This is an absolutely gorgeous and informative trip report! It is so nice to see beyond the usual locations! Thank you.

We took a cruise 10 years ago, (I know, GUILTY and we wouldn't do it now) and stopped in Dubrovnik and Kotor. We hired a driver in each spot from the group lined up at the ports and it was so interesting and informative. The area was still developing its tourist business and we drove past 2 different beautiful spots with water views that they commented would be filled in by these Russian resorts. When in Kotor, that morning, we happened upon a wedding procession from the church. Grandpa(?)insisted that we join in, it was so much fun!

We returned 3 years later with our family and had a car. The border stop length of times were unpredictable so that had to be factored in. We also, went to Split so we had to do another border crossing, while passing through that small sliver of Bosnia-Herzegovina's coast.

It is such a beautiful area and so friendly and the food is fantastic! Look up when the cruises are in port and avoid the crowds if you can. Dubrovnik and Kotor are vastly different in their scenery, it is worth going to both.

Whitehall, Thanks for your reply. Good information. Will look at Kotor for a couple of days, maybe last night in Herceg Novi to be closer to the airport

Great Report!
 

I'm convinced. I've been vacillating whether or not to include Montenegro for more than a day trip from Croatia. I'm almost ready to scrap Croatia and spend our 2 weeks in Montenegro instead, thanks to your report! You based in Kotor for your entire stay, is that correct? In hindsight, would you say that was the right decision, or would you choose a different location? Thanks for your fantastic report.

Thank you. We also went to Croatia on that same trip. If you click on our name, you will see separate trip reports for Croatia, which also was wonderful, as well as another one covering just one night in Mostar, an entirely different experience. Montenegro was the highlight, but I wouldn't give up on Croatia. Maybe a week in each. Yes, we based in Kotor and loved it. Great restaurants and a nice vibe in the evening after the cruise ships leave. We absolutely would base there again. Friendly people, lots of English.

Thank you. Yes, we'll keep Croatia...I was (sort of!) kidding. We have done the Istrian peninsula several times and are focusing on the south this trip with 5 days each in Korcula and Catvat. Cheers.