Croatia · Montenegro · Bosnia & Herzegovina
Three countries, one trip.
Base yourself in Dubrovnik, then cross into Montenegro for Perast and Kotor, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls. It is one of the easiest ways to make a short Croatia break feel far bigger.
Why Dubrovnik is such a good base
Dubrovnik is not just a city-break destination. Its position on the Adriatic makes it ideal for two completely different cross-border day trips: Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor in one direction, and Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls in the other. Stay for a few nights in Dubrovnik, then use the city as the base for all three countries.
Day one: Dubrovnik
Give Dubrovnik its own day rather than squeezing it in around a tour. Walk the old town early, spend time around the harbour and finish with a long evening near the water. It is the perfect contrast to the much quieter, more scenic days that follow.
Day two · Montenegro
Perast and Kotor
This is the day for the Bay of Kotor. Perast is beautifully small and calm, with the bay and mountains doing most of the work. Kotor brings the medieval streets, waterfront cafés and a busier old town. Together they make an easy, very scenic contrast to Dubrovnik.
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Day three · Bosnia & Herzegovina
Mostar, then a swim at Kravice Falls.
Mostar feels completely different again: the vivid Neretva river, Ottoman-influenced architecture and its famous old bridge make it a genuinely special stop. Kravice Waterfalls are the perfect finish — lush, cool and somewhere you will want to take your time rather than just photograph from the path.
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Practical guide
Getting around
Base yourself in Dubrovnik, then use organised day tours or a private driver for Montenegro and Bosnia. This avoids the stress of border crossings, parking and navigating unfamiliar mountain/coastal roads. A hire car gives freedom, but check border permissions and allow plenty of extra time in summer. In Dubrovnik itself, walk the old town and use local buses or taxis for beaches and hotels outside the walls.
Best areas to stay
Stay inside Dubrovnik Old Town for a short, atmospheric first visit, but expect steps and busy evenings. Pile or Ploče are great nearby choices with easier access and views. Lapad is better for a longer stay with beaches, restaurants and more space, while still being well linked by bus.
Best things to do
In Dubrovnik, walk the old town early, see the city walls and make time for a sunset viewpoint. In Montenegro, combine Perast with Kotor and a boat element if conditions suit. In Bosnia, Mostar and Kravice Falls make a brilliant contrast in one day; bring swimwear for Kravice and expect a full day of driving and border formalities.