Amazement from Dubrovnik to Kotor

Dubrovnik is walled with three gates. One for each world. The city is a mystical mix of Mediterranean, Christian, Jewish and Muslim influences. A little further south, the West ends and a very different story begins ...

Your experience trip starts in the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean'. And that is not overstating it, as Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful fortresses in the world. With an inner city full of medieval and Renaissance architecture, lush gardens, narrow alleys, staircases and squares, the city is quite rightly listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Add to that 2,774 hours of sunshine a year, the crystal-clear waters of the sea and shelter from the mountains, and you get an unrivalled holiday destination.

Through the ancient seaside towns, beautiful beaches and picturesque peninsulas of the Adriatic coast, you'll head to the wondrous Kotor. One of the 10 most beautiful bays in the world (Unesco World Heritage Site) and, according to legend, so beautiful that even the cruellest conqueror was never allowed to destroy it. The highlight of an unforgettable trip.

Day 1: Departure to Dubrovnik

Your trip starts in the beautiful city of Dubrovnik. You will stay 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 fortifications in the world and a must-see of Dalmatia. This city, which has defied centuries of struggle and peace, possesses an inner city full of medieval and Renaissance architecture, a summer festival, lush vegetation in its gardens and the free 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 alleys, steps and squares. It is not surprising that Dubrovnik is called 'the Pearl of the Mediterranean' and is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. With 2774 hours of sunshine annually, its crystal-clear sea water and shelter from the cold continental air by Mount Srd, Dubrovnik and its Lapad peninsula is one of the most popular holiday destinations.

Day 3: Ston and "the white and red gold"

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

Day 4: Cavtat and the Konavlje region

The former Greek colony of Epidaurus is a delightful seaside resort with an atmosphere of blissful idleness. Two green peninsulas surround the quaint harbour. You can admire some of his work in the birthplace of painter Kuća Bukovac, the figurehead of the Croatian secession, and the Rectors' Palace. From the Racìč family's mausoleum, the view of the coast and mountains is particularly beautiful. Cavtat is also the capital of Konavlje, a small strip of hills and rich in an exceptionally vibrant traditional culture. In Čilipi, you can attend folk music and dance in the village square on Sunday mornings. To conclude your fourth day, you'll travel on to the beautiful neighbouring country, Montenegro. Here you will stay four nights at 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 vast beaches and vibrant nightlife. During summer, the town turns into an open-air theatre with plenty of local and international activities, shows and a festival. The citadel and its ramparts, with an open-air theatre offer a great view of Budva's rooftops. Next, take a stroll along the exclusive and picturesque hotel island of Sveti Stefan. Nowadays, this small peninsula with its two beaches is connected to the mainland by a long sand tongue. This peaceful spot has become a private and exclusive resort, it is even nicknamed the 'Saint-Tropez of Montenegro'.

Day 6: The Bay of Kotor

Among the 10 most beautiful bays in the world, the Bay of Kotor is also called the southernmost fjord in Europe. The walled town of Kotor, a former fishing village and Unesco World Heritage Site, exudes a special softness with its Venetian campaniles and palaces. As the highlight of this round trip, you'll take a drive around this bay. Your last stop during this round trip is a visit to Perast, it owns two islets and is completely car-free.

Day 7: Cetinje and Lovćen National Park

Cetinje is the former capital of Montenegro and has numerous museums and a visitor centre with information on various hiking trails. Lovćen National Park houses one of the most important monuments, the mausoleum of Njegoš with sculptures by renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrovíć. This place still holds special significance for many Montenegrins as a symbol of freedom. Stirovnik is the highest peak of the Lovćen Mountains, from where you have a magnificent view of the Bay of Kotor.

Day 8: Going home

Your trip is almost over and you will return to Dubrovnik with a head full of memories and a heart full of joy. Here you will return your rental car and wait for your return flight home. Don't feel like returning home yet? No problem, as we will arrange for you to stay a few more nights in one of our Caractère hotels.