Croatia Self Drive 10 - Montenegro, Bosnia & Dubrovnik

In the morning why not climb the impressive walls before other visitors arrive and then you will also have time to take a beautiful drive along the Peljesac Peninsula, maybe even visit Korcula town via a short ferry crossing at Orebic. In the afternoon drive inland to cross the border into Bosnia & Herzegovina, with a number of optional detours, such as the Kravice waterfalls, Medugroje and the historical village of Poticelj, en route to Mostar.

A full day in Mostar, including its world-famous bridge, fascinating old town and atmosphere. Whilst here you may also like to visit the monastery at Blagaj, take a guided walk in the nearby hills or explore the Neretva Valley by road.

Drive east through the countryside to the delightful town of Trebinje in the Republic of Srpska. Trebinje's Stari Grad (old town) is intact and is full of life in the evenings offering locals & visitors alike a choice of bars, restaurants and ice-cream parlours.

** Mostar to Trebinje is quite a short distance so you may choose to drive on to Montenegro and stay 2 nights at Lake Skadar instead.

Trebinje has its own "old bridge" which is worthy of a stroll alongside the river to view and walk over (why not try this as early as possible for some great photos). Return to your hotel and a visit to the traditional market on the main square before heading out of town on your way to Montenegro. The climb towards the border offers stunning views and the road is likely to be quiet. Once into Montenegro head for Niksic and a visit to the Monastery of Ostrog; drive to the capital, Podgorica, or stay on the shores of Lake Skadar.

Morning visit of Podgorica, then continue towards the coast via a visit to the incredible Lake Skadar, one of the largest lakes in Europe (its eastern shores disappear across the border into Albania). The Skadarsko Jezero National Park is not just an important place of natural beauty in Montenegro it is also on the RAMSAR list of "Wetlands of International Importance" and one of the biggest bird reserves in Europe. From here you have a choice of the scenic route over the hills or the new tunnel to Petrovac and then a drive along the coasta via Sveti Stefan to Budva.

* Although quite different from each other Budva & Kotor are pretty close together so you may prefer to choose one location for your stay.

BUDVA - a great place to relax on the beach and explore the stari grad.

KOTOR - a visit of Kotor old town to explore and maybe attempt the Kotor "staircase" to the fortress on the hill.

Drive along the shore of the breathtakingly beautiful Bay of Kotor - possible detours include the hidden Prevlaka Peninsula, a quieter route back over the border into Croatia. If you have time then this area of rural Croatia, Konavle, has some lovely villages and places to enjoy some wine-tasting; the small resort of Cavtat (near the airport) is also en route to Dubrovnik and an alternative place to stay.

A full day to explore the old town on foot, by bus and cable car including its nearby beaches and countryside; visit independently or with a choice of pre-booked excursions and activities.

Optional Guided Tour: Dubrovnik Panorama & Sightseeing "... those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik" (George Bernard Shaw). This tour will reveal the finest sites of the old walled City as well as give you an opportunity to view it from above. Our guide will lead you through the narrow streets of the Old Town introducing you to the history and culture of this magnificent city.

Private transfer to Dubrovnik airport for flight home.