Dubrovnik in 1 Days - Stroll Perast waterfront with views toward Our Lady of the Rocks
In Collaboration with Welcome Pickups. Updated on February 25, 2026.
Private day trip from Dubrovnik into Montenegro visiting Perast, Kotor Old Town and Budva with a professional English-speaking driver. Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off, fuel and tolls included. The route is customizable within the listed stops; drivers provide local orientation but are not official guides.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Welcome Pickups, inspired by the tour Day trip from Dubrovnik to Budva. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Stroll Perast waterfront with views toward Our Lady of the Rocks
- Explore UNESCO-listed Kotor Old Town and bay viewpoints
- Relax in Budva Old Town and along the seaside promenade
More than 22 itineraries in Dubrovnik.
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day private trip from Dubrovnik to Montenegro: Perast → Kotor Old Town → Budva. Hotel pickup in Dubrovnik, approximately 10 hours total. Times include reasonable driving buffers and short rest breaks for border crossing.
Hotel pickup in Dubrovnik /Departure
Meet your driver at your hotel or pre-agreed pickup point in Dubrovnik. Brief welcome, confirm the day's order and travel documents (passports) before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Have passports ready at pickup — you will cross the Croatia–Montenegro border and customs checks take a few minutes to 30+ minutes depending on traffic.
- Pack a small day bag and any required medications; the vehicle will hold main luggage but easy-access items should stay with you.
- Confirm your exact hotel name and the door/front entrance where the driver should meet you the night before or at booking confirmation.
Scenic drive to Perast
Cross the border into Montenegro and drive along the Bay of Kotor to the Baroque town of Perast. Short rest stops en route as needed for comfort and border formalities.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect at least one border check; keep passports accessible and use the restroom before disembarking for border control.
- Bring a light layer for the coastal breeze; mornings can be cooler even in summer.
- If you prefer a quieter seat for photos, request the side of the vehicle facing the bay when boarding.
Perast – waterfront and viewpoint
Walk Perast's quiet waterfront and view the small islets across the bay. Time for photos, a short stroll through the main street, and a romantic waterfront break (special moment). Drivers can point out local history but do not accompany you into attractions.
Tips from local experts:
- Streets are stone-paved; wear comfortable shoes and watch for uneven surfaces.
- If you plan to visit the islet Our Lady of the Rocks independently, allow extra time for a local boat (boats operate from the Perast waterfront).
- Cafés and benches line the waterfront — a short seaside break is ideal here for photos and a relaxed pause.
Kotor Old Town – explore and bay viewpoint
Short drive to Kotor Old Town. Time to wander the fortified medieval streets, visit main squares, and take in panoramic views from the waterfront or town edges. The driver can provide local orientation but cannot enter attractions with you.
Tips from local experts:
- Old Town streets are narrow and often cobbled; choose low-heeled shoes and be prepared for short, steep sections if you plan to climb the fortress.
- If you wish to climb the city walls for panoramic views, allow extra time — the staircase is steep and exposed in places.
- Carry water and sun protection in summer; shaded cafés are available inside the Old Town for a sit-down break.
Drive to Budva and Old Town stroll
Drive along the coast to Budva. Time allocated to wander Budva Old Town and the seaside promenade — an opportunity for a relaxed lunch or coffee and a seaside walk before returning to Dubrovnik.
Tips from local experts:
- Budva Old Town has narrow streets and some steps; plan a relaxed pace and pick a sheltered café for a quieter pause.
- Public beaches in Budva often have both free and paid sections; check the beach layout before sitting down if you prefer a free area.
- Keep an eye on the return pickup time with your driver; due to border formalities the return journey can take longer than daytime driving on the Montenegro side.
Return drive to Dubrovnik and drop-off
Drive back to Dubrovnik with a short rest stop if required. Final drop-off at your hotel or agreed pickup point. End of service.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your passport ready again for the Croatia entry check to speed up re-entry procedures.
- Expect to arrive back in Dubrovnik in the early-to-late evening depending on traffic and border waiting times; keep your driver informed of any time constraints.
- If you need assistance carrying luggage to your hotel on arrival, request this from the driver at drop-off (within local regulations).
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Transfer, Attraction, Culture |
Why this experience
Your passport is about to get stamped. This day trip takes you out of Croatia and into Montenegro — a full-day crossing that feels like stepping into a different chapter. You'll drive down the Adriatic coast (stopping for photos at the stunning Bay of Kotor), visit the waterfront town of Perast with its baroque mansions and the famous Our Lady of the Rocks island in the harbor, explore the ancient walled Old Town of Budva, and return via the coastal road as the light softens. It's not a rushed stamp-collection tour — you have real time in each place, meals included (typically a seafood lunch in Perast), and your guide explains the layered history of each stop. You're crossing a border, yes, but you're also experiencing the continuity of Dalmatian culture that doesn't stop at artificial lines.
Before you go
- Best time: Late spring through early autumn (May to September) for warm weather and open seas. Roads are well-maintained year-round, but summer offers longer daylight.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. Lunch is typically included; drinks, snacks, and personal purchases at each stop are on you.
- Difficulty: Moderate — full day driving, some walking in towns, but no strenuous hiking or climbing.
- What to bring: Passport (required for border crossing), light layers, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, water bottle, light snack if needed.
- Getting there: Meet at a central Dubrovnik location, typically the harbor area or near the Old Town (confirmed in booking).
- Accessibility: Vehicular transport most of the day; town walks are on uneven cobbles with some inclines. Border crossing requires ability to walk to customs.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport? Yes — absolutely. You're crossing into Montenegro, and border control checks ID.
Are there extra costs at the border? No. Your tour includes border crossing. The guide handles documentation checks.
How much time do I spend in each place? Typically 45 minutes to an hour per stop (Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, Budva), with travel time between. Budva gets more time for exploration and lunch.
What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read. The guided day trip includes vehicle transport, guide commentary, entrance to relevant sites, and typically lunch. Drinks and personal expenses are separate.
Complete your trip in Dubrovnik
Montenegro is close, but Dubrovnik still has layers to explore when you return.
- Dubrovnik in 1 Day - Views from Dr. Franjo Tuđman Bridge — Stay closer: explore Dalmatian countryside and the fortified town of Ston without crossing borders.
- Dubrovnik in 1 Day - Scenic cruise through the Elaphiti (Elafiti) archipelago — Another full-day journey, this time by water to nearby islands.
- Dubrovnik in 1 Day - Sunset and night views of Dubrovnik City Walls from the sea — Return to Dubrovnik and see it from the water as evening falls.
Browse all Dubrovnik itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: April 2026*
