Day Tripping to Montenegro from Croatia
On a recent trip to Croatia, one of our team members explored the Dubrovnik Riviera and even included a day trip to Montenegro… here’s how it went down.
We travelled on Monday 30th September (one of the last sailings of the year) and they did two sailings a week with Adriatic Lines by Kompas.
The cost was €59 per person for a day trip on the catamaran Antonija.
We arrived at Gruz Port in Dubrovnik at 0830hrs on the Monday morning for the boarding. The boat was about three quarters full so there was plenty of space and we sat on the more compact upper deck. The boarding takes a little while as it involves passport and ticket checks but we departed just after 0900hrs for a 3 hours crossing.
The boat moves slowly out of the port, then speeds up along the Dubrovnik Riviera, travelling smoothly and quickly past the old town and then Cavtat. The journey is interspersed nicely with interesting information read out over the tannoy by our accompanying onboard guide.
As you enter the Montenegrin waters, the boat slows down and you can leave your seat and take a place on the outside deck to appreciate the scenery as you cruise calmly through the fjord like scenery to Kotor.
The cruise itself was amazing and the scenery just exquisite in its natural state.
Arriving in Kotor just after 12, we wait patiently for disembarkation permission. Filing through more passport checks, you have about 4 hours to explore Kotor, the old town and beaches.
Kotor is beautiful. The port itself is stunning enough but once you get exploring you are pleased you came.
The Old Town has a very Croatian (Dubrovnik Old Town) feel to it but with its own style.
We spent an hour or so getting lost in the intricacies of the narrow streets with its shops, bars and restaurants.
We also spent an hour or so climbing ‘The Ladder’ for some amazing views of the port, mountains and natural rugged beauty that spreads out before you. We never made it to the top and fair play to those that do. It is arduous but great fun and well worth it.
When time is up, you are asked to check back in to the return cruise at 1630hrs to reembark for a 1715hrs sunset cruise back to Dubrovnik.
Arriving in dark back into Gruz (2015hrs), it’s time to hit the pub for some well earned drinks and a bite to eat.