We will be on a windstar cruise stopping for one day in Kotor. Trying to figure out if we should just walk the town or do a tour. any advice? thanks Diane

Kotor is nice, but also quite compact. And therefore also quite crowded when the ships stop there.
Personally, I'd find one full day only in Kotor town "too much" - though it depends on your pace.
The bus tours will probably include a trip up to the higher elevations around the fjords. Usually up that winding road to Lovcen National Park.
Which gives you some pretty nice views. After you digested the thrills from going up there on a big bus ;-)
There are also very cute towns and villages around the Kotor Bay, like Perast or Herceg-Novi.
I don't think you can pick a really "bad" destination for a tour, as long as you don't expect to be on your own (during the season).

Hi, Diane,
We visited Kotor two years ago. Friends of ours used this company and were pleased. My SO was not feeling well so I meandered around town by myself. Charming and very touristy. Beautiful scenery.

www.miroandsons.com

You can make a really beautiful hike up to the fortress that overlooks the city and fjord for some amazing views. The entry to the old steps that lead up to the fortress is right in the old town - at times there is a guy there collecting a minimal entrance fee, but I'm not sure if he's even official - we did not pay. It's a great way to work off some of that cruise food!

We visited Kotor last summer with my husband as we were meeting friends we haven't seen in a long time. I mentioned in another forum I believe, that we REALLY enjoyed Kotor and I am sure you will have a blast. Usually the ships are there for 6 hours...which gives you enough time to explore Kotor and it's surrounding villages and little islands. I know everyone recommend the hike up to the San Giovanni Castle that is about 1500 steps up the hill, but if you are not fit, then hiking up for an hour or so is not worth the view, as you will be in so much pain the next day. Besides, there are plenty of others things to do then walk up a hill to get a good view of Kotor Bay. First, the Old Town of Kotor is easy to walk around and spend at least 2-3 hours, just walking, buying souvenirs, visiting little shops, get a nice drink and good local food in any of the restaurants there. I recommend the one on top of the wall where you can have your meal on a terrace with a nice view of the close area. I am not sure of the name, sorry. But it was a restaurant on top of the wall, very close to the Southern Gate entrance. Out of the Old Town, there is a shopping mall called Kamelija, and there is a nice cafe/restaurant on the balcony just above the main entrance.
Another thing you can do is visit the town of Perast which is just a 10 min cab ride. The other place worth visiting while you are in Kotor is St. George islet and the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks. It is a very interesting story behind it, and the nature is simply beautiful. They are also very close to Kotor too.
On the other hand, if you have more time on your hands, you may get a tour or a cab ride to the more commercialized part of Montenegro, like Budva for instance. However, if you are visiting Kotor in summertime (which is the peak of the season), then I don't recommend traveling far from Kotor since traffic is madness!!! Hope this helps and I am sure you will enjoy Kotor no matter what you decide to do.