Dubrovnik Day Trips 2025: Complete Guide to Tours Through Dalmatia and Beyond - Montenegro, Bosnia, Islands and Game of Thrones with Personal Tips
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Why Dubrovnik is convenient for tourists
The city of Dubrovnik is a true transportation hub for travel. Thanks to its convenient location, it allows access to many interesting places, both on the mainland part of Croatia and abroad. This city offers various routes in both northern and southern directions, as well as to the islands of Dalmatia and across borders.
Even without traveling long distances, you can see quite a lot in a day. For example, to drive to the city of Split or Zadar by car takes only a few hours (the distance between cities is 230 km and 350 km respectively). And if you want to venture beyond Croatia’s borders, the direction to Montenegro (Kotor) or Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) is even simpler. Kotor is only 92 km from Dubrovnik, and the journey takes just 2 hours. To Mostar – 180 km (about 2.5-3 hours).
View of Dubrovnik’s Old Town and its port
Dubrovnik has a well-developed transport infrastructure. Dubrovnik International Airport connects it with other major European cities such as London and Vienna. Also, let’s not forget about maritime connections – catamarans and ferries allow access to the islands of Mljet, Korčula, Hvar, Elaphiti, and to Krka National Park, providing even more travel options.
If comparing Dubrovnik with other ports, it’s the most convenient starting point for visiting the southern islands.
- Split is better suited for exploring the islands of Central Dalmatia (Hvar, Brač).
- Zadar allows quick access to the northern part and the Kornati archipelago.
- Rijeka is ideal for trips to Istria.
Speaking about the best seasons for travel, late spring and early autumn are probably the ideal time. The city is less crowded with tourists, the weather is comfortable for walks, and tour prices aren’t as high as in summer.
To ensure a comfortable trip, it’s worth booking tour tickets in advance, especially for popular routes. Prices for group day tours range from 30 to 100 euros, but for such a quantity of impressions and beautiful places – it’s definitely worth the money.
Where you can travel from Dubrovnik and which tour directions are most popular here
I’ll start with what impresses most on the mainland – the Pelješac Peninsula. Just an hour’s drive (about 60 km), and the traveler is already among vineyards where the famous Plavac Mali variety is grown. In the town of Ston, it’s worth seeing the longest defensive walls in Europe – 5.5 km. And Mali Ston is a settlement where you can taste the freshest oysters and seafood. This city is called the Oyster Capital of Croatia because there are many oyster farms here.
Among foreign destinations, I especially recommend visiting Kotor in Montenegro. This is an opportunity to get to a medieval city listed as a UNESCO site. Kotor is located in Europe’s southernmost fjord, and its feature is incredible panoramic views.
One of the streets in Kotor
Another interesting route is Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is an authentic city with the Old Bridge, a colorful eastern bazaar, and traditional Bosnian restaurants. Along the way are the Kravica Waterfalls, which are also worth visiting.
Kravica Waterfalls, usually visited during a trip to Mostar
For those interested in spiritual places, I recommend Medjugorje – the region’s most famous pilgrimage center, located 2.5 hours’ drive from Dubrovnik. Here are located Apparition Hill (Podbrdo) and Cross Mountain (Križevac).
The distinctive feature of these routes is their diversity. In one day you can become acquainted with three different cultures, architectural styles, taste various dishes, and visit two countries.
For lovers of active recreation and nature, kayaking tours are offered along the sea around Dubrovnik, including walks around the ancient walls and Lokrum Island. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy views from a different perspective and swim in crystal-clear water.
Besides Lokrum Island, there are many other islands nearby that can be visited on day tours, such as Korčula, Mljet, or Šipan. They are known for their natural beauty and picturesque villages.
In Dubrovnik itself, there are also interesting routes. An tour through the Old Town is an opportunity to see Sponza Palace, St. Blaise Cathedral, as well as the famous fortresses. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and every step here is a discovery of a piece of history.
One of the most captivating tours is climbing the ancient city walls. This allows you to see Dubrovnik from a bird’s eye view and get an incredible view of the Adriatic Sea, the Old Town, and surrounding islands. The walk lasts about 1.5 hours.
In Dubrovnik, you can climb the mountain above the city, from where this view opens up
For those interested in gastronomy, you can try culinary tours with tastings of traditional Croatian cuisine dishes. And for fans of the “Game of Thrones” series, there are also many corresponding tours in Dubrovnik, as the city is an important location where many scenes were filmed.
Now a bit about organization:
- I recommend planning mainland tours for the off-season – April-May or September-October. At this time, the weather is most comfortable for walks, and there are noticeably fewer tourists.
- For crossing borders, it’s enough to have your passport with you.
- The price difference between countries (especially in Bosnia and Montenegro) allows you to advantageously purchase local products and souvenirs, so I recommend taking money for such purchases.
Sea tours from Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is not only a historical cultural center but also an ideal place to begin fascinating maritime tours along the Adriatic coast. The city is located in the heart of southern Dalmatia, making it a departure point for numerous sea journeys to the most picturesque islands.
In our new article, we tell in detail about the most popular destinations for sea tours from Dubrovnik: the charming Elaphiti Islands with their medieval churches, unforgettable Lokrum which can be visited for just 20 euros, and captivating Mljet where a unique national park is located with saltwater lakes and an ancient monastery.
We shared our experience choosing the best tours to the most charming corners of southern Dalmatia. The article answers questions about how to travel comfortably and economically, what unusual tours are offered from Dubrovnik, what’s definitely worth seeing, and which places are better to visit independently.
Prices for sea tours vary, and we shared all current data about costs, including special offers and booking tips, so interested parties can plan their vacation in advance and get discounts up to 15%. The article contains information about when it’s better to go, which season suits different activities, and how to get the maximum from a trip from Dubrovnik.
Where to buy tours from Dubrovnik: “on the spot” or in advance
Over the years of traveling to Dubrovnik, we’ve tried various booking methods, and we like the GetYourGuide platform best – here you can find all popular tours with a money-back guarantee. This is where we booked a walk along the city walls for 25 euros and a “Game of Thrones” filming locations tour for 30 euros.
Major advantages of online purchasing – you can often find 10-15% discounts and guaranteed space in the group (especially important during the season). For us, this option was best also because you can read reviews. The only minus – we had to commit to specific dates.
For spontaneous decisions, sometimes buying tours on site is suitable. There are several options:
- In the Old Harbor, there are many tourist offices offering sea walks from 25 euros and tours to the Elaphiti Islands for 45-50 euros.
- Near the main entrance to the Old Town (Pile Gate), you can purchase walking tours for 15-20 euros.
- On the main street Stradun, larger agencies are located offering tours to Montenegro for 65-70 euros and to Mljet Island for 45-50 euros.
- Regarding booking through the hotel – it’s convenient, but prices are 10-20% higher. However, there are advantages: transfers often start directly from the hotel, and all operators are verified.
Buying on site has its advantages. Not all local travel agencies are represented online, so the choice is wider, and there’s also the possibility to negotiate and choose a convenient time.
My recommendations:
- In high season (June-August), popular tours are better booked online 2-3 weeks in advance.
- In the off-season, you can find wonderful offers on site with discounts up to 40%. In the low season, you can successfully negotiate.
- For groups of 4 or more people, additional discounts often apply.
- Combined tours (for example, city walls + sea walk) work out 15-20% cheaper.
- In the morning, local agencies often offer discounts on “today’s” tours.
Most importantly – always clarify what’s included in the price: entrance tickets, lunch, transfer.
Prices for different types of tours from Dubrovnik
Depending on preferences, you can order an individual tour, join a small group, or choose a group trip, which will be the most budget option.
I’ll start with private tours from Dubrovnik, which I especially like for the ability to customize the program for yourself. This format is designed for 1-4 people, and the price is set per car, not per person. The main advantage is the ability to adjust the route and make stops wherever you want.
- For example, a full day in Montenegro visiting Kotor, Budva, and Perast will cost 250-500 euros per car.
- A tour to Mostar with a visit to Kravica Waterfalls – 300-450 euros.
Small group tours (5-12 people) are a wonderful compromise between price and comfort. From personal experience, I can say that such an intimate atmosphere allows you to better explore places and receive more attention from the guide. The journey takes place in a comfortable minivan, which is also a considerable advantage.
- The popular Mostar-Medjugorje route costs 80-120 euros per person.
- A day trip to Montenegro will cost 70-200 euros.
- And a wine tour in the picturesque Konavle Valley – 60-90 euros.
Group tours (15-50 people) are the most affordable option price-wise. The route and schedule here are fixed, but if the main goal is to see the main sights, this format is quite suitable.
- An tour to Mostar costs 45-65 euros per person.
- And a Montenegro tour – 55-75 euros.
Interestingly, each format has its most popular destinations:
- for private tours, these are combined routes, for example, Mostar with waterfalls or a full day in Montenegro visiting 3-4 cities;
- in small groups, the combination of Mostar-Medjugorje and Krka National Park are most often chosen;
- and in group tours, the most popular destination is Mostar.
I’ll also add that prices significantly depend on the season – highest in July-August, but almost all companies offer discounts for children under 12, and when choosing it’s worth paying attention to what’s included in the price: entrance tickets, lunch, tastings. And in private tours, you can often combine several attractions and thus optimize costs.
Which type of tour from Dubrovnik should to choose, group or private? Our thoughts and advice on choosing tours
Everything depends on personal priorities and travel style.
Individual tours from Dubrovnik especially appealed to me with their flexibility. A two-hour private tour here can be found for 50-70 euros, and a full day – from 100 euros per person. This is almost the same as a small group trip, but there are additional advantages: the ability to change the route, linger in interesting places, and move at a comfortable pace. The guide shows little-known corners where tourists rarely get to, and an additional bonus is priority entrance to popular locations without waiting in queues.
Group tours are a wonderful option for viewing the main sights. During such tours, I met interesting people from different countries. The fixed schedule helps to use time efficiently, and group discounts on entrance tickets pleasantly save the budget. The only minus – sometimes you have to adjust to the group’s pace, and there isn’t always enough time for photography.
I can say that for a first acquaintance with the city, a group tour is suitable – it gives a general idea of the main sights. And for lovers of history and culture, it’s better to choose an individual format, especially if there are specific interests or a need for a flexible schedule.
Tours to "Game of Thrones" filming locations
The best way to feel the atmosphere of the series is to visit specialized tours or visit the Game of Thrones Museum.
Regarding practical information: the museum is open from 9:00 to 22:00 in season (April-October) and until 20:00 in the off-season. Ticket prices are quite acceptable: adult – 20 euros, children’s (7-15 years) – 10 euros, children under 7 free. For families there’s an advantageous offer: 45 euros for two adults and two children, and if you want to learn more about the filming process – you can take an audio guide for 5 euros.
Getting to the museum is very simple. On foot from Pile Gate it takes about 10 minutes at a leisurely pace along Stradun, then right onto Dominikanska Street. For those arriving from Gruž port, I recommend taking bus №1A or №1B (ticket 2 euros) – in 15 minutes the transport will reach the Old Town.
Lovrijenac Fortress, which in “Game of Thrones” was the Red Keep (Still from “Game of Thrones”)
In the museum, you can see an exact life-size replica of the Iron Throne and take an unforgettable photo. The exposition includes original character costumes, weapons and props from filming, as well as interactive zones with augmented reality technologies. The museum has a souvenir shop where you can purchase exclusive items related to the series.
Besides the museum, it’s worth visiting key locations that became part of the film:
- The Jesuit Stairs, better known as the “Walk of Shame Steps,” became an iconic place after Cersei’s punishment scene;
- Lovrijenac Fortress in the series served as the Red Keep;
- and Dubrovnik’s city walls served to protect King’s Landing;
- Lokrum Island became the prototype for the city of Qarth (there’s also a replica of the Iron Throne there).
Earlier in the article I mentioned that in Dubrovnik you can climb the mountain, and this is the cable car itself on which the ascent happens (well, you don’t have to climb up there on foot)
Here are cool tours to iconic series locations that we recommend:
- Dubrovnik: three-hour “Game of Thrones” locations tour in a comfortable air-conditioned car. Tourists can expect not only stories about significant series locations but also a visit to the Srđ viewpoint and the Imperial French fortress. The tour costs 170 euros in season and 85 euros in the off-season.
- Old Town and surrounding “Game of Thrones” excursion, together with a costume designer who worked on the series – 65 euros (minimum of two people), duration 5 hours. A walking tour within the Old Town is combined with a bus tour outside Dubrovnik, allowing travelers to see more. The guide also tells about behind-the-scenes filming.
- Walking tour to notable Dubrovnik landmarks that were in “Game of Thrones” – 25 euros per adult, 12.50 euros per child (6 to 12 years). This is a detailed route through the Old Town. Ideal for those without much time, as it allows seeing the most interesting from the series in just 2 hours.
- Dubrovnik: the incredible world of “Game of Thrones” and Old Town walking excursion, plus tasting a cocktail from the series – 38.99 euros per adult and 34.99 euros per child (2-11 years). Duration – 135 minutes. This tour, besides an Old Town excursion, is an opportunity to sail on an ancient ship on which Daenerys sailed.
Tours from Dubrovnik to Pelješac peninsula and Korčula island
Tours from Dubrovnik to Pelješac Peninsula and Korčula Island attract with their picturesque landscapes, historical monuments, and the opportunity to enjoy local culture.
Pelješac is famous for winemaking traditions and unique beaches, and Korčula Island for medieval architecture and beautiful coastlines. These destinations are ideal for those who want to combine nature admiration, interesting history, and gastronomic impressions during their travels.
I’ll start with group bus tours to Pelješac – this is the most accessible option. They last about 6 hours and include visiting Ston and Mali Ston on the peninsula. The trip is especially suitable for oyster and wine lovers, as it includes tastings. The price varies from 45 to 65 euros per person, and tours run daily from April to October.
For those who value flexibility in planning, private car tours are suitable. You can visit wineries on the Pelješac Peninsula or simply spend more time in places that interest you most. Such tours last 7-8 hours and cost from 220 to 350 euros for 4 people. They’re available year-round but require advance booking.
Combined “sea + land” tours are a special format that includes a boat journey to Mali Ston where you can see oyster farms in the sea, then move to Ston. These tours last about 8 hours and cost from 80 to 120 euros per person. They run during the warm season.
Also, within a few minutes from Pelješac you can reach Korčula by sea. If there’s free time to explore the city, I recommend walking the streets, visiting Korčula’s St. Mark’s Cathedral (a magnificent Gothic cathedral built in the 15th century), Marco Polo’s house-museum, St. Sebastian’s Fortress with a beautiful view of the city and sea.
On a hot day, it’s nice to spend time at Vrbovica beach, which is ideal for swimming. Wine cellars preserve Korčula’s famous winemaking traditions. Here you can try local wines such as Grk and Pošip. Nature lovers will like the Lumbarda Reserve – a natural area with rich flora and fauna ideal for walks.
Marco Polo’s house on Korčula Island
For true gourmets, I recommend gastronomic tours focused on Pelješac’s local cuisine. They include visiting oyster farms, wine and local delicacy tastings, as well as master classes in preparing traditional dishes. These tours last 7-9 hours and cost from 130 to 180 euros per person.
Freshly caught oysters in Mali Ston on Pelješac Peninsula (in some tours besides observing the catch, you can participate and even taste your catch)
Tourists have the opportunity to choose options according to their preferences, and prices can change depending on the season. There are also additional costs, for example, entrance tickets to Ston’s Great Croatian Wall, which cost about 10-15 euros.
This is what the Wall in Ston looks like, which is the region’s calling card
Here’s a list of the best tours we managed to find:
- Oyster tour from Dubrovnik with a banquet and boat ride, plus the opportunity to explore the historic town of Ston and the world’s second-longest stone wall – 230 euros in season and 150 euros in the off-season. Duration – 4.5 hours.
- Boat ride around Mali-Ston Bay with wine and oyster tasting lasting 5 hours – 150 euros.
- Tasting Croatian wine and fresh oysters directly from Ston Bay – 160 euros per person. A trip along the bay to oyster farms, then dinner in Mali Ston lasts 5 hours.
Tour to Pelješac + Korčula island: our experience
We’ve already been on an tour from Dubrovnik to Korčula and wrote a separate article about it. Here I’ll briefly share the main points. Right away, the tour price is 69 euros per person and duration is 11 hours. We left at 7:30, the first stop was Ston where we walked the old streets, saw defensive walls, and tasted local oysters.
Then we headed to Orebić, from where we reached Korčula by passenger ferry. We spent three hours in the city, viewing old streets, St. Mark’s Cathedral, and Marco Polo’s house-museum. Returning, we stopped for wine tasting on the Pelješac Peninsula.
View of the city of the same name on Korčula Island and its harbor
If this trip interested you, consider similar tours:
- Tour to Korčula Island during a full-day tour from Dubrovnik. Includes mussel and Pelješac wine tasting, visiting Ston and Marco Polo Museum – 79 euros per person.
- For lovers of their own pace, there’s a journey from Dubrovnik to the mysterious depths of Vjetrenica Cave and Korčula Island – 400 euros in season and 350 euros in the off-season (group up to 3 people).
- 1-day trip around Korčula Island with visits to Ston landmarks (salt mines and the world’s second-longest walls), plus tasting famous wines and liqueurs – 69 euros.
- Or you can explore Korčula Island in a more authentic atmosphere: exploring architecture, tasting local coffee or wine, all accompanied by mythological stories – 75 euros per adult and 35 per child.
Tours from Dubrovnik abroad: Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina
From Dubrovnik, various tours to neighboring countries are offered – Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Such day tours allow you to feel the spirit of the Balkans, touch history, and enjoy incredible views.
Among places to visit on these travels, I recommend trips to the Bay of Kotor and the island of Our Lady of the Rocks – a wonderful opportunity to see some of the most beautiful places in the Adriatic.
View of Perast waterfront in Montenegro
There are several international tour options for any taste and budget:
- Private tours. This is the best choice for those who want maximum comfort and flexibility. A private tour from Dubrovnik to Montenegro or Bosnia usually lasts a full day and will cost 300-450 euros per car (for 1-4 people). This format allows choosing your own route and stopping at locations that interest travelers. For example, in Montenegro you can visit Kotor, Perast and the famous island of Our Lady of the Rocks, or in Bosnia make a journey to Mostar and Kravica Waterfall.
- Small groups (5-8 people). If you want to travel in company but at a reduced price, small group tours are the ideal option. Prices range from 75 to 120 euros per person, depending on the tour operator and program. For Montenegro, this is, for example, an tour to the Bay of Kotor and the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, for Bosnia – a trip to Mostar and Kravica. Importantly, such tours usually provide more comfortable transport (minivans) and allow sufficient time for stops.
- Group tours (15-50 people). If the budget is limited and personal guide attention isn’t important, then large group options will be most economical. Prices for such tours start from 30 euros per person, allowing you to see the main sights at a very affordable price. Here there’s usually a strict schedule and fixed stops.
Harbor of one of the cities in the Bay of Kotor
The best time for trips is from April to October, as in high season prices increase by 10-15%. The price includes transport and guide services; additionally paid are lunches (15-25 euros) and entrance tickets (5-8 euros). If traveling as three or four people, I recommend considering a private tour – often it turns out to be the most advantageous option. I searched and found the best tours that allow you to feel the region’s spirit.
- Amazing Montenegro coast in one day. Tourists will visit cities such as Perast, Kotor, as well as the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. The trip costs 50 euros per person.
- From Dubrovnik: day trip to Montenegro with a cruise on the Bay of Kotor and viewing the best monuments of historic cities. Cost – 65 euros.
- For nature lovers, there’s a tour of the Montenegrin coast with visits to the best landscapes and historical places – 60 euros per person. Lasts 11 hours.
- From Dubrovnik: day trip through Bosnia to Mostar and Kravica Waterfall – 95 euros per adult and 50 euros per child (2-6 years).
- There’s also a day tour to Bosnia with a short visit to Kravica and a stop in Mostar. All these places are saturated with landscapes and historical monuments. The trip costs 60 euros per person.
- Or a small group one-day tour from Dubrovnik to Mostar and Kravica Waterfall, where you can visit the Old Bridge, mosques and learn about the turbulent history of this region for just 55 euros per person (children under 3 – 45 euros).
- And finally, a 1-day tour to Bosnia and Herzegovina – an ideal choice to diversify your stay in Dubrovnik: learn about Mostar’s history and swim in the waterfall. Such pleasure costs 30 euros per adult and 25 euros per child.
Island of Our Lady of the Rocks, quite an unusual place, as the entire island’s territory is occupied by a monastery