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Explore three countries, all within easy reach of Dubrovnik. Visit Mostar, the Bay of Kotor and stunning national parks on quiet roads.
START / FINISH - Dubrovnik
Activity code: CRFD10
Duration: 10 Days
Take the chance to visit three countries with the ease of starting and finishing in Dubrovnik. In just over one week you can explore southern Croatia, southern Bosnia & Herzegovina and much of Montenegro travelling in a circuit that includes Mostar, the national parks of Montenegro and the fabulous coastline from the old town of Budva and around the incredible Bay of Kotor back to Dubrovnik.
The exploration on this holiday begins straight away as you can pick up your hire car directly at the airport; then you are free to enjoy the views along the coast and of the old harbour of Dubrovnik from the open road almost immediately. In Ston, even for just 24hrs, you can try the local oysters, walk the walls and also drive along the beautiful Peljesac Peninsula to Orebic, even Korcula Island. It's quite incredible how much of this corner of Croatia you can squeeze in before crossing your first border into the second country on this itinerary - Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Mostar may be a popular day trip destination for many holidaying in Croatia but its stunning bridge, which was lovingly reconstructed after the war of the 1990s, and the old town's atmosphere are well worth the extra time an overnight stay provides. Few visitors travel into the surrounding countryside so you will get to enjoy empty roads all the way to Montenegro. We've included a night in the lovely small town of Trebinje to break the journey where an early morning walk along the river to its historic stone bridge is a delightful start to the day.
Once you've climbed up and over the border into Montenegro there is a magnificent view of Lake Slano just outside Niksic, you can also visit the famous Ostrog Monastery on this day which finishes with either an overnight in the capital, Podgorica or you may prefer to stay on the shore of Lake Skadar which is just a short extra drive. The remainder of your holiday can be tailored to your preference between the beach resort of Budva with its tranquil old town and Kotor with its impressive walls, historic buildings and challenging walk up the "staircase" to the fortress high above.
We feel that the best finale to this holiday is a few nights in Dubrovnik where you can relax, enjoy some activities and sightseeing without your car as the local buses and cable car offer an excellent service.
Important Information
Flights available to book with us through a range of airlines, from various UK airports to Dubrovnik. If we book your flights this means that your holiday will also be fully ATOL protected.
Prices shown are a guideline "from" (in UK Pounds) and are based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. Single supplements may need to be applied to the twin/double price and discounts for children (under 12yrs) and/or a 3rd adult sharing a room are available upon request. Quoted prices for individual enquiries will depend upon your chosen accommodation, room availability and dates of travel. We always aim to match a high quality experience with exceptional value for money. Discounts will apply if there are 3 or more people in your travelling party as fixed costs such as transportation and guides will be shared equally between the group.
Based upon 2 persons travelling.
Itinerary
Arrive into Dubrovnik; take your hire car from the airport and drive up beautiful coast road towards Dubrovnik. After enjoying some incredible views of the old city pass over the suspension bridge and continue north to Ston; you may like to stop off at the arboretum in Trsteno and certainly try some of the local delicacy in Mali Ston - Oysters.
In the morning why not climb the impressive walls before other visitors arrive and then you will also have time to take a beautiful drive along the Peljesac Peninsula, maybe even visit Korcula town via a short ferry crossing at Orebic. In the afternoon drive inland to cross the border into Bosnia & Herzegovina, with a number of optional detours, such as the Kravice waterfalls, Medugroje and the historical village of Poticelj, en route to Mostar.
Drive east through the countryside to the delightful town of Trebinje in the Republic of Srpska. Trebinje's Stari Grad (old town) is intact and is full of life in the evenings offering locals & visitors alike a choice of bars, restaurants and ice-cream parlours.
** Mostar to Trebinje is quite a short distance so you may choose to drive on to Montenegro and stay 2 nights at Lake Skadar instead.
Trebinje has its own "old bridge" which is worthy of a stroll alongside the river to view and walk over (why not try this as early as possible for some great photos). Return to your hotel and a visit to the traditional market on the main square before heading out of town on your way to Montenegro. The climb towards the border offers stunning views and the road is likely to be quiet. Once into Montenegro head for Niksic and a visit to the Monastery of Ostrog; drive to the capital, Podgorica, or stay on the shores of Lake Skadar.
Morning visit of Podgorica, then continue towards the coast via a visit to the incredible Lake Skadar, one of the largest lakes in Europe (its eastern shores disappear across the border into Albania). The Skadarsko Jezero National Park is not just an important place of natural beauty in Montenegro it is also on the RAMSAR list of "Wetlands of International Importance" and one of the biggest bird reserves in Europe. From here you have a choice of the scenic route over the hills or the new tunnel to Petrovac and then a drive along the coasta via Sveti Stefan to Budva.
* Although quite different from each other Budva & Kotor are pretty close together so you may prefer to choose one location for your stay.
BUDVA - a great place to relax on the beach and explore the stari grad.
KOTOR - a visit of Kotor old town to explore and maybe attempt the Kotor "staircase" to the fortress on the hill.
Drive along the shore of the breathtakingly beautiful Bay of Kotor - possible detours include the hidden Prevlaka Peninsula, a quieter route back over the border into Croatia. If you have time then this area of rural Croatia, Konavle, has some lovely villages and places to enjoy some wine-tasting; the small resort of Cavtat (near the airport) is also en route to Dubrovnik and an alternative place to stay.
A full day to explore the old town on foot, by bus and cable car including its nearby beaches and countryside; visit independently or with a choice of pre-booked excursions and activities.
Optional Guided Tour: Dubrovnik Panorama & Sightseeing "... those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik" (George Bernard Shaw). This tour will reveal the finest sites of the old walled City as well as give you an opportunity to view it from above. Our guide will lead you through the narrow streets of the Old Town introducing you to the history and culture of this magnificent city.
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