Croatia and Montenegro

After a relaxed morning, we'll head out on a half-day tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. We will explore this UNESCO World Heritage-listed area by wandering along its cobbled streets and visiting key landmarks.

We'll see the Rector's Palace, which once served as the center of government in Dubrovnik, the Church of St. Blaise, dedicated to the city's patron saint, and the Sponza Palace, known for its elegant Renaissance architecture. The ancient city walls, gates, and fortifications clearly show Dubrovnik's long history as a powerful maritime republic.

The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your leisure, with options such as visiting the Maritime Museum, where you can learn about Dubrovnik's history, strolling along the Stradun, the main road in town, or taking a cable car ride to Mount Srd for panoramic views of the city.

In the evening we'll go out for dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants!

Today we’ll drive for about two hours to Blagaj Tekke, a 16th-century Sufi monastery that sits at the base of a towering cliff. This monastery has some unique views of the Buna River flowing from a cave at the cliff’s base, creating a calm atmosphere. We’ll learn about the monastery’s Ottoman-style arches and stone carvings, as well as how this peaceful spot became a spiritual refuge.

Afterwards we’ll continue to Mostar, a city shaped by both Ottoman and Mediterranean influences. We’ll explore the Old Town, stopping by the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque to see its colorful interior, as well as the lively bazaar, filled with crafts and cafés serving Bosnian coffee.

After lunch we’ll meet a local artisan who specializes in copper modeling, watch him shape and engrave detailed designs, and even try our hands in this traditional craft ourselves.

We’ll then drive back to Dubrovnik, arriving in the evening with time to rest and continue exploring at our own pace.

After a leisurely morning we’ll embark on a 1-hour drive to the Pelješac Peninsula, a stretch of southern Croatian coastline celebrated for its top-class vineyards.

Upon arrival we'll visit one of the region's premier vineyards, where we’ll learn about regional grape varieties such as the indigenous Plavac Mali and traditional wine-making methods, followed by a wine tasting experience.

Next we'll head to the nearby town of Ston, renowned for its oysters and centuries-old salt pans. Here we’ll discover the techniques behind oyster farming in the Adriatic waters and have the option to taste some of the freshest oysters available before enjoying lunch.

We'll finish the day with a 1-hour drive back to Dubrovnik, where we’ll have a sunset stroll before dinner.

We’ll start our day with a 30-minute drive to Cavtat, a quaint coastal town south of Dubrovnik with a tree-lined promenade and a picturesque harbor.

Upon arrival we’ll wander through its narrow streets and stop by the Rector’s Palace, a former administrative seat of the Dubrovnik Republic that now holds a museum, where we’ll learn about the town’s close ties to Dubrovnik’s history.

Next we’ll visit a nearby family-owned farm for a farm-to-table experience, sampling fresh produce, homemade cheese, and other regional specialties while learning about the local way of life.

Afterwards we’ll continue with a 2-hour drive toward Montenegro, crossing the border and continuing straight to Tivat, a small coastal town in the Bay of Kotor. Once we check into our hotel near the beach, we’ll take a sunset orientation stroll, passing by the marina and small shops along the waterfront before finishing the day with a fresh seafood dinner.

After breakfast we’ll drive for about 30 minutes to Perast, a small baroque town along the Bay of Kotor. Upon arrival we’ll take a short boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, a unique island church built generations ago by sinking old and seized ships loaded with rocks, where we’ll hear the local legends about how it all began before stepping inside to see the church’s detailed interior.

We’ll then continue on another 30-minute drive to Kotor, a medieval walled town, where we’ll visit a market to gather fresh ingredients for our cooking class. We’ll learn how to prepare some of the best classic Montenegrin dishes like kačamak, a hearty blend of cornmeal, potatoes, and cheese, and a seafood specialty that brings out the flavors of the Adriatic.

After enjoying the meal we’ve cooked we’ll take a tour of Kotor’s historic streets and waterfront before heading back to Tivat, where you’ll have a free evening to enjoy the beach, stroll along the waterfront, or relax at one of the many cafés.

Today we’ll start with a 1-hour drive to the Praskvica Monastery, a modest stone structure on top of a hill, where we’ll have the chance to meet a priest who will introduce us to Orthodox traditions and will share with us the monastery’s centuries-old history.

We’ll then continue to a nearby family-run winery to sample different regional wines along with a hearty lunch of regional specialties. Here we’ll also learn about the traditional Montenegrin wine-making process, where grapes are fermented in large clay pots that help regulate the temperature and bring out natural earthy flavors.

We’ll continue with a short drive to Skadar Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Balkans, where we’ll enjoy a photogenic boat ride past small islands, fishing boats, and spots where we can see up to 280 bird species. We’ll finish the day with a 1.5-hour drive back to Tivat and a dinner featuring local dishes.

After a leisurely breakfast we’ll head back to the nearby Kotor, where we’ll embark on a cable car ride that climbs above the old town, offering panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor, the surrounding mountains, and the fjord-like coastline.

After taking in the incredible sights we’ll continue on to Klinci, a small restored village on the Luštica Peninsula, where we’ll experience the slower pace of life among olive groves. We’ll tour the village, meet some of the residents, and then head to a resort for lunch.

Afterward, we’ll watch an essential oil demonstration, seeing how local herbs and plants are gently distilled in a simple copper still, and learning how these oils are used in everyday life. We’ll return to Tivat in the afternoon, with free time to relax and enjoy the hotel’s beachfront.

Our final day will start with a 1-hour drive to Žlijebi, a hillside village where stone houses made from limestone reflect traditions that go back centuries. We’ll meet a local family who will show us their day-to-day life and welcome us for a lunch of homemade specialties in their home. We’ll also have the exclusive opportunity to watch a Montenegrin dance ensemble perform kolo, an energetic circle dance that unites communities through lively music and movement.

Afterwards we’ll drive for 30 more minutes to Herceg Novi, a seaside town at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. We’ll explore the Old Town, learn about its Venetian-era Clock Tower, and walk through its cozy squares.

We’ll end with a 1.5-hour drive back to Dubrovnik, crossing into Croatia, settling into our hotel, and finishing the day with a farewell dinner to celebrate our trip before heading home tomorrow.

You will be picked up at the hotel by a private driver who will take you to the airport for your departing flight.