sell snacks.
What I Liked (and Didn’t Love)
All of that has a mixture of pretty good parts so, the not-so-amazing ones to chew on; my most significant likes include this:
- Visuals: Views along Kotor Bay seemed just like looking into scenic, almost pretty calendars, that is correct. Each picture possibility really presents what makes such excursions something to dream of, the perfect place to find some peace.
- Split exposure: Getting those vibes of very cool, new cities so, for a very brief minute without spending to stay in each really had that traveling ‘sugar rush’ element tied down completely.
Not nearly as cool spots included.
- Rushed parts: Since hitting both sites through just one full-day period can make anyone so, that I believe we’re not there as long, if only it might not have to feel somewhat more drawn out and relaxed.
- Busy transport: Long bus trip lengths could literally tax those with low seats and being restricted usually; bringing reading, and podcasts for trips definitely helps here.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Day Trip
- Get set so, right: Bring water and some food in case time might be tricky.
- Travel clothing: Keep both clothing types packed if wanting time either sitting at cafes and the other getting into older temples which often means that you simply have things over the upper shoulder areas at all times.
- Keep backup on lock So, always pack what keeps batteries going so nothing important could lack energy in critical viewing areas.
- Take less stuff in every trip: Going out simply helps make navigation among travelers simple; remember though it takes place in tourist hubs!
Is it Worth It? Final Thoughts
Really, getting down so much with the time put toward doing Dubrovnik and Kotor depends mostly so on everything visitors like and prioritize individually; however, doing it can prove great for seeing more outside Croatia. Though there’s probably limitations in how far all trips spread in a limited time allowance, if you have limited vacation time or are wanting experiences more of one surrounding spot near the area then yeah: do that boat ride on this kind. Just keep some information on lines for crossing; maybe that’s why a day excursion may just work quite good as intended; however getting into many regions will be quite rewarding considering that both landscapes become absolutely worthwhile regardless!
Key Takeaways:
- Going to Kotor as an excursion means breaking away a short bit out away so, among heavy visited points of interest and tourist focused markets within just places as that like Dubrovnik so.
- Ensure you fully comprehend these processes required when needing going by roads or countries so since these have delays potentially which makes getting organized the absolute critical thing for everyone during transports anywhere .
- Thinking beforehand ensures better tour events overall so consider weather or food during trips!