Hidden Village Jeep, 2.5 Hours

Kotor: Jeep Tour to Hidden Stone Village & Food Tasting runs through GoBaloo. Rated 4.8 across 74 reviews. Runs 2.5 hours. From $96.

Overview

This short Jeep excursion leaves Kotor and heads uphill into a stone village that sits above the Bay of Kotor, a place most visitors to the coast never reach. The vehicle is an air-conditioned Nissan Pathfinder with wifi, and the route runs from the waterfront road at Donji Stoliv onto gravel tracks through an old chestnut forest, following a rough path that only locals and Jeeps use. The total running time is 2.5 hours.

At Gornji Stoliv the group explores on foot, walking narrow 14th-century paths past abandoned houses, olive groves and terraced gardens. The centerpiece is the Church of St. Elijah, a 13th-century stone church with a bell tower that is normally closed; the guide opens it for a visit inside. Afterwards there is a food break on a shaded terrace in the forest, with prosciutto, cheese, olives, homemade bread and juices such as pomegranate or rose petal syrup.

The return leg loops past Verige, the narrowest point of the bay, with views toward Perast and the islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George, then continues via Tivat and Trojica for a final panorama over the Kotor basin before dropping back down. It suits travellers who want a compact afternoon of history, scenery and local food without a long day trip. Anyone with mobility limits should note the 100-step climb to reach the village.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup in KotorDeparture is from Kotor, with collection in front of accommodation located in Kotor.
2. Bay of Kotor scenic driveA coastal drive toward Donji Stoliv past stone houses, docks and konoba restaurants, with a photo stop and guided commentary. 25 minutes.
3. Off-road climb to Gornji StolivThe asphalt turns to gravel through a chestnut forest on a route reserved for locals and Jeeps. 15 minutes.
4. Stone village and churchA guided walk through the medieval village along 14th-century paths, plus a private visit inside the normally closed Church of St. Elijah. 20 minutes.
5. Food tasting on the terraceA break in the chestnut forest with prosciutto, cheese, olives, homemade bread and juices, with bay views. One hour.
6. Descent and bay viewpointsThe route passes the Verige viewpoint, then continues around the bay toward Tivat and Trojica for a final panorama, with an optional stop at a small local souvenir shop. 15 minutes off-road plus 20 minutes scenic drive.
7. Return to KotorA downhill drive completes the circular route back to Kotor.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help travellers prepare for the climb, the vehicle time and the food stop.

• Footwear. Comfortable shoes are required, and sandals or flip flops are not allowed. The village visit involves walking old stone paths, plus 100 steps to reach the top.
• Fitness and pace. The walking portion is short but uphill in places. The itinerary allows an hour for the food break, so the stop is unhurried.
• Food and drink. The tasting includes prosciutto, cheese, local olives and homemade bread, along with juices such as pomegranate, quince and raspberry. Water and juices are also available from the vehicle's fridge during the drive.
• Vehicle comfort. The vehicle is an air-conditioned Nissan Pathfinder with wifi on board. Free water and juices are kept in the vehicle's fridge throughout the journey.
• Photography. There are photo stops on the bay drive and a viewpoint at Verige looking toward Perast and its two islands. The Church of St. Elijah itself offers mountain-to-sea scenery.

Common issues. The 100-step climb to the village is the main physical limit, and flip flops are not permitted. Pickup is only offered for accommodation inside Kotor, so travellers staying elsewhere must make their own way to the departure point. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour.

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