Self-Launched Montenegro Sailing: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik
8 days · Montenegro & Croatian Coast
G Adventures charges £1,220
No-markup version: ~£555 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
This self-launched version of G Adventures' Montenegro Sailing itinerary swaps the guided group sailing tour for a mix of independent travel along the stunning Adriatic coast — using local ferries, buses, and self-bookable boat day trips to hop between Dubrovnik, Herceg Novi, Budva, Kotor, and Tivat. You'll visit all the same gorgeous old towns, beaches, and bays at a fraction of the price, staying in well-rated hostels and guesthouses. It's slower, more flexible, and far cheaper — ideal for backpackers and independent travellers who want the same Adriatic magic without the group tour price tag. All costs are approximate estimates in GBP per person.
Day-by-day
Arrival in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Arrive in Dubrovnik and get your bearings in one of the Mediterranean's most dramatic old cities. Check into your hostel in or near the Old Town and take a relaxed first evening walk through the limestone streets of the UNESCO-listed centre. Grab dinner in the Old Town or just outside the walls where prices are more reasonable — try Konoba Kolarin or Pantarul. Get an early night ahead of the adventure.
🚌From Dubrovnik Airport, take Bus No. 27 to Pile Gate (Old Town entrance) for around £2. Taxis cost ~£25.
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse in or near Dubrovnik Old Town — e.g. Hostel Angelina Old Town Dubrovnik or Hostel Home Dubrovnik (~£25–35/night)
- →Explore Dubrovnik Old Town on foot
- →Evening stroll along the Stradun (main street)
- →Welcome dinner at a local konoba (tavern)
Cavtat & Onward to Herceg Novi
Cavtat & Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Start the day with a short local ferry or bus to Cavtat, a charming seaside town just 20 minutes south of Dubrovnik — a lovely warm-up to the coast. Then cross the border into Montenegro and make your way to Herceg Novi, a hillside town cascading down to the Bay of Kotor. Spend the afternoon at the beach and explore the Old Town fortifications at dusk. If you're curious, you can self-visit the area around Tito's Villa independently.
🚌Take the bus from Dubrovnik bus station to Herceg Novi (~£5, ~1.5 hrs). Local ferry from Dubrovnik to Cavtat runs ~£8 return and takes 45 mins.
🛏Guesthouse or budget hotel in Herceg Novi — e.g. Hostel Stari Grad or a private room via Booking.com (~£25–35/night)
- →Morning visit to Cavtat — stroll the seafront promenade
- →Herceg Novi beach visit (Žanjic or Mirište beaches nearby)
- →Explore Herceg Novi Old Town and Kanli Kula fortress
- →Optional: self-guided visit to the area around Tito's Villa (~£10–15 for local tours)
Herceg Novi to Budva
Budva, Montenegro
Head south along the Montenegrin Riviera to Budva — often called the jewel of the Adriatic. The bus hugs the coastline with incredible views. Arrive in time for a swim at Mogren Beach or Jaz Beach just outside town. In the late afternoon, explore Budva's well-preserved walled Old Town, grabbing a cold beer at one of the bars with sea views. Budva has a lively evening scene if you want it, or keep it relaxed.
🚌Bus from Herceg Novi to Budva (~£5, ~1.5 hrs) via the Adriatic Highway. Buses run several times daily.
🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Budva Old Town or nearby — e.g. Hostel Old Town Budva or Montenegro Hostel (~£20–30/night)
- →Morning bus ride along the Montenegrin Riviera
- →Beach time at Mogren Beach or Jaz Beach
- →Explore Budva Old Town and Citadel
- →Walk the Budva Riviera coastal promenade
Budva to Bigovo — Snorkelling the Bay
Bigovo, Montenegro
Today is all about the water. Bigovo is a tiny, off-the-beaten-track fishing village south of Budva with crystal-clear water ideal for snorkelling. Take a local taxi or minibus to Bigovo (or book a day trip boat excursion from Budva that includes snorkelling stops). Spend the day swimming, snorkelling, and soaking up the sun in one of Montenegro's most unspoilt bays. Return to Budva or push on to Kotor in the evening.
🚌Local taxi from Budva to Bigovo (~£10–15 each way, ~20 mins) or join a shared boat excursion from Budva marina (~£20–30 including snorkel gear).
🛏Stay in Budva again or move on to Kotor — guesthouse or hostel (~£20–35/night)
- →Snorkelling in the clear waters off Bigovo
- →Swimming and relaxing at Bigovo Bay
- →Optional: book a snorkelling boat day trip from Budva via GetYourGuide (~£20–30pp)
- →Explore the surrounding coves and fishing harbour
Bigovo to Kotor — Jewel of the Bay
Kotor, Montenegro
Make your way up into the stunning Bay of Kotor to reach the walled medieval city of Kotor — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably Montenegro's most atmospheric stop. Spend the day exploring the labyrinthine Old Town, climbing the fortification walls to St John's Fortress for panoramic views (worth every step), and wandering the marble squares. Book a local guided walking tour through GetYourGuide or go fully self-launched with a map from the tourist office.
🚌Bus from Budva to Kotor (~£3, ~45 mins). Buses run frequently throughout the day.
🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Kotor Old Town — e.g. Old Town Hostel Kotor or Hostel Marija (~£22–32/night)
- →Explore Kotor Old Town — Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, Piazza of Arms
- →Hike up the city walls to St John's Fortress (~£5 entry, 1,350 steps)
- →Optional: Kotor–Tivat inland guided tour via GetYourGuide (~£30–40pp)
- →Sunset views over the Bay of Kotor from the fortress walls
Kotor to Tivat — Marina & Museums
Tivat, Montenegro
A short and easy travel day — Kotor to Tivat is just 10km but a world apart in feel. Tivat is home to the stunning Porto Montenegro superyacht marina, often called the best marina in the Mediterranean. Stroll the marina promenade, visit the Buća-Luković Museum & Gallery (free entry), and wander the Tivat Botanical Gardens. The contrast between the ancient walled towns and this sleek modern marina is striking. Enjoy a final Montenegrin dinner here before heading toward Dubrovnik tomorrow.
🚌Bus or shared taxi from Kotor to Tivat (~£2–4, ~20 mins). Local buses run regularly.
🛏Budget hotel or guesthouse in Tivat — e.g. Apartments Galeb or Vila Kamelija (~£28–40/night)
- →Explore Porto Montenegro marina and waterfront promenade
- →Visit Buća-Luković Museum & Gallery (free–small entry fee)
- →Wander Tivat Botanical Gardens
- →Lunch or dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Tivat
Tivat to Dubrovnik — City Walls & Farewell
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Return to Dubrovnik for a final evening in this magnificent city. Drop your bags and head straight for the famous City Wall Walk — a 2km circuit around the medieval walls with sweeping views over the terracotta rooftops and turquoise Adriatic. Book tickets in advance online (especially in peak season). After the walls, treat yourself to a farewell dinner somewhere special — the area just outside the Old Town walls has great value options compared to inside.
🚌Bus from Tivat to Dubrovnik (~£10–15, ~2.5 hrs) crossing back into Croatia. Alternatively, take a ferry from Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik (~£12, scenic route).
🛏Hostel or guesthouse in Dubrovnik — same or similar to Day 1 (~£25–35/night)
- →Dubrovnik City Wall Walk (book tickets online in advance, ~£25pp)
- →Cable car up to Mount Srd for panoramic views (~£15 return)
- →Farewell dinner in the Old Town or Lapad neighbourhood
- →Evening stroll along the Stradun
Departure Day — Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Final morning in Dubrovnik. If you have time before your flight or onward transport, grab breakfast in the Old Town, pick up some olive oil or local spirits as gifts, and enjoy one last look at the Adriatic. Head to the airport on Bus No. 27 from Pile Gate (~£2). What a week.
🚌Bus No. 27 from Pile Gate to Dubrovnik Airport (~£2, ~30 mins). Taxis cost ~£25.
- →Leisurely breakfast in the Old Town
- →Last-minute souvenir shopping — local olive oil, rakija spirits
- →Airport transfer via Bus No. 27 from Pile Gate (~£2)
Self-launched vs. G Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | G Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£555 | £1,220 |
| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £665 per person (55%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more G Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£555
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Self-Launched Montenegro Sailing: Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £555 per person for 8 days in Montenegro & Croatian Coast. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with G Adventures?+
Yes — G Adventures charges around £1,220 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £555 — a saving of roughly £665 (55%) per person.
How long is the Montenegro & Croatian Coast trip?+
This itinerary runs 8 days, covering 8 day-by-day stops through Montenegro & Croatian Coast.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a adventure, culture, beaches trip through Montenegro & Croatian Coast, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
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