Boka Bay Cruising Tour: Perast, Our Lady of The Rocks, Saint George island and Stoliv - Private Tour

Perast is located in the heart of Boka Bay, at a distance of 12 km northwest of Kotor. In Perast, remains of the Neolithic culture (dating back to 3500) are found, before the new era, which speaks of its long unique history of long maritime, churches, palaces. Across the coast of Perast, near the coast, there are two beautiful islands that represent the special attraction of the city: Saint George which is natural, and the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks.

The legend says that on July 12, 1452, two fishermen found the icon of the Virgin Mary on the rock. The settlers thought it was a sign that the island and the church were to be built there and they called Our Lady of the Rocks. They threw rocks, as well as small boats and large ships damaged in fights fought to build an island. For this, they took 250 years. To date, the ritual throwing of stone around the island has been preserved. This manifestation is known as ”Fašinada” and is held on July 22, each year, as a monument on the day of iconography of the Virgin with little Christ in 1452 on the cliff. As the highlight of the ceremony, stones are cast into the sea around the island, and the ships return back. Traditionally, only men participate in the event. The church itself was built in 1630, and the octagonal chapel after forty years. A special significance in the museum is the famous needlepoint of the Virgin made by own hair, which is a vowel work by Perastanka Kunić from 1828.

In the immediate vicinity of The Our Lady of the Rocks, lies St. George, an island of a completely different nature and destiny. Surrounded by stone walls, and hidden from view by the high cypress canopy, this island seems to be hiding some secret and does not allow curious eyes to disturb the somewhat creepy peace of this island.

Stoliv is a small quiet place in Boka Kotorska, not far from the town of Kotor. Founded in the fourteenth century, this small town is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle of the city, enjoy the sea, the beach or fishing. It was named after the old custom of planting one hundred olive trees each guy before taking the bride to the altar. They say that during the reign of Venice, the village had a population of about 1,200 and had four shops, two oil mills and four bread bakeries. Interestingly, Stoliv has hardly changed all seven centuries since it existed.

Tivat has a reputation as one of the sunniest places in the Bay of Kotor. Since 2011, it is home to one of the largest mariners in this part of the Adriatic Sea – Porto Montenegro – so at any moment you can find hundreds of yachts of different sizes and shapes with their owners from different meridians. Because of that it is called ’’Montenegrin Monaco’’.

Near Tivat city, there is the so-called “holy archipelago”, consisting of 3 islands: the Miholjska Prevlaka (Flowers Island), St. Mark’s Island and Our Lady of Mercy. All three islands are covered with numerous legends and were once a cult place of pilgrimage.

Flower island is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro. It is connected to the coast by a narrow cover, which disappears underwater during high tide. The island is considered the birthplace of all kinds of palm trees, various flowers and plants that developed in the old days.

St. Mark’s island is known for its amazing beaches (total area is about 4 km), where the beach season lasts six months. This island is full of the greenery of cypresses and olives.

Our Lady of Mercy island – smallest archipelago – dominates the middle of the Bay of Tivat and is located three hundred meters west of St. Mark’s island, and some six hundred meters from the Luštica Peninsula. The island occupies a small space on the water, up to 80 m wide, 147 meters long and is enclosed on the outside by a wall, 1.5 m high. It was established in the 15th century, by monks.

On Our Lady of Mercy island there is a women’s monastery of the same name with cells, the Church of the Virgin, bell tower, and various auxiliary household objects, a courtyard with a gallery, walkways and a beautiful garden. The island has great cultural, historical and religious significance, it is a unique “holy corner”, which fascinates by incredible nature and mystery, and for that the answer should be sought in numerous stories and legends.

Travel with us to the days of ancient Greece and Rome!

Itinerary

-Driving from the city of your accommodation to the Tivat – time of drive depends on the place of your stay.

-Arriving at Tivat. Free time for city sightseeing and easy walk through Porto Montenegro (approx. 1 hour).

-Starting with a cruise tour towards the Island of St. George and the island of Our Lady of the Rocks (cruising time approx. 1h).

-Stay on the island of Our Lady of the Rocks for approx. 45 minutes.

-After touring the island departure to Stoliv, (duration of the boat ride approx. 30min) with a stay for swimming at anchor for approx. 1h.

-After swimming, departure to Perast, (duration of the boat ride approx. 30min) with a stay for lunch (optionally, not included) and a tour of Perast for approx. 1h and 45min.

-After Perast, return to the island of Flowers, the island of Saint Marko and the island where the church of Our Lady of Mercy is located (boat ride time approx. 1h) with a stay for swimming at anchor approx. 45min.

-Return to Tivat (duration approx. 15min).

-Driving to the place of your accommodation.