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Dubrovnik to Montenegro tours | Plan the perfect day trip

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Day trips from Dubrovnik to Montenegro | Timings, tips, and more

Just a few hours south of Dubrovnik, Montenegro’s Adriatic towns are a favorite for travelers who want history, scenery, and culture in one day. From the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor to the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks in Perast, these tours combine hotel pick-up, guided commentary, and scenic drives across the border.

Most tours last a full day (10 to 12 hours) and include stops at Kotor and Perast, with the option to add Budva. Depending on the tour type, you can choose a standard group bus trip or a more comfortable small-group tour in Mercedes vehicles.

Dubrovnik to Montenegro tours | Visitor information at a glance

Tourists enjoying a boat ride from Dubrovnik to Kotor and Perast in Montenegro.

What is the duration of the tours?

Most day trips run 10 to 12 hours, including hotel transfers, border crossings, and sightseeing stops in Montenegro.

Which towns are usually included?

Every tour visits Kotor and Perast. Some also include Budva, depending on the chosen option.

Are transfers included?

Yes, all tours include round-trip transfers from Dubrovnik hotels in air-conditioned vehicles. Small-group tours use Mercedes minivans for extra comfort.

Do the tours have guides?

Yes, professional guides escort every tour. On one of the small-group options, you’ll also receive an audio guide for extra flexibility.

What is the group size?

Standard tours use larger coaches, while small-group tours are capped at around 15–20 passengers for a more personal experience.

Sights covered on your Montenegro visit

Clock tower in Kotor, Montenegro with nearby shops and people walking.

Kotor

Kotor’s UNESCO-listed old town is packed with layers of history. The Cathedral of St. Tryphon, dating to the 12th century, holds stunning frescoes and relics. The Maritime Museum gives insight into the bay’s seafaring heritage, while Clock Tower Square is the social heart of the town. For those who want a challenge, climb the city walls to San Giovanni Fortress for sweeping views of the fjord-like bay. Small alleys reveal hidden churches, artisan shops, and local konobas serving Montenegrin dishes.

Historic stone building of the Museum of Perast city with arched windows and balconies.

Perast

Perast may be small, but its charm lies in its baroque architecture and quiet waterfront. Don’t miss the Bujović Palace, now a town museum with maritime artifacts, or the Zmajević Palace linked to one of Montenegro’s famed naval families. The highlight is the short boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island with a richly decorated church and museum. With just one main street, Perast is easy to explore on foot, lined with stone villas and cafés overlooking the bay.

Budva Citadel

Budva

Budva combines sandy beaches with a lively old town enclosed by Venetian walls. Inside the citadel, explore the Citadel Fortress for views across the Adriatic and a small maritime library. Wander narrow streets to discover Holy Trinity Church and the cluster of medieval churches at Trg Između Crkava. Just outside the walls, Mogren Beach offers a short scenic walk and a chance to dip your feet in the sea. Budva’s mix of seaside promenades and historic squares makes it both relaxing and culturally rewarding.

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Best time to travel to Montenegro from Dubrovnik

Best time of year

  • May to September: Peak season with sunny weather, warm sea, and plenty of tours. Great for sightseeing and beach stops, but expect busy roads and long border waits. Small-group tours can help save time.

  • April & October: Pleasant temperatures and lighter crowds, with regular tours still running. A good balance of comfort and atmosphere without peak-season congestion.

  • November to March: Quiet season with fewer tours and shorter days. Towns are peaceful and uncrowded, though some cafés and restaurants may have limited hours.

Best days of the week

  • Weekdays: Typically smoother for border crossings, as traffic is lighter and day-trippers are fewer. This is the best choice if you want to maximize time in Montenegro.

  • Saturdays: Can be manageable, though mornings may see more bus tours leaving Dubrovnik.

  • Sundays & public holidays: Often the busiest, both at the border and in coastal towns. Expect longer waits, especially during summer when locals also head out for day trips.

Know before you visit Montenegro from Dubrovnik

Our Lady of the Rocks church with tourists, Kotor Bay, Montenegro.

  • Tours typically start around 7:30am with pick-up in Dubrovnik.

  • Return to Dubrovnik is usually around 7 to 8 pm, depending on traffic and border wait times.

  • Expect up to 3 hours of free time in Kotor, shorter stops in Perast, and up to 2 hours in Budva, if included.

No wheelchair access sign with directional arrow.

  • Tours involve walking on cobbled streets in Kotor and Perast, and old town areas are not wheelchair accessible due to uneven ground and stairs.

  • Small-group tours with Mercedes vehicles are easier for travelers who want fewer transfers and shorter walks.

Seafood platter with lobster, oysters, and skewers

  • Kotor: Try Konoba Scala Santa, one of the oldest taverns in town, serving Montenegrin seafood and traditional meat dishes.

  • Perast: Conte Restaurant on the waterfront offers fresh fish with views of the bay and Our Lady of the Rocks.

  • Budva: Jadran Kod Krsta, a long-standing seaside spot near the marina, is known for grilled fish and generous platters.

Pouring olive oil into a bowl with olives
  • Plan meals accordingly: In low season (Nov–Mar), some restaurants in Kotor and Perast may close earlier. Bring snacks just in case.
  • Currency: Montenegro uses the euro, so have small change for coffee, snacks, or boat rides in Perast.
  • Dress code: Churches like Our Lady of the Rocks require modest clothing. Carry a light scarf or shawl.
  • Photography: The Bay of Kotor is best captured from elevated viewpoints along the drive. Keep your camera ready during bus stops.
  • Local treats: Try Montenegrin specialties like priganice (fried dough with honey) or njeguški pršut (cured ham) when you stop for snacks.
  • Shopping: Kotor’s old town has small artisan shops selling handmade jewelry and local olive oil, which are great for souvenirs that are easy to carry back.

Frequently asked questions about Dubrovnik to Montenegro day trips

How long does the drive from Dubrovnik to Montenegro take?

The drive from Dubrovnik to Kotor is about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on border traffic and scenic stops.

Do I need my passport?

Yes. Montenegro is outside the EU and Schengen Zone, so you must carry a valid passport.

How long are the border wait times and what should I do if delays occur?  

Wait times can vary with seasonal peaks and local events. To manage delays, plan extra time, keep your documents ready, and consult real-time updates through travel apps or border advisories.

Is this trip suitable for children or seniors?

Yes, but consider the tour length. Small-group Mercedes tours are the most comfortable for families and older travelers.

Which tour should I choose?

Standard group tours are best for budget travelers, whereas small-group tours with audio guides are ideal if you want more flexibility and a smaller bus experience. Want to maximize comfort? Go for the small-group mercedes tour!

Are private tours worth the extra cost compared to group tours?  

Private tours offer personalized experiences, flexible scheduling, and direct interaction with your guide. They are ideal if you value customization and privacy. In contrast, group tours can be more cost-effective and socially engaging, so choose based on your travel style.

Can tours be canceled due to weather?

Rarely, since these are land-based tours. The main delays are usually at the border, not due to weather.

Are meals included?

Meals are not included, but there’s free time in Kotor or Budva to enjoy local restaurants.

Information

All screenshots of maps found on this page are sourced from Google in accordance with fair use. All rights to such screenshots lie with the specific platform, and their use is solely for informational or guidance purposes.

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