Montenegro - The Country of Undiscovered Beauty

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Kotor

   The southernmost fjord in all of Europe and the deepest in the Adriatic Sea, Kotor is truly a hidden gem. This is a spectacular, visually stunning destination where steep black mountains edge up against the sea. The city is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, mostly for its perfectly preserved Old Town and its walls, with architecture from the Middle Ages. The combination of picture-perfect natural scenery with incredible ancient architecture is dramatic to say the least, and makes a wonderful setting for a unique holiday. The churches and fortresses are some of the most spectacular structures, but that’s just the beginning of things to do in this city of friendly locals, rich history and delicious cuisine. After touring the city with a local, who will help you make your way through the winding streets to see the most impressive sites, we recommend you take the opportunity to get different points of view on Kotor. For a little exercise, hike up the hills surrounding the city for a breathtaking view over the rooftops to the sea. And speaking of the sea, the seafood here is delicious and incredibly fresh. You can get together with a local mussel farmer on a private pier to learn more about this craft before sitting down to a huge plate of mussels and wine. There are also numerous options for swimming, kayaking and fishing in the beautiful and calms waters of the Bay of Kotor.

   After you touch down at Dubrovnik airport, you will meet your driver in the arrivals hall. The journey to Kotor takes around 90 minutes, sometimes a little longer if there is a long wait at the border crossing. Once in Montenegro, you'll be treated to magnificent views as you drive around the Bay of Kotor.

   

   Evenings in Kotor

   Kotor is a charming and vibrant town, so enjoy its scenic coast with an easy walk around its center. Take a moment to explore the enchanting alleys of the old town, where you'll find a plethora of nice, cute restaurants situated among historic buildings. If you'd like to stretch your legs a bit more, walk down the 4km (2.5 miles) promenade to Dobrota, a cute village that is officially a separate town but is a de facto part of Kotor.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Kotor

   

   Kotor Private Walking Tour

   During one and half hour walking tour, you'll walk by Kotor's most popular sights and historical points. Our local expert guide will introduce you to a very rich historical and cultural heritage of this small charming and UNESCO-protected town. Just strolling down the narrow streets and squares, you'll visit the most famous monuments including the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, the Church of Saint Luca, old noble palaces, and much more.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Miss Photogenic

   With steep mountains crashing directly into the blue and green sea of Adriatic and wild rivers rushing through narrow canyons, Montenegro is definitely a perfect location for taking stunning photographs. Historical architecture, flora, and fauna also have some strong points to present photography-wise, but the viewpoints of the Kotor area are unmatched. Take a stroll on your own or join one of our photography tours for some unforgettable sights!

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Kotor

   

   Bay of Kotor Private Half-Day Speedboat Tour

   Board a comfortable boat for a scenic, panoramic sail along the shore of the Bay of Kotor. You'll stop at the small island home to the Our Lady of the Rocks Church. This artificial island was built over the centuries by local fishermen, who laid a stone after every successful village in thanks to the Virgin Mary, a tradition that supposedly began after locals miraculously found an icon of Mary and Jesus on the rock the church was built atop. Returning to your boat, you'll visit the quiet, picturesque UNESCO-listed town of Perast, a popular place for vacationing Russian czars and Venetian aristocrats alike. Along the way, you'll learn how the Bay of Kotor became a beacon for artists, fishermen, and vacationers alike.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   All About the Mussels Group Tour

   How about a nice boat trip to a private pier for some fish, mussels, and wine? Sounds like the perfect excursion to us! You'll be visiting an authentic mussel farm on the bay with a little pier that's just perfect for some down-time on the water. Have a swim, relax or learn how to make mussels according to local recipes. Before lunch, you will make a stop at the Lady of the Rocks church island to learn about its history. This is a well-rounded day of local cuisine and culture.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

4. Day 4 Traveling to Zabljak by Private Transfer / Arrival in Zabljak

   

   Today, we will arrange a scenic ride full of visits on your way from Kotor to Durmitor. You will be picked up at your accommodations in the morning by your driver, who will double as your private guide. En route to Durmitor, you'll visit the Ostrog Monastery, which is carved into the cliffs, Pivsko Lake, and Trsa. You will arrive in Zabljak in the late afternoon.

   A rugged wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts, Zabljak is the highest town on the Balkan Pensinula. Located next to the impossible rugged Durmitor National Park (the name has the same root as "dormitory," but is anything but soporific), this is an ideal place for hiking, mountain climbing, spelunking, and biking, or just escaping the summer heat. Nearby is the Tara River Canyon. At 1300 meters (4300 feet) deep, it's Europe's deepest gorge, and perfect for rafting or ziplining. The area has 18 glacial lakes, known as the "Eyes of the Mountain," which make for scenic walks. We recommend heading to the largest, Black Lake. Take advantage of four months of snow by snowboarding or skiing. No matter the season, you'll enjoy epic views, and tasty traditional cuisine.

   Upon arrival your driver will take you directly to your accommodation.

   

   Your Date with Nature

   Being the capital of Montenegro's mountain tourism and completely off the beaten path, Zabljak makes a perfect destination for truly active nature lovers. After a long journey and maybe some short afternoon active time spent in nature, you'd most likely enjoy a nice and quiet evening in a great natural ambiance, recharging your batteries for your next adventure the following day. Find a nice spot to watch the sun go down over the mountains with a glass in hand, and make sure to get plenty of rest on your first night.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Zabljak

   

   Zabljak's Rugged Highlights

   Get ready for a day filled with beautiful scenery as you explore a UNESCO-protected national park. You'll enjoy views of beautiful river canyons, including Europe's deepest canyon, carved by the Tara River. After lunch, you'll cross over the river and visit a Bogomil graveyard. A gnostic movement that spread from Bulgaria in the 10th century, the beautifully adorned graves the Bogomils left behind can only be found in a small part of the Balkans, including Montenegro. You'll visit the Devil and Fish Lakes, and if you have an extra hour to spare, you can venture to Black Lake, the national park's largest and most famous lake.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Traveling to Budva / Arrival in Budva

   Founded over 2500 years ago, Budva was already old by the time ancient Greek settlers arrived to expand it, although most of its architecture and walls are Venetian. The Old Town is car-free, and features a large citadel, and a main square home to all four of the town's churches. Venture further out, and you'll find the city's famous nightlife, musical and dance festivals, casinos that might look familiar from "Casino Royale," and the luxury yachts they draw. But there's a calmer side to Budva. Located at the center of the Budva Riviera, this town excels in beaches amid stunning natural scenery. A brief ferry ride will take you to quiet Sveti Nikola Island. We recommend at least one day trip up or down the coast, such as to the Bay of Kotor (Europe's southernmost fjord), or Ulcinj, near the Albanian border.

   Upon arrival in Budva, a driver will take you to your centrally located accommodations.

   

   Endless Evening

   Don't miss a stroll down the alleyways of the historic old town in the evening to admire its beautiful Mediterranean architecture and enjoy the summer vibe of this particularly vivid destination before heading for dinner or a drink. Once your appetite is worked up, find your perfect dinner place for the night. Afterward, you can play it by ear to determine how long your evening will last in this vibrant party destination, as the opportunities for a big night out are endless.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Budva

   

   Budva Private Walking Tour

   Charming Budva's Old Town is situated in a small peninsula, and serve as a repository of Montenegrin culture. The ancient cobblestone streets are home to unique bars, shops, and restaurants that offer visitors a sense of Montenegrin heritage. The best way to soak up the town is with a walking tour. Learn about the town's historical heritage and lifestyles, while enjoying the company of your guide.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   The Beaches of Budva

   Budva is predominantly known for the long sandy beaches that anchor the Budva Riviera. Summertime brings crowds, but if you want to escape the crowds of the central Slovenska beach, there are some great alternatives. Becicka beach is a five-minute drive from Budva's center, while Drobni Pijesak and Trstenovo beach are only ten minutes further. The small island of St. Nikola is just a short boat ride away, and the ferry departs every half hour from Budva's port. All of these beaches are primarily sand, and offer umbrella and sunbed rental.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Departure Day

   It's time to say goodbye to beautiful Montenegro! We will arrange for a private driver to pick you up at your accommodations in time for your departure from Podgorica's airport, about an hour away.