Montenegro Day Trip From Dubrovnik: An Expert’s Review

Thinking of visiting Montenegro from Dubrovnik for a day? That can be a very appealing idea, too it’s almost like getting two vacations in one! We took the trip and wanted to give you what we thought. So, jump in for what you need to know to make the most of a day hopping across the border, with recommendations sprinkled all over the place.

Why Choose Montenegro for a Day Trip?

Montenegro, whose local name means “Black Mountain,” might be compact, that is, a little smaller than Connecticut. Yet, it’s crammed with dramatic mountains, an absolutely shimmering coastline, and towns packed with plenty of history. Choosing it for a day trip means experiencing a totally different vibe from Dubrovnik, that is, soaking up different culture and landscapes.

Is it doable? Yup! Several tours make this trip daily, yet some are better than others, arguably. Why? It’s a long day, often 12+ hours, a little bit, so a well-organized tour makes the most difference. You want one that uses border crossings in a clever way, hits main highlights, and still lets you walk about to see things yourself. Plus, think about those views – the Bay of Kotor is worth it all alone, so, too it’s almost like Norway’s fjords but warmer.

Booking Your Tour: What to Look For

Picking your tour company is super important, as a matter of fact. Now, I didn’t just pick any tour, arguably, I looked at tons of reviews and checked that it visited all the places I thought looked interesting, you know, Kotor and Budva. Here’s what made the biggest impact in a positive way:

Small Group Size: This really matters! Larger groups often get slowed down, just a little, at border crossings and you kind of have to try harder to actually hear your guide. Look for groups of 15-20 max.
Experienced Guide: Your guide can make or break the trip, just a little. Ours knew loads about the history of both Croatia and Montenegro, and, in that case, could chat about it in a fun, not too boring, way.
All-Inclusive: Find out if things such as the tourist tax are covered or not. Hidden costs are a bummer. That said, budget extra for lunch and souvenirs!
Comfortable Transportation: Given that it’s a long day, getting a comfortable van or bus is essential. Air conditioning is non-negotiable during summer.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See

The usual tour has a few can’t-miss spots. Now, each one provides its own, you know, vibe, and has something really interesting to find out about. Here are the ones I’d point out:

Kotor: A fortified town on Kotor Bay, a bit, this location will probably take your breath away, actually. You can check out the buildings or climb up to St. John’s Fortress for way impressive views. It’s totally worth the climb.
Budva: Known for its beaches, nightlife, plus Venetian architecture, that might be the lively town you’ll visit. It feels much more modern than Kotor, yet, like your typical old town, it has cute streets with stores and eateries.
Sveti Stefan: Very often seen just from the road, this teeny islet that’s now an fancy resort looks really cool. The views from above are stunning!
Perast: Is that a cute town that you can enjoy while on your way through Kotor bay.

Border Crossing: Prepare Yourself

Border crossings, sometimes, can be slow, but are still a required part of traveling between Croatia and Montenegro, that, can you believe? So, come expecting a bit of waiting and make sure you’ve got your passport handy, I mean really handy. Now, our tour guide took care of a lot of paperwork which helped a bunch, too it’s almost like someone really knew what they were doing. Remember to ask your tour operator what documents you need depending on your nationality.

Kotor: A Deep Look

Kotor has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. And, just between us, it has everything to justify this listing, arguably. What’s more, that old town sitting pretty on the edge of a dramatic bay really has it all: History oozes from its buildings, which, by the way, the Venetians used to rule. Check out the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, plus walk the city walls if you are able to!

Consider grabbing lunch here, by the way. There are loads of cafés that, seemingly, let you take in the scenery, yet prices might be a tad more than elsewhere since this is a traveler hotspot. Seafood’s usually an excellent bet here, that is, really freshly made and so tasty!

Budva: Beaches and More

Budva comes with an completely different vibe from Kotor. That may be your town for parties. In that case, during the day you may want to explore its beaches, plus the old town, or see some modern artwork. That may seem compact. Still, the whole location feels more updated compared with Kotor, right.

Our tour gave us just about two hours there, a bit, so plan. You could visit Mogren Beach, wander the narrow streets of the old town, or get a snack while enjoying seaside views. This town almost shouts “relaxation” while being a good bit of fun!

Sveti Stefan: Picture Perfect

Although the little Sveti Stefan island is almost certainly seen just from a lookout point, it looks fabulous on postcards, clearly. So, take a few minutes to appreciate seeing what, in former times, was a fishing village turned fancy hotel, and, in that case, don’t forget photos! You might be only getting a fleeting view from a distance, yet, you can cherish it.

Food in Montenegro: What to Try

Do grab some grub while you’re in Montenegro! Restaurants typically come with offerings that mix Mediterranean plus Balkan styles, which, for me, make food the highlight! Some dishes you may have to taste are:

Seafood Risotto: In a coastal spot like Montenegro, fish is generally freshly made! Try risotto brimming with flavors straight out of the sea.
Ćevapi: Small, skinless sausages commonly served with flatbread, and, arguably, the national food, it seems!
Burek: Phyllo pastry full of cheese, meat, or spinach, that, arguably, comes off as a hearty treat, usually eaten any time of day.
Local Cheese and Prosciutto: Simply get them everywhere. You know you will not be let down.

Food cost shouldn’t leave your wallet dry. Expect to spend about €15-€30 on your lunch, depending on where you decide to grab a seat.

What to Bring on Your Day Trip

Get ready and, clearly, you might find your travel experiences getting just a little easier:

Passport: Very very very important. Don’t forget this, as a matter of fact.
Comfortable Shoes: Walking can be an option in both Kotor plus Budva, and if you think about climbing Kotor’s walls, comfort really matters.
Sunscreen and Hat: The sun’s rays during summer, tends to be, powerful. You might want to come armed for keeping that skin shielded.
Water: Is that what helps you stay cool during a hot trip.
Cash: Smaller spots are probably cash-only. Having Euros makes things much more convenient!

Is the Montenegro Day Trip Worth It?

100% yes, seemingly! I mean it! Getting to visit Montenegro on a single day from Dubrovnik has several awesome reasons. You get new scenery and stories from just beyond Croatia.

But think, it can be a longish trip. Weigh this day adventure versus hanging out somewhere else along the Dalmatian Coast or doing something like island hopping off Dubrovnik. So, given enough time I would recommend visiting for several days to relax while enjoying that little gem on the Adriatic Sea.

Some Recommendations

Try to book private tours for the best value for money.
Avoid July and August in the main season for crowded visits.
Try to get accomodation in Dubrovnik that is within the city walls as most tours usually pick up tourists there.

Taking a Montenegro day tour has a long day where visiting scenic spots from a second nation gives new context regarding Balkan lands, plus it provides excellent stories about the areas, just for you.

So you get something a little different from a region. But again, if it fits inside of limited travel time.

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