I'm thinking of taking bus tours to Mostar and/or montenegro from Dubrovnik... has anybody done this?, Thoughts? ... I'm not usually much of a 'tour' person, but i think these might be places i'd struggle to see from a base of dubrovnik anyway since i have limited time (5 nights in dubrovnik before i head off elsewhere) ?
Anywhere else worth seeing near Dubrovnik?
You have plenty of time for Dubrovnik, but if you are using public transport only then you won't be able to get to those places and back in one day. Unless you are open to reducing your time in Dubrovnik in order to overnight elsewhere, a tour is your only option. You could do a private tour instead, but I imagine those are much more expensive.
If you want to do another tour, a wine/seafood excursion to the Peljesac peninsula would be great.
Are you visiting any islands?--not sure where you are headed next so not sure what to recommend, but the islands just off Dubrovnik are an option.
When you'll be in Dubrovnik, you could go on one-day trip by boat to the island of Mljet, one of the Croatian national parks. It will take you about hour, hour and a half to get there. I really liked that beautiful island full of greenery, beautiful scenery all around and rich with cultural heritage. There are also two interesting salt-water lakes located in the western part of the island where you can swim. I think it's really worth seeing!