Kotor Bay (Perast & Risan) & Montenegro Coast (Budva, Sveti Stefan and Stari Bar) Full Day Tour from Kotor

We commence pickups in Kotor at 8 AM. As the day is quite long, a bit earlier start is recommended. If you are staying outside of Kotor, please let us know and we are happy to pick you up anywhere in Kotor bay region or Budva.

After the morning pickup at 8 AM in the Kotor town region, our first place of the visit will be the one of the most famous spots in Kotor bay area, the famous Perast village. Only 15min driving away from Kotor, Perast is a baroque village in the municipality of Kotor with its two stunning islets: Sveti Djordje (St. George) as a natural one, and Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) as artificial one. Historically important for its naval history, Perast strategically stands opposite of the only water entrance to Kotor bay.

>Islets of Our Lady of the Rocks and St.George

After we take a pleasant short walk through Perast village, we are ready to take a short boat ride to the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks.

In the middle of the 15th century, on 22nd of July 1453, when two brothers, one of whom was seriously ill, found an icon on a rocks (“škrpjela”) in the water, as a sign of gratitude for healing, the locals of Perast, built an islet, by increasing the surface of the islet by pouring stones and sinking old sailing ships.

Already in the 15th century, a chapel was erected, in which the image of Our Lady was placed. By the beginning of the 17th century already, about a hundred ships had been sunk, including captured Turkish ships. The larger church was built in 1630, but was damaged in the earthquake of 1667. In addition to earthquakes, the shrine was also exposed to Turkish and pirate attacks.

Today, the islet with its church, beautiful frescoes and a small museum is one of the biggest attractions of the Bay of Kotor.

This activity will take around 30-40min, and once we are back to Perast, we will continue exploring other amazing parts of the Montenegro coastline.

>Perast

Just a few kilometers north from Perast we shall make a short stop at Risan to explore unique Roman mosaics. Risan is considered one of the oldest settlements in Boka region (Bokokotorski zaljev) with its perfectly preserved ancient mosaics, dating from the III century BC. 

The Roman mosaics found on the floors of the patrician villa presenting the image of the dream God – Hypnos, stand out as the most unique heritage of ancient cultures found on the present day Montenegro.

Short stop exploring Risan mosaics is must do.

>Risan Mosaics at Roman villa from 2nd and 3rd century

As we continue our journey south, the best way to reach Budva is to avoid going back via Kotor due to large jamms and take a short, 10min ferry ride between Kamenari and Lepetane. 

Exploring the beauty of Kotor bay with a local ferry ride is also one of the highlights of the day.

>Tivat Ferry in Montenegro Connecting Kamenari and Lepetane

As soon as the ferry docks in, we are ready to continue our explorations. Visit to the ex navy base and present day most luxurious town in the whole of Montenegro – famous Tivat, is optional, but recommended. 

The multi million dollar investment turned this forgotten marina (Porto Montenegro) into a jet-setters paradise, attracting superyachts and the super-rich. With its posh promenade and sets of luxury apartments, a short walk around this small town and its breath-taking marina is recommended. Additionally, stops for coffee break or early lunch at Tivat can be organised as well.

>Tivat Marina at Montenegro coastline

In the early afternoon we are still exploring the Montenegro coastline. We can’t miss out on Budva and the island of Sveti Stefan (eng. St. Stefan).

Budva traditionally is considered a Balkans summer time party capital. Long sandy beaches with open space clubs and bars bring young people from all around the Balkans, eager to party and enjoy the Balkan style of music.

Originally founded by Phoenicians, 2500 years of turbulent history are woven into the walls of Budva old town, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places of the Adriatic coast. Walking around the narrow, cobble stoned streets and enjoying the wide panorama views from Budva old town fort, while listening to the historical facts on this beautiful small town, is a great way to peek into the glorious history of this small, but extremely beautiful town on Montenegro coastline.

>Beautiful streets of old town Budva

Just outside of Budva old town is Mogren beach, offering amazing opportunities for summer time swim and chill, as it is the best beach in close vicinity of Budva old town.

Once an island, today connected with mainland by narrow isthmus, Sveti Stefan is now a 5-star franchise hotel of the international group of Aman Resorts. Entrance to Sveti Stefan usually is not allowed unless you have booked accommodation or lunch there. However, observing the beautiful Sveti Stefan islet from a short distance, and taking selfies during our visit is a must do.

>Sveti Stefan

Trying Adriatic seafood delicacies is of course the first choice. If you are more into continental cuisine, Montenegro specialties like Njeguši village cheese and prosciutto as appetizers are perfectly combined with mutton and lamb chops, served with roasted potatoes, onion and a mix of veggies. Food like this has the best taste if the meat is roasted under the bell (“Ispod sača”) on a hot coal or sometimes, in a milk marinade with fresh spices.

Of course, during the lunch your guide will recommend you the best of local and authentic Montenegro wines. Globally, Balkan wines are still an unknown phenomenon, but just knowing the European single largest vineyard, sized at 2000 acres, is located in southern Montenegro will make you rethink your wine choices when travelling the Balkans. The most popular Montenegro wine is called “Vranac” (eng. Black stallion), and is excellently combined with red meat.

After a delicious lunch our journey of exploring the historic coastal Montenegro continues. The next stop is the historic town of Stari Bar. Through the history being controlled by Venetians, Hungarians, Serbs and Ottomans, the town of Stari Bar has seen its fair share of interesting events. Finally in 1877, when the locals bombed the aqueduct and cut off the water supply, the town was finally reclaimed by Montenegro from the Ottoman rulers.

Today we shall visit the old town fort, the aqueduct, Stara Maslina – the olive tree said to be over 2000 years old. 

Stari Bar town is the perfect place for afternoon coffee or drinks overlooking the panorama of the Adriatic sea.

>Stari Bar aqueduct was built in 16th century during the era of Ottoman Empire

In the later afternoon we are heading back to Kotor where we should be “home” by 7 or 8 PM.