Recommendations for "to-do" in Split and Kotor

[dmead516]

Hi all.  Heading to these two cities in May 2024 and have searched the boards but it seems that neither of these have gotten much attention.  For those of you that have been there, any recommendations for things to do? Ive looked at Viator and they seem to have a lot of Blue Cave and sunset tour offerings, but nothing really around the cities.

 

thanks

[PurpleTraveller]

The most important thing to do in Kotor is to be awake for the beautiful sail in. It is one of the best in the world. You will see the magnificent scenery on the way out but the morning light is very different to the afternoon light.

 

You do not need to do a tour in Kotor as the beautiful old city is just across the road from the dock and has a pedestrian underpass so you don't even have to cross the road. The old city is small and has lots of lovely old buildings, churches, restaurants and shops. You can climb the old walls to the St John Fortress for amazing views of the city and bay, however it is a very steep climb and not for the faint hearted. You can get a boat tour or the local bus to Perast and visit Our Lady of the Rocks Church and island which you sail past on the way in to Kotor. There is also a Hop On Hop Off bus that goes along the coastline. 

 

https://hoponhopoff.me/en/

 

Visiting Budva is also a popular tour to do either through the ship or Viator.

 

[edinburgher]

4 hours ago, dmead516 said:

it seems that neither of these have gotten much attention. 

Maybe try searching again with different search words as both have had plenty of attention and both are highlights for many cruise pax.,also both are super easy to DIY and no tour is really necessary especially as access into both is only minutes on foot. If first visits to both you might be quite happy pottering around them without feeling the need for a tour.

 

Here are some thread results for Split to help you get started;

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=split&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=149

 

And for Kotor;

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=kotor&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=149

 

post #2 purpletraveller is 100% correct and you should take the advice about the sail-in.

 

The most important thing to do in Kotor is to be awake for the beautiful sail in. It is one of the best in the world. You will see the magnificent scenery on the way out but the morning light is very different to the afternoon light.

 

Approx 60-90 minutes before scheduled arrival time be up on deck portside for best views.

 

Edited November 22, 2023 by edinburgher

[dmead516]

Ok thanks to you both. I may have missed some of the threads when i did a search.

[Over from NZ]

We've been to Kotor twice. It is a stunning Port - don't waste the opportunity. The first time round.. we organised a private excursion that took us to Budva, Perast, The lady of the rocks, Sveti Stefan and so-on. Was a great day.. although it left very little time at the end to explore the old town in Kotor. This last cruise; we spent the day exploring the old town.. walking the old town walls etc. Beautiful lunch in the old town setting. Both times were equally enjoyable. 

 

If it were my first time there (and assuming the ship was in port enough time - Ours was rather short, leaving at just 3.30pm); then I would do an itinerary like this with plenty of time at the end for the old port (best of both worlds!) - 

 

https://www.viator.com/tours/Kotor/Private-Montenegro-Tour-for-Cruise-Passengers/d23078-52336P11

 

[cruisemom42]

In Split it is a short walk from where ships dock to the old walled city which is actually built into the remains of a Roman emperor’s palace. You can pick up a short walking tour in English in the main piazza in front of the palace entry. Roman parts include the vestibule (entrance), basements, and nearby temple and mausoleum, all close together. The area is easy to wander and there are shops and restaurants inside the walls as well as restaurants along the sea just outside. There is also a small but nice archeological museum.

 

No real need for a ship tour.

Edited November 23, 2023 by cruisemom42

[edinburgher]

I  should have perhaps mentioned that it is also possible to travel from Kotor the short distance to tiny Perast by taxi or by public bus, and the boatmen who can take you across to "Our Lady" are easily found alongside the waterfront, so you can visit "Our Lady" at a fraction of the cost the ship shorex will charge for the same. "Our Lady" is really tiny, and on our second visit, we left the ship as soon as it was cleared and travelled there before the shorex coaches arrived and if planning this I recommend you do the same to be ahead of the crowds.