Review: Dubrovnik to Kotor Small Group Day Trip – Is It Worth It?
Dreaming of wandering around historic cities and gazing at unbelievably scenic coastlines? A day trip from Dubrovnik to Kotor, Montenegro, could be just the ticket. Many tours promise an adventure, showing you Perast, Kotor, and Budva. I took one of these tours, and I am going to tell you if this kind of trip is a good fit for you. Very often folks ask: is it really worth dedicating a full day away from Dubrovnik?
Setting Off from Dubrovnik: What to Expect
The trip often begins early; think a bright and maybe too-early start around 7 AM. A small group, like maybe fifteen people, gathers and there’s a quick introduction to your guide who, ideally, has boundless stories to tell. Crossing the border from Croatia into Montenegro can take a bit, depending on how busy it is, so just a little patience is useful here. The drive itself offers pretty, coastal views, and those twisty roads really do hug the shoreline. It’s all part of the adventure, sort of. Is that view turquoise enough? Is that fortress really old? You get to decide.
Perast: A Tiny Town With a Big History
The initial stop tends to be Perast. Perast, very picturesque, boasts two tiny islands just offshore: St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks. Many trips will include a quick boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, which has quite an interesting tale. Local legend says that seamen, when they spotted a rock sticking out of the water, started tossing rocks there after each trip and later built the land out. Today, a church sits on the man-made island with many paintings inside to marvel at. The town itself is very walkable, and you might just feel as if you have stepped back in time. I suppose, the combination of small-town calmness and views makes for a good change of pace.
Kotor: A Medieval Marvel
Then it’s on to Kotor, possibly the main attraction for most travelers. Kotor seems to sit at the end of a breathtaking bay surrounded by steep mountains. Kotor feels protected by a wall all around the old city, where very narrow streets lead you to a collection of shops and old structures. If you feel energetic, which I often don’t, climb up to the fortress of St. John, which looks over Kotor—but fair warning, it’s very steep, and the climb can take like an hour, maybe more. That said, the view from the top will absolutely pay you back in spades. Give yourself time to wander, find a local restaurant, and then people-watch.
Budva: Sun, Sand, and History
After Kotor, Budva usually is next. Budva is known for its beaches and nightlife, offering, very possibly, a completely different feel than Perast and Kotor. Budva, too, boasts a charming Old Town, although very, very clearly smaller than Kotor. Budva tends to be more modern, that’s just a bit tourist-driven, with shops selling beach gear, swimsuits, and souvenirs. Many folks take the time here to unwind at a cafe by the water. Then again, depending on the season, taking a quick swim in the Adriatic sounds appealing.
Is the Day Trip Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Deciding if the trip is worth your money can depend on a few factors. For one, the border crossings can actually be time-consuming, sometimes adding a couple of hours to your trip. Small group trips can be better than seeing these awesome destinations using public transport, if that is important to you. The guides often pack quite a bit into the schedule, which could leave you feeling hurried, not allowing time to really explore, if that is something that you want. You are getting a flavor of each destination, but at the cost of in-depth experience.
Recommendations and Things to Know
- Pack Smart: Remember your passport! Take comfortable shoes because there will be a bunch of walking. Bringing water and snacks also just might save you some money and stress.
- Currency: Montenegro uses the Euro, that is something you must know. You could possibly use credit cards at some spots, but smaller establishments tend to be cash-only.
- Timing: Think about traveling in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) if you do not enjoy masses of people. This way, you avoid some of the summer heat and crowded conditions.
- Flexibility: Be ready for potential changes. Traffic, weather, and border delays may influence the itinerary, so basically go with the flow.
Other Tour Options to Explore
Day tours aren’t for everyone, to be honest. There’s the “private tour” style. Instead of being part of a set group, you have your transport and guide, able to fully customize everything. Of course, expect to pay more! Then there is the ‘rent a car’ option. Do some digging and planning, set your schedule, and drive to those little towns in Montenegro. This also costs more than a regular day tour! Plus, in general, driving can be intense due to some really twisty roads in that area. Lastly, public transport. There is public transport going from Dubrovnik to Montenegro and vice versa. You could totally research this style and travel yourself independently, with buses going from city to city. The problem here could just be all the scheduling. All public transportation doesn’t perfectly work!