8-day tour of Croatia and Montenegro | From Dubrovnik to the Bay of Kotor via Ston, Budva and Lovćen

Day 1: Departure for Dubrovnik

Your journey begins in the beautiful city of Dubrovnik. You’ll be staying here for three nights, giving you the chance to get to know the city better. A wonderful start to an unforgettable trip.

Day 2: Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful fortified cities in the world and a must-see in Dalmatia. This city, which has weathered centuries of conflict and peace, boasts a historic centre full of medieval and Renaissance architecture, a summer festival, lush gardens and the free-spirited atmosphere of a city-state. Dubrovnik is therefore a symbol of freedom in Croatia. A walk along the 25-metre-high city walls offers the best views of the city’s stone alleyways, stairways and squares. It is no coincidence that Dubrovnik is known as ‘the Pearl of the Mediterranean’ and features on the UNESCO World Heritage List. With 2,774 hours of sunshine a year, its crystal-clear sea and the shelter provided by Mount Srd against the cold continental air, Dubrovnik and its Lapad peninsula are among the most popular holiday destinations.

Day 3: Ston and “the white and red gold”

For many years, Ston was the northernmost defensive gateway of the Republic of Ragusa, Croatia’s most important town after the capital. The impressive fortifications, including a five-kilometre-long wall along a mountain ridge, served to protect the town and the lucrative salt flats – where you can find the so-called ‘white gold’ – against attacks from the sea. In Mali Ston, you can sample the delicious local mussels and oysters. Ston is also the gateway to the Peljesač Peninsula, Croatia’s second-largest peninsula, renowned for its extraordinary views and excellent red wines, the ‘red gold’.

Day 4: Cavtat and the Konavlje region

The former Greek colony of Epidaurus is a delightful seaside resort where an atmosphere of blissful idleness prevails. Two green peninsulas enclose the charming harbour. In the birthplace of the painter Kuća Bukovac, the figurehead of Croatian Art Nouveau, and the Rector’s Palace, you can admire a number of his works. From the Racìč family mausoleum, the view over the coast and the mountains is particularly beautiful. Cavtat is also the capital of Konavlje, a small strip of hills rich in an exceptionally vibrant traditional culture. In Čilipi, you can enjoy folk music and dancing in the village square on Sunday mornings. To round off your fourth day, you’ll travel on to the beautiful neighbouring country, Montenegro. Here you’ll stay for four nights in one of our Caractère hotels on the Montenegrin coast.

Day 5: Budva and Sveti Stefan

Budva is one of the oldest towns on the Adriatic coast, known for its extensive beaches and its vibrant nightlife. During the summer, the town transforms into an open-air theatre with numerous local and international events, shows and a festival. The citadel and its ramparts, featuring an open-air theatre, offer a beautiful view over the rooftops of Budva. Next, take a stroll along the exclusive and picturesque hotel island of Sveti Stefan. This small peninsula, with its two beaches, is now connected to the mainland by a long sandbar. This peaceful spot has become a private and exclusive seaside resort; it has even been nicknamed the ‘Saint-Tropez of Montenegro’.

Day 6: The Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor is one of the 10 most beautiful bays in the world and is also known as Europe’s southernmost fjord. The walled town of Kotor, a former fishing village and UNESCO World Heritage Site, exudes a special charm with its Venetian bell towers and palaces. As the highlight of this tour, you’ll take a drive around the bay. Your final stop on this tour is a visit to Perast, which boasts two small islands and is entirely car-free.

Day 7: Cetinje and Lovćen National Park

Cetinje is the former capital of Montenegro and features numerous museums and a visitor centre with information on the various walking routes. Lovćen National Park is home to one of the most important monuments, the mausoleum of Njegoš, featuring sculptures by the renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. For many Montenegrins, this place still holds special significance as a symbol of freedom. Stirovnik is the highest peak of the Lovćen Mountains, offering a magnificent view of the Bay of Kotor.

Day 8: Back home

Your trip is almost over and you’re heading back to Dubrovnik with a head full of memories and a heart full of joy, where you’ll return your hire car and wait for your return flight home. Not quite ready to head home yet? No problem, we can arrange for you to stay a few more nights in one of our Caractère hotels.

Frequently asked questions about this Croatia tour

When is the best time to travel on this route between Croatia and Montenegro?

The ideal period runs from May to September, when the coastal roads are beautifully sunny and the temperatures are perfect for both cultural exploration and beach visits. In June and September, you can also enjoy milder weather in the Bay of Kotor, and waiting times at the border crossing are often shorter than in the high season.

Is a hire car necessary for a trip to the Bay of Kotor? Yes, a hire car is essential to discover the full splendour of the coastline and the hinterland, such as the Lovćen Mountains, at your own pace. When hiring, ensure you have a ‘green card’ for the border crossing between Croatia and Montenegro, so that you are insured in both countries.

What makes the combination of Dubrovnik and Montenegro unique?

This trip combines the aristocratic, Venetian grandeur of Dubrovnik with the rugged, unspoilt nature of Montenegro’s fjord landscape. In just one week, you’ll experience the refined Dalmatian cuisine of Ston and the authentic, mountainous culture of Cetinje, offering a rich cultural tapestry.