The Best of Montenegro

Konavle Valley Wine-tasting Tour with Scenic Train

Konavle valley's distinctive culture and cuisine are revealed in all their glory during this half-day tour. You'll sample locally grown wines at family-run vineyards, ride a train from village to village and tuck into some traditional food, all in the scenic surroundings of the Konavle valley. Antun, one of our local guides, says, ‘Dubrovačka Malvasija is the renowned grape variety unique to this region. Local winemakers managed to save the species, even though there were only three healthy vines remaining in the post-war period.'Located near the border with Montenegro, between mountains and the Adriatic Sea, the valley is a sun-drenched countryside escape from Dubrovnik. You'll arrive in the village of Zastolje to visit the historic Brajković winery, then it's all aboard to ride to Ljuta by train. Here, you'll see how the 500-year-old Đivanović water mill had dual purposes – since medieval times it was used to produce flour and process wool into fabric.After this visit, we'll continue to a different vineyard and wine cellar for more tasting. You'll sample some local culture when you try a typical ploughman's lunch, just as the farmers would eat during a hard day in the fields. The final stop is a third winery. Antun says, ‘You'll relish a cold glass of Konavle rosé alongside a slice of typical pandišpanj sponge cake at this vineyard. Pandišpanj is traditionally made for special occasions, like this tour, when we welcome our guests to our beautiful Konavle valley.'

Bay of Kotor Cruise with Our Lady of the Rocks

Montenegro's Bay of Kotor is the stuff of legends. Dramatic mountain scenery, shimmering blue waters and the walled town of Kotor make this fjord-like landscape a showstopper. You'll visit the famous Our Lady of the Rocks islet during a boat trip in the bay, before heading on to Kotor town. Ivana, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Affectionately known as Boka by locals, they're proud the bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its natural, cultural and historical importance. There's a strong artisan tradition in the area, and the towns are recognised for their fine architecture.'After a drive along the Dalmatian coast, you'll board your boat and set sail towards the narrow strait of Verige, where the whole bay opens up, and you'll see why the Bay of Kotor is Montenegro's most famous destination. After passing by Perast, Stoliv and Prčanj, the first stop is the fairytale islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, somewhere Ivana loves. ‘Of all museums in the region, the one on the islet is my favourite to guide,' she says. ‘The church is like an art gallery, and the museum contains gems such as the Jacinta Kunić embroidery.'Back on board, we'll tuck into a tasty lunch on board en route to Kotor town. Here, you'll have free time to explore this fortified medieval pearl packed with Venetian palaces. Visit the Cathedral of St Tryphon and its treasury, climb the city walls or browse the local market, where you can sample and buy local specialities such as smoked ham, sheep's cheese and brandy.

Best of the Elaphites Catamaran Cruise

Just offshore from the bustle and buzz of Dubrovnik lie the Elaphite islands, a tranquil contrast to the city. This idyllic sailing getaway takes you to discover two different Islands in the archipelago, Šipan and Lopud. Lucija, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘There are less than 1000 permanent inhabitants living in the Elaphite islands, giving you an idea of just how peaceful and rustic they are. Some of the islands are car-free, so you'll really feel you're in a different world if you arrive straight from busy Dubrovnik'As soon as you're settled on board, you'll set sail towards Šipan, the largest island in the archipelago. Steeped in history, it's dotted with numerous old churches and noblemen's villas. Enjoy free time to explore and swim with the island as your backdrop. If you are feeling energetic, take a hike up to the Holy Trinity church, sitting on a hilltop just behind the port. The trail weaves through classic Mediterranean vegetation en route to the top, from where the views are fabulous.Next, your captain will cruise towards Lopud to the south. It's much smaller and car-free, too, so you can expect complete serenity as you meander around on its footpaths. Lopud is known for its pretty beaches, making it a perfect place for a dip and a spot of sunbathing. The scenery unfurling as you weave through the islands on this cruise is all part of the appeal, as well as drinks on tap from the onboard bar.

Dubrovnik Sunset Catamaran Cruise

The sight of Old Town Dubrovnik is stunning enough, but this catamaran cruise lets you experience it at golden hour, when the last sun rays light everything up. And there are a few added bonuses on board, including an open bar, music and nets for complete relaxation.

River Neretva Boat Tour with Lunch

The canals and lakes of the Neretva valley are the stars of this full day tour. You'll glide along the River Neretva on a trupica – a traditional Croatian riverboat – with the chance to spot wildlife as you drift towards Lake Kuti. Nika, one of our local guides, says, ‘Lake Kuti is a haven for wildlife – there are birds such the golden eagle, common buzzard and peregrine falcon as well as reptiles like the Balkan green lizard. It's a green oasis amid the region's karst landscapes.'Home to an array of diverse wildlife and flora, the River Neretva flows through just 20km of Croatia. But good things come in small numbers here, and as you cast off along the backwaters and canals of the river, you'll see exactly why. Onboard a typical wooden riverboat, you'll get up close with your natural surroundings, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Keep a lookout for turtles, waterfowl and other birds that call the riverbank home, as well as many species of fish.And once you've built up an appetite, we'll dock at Neretva House tavern, which is accessible by boat only, for lunch. You'll be treated to a feast of traditional Dalmatian dishes, washed down with local wine and fresh water. Then, with a full belly, you'll set off for the return journey along the river. Once you're back on dry land, you'll round off the tour with a pit stop in a secret location – it's guaranteed to be a perfect photo opportunity.

Legends of Peljesac & Korcula Tour

Known as ‘Little Dubrovnik', Korcula town is full of historic sights and it's more than easy on the eye. Along with the wine-producing area of Peljesac and the walled village of Ston, it's one of the star turns of this fascinating excursion.

Cilipi Folklore Morning

The village of Cilipi, just south of Dubrovnik, sets the scene for this half-day tour. You'll be immersed in Croatian folklore and traditions with Sunday mass at St Nicholas Church, a show and market where you can browse all kinds of handicrafts.

Game of Thrones King's Landing Filming Locations Tour

Fans of Game of Thrones will delight in this filming locations tour to Fort Lovrijenac just on the outskirts of Dubrovnik's old town and Lokrum Island – or the Red Keep and Qarth. You'll get to re-live scenes from the epic series while seeing two historic sites.Your afternoon gets off to an exciting start with a walk up to Fort Lovrijenac, which also doubles up as the Red Keep in King's Landing – the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. It's perched high above the old town of Dubrovnik and affords you a great view of the Battle of Blackwater Bay, the House of the Undying Dungeon and, of course, the city below.Then, you'll hop aboard the boat from the old port to exotic Lokrum Island, where you'll learn all about its history and recent transformation into the magical town of Qarth. You'll walk over to the Benedictine monastery and arboretum. Just remember to take a bun or two for the resident peacocks.

The Best of Montenegro

A trip along ever-changing south Dalmatian coast from Dubrovnik takes you to the tiny country of Montenegro – a land of great natural beauty and immense cultural heritage. You'll explore Kotor, Perast and the island of Our Lady of the Rocks during this full day tour.

Korcula Island Winery Tour

Korcula island is lucky enough to be carpeted in vineyards and dotted with pretty little hamlets, all of which you'll discover on this half-day tour. You'll take in all the hot spots – and photo points – as you're whisked past the old town and into the countryside for a wine and oil tasting.