montenegro tour 10 days

10 Day Montenegro Itinerary: How to Enjoy Montenegro in 10 Days!

Discover and learn a lot about Montenegro in this 10 day Montenegro Itinerary ! Not only you will visit amazing places but also get the chance to do unique but fun activities.

Montenegro is relatively a small country that one can explore easily from one point to another. However, it may be difficult to do if you don’t have a concrete and organized plan before you fly here. If you’re eyeing to explore this Balkan country for 10 days, then you’re on the right page. We made this Montenegro Itinerary article so that you can have an idea of how to enjoy Montenegro in 10 days.

Other articles you can read:

• How To Get a Job in Montenegro as a Foreigner [Find Work in Montenegro]
• 11 Benefits of Living in Montenegro as a Resident – Why You Should Move to Montenegro
• Eat Your Way Through Montenegro and Albania: Cuisine of the Two Western Balkan Countries
• 5 Reasons Why You Should Meet Halfway in Montenegro
• How to Get a Long Term Visa and Residency Permit in Montenegro

Table of Contents

3 Days in the Center – Montenegro Itinerary

Let’s start your 10 days Montenegro itinerary right. To get to enjoy your first 3 days in Montenegro, we recommend you to visit the city of Cetinje, the small town of Virpazar on the Skadar lake coast, and its surrounding area. Lake Skadar is the largest lake in the Balkans, and one of the largest in all of Europe. The surrounding area offers a large number of opportunities for accommodation and vacation in nature.

Lake Skadar

Kayaking and Canoeing are just some of the best adventure activities you can do here. You will get to learn more about this unusual place with all its specifics. If, however, you don’t fancy these kinds of activities, then you can try the boat tours instead. The water area’s diverse flora and fauna and the country’s best wine offer is something you shouldn’t miss. 

Furthermore, you can also try wine tasting and swimming which are common activities in the area as well. 

After visiting the south side of the lake, we recommend visiting the north of the lake and the Rijeka Crnojevića town. The scenic view of Virpazar – Rijeka road will give you the opportunity to stop by and admire the view of the lake and the mountains. The most famous viewpoint in Montenegro is also there – Pavlova Strana. Traveling from the small town of Virpazar to Cetinje is around 15 minutes by car so it’s very convenient. Cetinje is the former royal capital of Montenegro. It is the cradle of Montenegrin culture and history. 

In Cetinje, you can visit museums, the famous Lovcen National Park, Njegos Mausoleum, and other attractions that will let you know more about the place’s rich history. During clear days, you can see entire Montenegro from this place. If you do not like to spend too much time driving, we recommend you spend your last night in Cetinje and from there head directly to the coast. In that case, it would be amazing to go to the shore by the old Njeguši – Kotor road and get to enjoy the fantastic view of the Bay of Kotor.

Recommended Accommodation

Guesthouse Aleksej

Located in Virpazar, Guesthouse Aleksej offers a restaurant, a garden, and accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. All units come with a terrace with garden views, a kitchenette with a microwave and a fridge, and a shared bathroom. Guests can also enjoy a continental breakfast.

Price: Starts at $22 per night for a Twin Room – Disability Access , taxes and charges included, free breakfast, and it offers a free cancellation.

Mid Range to Luxury

Prevalis Nature Cottage

Located in Virpazar, 1.7 km from Lake Skadar, Prevalis Nature Cottage offers a restaurant, free bikes, and air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. There is a fully equipped kitchen and a private bathroom. Vegetarian and gluten-free breakfast options are available every morning at the apartment. There is also a garden with a barbecue at this property and guests can go canoeing nearby.

Price: Starts at $96 per night for a Studio with Terrace , add $3 for taxes and charges, $4 for breakfast, and it offers a free cancellation.

3 Days in the South – Montenegro Itinerary

To transfer from Podgorica to the coast, you can ride a bus or train and cab. From Cetinje, you can travel by bus or cab (no trains available). The highlight of the Montenegrin Coastline is the famous Bay of Kotor. The fortified town of Kotor is located on the Adriatic Coast of Montenegro and is also one of the most visited cities in the country. During the exploration of Kotor and its ancient walls, you won’t feel the time passing by. Once you find yourself in the bay, don’t miss out on the old town of Perast and its islet Our Lady of Rocks. Since the Montenegrin Coast only requires a short trip, you’ll still have the opportunity to visit the rest of the nearby places. Just half an hour’s drive from Kotor, there is Budva, whose old town is worth a visit.

Do you like the beach and the nightlife? Budva is the destination you should go to! This town is popular for having wonderful beaches and vibrant nightlife. It’s highly recommended that during the summer months you choose one of the beaches between Budva and Petrovac for swimming: Reževići, Drobni Pijesak, Kamenovo, Perazića Do, Lučice, etc. But other than swimming and beaches, you can also visit the Old Town, museums, monasteries and the Citadel. If you are the type who does not hold a place and loves exploring all the time, spend the last of the three “sea” nights in Ulcinj.

Ulcinj is a town located on the southern coast of Montenegro. After spending time in the Bay of Kotor, Ulcinj will give you the feeling that you have just arrived on another continent. In Ulcinj, you can visit the popular Bojana River and its great sandy beaches. Just remember that the place can be crowded during the peak summer season.

Apartments Kaludjerovic

Located in Kotor, Apartments Kaludjerovic offers air-conditioned accommodation with free Wi-Fi, a TV and kitchen facilities. A bus station with links to Kotor and Dubrovnik is 50 m away, while the beach is within 100 m. Tiled floors and a fridge are featured in all accommodation units. Owners can arrange meals on-site upon the previous requests.

Price: Starts at $22 per night for a Double Room with Shared Bathroom , add $2 for taxes and charges, $6 for breakfast (optional), and it is non-refundable.

Boutique Hotel Vissi d’Arte

Located in Budva, Hotel Vissi D’Arte offers luxurious and spacious rooms with an artistic touch. Rooms and suites are equipped with modern furniture, comfortable Hästens beds, flat-screen satellite TV, and a balcony or a terrace offering a view of the Adriatic Sea. The private bathrooms come with a bath or shower, luxury toiletries, and bathrobes. Guests at Boutique Hotel Vissi d’Arte can also enjoy a daily buffet breakfast or in-room breakfast.

Price: Starts at $349 per night for a Superior Double Room , taxes and charges included, free breakfast, and it offers a free cancellation.

3 Days in the North – Montenegro Itinerary

Durmitor national park.

On the first two nights of the last triptych of your vacation in Montenegro, you can spend them in Žabljak or Plužine. Why? Because these are the best starting points for exploring the Durmitor National Park and Piva Nature Park. We highly suggest that you spend at least a day at the Durmitor Park so you spend more time at the Black Lake and the Durmitor Ring. However, you can only visit the Durmitor Ring by car. If you don’t have a car, you can instead go to Black and Snake Lakes. After this, you can spend the next day at Plužine.

You can opt to visit Plužine, the Piva region, and the Piva lake. The Piva Nature Park and the lake are places that offer tranquility and can literally give you peace of mind. Enjoy memorable rides and walks and soak up scenes you will always remember. 

Tara River Canyon, Kolašin, and Biogradska Gora

As they say, save the best for last. On your last day, spend it at the Tara River Canyon, Kolašin, and Biogradska Gora. The region is most popularly known during the winter season because of its ski resorts. Not only that but there are also mountain rivers, traditional rural architecture, and of course, kačamak – a very delicious dish. If in case, you decide to reverse the order of “mountain” days, the best option is to go to Kolašin from Podgorica by train if you do not have a car. The scenery is surreal that you will feel like in a movie while passing by an old-fashioned train through the indescribable canyon of Morača. 

Holiday Home Vile Calimero

Located in Zabljak, Holiday Home Vile Calimero is about 3 km from Crno Jezero Lake. Featuring a terrace, the accommodation comes with a dining area and a seating area with a satellite flat-screen TV. There is also a kitchen, equipped with a dishwasher and oven. A microwave and toaster are also featured, as well as a kettle. There is a private bathroom with slippers in every unit. Guests can also engage in various activities, such as skiing and hiking.

Price: Starts at $48 per night for a One-Bedroom Apartment , add $2 for taxes and charges, and it offers a free cancellation.

Villa Lux Vasilisa

Featuring garden views, Villa Lux Vasilisa provides accommodation with a patio and a kettle, around 13 km from Viewpoint Tara Canyon. The villa features 4 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a fridge, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower.  Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at the property.

Price: Starts at $181 per night for a Deluxe Villa , add $2 for taxes and charges, and it’s partially refundable.

When traveling to a new place or country and get to enjoy the trip, it is very important to plan accordingly to avoid stress. With this 10 day Montenegro itinerary , you’ll get the idea of how to maximize your time while exploring this marvelous country in the Balkans. 

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One thought on “ 10 Day Montenegro Itinerary: How to Enjoy Montenegro in 10 Days! ”

Hi, thanks for this post. I am planning to go to Montenegro for 10 days, but there is a long layover in Serbia. So instead, i’d like to stay in Serbia in 4-5 days then go to Montenegro. I have few questions and what would you suggest. 1. Is it worth the time to go to Serbia? or better stay in Montenegro? since there’ll be a lot to see anyway. 2. I have a US tourist visa, can I enter Serbia then Montenegro as onward destination? It doesn’t have to be from the original departure, right? 3. Is it easy to get PCR test in Serbia or in Montenegro?

Thanks in advance.

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EPIC Montenegro Itinerary For 5-10 Days (No Car Needed!)

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Planning a trip to Montenegro ? It’s a beautiful and underrated country you’re going to love. During this Montenegro itinerary, I’ll help you plan where to visit, what to do, how to get around and more. Montenegro is one of the most beautiful countries in the Balkans , if not all of Europe . With a spectacular coastline and catholic churches (rather than the mosques in Ottoman-influenced Balkan countries like Albania and Kosovo ), it feels like a lesser-visited Croatia and makes a great addition to any Balkans itinerary . Although Kotor and Budva are cruise ship stops these days, the prices are still lower and the streets are nowhere near as packed as Split or Dubrovnik despite being just as picturesque (in my opinion). The day trips you can take encompass spectacular hiking, history, coastline and cuisine.

MONTENEGRO ESSENTIALS Accommodation: Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting there: flight ( Skyscanner ), bus Activities: GetYourGuide / Viator Getting around: car /bus

How to plan a Montenegro itinerary

Initially, I felt confused when planning my trip because most sources on the internet suggest hiring a car and exploring Montenegro as a road trip. As a solo traveller and non-driver, this wasn’t the best option for me. After my trip, I can confirm there are at least 2 fantastic ways to plan a Montenegro trip:

• Option #1 – base somewhere central like Kotor and take day trips. This a great option whether you have a car or not.
• Option #2 – move around and spend a few nights in different places. This is easiest with a car because you can visit iconic places en route and save time.
• Option #3 (what did) – a combo. Spend a few nights in Kotor or Budva exploring central Montenegro during day trips, then pick a new destination(s) for the final few nights.

Getting to Montenegro

By air – the main airport is in the capital, Podgorica. I use Skyscanner to find cheap flights, searching by whole month to see the cheapest dates to fly. By car – popular places to arrive from include from Croatia , Albania, Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. By bus – I arrived via the southern border by bus from Albania (side note, if you think Montenegro is beautiful, consider hiking in the Albanian alps !). My trusty mode of transport in Europe, the Flixbus , cover some routes in and out of Montenegro. Where they don’t operate, it’s easy to get local buses. From Kotor, I caught a bus to Mostar , Bosnia & Herzegovina booked on the Busticket4me website. By boat – some people arrive by cruise but this would never be my chosen method of transport!

Getting around Montenegro

By car – this is obviously a great option with all freedom to you. I recommend Rentalcars.com for hiring vehicles in Montenegro. By bus – you don’t need a car for your Montenegro itinerary: there’s a decent bus network. I used BusTicket4Me to book journeys between towns, always for under €10. Day tours – companies like GetYourGuide and Viator have lots of trips and excursions from popular towns like Budva and Kotor. It’s easy to jump on these and see a lot during one day. Group tours aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but they’re a good way to meet other travellers if you’re flying solo .

Budva or Kotor?

These two destinations are very different. Booking to stay in the wrong one (by which I mean the wrong one for you based on your travel style – there’s no ‘wrong’ option!) could impact your trip considerably. So, what’s the difference between Budva vs Kotor ? Well, Kotor is more historical and charming, while Budva is more of an upmarket and relaxing holiday destination known for highrise hotels and fancy resorts. I spent most of my time in Kotor as I found it more appealing, however honeymooners and families may prefer Budva. The two popular bases are just a 30-minute drive away so it’s easy to travel between them, plus you can book all the same Montenegro excursions from either place.

The ultimate Montenegro itinerary 

The itinerary I took aims to explore as much of Montenegro as possible. So if it’s your goal to squeeze in all the sights and visit as many places as possible, follow along!

• Kotor – up to 5 nights (depending how many day trips you want to take)
• Budva – 2 nights
• Stari Bar – 2 nights.

Let’s get stuck into the details…

Days 1-5 – Kotor

Kotor is a gorgeous town with a well-preserved Old Town comprising quaint alleyways, cute cafes and authentic restaurants. When you walk outside of the old city walls, you’ll be greeted with spectacular Boka Bay. As I was visiting Montenegro without a car, it was easiest to stay in Kotor and explore the many beautiful places in Montenegro via small group tours with GetYourGuide and Viator .

Things to do in Kotor:

• Hike up St John’s Fortress – observe 1,000 years of history as you take the challenging but rewarding hike of 1,350 stairs to the best viewpoint in town. Instead of paying at the official entrance, take the Ladder of Kotor for free passing the Cheese Shop where a local family serve homemade snacks and pomegranate juice.
• Visit the quirky Cat Museum or simply meet friendly street cats around Kotor Old Town
• Maritime Museum – learn about the history of the city through stories and exhibits about ships and the sea
• Go kayaking in the bay
• Visit Saint Tryphon’s Cathedral and look over the main square from the balcony
• Walk through the Sea Gate to see authentic local life at Kotor Farmer’s Market
• Relax on Kotor Beach and take a coastal walk to relaxed Dobrota neighbourhood.

Read next: what to see & do in Kotor, Montenegro

Where to stay in Kotor

• Hostel – Old Town Kotor Hostel is easily the best budget accommodation with comfy dorm rooms with lockers, a swimming pool and daily activities from sunset BBQs and boat cruises. Check availability from €25 .
• Budget hotel – stay at Boutique Hotel Astoria for lovely, individually designed rooms just metres from the beach. Check availability from €75 .
• Midrange hotel – Hotel Monte Cristo inside a traditional Old Town building has a terrace restaurant for breakfast and large rooms with period features from €116, while Hotel Libertas has a swimming pool and ocean views from €113.
• Apartments – stay at Wine House Apartments for city centre accommodation from €35 and Apartments Babilon for the best sea views from €78.
• Browse all hostels on Hostelworld and apartments and hotels on Booking.com .

Where to eat in Kotor

On to the important stuff!

• Marinaio – delicious cheese and meat platters with a glass of wine for €10.99! The best bargain in Kotor if you ask me.
• Pizza Pronto – budget travellers will be pleased to hear about giant €3 pizza slices! Two make a decent cheap lunch or dinner.
• Cafe Mone – head here for healthy food and brunch including avo toast, salads, smoothie bowls and quality coffee.
• BBQ Tanjga – for an absolute meat feast, this local restaurant slightly out of the old town has grilled meat served with chips, salad and local dips.
• Restobar Taraca – veggies, vegans and lovers of Asian cuisine will be in their element at this cool restaurant with riverside seating.
• Cattarissimo / Marshall’s Gelato – the best places in town for dessert! Try the cream cake at Cattarissimo and the pistachio gelato at Marshall’s.

Day 1 – explore Kotor

Spend your first day settling into Kotor and ticking off some of the activities above like the Fortress hike and museums. In the summer, I’d recommend climbing the fortress either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to beat the heat. Sunset from the top is spectacular but take into consideration you’ll have to hike down as it’s getting dark.

Day trips from Kotor for days 2-5

• Durmitor National Park – the small town of Zabljak is the launching point for hiking around the famous Black Lake . Hikers may wish to spend 1-2 nights here to explore properly and take numerous hikes. If you’re more about the scenery, it’s easy to visit as a day trip via car or group tour .
• Boka Bay – the bay surrounding Kotor is easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited. The best way to explore it is by boat.
• Ostrog Monastery – this 17th-century monastery is a popular pilgrimage site following the well-renowned ‘Ostrog miracles’. More details to come…
• Tara Canyon – the largest and deepest canyon in Europe is a must for your Montenegro itinerary. One of the most popular ways to visit is by rafting through it .
• Lake Skadar National Park – this spectacular lake bordering both Montenegro and Albania is a popular place for river cruises and Insta-worthy photoshoots.
• Perast – there are few European villages more idyllic than Perast with its sea views and €5 water taxi rides across to Our Lady of the Rock floating church.
• Herceg Novi – another lakeside town past Perast with beautiful ocean views and architecture.
• Tivat – quite the contrast to Perast and Herceg Novi, this waterfront village (15 minutes from Kotor by car) is known for yachts and designer shops.
• Keep reading for some highly-rated tours visiting multiple places during the same day.

Let’s dive into these options in more detail…

Boka Bay boat cruise

The Bay of Kotor is full of wonderful surprises like caves creating brilliant blue optical illusions, a hidden wartime submarine bunker, a floating church and sublime towns nestled on its banks. Despite all this, my favourite part was the simple pleasure of jumping into the clear waters and soaking up the scenery. It’s a stunner! The best way to visit is by boat trip from Kotor. There are plenty to choose from but this 3-hour speedboat tour includes all the highlights or you can opt for a more leisurely 8-hour sailing trip .

On the banks of the bay, around a 20-minute drive from Kotor, this tiny town is nothing short of idyllic. Things to do in Perast include visiting Church of St Nicholas and Bujovic Palace and looking across the bay to Our Lady of the Rock, a church on a manmade island with a captivating legend behind it. Take a €5 boat tour from Perast if you haven’t already visited during a Boka Bay boat trip. If you’re visiting by car, you could stop in for an hour before heading to other bayside villages like Tivat and Herceg Novi. To visit by public transport, set aside half a day. The local bus costs €1.50 each way, departing at 15 mins past the hour from Kamelija shopping centre and returning from Perast beach parking area at 25 past the hour.

Fancy Tivat may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s certainly an impressive addition to any Montenegro itinerary. From yachts in the harbour to high-end stores selling Prada and Versace, it feels worlds away from historic Kotor YET it’s only a 15-minute drive. Although Tivat wasn’t a match for my backpacker’s budget, it’s worth a visit to see how the other half live, or treat yourself to grilled seafood at one of the many harbourfront restaurants. Some Boka Bay boat trips will call here so check their itineraries if you want to visit.

Herceg Novi

At the foot of Mount Orjen looking across the Bay of Kotor, Herceg Novi is another idyllic town to check out. Surrounded by mimosa trees growing pink flowers (sadly not mimosa cocktails, my initial hope) there’s even a Praznik Mimosa Festival dedicated to them. With a well-preserved Stari Grad (Old Town), it takes around an hour to drive from Kotor, passing by Perast first. This would make a beautiful road trip!

Ostrog Monastery

17th-century Ostrog Monastery is a brilliant white church that stands out against the craggy brown and orange Ostroška Gred cliffs behind it. Dedicated to St Basil of Ostrog (at the time known as the Bishop of Herzegovina), it has a reputation as a pilgrimage spot partially because of the Ostrog miracles. Intrigued? So was I. The legend goes that St Basil was influenced by God to build this monastery and selected three caves for the church and its relics. When a huge fire wreaked havoc in 1925, the two most important sections miraculously survived. By this point, the miracles were already in full swing. After St Basil was buried at the church, he started to appear to locals in dreams and seemingly heal their ailments. People soon started visiting Ostog Monastery in search of redemption, health and good fortune. Getting there: driving from Kotor takes around 2 hours. Many day trips visiting Durmitor National Park include a stop at Ostrog.

Skadar Lake National Park

The largest lake in the Balkans can be seen during either an Albania itinerary or a Montenegro one. Known for its wide array of birdlife, lilypads and scenic viewpoints, it’s an idyllic place to explore. There are two little villages, Virpazar and Vranjina, that act as launching points for boat trips . Getting there: it takes 1.5 hours to reach Skadar from Kotor by car or you can opt for a day trip that includes it . If you plan to visit Bar later in your Montenegro itinerary (keep reading to learn why you should), it only takes 45 minutes to reach the park so one idea is saving it ’til then.

Cetinje (old capital)

There’s little debate as to whether the old capital of Cetinje is more beautiful than the new capital of Podgorica. Spoiler, it is!

The small, inland town of Cetinje began life in the 15th century and became the grand capital of Montenegro in 1878. However, after WWII, the capital was moved to Podgorica and placed under communist rule with the name of Titograd (translating as Tito City referring to the Yugoslavian leader, Tito). Although Cetinge is no longer the capital, it’s a beautiful place to visit beside Lovcen National Park. It’s around an hour’s drive from Kotor and a stop on some day tour schedules .

Lovćen Mountain

At the heart of Lovcen National Park stands Lovćen Mountain offering incredible views from the top. Here you’ll also find the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, the famous Montenegrin leader and poet. If you have a car, it’s best to visit early in the morning before the tour groups arrive. I visited as part of a tour and, although it was busy, it’s a lovely spot.

Tours from Kotor

Great Montenegro tour – this is a great option to see a lot during one day. We started in Njeguši village for a local cheese and wine (champion’s!) breakfast and continued to Lovcen Mountain, the historic old capital of Cetinje, Lake Skadar (stopping at the famous viewpoint, having lunch then boarding a boat trip), finally finishing with sunset beside Sveti Stefan. It was a busy but amazing day! Book from €59 . Tour North Montenegro – visit Ostrog Monastery, Tara Canyon & Durmitor Nat Park during one day. Browse tours to Ostrog & Durmitor . Tara Canyon rafting tour – this is a fun option to experience the beauty of Tara Canyon during an adrenaline-filled day rafting down the river. A skilled guide and all your safety equipment are included. Book from €50 .

Sample Kotor itinerary

• Day 1 – enjoy Kotor town
• Day 2 – take a Boka bay boat trip
• Day 3 – visit towns around the bay such as Perast, Herceg Novi and Tivat. If visiting by public transport, just visit Perast
• Day 4 – Great Montenegro tour to Lovren, Cetinje and Lake Skadar
• Day 5 – day trip to Ostrog Monastery and Durmitor Nat Park.

Days 6-7 – Budva

Note – this could also be a day trip from Kotor If you’re pushed for time.

Another place to check out during your Montenegro itinerary is Budva. From Kotor, it’s just 30 minutes by car or 40 minutes by €2 local bus. Stay overnight to explore the beaches, walk to Sveti Stefan and enjoy the restaurants and nightlife. Things to do in Budva include :

• Explore the historic Old Town with cobbled streets and atmospheric alleyways. There are 3 characterful churches, Holy Trinity, St. Sava and St. John the Baptist, with a pleasant square between them.
• Let your hair down – after sundown, the Old Town becomes more lively with plenty of bars opening their doors.
• Enjoy the beaches. Greco is closest to town but it’s worth travelling the 3km to Becici which is much nicer. Mogren Beach is another popular spot where you can lounge on the sand or go cliff jumping… If you dare!

The final thing to do in Budva deserves its own section…

Sveti Stefan

This stunning islet on the Budva Riviera is an exclusive hotel owned by the 5* Aman Resorts. Although non-guests (AKA us peasants who can’t afford to splash out €800 a night) can’t go onto the island itself, it’s an iconic spot for photos, especially at sunset. The history of Sveti Stefan dates back to the 15th century when it was fortified to protect against invasion from the Turks. It was once home to 400 people but, after the population declined, it was repurposed as a playground for the elite (such as Sylvester Stalone and Claudia Schiffer) with a heydey in the 1970s. It fell into disrepair during the 90s but has since been restored. Recent celebrities to visit include tennis star, Novac Djokovic, who got married there in 2014. Getting there: it’s around 6km from downtown Budva. While it’s easy to get there by car, bus or taxi, a recommended activity is to walk there, soaking up the coastal views. Sunset is easily the best time to visit!

Days 8-10 – Stari Bar

The first stop on my Montenegro itinerary after crossing the border from Albania was the charming town of Stari Bar (Old Bar) near the larger coastal town of Bar. Although most people come to Montenegro for the coastline, this charming inland town is well-preserved with an ancient fortress, cobbled streets, beautiful scenery and authentic restaurants. A real hidden gem! Spending a few days here relaxing was an absolute dream after my busy 2 month Balkans itinerary! But you could also swing by as part of a road trip in just a couple of hours. There’s not loads to do in Stari Bar but that’s part of the charm. Visiting the Fortress is the main attraction (€3 entry) and the Old Olive Tree is also worth a visit, thought to be over 2,000 years old making it one of the world’s oldest! As I mentioned before, it’s easy to visit Lake Skadar as a day trip from Bar. Book your boat trip in advance . Where to eat in Stari Bar:

• Merak – this lovely cafe serves a fantastic breakfast of lokum (pancakes) with honey and jam, best served with authentic Turkish mint tea in a silver pot with sugar cubes.
• Konoba Bedem – the best place for an authentic Montenegrian dinner with sharing platters of local meat, cheese and veggies, plus seafood dishes, pasta and more.
• Restaurant Kaldrma – next door to Bedem is another lovely local restaurant with a colourful outdoor seating area serving traditional dishes and desserts.

Getting to Stari Bar: obviously you can arrive by car (1 hour 15 minutes from Kotor, 1 hour from Budva and 1 hour from Podgorica), otherwise you can arrive into Bar bus station. From here, get a taxi (€10) or a €1 local bus (the Mediteran Express) to Stari Bar.

Where to stay in Stari Bar

To be honest, the whole reason I came to Stari Bar was to stay at the Grove , a highly-rated hostel inside an old mill converted into some of the best budget accommodation I’ve ever seen! Each guest gets a double bunk bed with an orthopaedic mattress but the real treat is the garden area beside the river with hammocks, a little swimming pool and fruit trees. It’s a sociable place to stay with staff organising daily trips hiking and to waterfalls and Skadar Lake. There are also regular group dinners to local restaurants and a pizza oven in the garden. Best hostel ever! Book from €15. 2024 update – the Grove is now open as a hostel only for the summer season; book on Booking.com from €25 a night . Not a hostel person? Guest House Endi is an affordable budget hotel while Apartments Villa Bar has a beautiful pool and outdoor area. Kula Boutique is the best mid-range hotel.

Alternative stops for your Montenegro itinerary

• Ulcinj – close to the border of Albania and the banks of Lake Skadar, this beautiful Adriatic settlement dates back to the 5th century. With a predominantly Albanian population and an Ottoman feel, it blends culture, history and sublime coastline. You can explore the town in a few hours but 1-2 days is an ideal amount of time to spend should you wish to relax.
• Komovi – this spectacular mountain range is a favourite with hikers. Štavna pasture is a good base at the heart of the range with chalets to stay overnight.
• Prokletije National Park – there are few places in Europe more striking and underrated than the mountain ranges between Montenegro and Albania. Hikers and nature lovers take note!
• Piva Canyon and Piva Lake – another unbelievably beautiful lake near Durmitor National Park in Northern Montenegro measuring 45 metres in length and 200 metres in depth. It’s the perfect spot for sightseeing, photography, swimming and boat cruising.

Best season to visit Montenegro

Summer (late June-early Sept) is the most popular time to visit Montenegro , especially during school holidays. However, the weather can be almost too hot (up to 42 degrees Celcius) plus it gets very crowded. Shoulder seasons (March-early June and mid-Sept-Oct) are the perfect times to visit in my opinion with fewer crowds, milder weather and better deals on accommodation. Winter (late Oct-Feb) – is the low season with many businesses closed and temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius. However, you’ll get great bargains and have places all to yourself!

Hiring a car in Montenegro

Although I completed my Montenegro itinerary without a car, it’s certainly beneficial to have one. You may even save money when you consider the cost of taking organised day trips to out-of-town attractions. If you’re an independent traveller who hates crowds and tour groups, you will definitely want to hire a car! I would recommend Rentalcars.com for hiring vehicles in Montenegro and around the world. You can pick it up in Podgorica, Kotor, Tivat or Budva and either return it to the same location or, for a small surcharge, select a different drop-off point.

Costs of visiting Montenegro

Montenegro is geographically located between Croatia and Albania/Bosnia & Herzegovina and the costs match this. Even the most population destinations are far cheaper than Split and Dubrovnik but I personally found it expensive after getting used to paying €5 for dinner in the other, cheaper Balkan countries! Some average prices are:

• Meal and drink in a restaurant – €12-20
• Bed in a hostel dorm – €15-25
• Budget hotel – €50+
• Local intercity bus ticket – €1
• Bus in between cities – €5-10.

Is Montenegro worth visiting? Absolutely! Montenegro is one of the most underrated countries in Europe, in my opinion, along with Albania. I’d advise you to plan a trip sooner rather than later.

Is it worth visiting Podgorica? The capital gets a bad rep and to be honest, it’s justified. Podgorica isn’t very pretty or exciting so I’d say you can miss it. However, if the cheapest way to arrive in Montenegro is to fly into Podgorica airport, it’s not so bad. Spend a day and move on.

Where’s the best place to fly into? Podgorica is usually the cheapest option but Tivat also has a small airport close to popular tourist locations like Kotor and Budva.

How many days do you need in Montenegro? I would say you need at least 5 days in Montenegro but you could easily spend up to 2 weeks enjoying the various destinations without getting bored. I spent around 10 days in Montenegro.

Thanks for reading!

Check out all my Balkans blogs including my Balkans itinerary .

Serbia: Things to do in Belgrade, Serbia | Is Belgrade worth visiting? Kosovo: What to do in Pristina, Kosovo Albania: The ultimate Albania itinerary | Things to do in Tirana, Albania | Theth hiking guide North Macedonia: Attractions in Skopje, North Macedonia Romania: 2 week Romania itinerary | What to do in Brasov, Romania | Things to do in Timisoara, Romania | hidden gems in Bucharest | Romania travel tips Bulgaria: 2 days in Sofia, Bulgaria | Hiking Rila Lakes in Bulgaria | Visiting Rila Monastery, Bulgaria

Slovenia: The perfect Slovenia itinerary | Things to see and do in Ljubljana | wine tasting in Ljubljana | the best restaurants in Ljubljana Croatia: 7 day Croatia itinerary | Things to do in Split | Split day trips | Split restaurants | Split coffee | Krka falls from Split day trip | What to do in Trogir | Things to do in Dubrovnik | Lokrum island guide | Croatia solo travel | What to do in Zagreb | Zagreb cafes | Plitvice day trip from Zagreb | Zagreb street art | things to do in Zadar | Pag island | Dugi Otok Island Bosnia & Herzegovina: Things to do in Mostar | The top attractions in Sarajevo | Reasons to visit Sarajevo

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING MONTENEGRO Getting there by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Driving in Europe – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in European countries (and all around the world). For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

2 thoughts on “ EPIC Montenegro Itinerary For 5-10 Days (No Car Needed!) ”

What a wonderfully written blog! My wife & I made a last minute plan to travel to Montenegro from London a couple of days ago & we’re flying in a day’s time. I didn’t know where to start with my itinerary but this article has really helpful me to plan my travel so thank you very much!

The only question that I still have is around getting to Kotor from Podgorica airport. I was planning to take the bus but considering I’ll have a luggage (appx. 20 kgs) & my wife (I don’t have to carry her fortunately ;)), I’m not certain if I’ll be able to drag it to the bus station considering it’s a 1 km away. I’m considering hiring a taxi but I’m not certain which taxi service to use, if I’ll be able to book one on the airport as I don’t want to get on the street & be scammed by a taxi company right away. Please do inform if I should get a taxi or a bus & if it’s the former which service to book & from where? Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Regards, Rohit

Hey Rohit, thanks for reading and commenting! Sorry, I haven’t done this journey myself. I’m sure either will be ok, you may just pay a tiny bit more than they’d charge a local but at least it’s not a long journey.

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The Best of the Balkans: Ultimate Itinerary for 10 days in Montenegro & Albania

Published by joanne on october 4, 2023 october 4, 2023.

Having explored many of the tried-and-true countries in Europe ( Spain , France   and Italy I’m talking to you!), we decided to break into new territory for our first post-covid European vacation: Montenegro and Albania were calling! We were celebrating our 25 th wedding anniversary so instead of a ten day vacation, we took a little over two weeks and added Corfu, Greece as well. While we definitely could have stayed longer, our 10 days in Montenegro and Albania were perfect!

Montenegro and Albania are just now making it on mainstream tourist itineraries. In 5 years, I bet they’ll be as popular as their northern neighbour Croatia. Now is the time to get hopping and visit these unexplored beauties before they’re overcome with hoards of tourists.

Having only 10 days in Montenegro and Albania we just barely scratched the surface of everything these incredible countries have to offer.  It was definitely fast paced as we wanted to fit in as much as we could but our 10 days in the Balkans were unforgettable. I’m so proud of the kids for keeping in such great spirits as we hopped from destination to destination. They enjoyed the fast pace as much as we did.

Why visit Montenegro and Albania?

Unless you’re visiting Kotor on a cruise ship day, Montenegro and Albania are quiet and peaceful locations with very few tourists.

Cheap Prices

Travelling as a family of five, we often have sticker shock when the price of hotels, guides and food get added up. This is absolutely not the case for our 10 days in Montenegro and Albania.

We slept in six different places during our 10 days in the Balkans and most of them were half or even quarter the price of accommodation in other European destinations. It isn’t easy travelling as a family of five, especially when the two boys are over 6ft tall. Accommodations that can sleep five are few and far between. In fact, in Montenegro and Albania, the accommodations were so reasonably priced that having two rooms was easy; we were able to get rooms for less than 100 euros each!

We booked several guides during our 10 days in Montenegro and Albania and they were honestly some of the best private guides we’ve ever had. Being able to pay 200 euros for a one day private tour of the Bay of Kotor and 50 euros for 4 hour long walking tours of Berat or Gjirokaster in Albania was incredible.

Amazing food

The local cuisine in Montenegro and Albania is simply fantastic. From byreks (stuffed phylo pastry) and black risotto to the most amazing seafood, everything was delicious and incredibly inexpensive.

Incredible Beauty

Both Montenegro and Albania are stunning. Whether you’re seeking mountain peaks, coastal seascapes, or classic historical architecture of the old town, Montenegro and Albania have it all.

*Disclaimer: Some links in this article are affiliate links. If you purchase products or services through these links, we may earn a small commission. But don’t worry, this will never cost you any extra. As always, all views and thoughts are our own.

How to get around during your 10 days in Montenegro and Albania

You have several options for getting around. Neither country has strong public transportation or train service so you can either take the bus, rent a car, or hire a driver.  We didn’t want to drive everywhere so while we rented a car for our last few days in Albania, we opted to have a driver for most of our 10 days. Private drivers are inexpensive in both countries and it was really nice to be able to enjoy the incredible views.

If you’re looking for a driver/guide in Montenegro we highly recommend contacting M Tours . Mladen was a great help when we were planning our trip and our driver Milos was a joy to travel with. We learned so much about the past and present of Montenegro from him and he got along incredibly well with the kids. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to you and your families.

The Weather in Montenegro and Albania

We visited in July and it was astonishingly hot. We had several days of temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius so if you visit in summer, be prepared for hot temperatures. We were fortunate and didn’t have any rain at all.

The normal temperatures in Montenegro are from 25-30°C in summer, 10 – 15°C in autumn and spring, and 5-10 °C in winter. Albania differs slightly with temperatures averaging 10-20 °C in spring and autumn and 18-32 °C in summer. The average temperatures in the mountain areas of Albania do drop significantly lower all year round with winter averaging between -2 and 5 °C.

Precipitation varies dramatically throughout the year with the wettest months being November and December in both Albania and Montenegro.

What to pack for your 10 days in Montenegro and Albania

Not having travelled to Europe is several years, I really wanted to update most of my ‘travel’ clothing. We usually visit Europe in summer and I love to wear dresses and skirts. They’re always appropriate wherever you visit and they’re cool and light. We also needed to update our electronics such as a travel adapter with a USB-C outlet, automated selfie stick (yeh, I know, but otherwise I’m not in any photos!), etc. I plan to do a full post on all my favourite items but as a small taste, here are some of my favourite outfits and must have travel items from this particular trip.

        My favourite outfits for Albania and Montenegro

Summer Casual Flutter Short Sleeve Smocked Tiered Midi Dress

Boho Long Skirt Split Ruffle High Low Maxi Skirt

Short Sleeve Ruched T Shirt Dress Tie Waist Summer Mini Dresses

Su mmer Casual Short Sleeve V-Neck  Dress with Pockets

Long Boho - Bohemian Maxi Summer Skirt

Skechers Women's Bobs B Cute Sneaker

        A Few of Our Must Have Travel Accessories

Portable Charger with Built in Cables

Digital Luggage Weight Scale

Portable Cordless USB Charger for Apple Watch

All in One Worldwide Travel Adapter

Airfly Pro 

Extendable 3 in 1 Aluminum Selfie Stick with Bluetooth Remote and Tripod Stand

If you want to check out more, visit our Amazon store

10 Day Itinerary for Albania and Montenegro

While you won’t be able to see everything during your 10 days in Montenegro and Albania, you will get a wonderful taste of each of these beautiful Balkan countries.

For more detailed information on our 10 day itinerary, check out our posts on 5 days in Montenegro and 5 days in Albania .

   Brief Summary of Montenegro and Albania 10 day itinerary

Days 1-4: Kotor, Montenegro

Day 5: Budva, Montenegro

Day 6: Kruje, Albania

Day 7: Berat, Albania

Day 8: Himare, Albania

Day 9-10: Sarande and Gjirokaster, Albania

Day 1: Your Arrival in Montenegro

There are several options when choosing flights to Montenegro. The country has two international airports: one in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, and one in Tivat, a short distance from Kotor. Many also choose to fly to Dubrovnik since it’s less than 100 kilometres from Kotor.  

If starting in Kotor, as we suggest, Tivat will be your best arrival point. If planning to start your visit in the Durmitor National Park area, it will be best to fly into Podgorica.

Spend some time settling in to your apartment or hotel. Drop in to Old Town Kotor in time for dinner and have an early evening.

Day 2: Day trip around the Bay of Kotor

After a nice night sleep and breakfast, it’s time to get out and enjoy a day around the Bay of Kotor with your rental car or with a driver.

The Bay of Kotor is breathtaking Thanks to a short ferry service, it’s easy to travel around the entire bay and we highly recommend that you do. Leave Kotor and head toward Prcanj and explore the villages along the coast as you head toward the car ferry in Lepetani. The ferry is only 20 minutes long and has nice views of the bay.

Once on the other side, head towards Herceg Novi, stopping first at the Savina Monastery on the hill. Afterward, visit the hilly town of Herceg Novi. It's definitely one of the best places to visit in Montenegro. We suggest starting at the top and working your way down the stairs to the Pet Danica Walkway along the coast. Continue to Risan, home of incredible Roman mosaics, and Perast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and perhaps one of the most popular sights in Montenegro. By visiting late in the afternoon, you can avoid the cruise ship guests that most often visit in the morning. Make sure to take one of the small boats to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks.

After returning to Kotor, head to Old Town and wander until dinner. Enjoy the evening lights of the fortress on the hill as you return to your hotel.

For more information on places to visit around the bay, check out our upcoming post on our daytrip around the Bay of Kotor.

Day 3: The Grand Montenegro Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Montenegro it won’t take long before you read about the Grand Montenegro Tour . Almost every tour company offers it either as a private or group tour. We decided to tweak it a little and remove the boat tour around Skadar Lake but you may decide otherwise.

Birds eye view of the Bay of Kotor from the serpentine roads

The day was amazing as we tackled the serpentine road, enjoyed breakfast in Njegusi, visited the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos in Loven National Park, explored the former capital of Montenegro, Cetinje, all before lunch! Make sure to stop for magnificent views over Lake Skadar before continuing your day.

Mausoleum of Njegoš

There are so many options for late afternoon. You can choose to do a two hour boat ride around Lake Skadar, which is usually part of the  Grand Montenegro Tour, or, you can wander off the beaten path and visit a winery or Sveti Stefan or even further south to an old pirate haven, Ulcinj.

Rijeka Crnojevića Bridge

Day 4: Boat Ride of the Bay of Kotor and exploring Old Town Kotor

Taking a boat ride around the Bay of Kotor is a very popular daytrip. Depending on your budget, you can book a group tour or private tour that can last anywhere from 2 hours to 8 hours. We found that four hours was the perfect choice as it allowed plenty of time to make a few stops that weren’t available on your earlier daytrip around the bay.

Mamut Island Kotor

Rose, Montenegro

We recommend visiting the ex submarine tunnel, tour around Marmota Island, visit the luxury yachts at Porto Montenegro and go swimming at the Blue Hole. You can even stop for lunch at a small village such as Rose!

Spend your afternoon climbing to the Kotor fortress or shopping for souvenirs in Old Town Kotor.

Day 5: Travel to and Explore the Old Town of Budva

While you could visit Budva as a daytrip from Kotor, we recommend spending a night. There is so much to do that two hours simply isn’t enough and it’s en route to Albania so you won’t be backtracking.

Even though Budva is known for its party atmosphere, that doesn’t seem to enter its charming old town which is smaller than that of Kotor and much easier to explore without getting lost. After a nice lunch (like all of Montenegro, the seafood is amazing!), visit the old town churches, the Citadella and make sure to check out the incredible views from the city walls. Consider heading to one of the nearby beaches even if just to visit Budva’s famous dancing girl or hop on a bus to explore the beautiful Sveti Stefan.

Day 6: From Budva to Kruje Albania

If you haven’t visited Sveti Stefan yet, this is your last chance so don’t miss it! This stunning outcropping of land was once a small village until taken over by a, now closed, hotel for the rich and famous. It’s a beautiful spot for photos and to wander the beach. For an even more impressive view, take a short visit up the hill to St. Sava Church before continuing on your way for your next 5 days in Albania.

The roads from Budva to Kruje are very good and the drive to Kruje is about three hours, depending on the border crossing.

You’ll likely be hungry on arrival so after checking in, grab a quick lunch and explore the souk (market). The Kruje souk is said to be one of the most authentic in Albania. We had a wonderful time chatting with the grand daughter of a woman who makes silver filagree jewellery and Albania rugs.

The road through the souk leads to the Kruje castle grounds where you’ll enjoy the rest of your day. Visit the Skanderbeg museum and the ethnographic museum, then have a wonderful dinner at one of the delicious restaurants on the castle grounds.

Day 7: Kruje souk and Berat

Staying overnight in Kruje means that you can enjoy time exploring the souk area before tourists arrive on daytrips from Tirana.   The trip from Kruje to Berat is only two hours so there is plenty of time before you need to leave in order to arrive in Berat by lunch time.

Depending on whether you get lost looking for your hotel, you should be ready for your prebooked walking tour with the Berat Tourism Office. Spend the next several hours exploring everything this wonderful medieval town has to offer: the picturesque mosques, the incredible castle area and of course, the amazing town itself … it isn’t hard to understand why Berat is known as the town of a thousand windows.

Day 8: Berat to Himare

It’s about time for some stupendous sea views and beach time on the Albanian Riviera. We recommend spending your first night in Himare because it isn’t near as busy as Sarande and surrounding areas.

The route from Berat to Himare is not for the feint of heart. The roads are fairly good but they are twisty and many people don’t actually adhere to the rules of the road. While you could rent a car, we really recommend hiring a driver for at least this part of your trip.

Break up the long drive with a few stops. Consider stopping at the roman city of Apollonia, visiting St. Mary’s Monastery on Zvernec island and/or stopping to enjoy the views on the Llogora Pass.

Zvernec Monastery

Archaeological Museum of Apollonia

On arrival in Himare, check in and either explore the Himare castle on the hill, or, if you’re ready for some downtime, grab a chair on the beach and enjoy listening to the waves. There are a number of beaches in or near the town and some are busier than others. We stayed at a small hotel across the road from Prinos Beach and loved the location. Whichever you choose, wander into Himare town itself for dinner. There are a number of really good options.

Day 9: Sarande

While Himare may be a much nicer area than Sarande, it isn’t near as conveniently located. Consider renting a car for the next day as the driving is fairly easy and we found it hard to find private drivers for a reasonable price here. It also gives you some flexibility over booking group tours.

On your way to Sarande, stop at Porto Palermo. Visit the castle of Ali Pasha and see the World War II submarine tunnels. Drop your luggage at your hotel and head directly to the ancient city of Butrint, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’ll be honest, my family crashed on arrival in Sarande so we decided to have a nap and skip Butrint. It’s blasphemy to say that but sometimes, you just have to do what works for your family. I definitely regret not seeing Butrint and the beaches of Ksamil but it’s a great reason to return.

Have a wonderful dinner, try Haxhi , and wander the boardwalk in Sarande.

Day 10: Gjirokaster

After breakfast, you have a few choices. You could visit Butrint if you didn’t yesterday or you could hop in the car and drive less than two hours to the medieval village of Gjirokaster.

If you visit Gjirokaster,  try to pre-book a walking tour with the Gjirokaster tourist office. At the time of our visit it was only 50 euros for several hours and well worth it. Wander the Old Town and bazaar, visit the Castle of Gjirokaster, explore the castle grounds, and enjoy at least one of the historic homes.

Once back in Sarande, return the rental car and enjoy your last night in Albania. Maybe take advantage of the jumping ledge just off the Sarande city beach and go for a quick swim before dinner!

Final thoughts on our 10 days in Montenegro and Albania

If you have more time, check out our more detailed posts in our Montenegro Travel Guide and our Albania Travel Itinerary for other places to visit in each country. Also consider adding on to your 10 days in Montenegro and Albania by taking the morning ferry and visit Corfu as its quite easy to fly in to Montenegro and fly out of Corfu. In fact, Corfu airport is much closer to Sarande than the international airport in Tirana.

Have you visited Albania or Montenegro? What was your favourite place? Let us know in the comments below.

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Hi! I'm Joanne. I'm a Canadian mom of three wonderful kids who love hockey, swimming, cheerleading and, of course, travel.

Montenegro Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know for your Best Holiday - Sunsets and Roller Coasters · October 20, 2023 at 3:41 pm

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Montenegro travel guide: everything you need to know for your best holiday.

Last summer John and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We thought of taking a trip on our own, which we’ve never done, but couldn’t imagine celebrating without the kids. Instead, we planned a longer Read more…

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10 day Montenegro road trip itinerary

Every year Montenegro is becoming more and more popular as a road trip destination. Known as the country where the “mountains meet the sea” , Montenegro is truly a country that offers everything. If you want epic road trip views, lots of unique places to visit, and great camping spots, then Montenegro should be top of the list for your next road trip destination !

Below I take you through an epic 10 day Montenegro road trip itinerary that will allow you to see the highlights that this wonderful country has to offer.

Day 1: Herceg Novi

This Montenegro road trip itinerary starts in the beautiful, historic old town of Herceg Novi. This beautiful coastal town has lots to offer. Start your day by climbing up the Mare Fortress. In the summer months, you can climb to the top for a small fee and you’ll be greeted with a fantastic panorama of the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Sea.

Afterward, make sure you visit the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, which feel much more authentic and quaint than the more popular Old towns of Kotor and Budva.

Due to limited parking within the center, it’s a good idea to park outside and hop on the bus into the town itself.

Days 2 & 3: The Bay of Kotor

This is probably the most famous site in all of Montenegro, and it’s no surprise why. The Bay of Kotor is every bit as beautiful in reality as you see in the photos. The famous old town is protected by a wall, so you can park outside at one of the various public parking lots and take a short walk on foot.

Once you enter you’ll be amazed by the beauty and charm the old town has to offer. Grab a bite to eat, or a coffee and ice cream, then get ready to climb the Kotor Fortress. This is a very steep climb upwards, which will take you around 1 hour, but the views are totally worth it.

If you wish, Kotor is a great base to grab a boat tour to other areas on the Adriatic coast such as The Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave.

Days 4 & 5: Lovcen National Park

After spending a couple of nights at Kotor, you can spend the next day exploring the beautiful Lovcen National Park . The drive up here isn’t for the faint of heart. This drive is known as the Serpentine road and is complete with 25 numbered switchbacks. But it’s truly one of the most beautiful drives in all of Europe. The views get better and better as you climb.

You should definitely stop at the Horizon Restaurant at the top for a drink with one of the most epic views in all of Montenegro.

Once at the top, don’t forget to explore the Njegos Mausoleum which sits on top of Mount Lovcen, Lovćen’s second-highest peak.

Day 5 & 6: It’s time to head to Montenegro’s Riviera – Budva

If you’re eager to see those beautiful famous blue waters Montenegro has to offer then the Budva Riviera will not disappoint. Budva itself is a charming town, which also has a special walled old town offering lots of great shops, restaurants, and cafes.

If you like to see fancy yachts and boats, then this is the place to do so, the water is lined with beautiful boats and it’s possible to take boat tours to nearby “Hawaii Island”. Other beautiful beaches in the area that are worth visiting include Jaz Beach and Mogren Beach.

Day 7: Visit a winery

Montenegro has fantastic wineries and high-quality wine. It’s also possible to stay at wineries for the night, and as you can imagine, the drive to them, and the surrounding views are spectacular. One highly recommend winery is Winery Masanovic which is close to the famous Skadar Lake.

Days 8 & 9: Visit Skadar Lake

There are lots of things to see and do on Skadar Lake and the surrounding areas. There is a wide range of various viewpoints of the lake, but one of the most popular is the Pavlova Strana Viewpoint. The views here are fantastic, but be careful when driving as the road can get very busy. It’s better to go earlier in the morning, or later in the evening to avoid a build-up of traffic.

Another highly recommended activity for your Montenegro road trip itinerary is to take a sunset cruise on the lake itself. You’ll find lots of people offering these cruises, or if you’re staying in accommodation near the lake, then your host will be able to organize it. The sunset views on this lake are breathtaking and it will be a lasting memory of your time in Montenegro.

It’s also possible to swim and kayak in the lake too, and lots of people like to relax at the beaches that surround the lake. Take a few days to immerse yourself in the nature and beauty of this part of Montenegro.

Day 10: Head to Bar or Podgorica

Depending on your preferences, on the last day of your Montenegro road trip itinerary, you can either head back to the coast and visit the beautiful coastal town of Bar to relax on the beach and grab a cocktail, or you can visit the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica for some shopping and great food!

Tips for driving in Montenegro

1. most drivers will need to buy insurance at the border.

If you’re renting from a car rental agency to enjoy your Montenegro road trip, then it’s likely that insurance will already be included. But, if you’re driving in from Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, or Albania, then you’ll need to buy insurance at the border.

It’s very easy to do as there are insurance booths just after border control where you can buy temporary insurance for your time in Montenegro.

The cost varies, for example, the cost for 2 weeks in a campervan is €77, but a car would be cheaper.

2. Dipped headlights are required

Use dipped headlights during the daytime all year round and on all roads.

3. You can take a car ferry to avoid traffic

As mentioned above, Kotor is probably the most popular place in Montenegro. Therefore, in summer, the whole area becomes super busy with campers, buses, and cars. So between the villages of Kamenari and Lepetane, you can hop on the car ferry which will save you about 30km in driving (via Kotor, Perast, and Risan) if you drive from Herceg Novi to Budva or vice versa.

If you choose to drive (because this is a Montenegro road trip, after all!), the journey by road takes around 45 minutes, and it can be longer if there is a traffic buildup.

When is the best time to road trip Montenegro?

If you want to escape the crowds, then it’s better to plan a Montenegro road trip in the shoulder months of the peak season which runs from June to August. The next best option is going in the months of May and September, to enjoy very pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

Montenegro also makes a good choice for a winter road trip because the average winter temperatures on the Montenegro coast are around 10°C which is still a very pleasant temperature for sightseeing the old towns and beaches.

So there we have it, my 10 day Montenegro road trip itinerary! This Montenegro itinerary will definitely take you through all the highlights Montenegro has to offer, but I have a feeling that once you visit, you’ll definitely find yourself wanting to return in the future!

Tours to discover the best of Montenegro

About the author.

Cazzy Magennis is a type 1 diabetic who has been traveling the world for the last 5 years, and now she is on a mission to drive around the world in her self-converted campervan with her partner Bradley!

You too can become a guest blogger on The Travel Bunny. Just submit a free guest post .

Planning your Montenegro road trip itinerary? Read these travel articles: Travel to Montenegro’s seaside & see its hidden gems Travel to Kotor Bay: Amazing views & cool hideouts Balkans travel : The ultimate Balkans travel bucket list

Wander-Lush

Montenegro Road Trip: The Perfect One Week Itinerary

Glorious mountains, Venetian old towns and one of the most sublime stretches of coastline in the Balkans – Montenegro is a great place for a road trip . This one week Montenegro road trip itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the best of the country in 7-10 days.

Boka Kotorska. Don’t you just love how that sounds? It’s the local name for the Bay of Kotor, a stunning landscape of winding coves, sandy inlets and deep-water harbours on the country’s northern Adriatic coast.

The area has been inhabited since antiquity (most famously by the Venetians) and was a popular holiday spot when Montenegro was part of Yugoslavia. Like in neighbouring Croatia , relics of forgotten holiday resorts are strewn up and down the shoreline.

The roads around the bay are well-worn but they definitely don’t see as much activity as they once did. However, tourism – especially cruise ship tourism – is starting to take off in Montenegro again.

These days, it really helps to have a car so you can get off the beaten path in Montenegro – and away from those menacing liners. My biggest tip to other travellers planning a visit to Montenegro is to hire a car and explore on your own terms.

With your own wheels, you can escape the bright lights of Tivat and Budva and get into some of the smaller cities and villages around the bay. A car will give you access to the monasteries and national parks high in the mountains above the sea – and an opportunity to experience one of the craziest switchback roads in the world, the Kotor Serpentine. (Just don’t do what we did and get stuck up there in the dark!)

Based on our own one week road trip around Montenegro, this itinerary will help you see some of the country’s most magical landscapes and interesting towns in a short period.

Before I go on, I’d like to thank Rhino Car Hire , who sponsored our rental car in Montenegro. Our experience with Rhino and Green Motion (our agent in Podgorica) was faultless, so I’m more than happy to recommend both. As always, all opinions expressed here are my own.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Searching for affordable car hire in Montenegro?

I recommend using Local Rent to hire from a local agent. Prices start from just 15€/day.

About this Montenegro road trip itinerary

There are lots of different driving routes you can take in Montenegro. With so much natural beauty on your doorstep, it’s hard to go wrong. When planning our itinerary, we focused on a logical course that would involve minimal time in the car (I did 100% of the driving) while still allowing us to see as much as possible.

Our road trip itinerary is a simple loop, starting and ending in Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital city. We travelled a total distance of roughly 500km (300 miles) and I spent approximately 10 hours behind the wheel.

Our one week Montenegro itinerary follows a pretty relaxed pace, including two two-night stays. This gives you the option of taking a day or two completely off from driving if you find you need a break.

Some of Montenegro’s best scenery lies between the hot spots of Kotor and Durmitor. Because we decided to hire our car in Podgorica instead of Kotor or Tivat, we were able to see Lake Skadar , the largest lake in the Balkans and one of the oldest in Europe, parts of the southern coast and Ostrog Monastery as well.

I really enjoyed driving through the interior part of Montenegro , an area a lot of tourists tend to skip.

Our itinerary includes a half-day trip to Lovcen National Park , but you’ll notice we didn’t make it all the way to Durmitor. This was never our plan – we were travelling at the end of winter and it simply wasn’t the right time of year to be hiking (or navigating icy mountain roads). And to be honest, we had already sent all our winter gear home!

Speaking of weather… We had absolutely rubbish conditions for the first half of our road trip. I can laugh about it now, but at the time there were definitely some tears! There’s nothing I hate more than driving in the fog and rain, especially on unfamiliar roads. Montenegro is extremely wet during spring and stormy in summer in the mountains, so be prepared for anything.

My advice is to always have a back-up plan in case you encounter inclement weather . Luckily, Montenegro is small enough that you can detour from your original route without too much fuss. We had originally planned to visit Lovcen on the first day of the trip but had to push it back after a storm blew in. We were never more than a 2-3 hour drive away, so we were able to double back as soon as the weather improved.

One week in Montenegro itinerary: Our Montenegro road trip route

• Day 1: Podgorica to Lake Skadar via Cetinj – overnight in Rijeka Crnojevica
• Day 2: Lake Skadar, Petrovac & Sveti Stefan – overnight in Sveti Stefan
• Day 3: Sveti Stefan, Budva & Lovcen National Park – overnight in Sveti Stefan
• Day 4: Sveti Stefan to Kotor – overnight in Kotor
• Day 5: Kotor to Perast – overnight in Perast
• Day 6: Perast & Risan – overnight in Perast
• Day 7: Perast to Podgorica via Niksic & Ostrog Monastery – overnight in Podgorica
• Days 8-10+ (optional): Durmitor National Park or Bar & Ulcinj

7 day Montenegro itinerary map

Click here to open & save my interactive Montenegro Road Trip Map in Google Maps.

What would I change?

The itinerary I’m presenting here is for 7 days. However, our road trip actually lasted for 8 days. We spent our final night and an extra day in Herceg Novi, a larger city located at the very northern tip of the Bay, close to the Bosnian border.

Maybe it’s because it was the end of the trip – or because I had a migraine from the moment we arrived – but Herceg Novi just didn’t click with me. To get there from Perast, we had to do the longest single stint of driving for the whole trip, only to have to double back on ourselves the next morning to get to Podgorica.

For me, Herceg Novi is just too far out of the way to justify a visit – on this itinerary anyway.

Another thing our itinerary is missing is the drive from Podgorica to the coast via Skadar Lake. The land bridge over the lake (part of the E80 highway) is one of the most scenic stretches of road in the Balkans. The road runs parallel to the tracks the famous Belgrade to Bar train takes.

I left this out because I knew we were coming back to ride the train from Podgorica to Bar later in our trip. If the train doesn’t factor into your plans, you might like to re-route on day 1 so that you can drive over the lake.

Where to stay during your Montenegro road trip

When planning your road trip, you have to be somewhat strategic about where you choose to overnight. Obviously you need a place with parking – but not all hotels or guesthouses offer a space on site. We found much better options for our price point ($30-$50/night) on Airbnb.

In bigger, busier places on the bay such as Kotor and Budva, it’s very difficult to drive in and get a street park if you’re visiting for the day. I much prefer to stay in smaller towns, but a dedicated hotel parking spot in Kotor/Budva is worth its weight in gold.

We stayed in Rijeka, Sveti Stefan, Kotor and Perast during our Montenegro road trip. This gave us a good mix of bigger and smaller towns , and allowed us to split the driving into manageable chunks. We started and ended our road trip in Podgorica, so we also spent a couple of nights in the capital.

Podgorica: Montenegro Hostel B&B has an unbeatable location in the heart of the Old Town. Doubles with shared bathrooms and dorm rooms are available, all for a very reasonable nightly rate. For something more upmarket, Hotel Hemera is well-positioned and features a lovely outdoor terrace as well as designer-finished rooms.

Rijeka Crnojevica: There’s only one place you should stay in Rijeka, and that’s Konak Perjanik. This historic stone house is built into the old bridge (the Prince used to sleep here on his visits), giving you wonderful views of the river from a small terrace. The owners, Ljudmila and her husband, are helpful and cook up a mean breakfast.

Update: Unfortunately Konak Perjanik is currently closed (temporarily or permanently, I’m not sure). Apartman Jovicevic Pavle is a good alternative, with free parking onsite.

Sveti Stefan: We chose Apartments Lazar in Sveti Stefan. The self-contained apartment absolutely huge , with two bedrooms, a terrace, a full kitchen, and on-site parking.

Kotor: In Kotor, we stayed in this petite but comfortable studio just outside the old town. Nancy is an amazing host and even jumped in our car to help us navigate the narrow streets around her place. Balkans experts Allison and Stephanie over at Sofia Adventures suggest staying in the nearby town of Prcanj to avoid driving in Kotor, which is honestly a bit of a nightmare. Here are their Kotor accommodation recs.

Perast: Perast is my favourite place on the bay (you’ll find out why soon enough). It’s small, but there are loads of pension -style guesthouses in the hills above the water. We stayed in a small but sufficient apartment at Apartments Jovanovic . The owners are lovely, there’s ample parking on site, and everything of note is within walking distance.

If you can afford it, Conte Hotel on the waterfront is the best boutique accommodation in town and probably the nicest hotel on the whole bay.

Hiring a car in Montenegro

I highly recommend using the Local Rent website to find a budget-friendly rental from a local agent. Local Rent offers very flexible terms, low deposits, great customer service, and minimal additional fees.

Local Rent offers pick-up/drop-off from more than 25 different locations around Montenegro, including the international airports in Podgorica and Tivat. This gives you complete flexibility to start and finish your trip wherever you want.

Unfortunately, they don’t operate in Croatia , so if you’re flying into Dubrovnik Airport you’re better off renting through a different agent. I suggest using Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deal. Remember to do your research and have your documents in order if you plan on making a border crossing in a rental car.

Browse Local Rent’s 1100+ offerings here – prices start from just 15€ per day.

Tips for driving in Montenegro

For the most part, driving in Montenegro is pretty straightforward. The highways are good, there are very few tolls, and distances are short. There are, however, some strange quirks and learning curves you have to get to grips with. It really helps to familiarise yourself with local rules (and the local driving style) before you jump in the car.

There’s a lot to say on this topic, so I’ve written a separate post with all my Montenegro driving and rental car tips .

Check out my Montenegro road trip video!

To inspire you to visit, we put together this short clip of our Montenegro road trip.

Montenegro road trip itinerary: Day by day

Here is a full day-by-day breakdown of our trip, including things to do in each location, driving distances, where to park your car, and recommended driving routes.

Day 1: Podgorica to Lake Skadar via Cetinj

• Distance covered: 62 km / 39 miles
• Total drive time: 1.25 hours
• Recommended route: M2.3

After picking up our hire car in Podgorica, we started driving south-west. Our first destination for the day was Cetinj, Montenegro’s old capital. By the end of the night we would find ourselves on the shore of the spectacular Lake Skadar , wrapped up in a blanket inside a homestay in the little village of Rijeka.

When you collect your car, the first thing you should do is figure out how the headlights work. Montenegro law says your headlamps should be on (dim) at all times. There is a tunnel between Podgorica and Cetinj, so you need to know how to work the lights properly right from the get go.

The airport area is pretty quiet and easy to get out of. The first leg of the drive is very tame , just a few roundabouts but otherwise a straight shot to Cetinj.

Cetinj, the Old Royal Capital and Montenegro’s dual capital city, is a pleasant little place with a country town vibe. Its Historic Core made it onto UNESCO’s tentative list in 2010 for its architectural and historic value. Cetinj’s quiet streets are filled with interesting architecture, including a few former embassy buildings and an old palace.

The main attraction is Cetinj Monastery, a Serbian Orthodox Monastery that was founded in 1484. It houses several important relics and icons, and is a popular religious pilgrimage site for families in Podgorica.

Allocate about 90 minutes in Cetinj to see the main sights and grab a coffee, more if you want to visit either of the museums.

Things to do in Cetinj

• Cetinj Monastery. A few of the grottoes and chapels are open to the public. Entrance is free, and visitors should dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees).
• Castle Church. A petite Orthodox church located opposite the monastery.
• National Museum of Montenegro. The country’s main museum is located in Cetinj. Exhibits trace Montenegro’s history from prehistoric times up until the dissolution of Yugoslavia.
• Billiard Palace. One of Cetinj’s most famous landmarks, the former residence of prince Petar II Petrovic Njegos was built in 1838 and housed Montenegro’s first pool table. A small exhibition of the prince’s personal affects costs $3 to view.
• Grab a coffee from one of the outdoor cafes on the main street.
• Visit the former Embassy of France . The 1910 facade is covered with striking green and opal-coloured tiles.
• Wander down Njegoseva , Cetinj’s main pedestrianised street, and admire the old houses (particularly Djukanovic Palace) and community street art murals.

Where to park your car in Cetinj

Parking in Cetinj is plentiful and mostly free. We parked in a marked bay behind French Embassy. There is also a designated carpark at the bottom of Njegoseva (search ‘Trg Umjetnika’ on Google Maps).

Where to eat near Cetinj

We had a memorable lunch at National Restaurant Belveder , which is located just 7 minutes’ drive from Cetinj towards Lake Skadar. Lamb is the specialty at this home-style taverna. There’s a cosy fireplace inside, and when the weather is nice, an outdoor dining terrace affords spectacular views of the mountains and valley. More info and reviews here .

Rijeka Crnojevica (for Lake Skadar)

Rijeka was our wildcard on this itinerary. As it turns out, we *accidentally* booked the most charming homestay in all of Montenegro and had a fabulous time learning about this tiny town’s royal history over shots of rakija with our hosts.

Rijeka is located at the very western tip of Lake Skadar and is a gateway to the lake’s marshy wetlands. The riverbank is dotted with stone houses built by Prince Danilo (Prince of Montenegro from 1851 to 1860). A long stone marketplace was also erected on the orders of the prince and housed craft workshops on its top level. In its heyday, Rijeka’s artisans were known for their embroidery and leatherwork, and the town attracted traders from across Montenegro and Albania .

Rijeka has seen better days for sure – things started going downhill after the local fish factory closed. The school, which used to have 800 pupils, now has only 6 students. But there’s something very charming and ‘undiscovered’ about this place. We were the only tourists in town when we visited, but I expect it’s a bit livelier in the summer, when the riverfront cafes open up, and skippers lead boat trips and kayaking expeditions on the lake.

Things to do in Rijeka

• Mostina. Rijeka’s old stone bridge, built by Prince Danilo Petrovic in 1853, has stood the test of time.
• Konak Perjanik. At one end, the bridge connects directly to a stone house – this is the guesthouse where we spend the night. I can’t remember the full story, but the gist of it is that the owner of Konak Perjanik inherited the property from his ancestors. A little breakfast terrace looks directly out onto the bridge and river – it’s very cool!
• Lake Skadar. We saved our boat trip for Virpazar, but it is possible to take a Skadar cruise from Rijeka. Small boats dock right in the centre of town. Prices start from 10 Euros.

• Pavlova Strana. One of Montenegro’s most stunning viewpoints, Pavlova Strana, is a mere 6-minute drive from Rijeka. If you want to be up there for sunrise or sunset over the lake, Rijeka is an ideal place to stay the night. The road is quite treacherous, so you wouldn’t want to be driving too much further in the dark. The viewpoint is marked on Google Maps. There is a small bay where you can park.
• In 1493, the first Cyrillic printing machine in the Balkans was sent to Rijeka from Venice. It was housed inside the town’s monastery, on the main street. The press has since gone and the monastery is now closed, but if you wander up, someone will likely open the gates for you so that you can poke around the garden.
• Rijeka is filled with intriguing old houses. One, date marked 1900, served as a children’s dormitory but fell to ruin when the school closed. It’s interesting (and a bit pensive) to walk up and down Rijeka’s streets.
• If you like brutalist architecture, there is an impressive Soviet-style memorial on the way into town.

Where to park your car in Rijeka

There is ample free parking all along Rijeka’s main street.

Where to sleep and eat in Rijeka

Konak Perjanik is the place to stay in Rijeka. There are restaurants along the waterfront, but I recommend eating at least one meal at the guesthouse (Ljudmila, the owner, is a terrific chef). They can also cook you up an amazing breakfast of eggs, local cheese and prosciutto. If you’re not staying here, the restaurant downstairs is open to walk-ins.

Update: Unfortunately Konak Perjanik is currently closed. Apartman Jovicevic Pavle is a good alternative, with free parking onsite.

Day 2: Rijeka to Sveti Stefan via Virpazar & Petrovac

• Total drive time: 1.75 hours
• Recommended route: M2 / E80

Day two of our Montengro road trip, Rijeka to Virpazar, was one of the most scenic portions of our drive. We took the country back road that traces the western tip of the lake, leading drivers through terraced farmland, past cute cottages and verdant valleys.

Despite being very, very beautiful, it’s not a popular route at all. We only saw 3 other cars in the hour or so it took us to reach Virpazar. The road is narrow but pretty well maintained.

Perched on the edge of the vast lake shared between Montenegro and Albania, Virpazar is a popular starting point for boat trips around Lake Skadar National Park. Like Rijeka, this small town has a long history. There’s not much to see today, but in the past, Virpazar boasted a Turkish fortress, a lively marketplace, and a strategic port.

Where to park your car in Virpazar

As soon as you turn into town off the highway you’ll see a free parking area to the left along the river bank. There are usually people hanging around to guide cars into vacant spots.

Chartering a boat in Virpazar

Cafes, guesthouses and agencies all around town organise boat trips on the water. You pay per person, so it’s more economical to join a group rather than take a private tour (although you do have that option). This means you might have to wait until there’s enough passengers to set off.

As soon as we parked our car, we were approached by a young woman from Golden Frog (the most popular company in Virpazar) who offered us two places on a departing tour. We paid 25 Euros each, plus 2 Euros per person for entrance to the Park.

Cruises on small wooden boats typically last about 2 hours. Our driver was very knowledgeable and spoke great English. He pointed out a range of bird species, including herons, and also took us to see the ruins of the Turkish-built Besac Fortress.

After our boat ride, we said goodbye to Lake Skadar (for now – we would be returning to the Albanian side later in our trip) and drove west towards the Adriatic Sea.

As soon as we reached the coast we noticed an immediate change in the weather. Petulant Old Man Sun who had been avoiding us finally decided to make an appearance!

Our first stop on Montenegro’s famously beautiful coast, Petrovac did not disappoint. Petrovac is tiny and relatively unknown compared to other beach towns in the area, but it still has a lovely promenade and a white-sand beach. A 16th-century Venetian fortress guards Petrovac’s modest harbour and is a nice place for an after-lunch stroll.

Things to do in Petrovac

• Eat a seafood lunch at one of the sun-soaked restaurants that line the waterfront. We enjoyed our meal of squid and fish at Riblji Restoran Katic, one of the more reasonably priced eateries.
• Clamber up the stone steps of Kastio , the petite Venetian-built fortress that juts into the water off Petrovac’s harbour. Note the dramatic limestone stratified rock cliffs on the western side.
• Walk the pine tree-shaded Pešačka staza Petrovac – Reževići , an elevated pathway on the opposite side of the cliff. It takes about 30 minutes to complete, and you get a wonderful view of the castle below and beach beyond.

Where to park your car in Petrovac

There is lots of free street parking in Petrovac. We parked near the VOLI supermarket.

Day 3: Sveti Stefan, Budva & Lovcen National Park

• Distance covered: 116 km / 72 miles
• Total drive time: 2.75 hours (return)

On day three of our one week Montenegro itinerary, we made our way north along the coast towards the Bay of Kotor. We stayed in Sveti Stefan for two nights and made day trips to Budva and Lovcen National Park from there.

The scenery driving up Montenegro’s coast is absolutely breathtaking. It gets better and better with every turn.

Sveti Stefan

Halfway between Petrovac and Budva, Sveti Stefan is an ideal place to base yourself for a couple of days when exploring Montenegro’s coast. Again, it’s far less touristy than some of the bigger towns, which means accommodation is more affordable and it’s easier to find a car park.

Sveti Stefan is best-known for the tiny islet that protrudes from its coastline into the sea. It’s privately owned, so unless you’re staying at the Aman Resort , you can’t cross the land bridge onto the island. You can, however, drive (and climb) up and down the forested hills around Sveti Stefan to get some beautiful views.

All the buildings on the island have their white shutters drawn 24/7. I must admit it’s slightly creepy to look at!

Things to do in Sveti Stefan

• Church St. Sava. The most epic views of Sveti Stefan island (pictured above) can be seen from the lookout at Church St. Sava. It’s located high above the town, roughly a 30 minute drive up a steep road.
• Praskvica Monastery. This gorgeous monastic complex in the hills above Sveti Stefan features tranquil gardens, a beautiful cemetery, and a very entertaining family of resident goats.
• State Park. This coastal trail stretches north from the island and affords great views of the islet and beach. Stop for sunset (and maybe a picnic) at one of the bench seats along the trail.
• Walk the 7 Bay Trail. An epic full-day walk from Sveti Stefan to Budva. You can find more information about the Trail here .
• Swim at Sveti Stefan’s beaches. In summer, Sveti Stefan’s white sand beaches heat up. Queen’s beach, Kamenovo beach and Crvena Glavica beach are all popular.

Where to park your car in Sveti Stefan

Parking is at a premium all along the coast, but it’s still much easier to find a spot here than in Budva for example. We chose an apartment that came with free on-site parking. If you’re staying here and your accommodation doesn’t come with parking or you’re visiting for the day, you can find street parking along the highway.

A few shaded paths provide shortcuts from the highway down to the beach.

One of the oldest urban settlements on the Adriatic coast, Budva is home to a Roman-era acropolis and an atmospheric walled old town that backs directly onto the sea. In my opinion, Budva isn’t a patch on Kotor. If I had to choose just one to visit, it would be Kotor every time.

The area around Budva’s old city is very touristy – think massive shopping malls and casinos. I personally didn’t like the feel of Budva all that much. But I’m still glad we decided to drop in for a day and see what all the fuss is about.

Things to do in Budva

• Wander the cobbled old town. The open plaza around the church is particularly pretty.
• Eat something sweet at Branka Pastry Shop. Quite possibly the best-value cafe in Budva, this local milkbar-style joint serves 1 Euro coffee, homemade ice cream, and 80-cent cakes.
• If you have more time in Budva, get out on the water. This kayak tour takes you to coastal caves around the bay.
• For magnificent views of the Boka, you can even try paragliding .

Where to park your car in Budva

Trying to find a park on the Budva Riviera was a traumatic experience! (And remember, we were there in the off-season.) After driving around for an hour, we eventually got lucky and found a vacant lot . If you’re willing to pay, there are pay-by-the-hour lots around town.

Lovcen National Park

Lovcen National Park sits in the mountains above the Bay, between Kotor and Cetinj. You can access it from north, east or west. We originally planned to drive up on the first day from Cetinj, but when a storm broke, we changed our plans and left it until later in the trip.

If you’re coming from Kotor, Budva or Sveti Stefan, you can take the famous Kotor Serpentine up to the park entrance (more in the next section).

The park’s high point is Mount Lovcen , AKA the ‘Black Mountain’ that gives Montenegro its name. The main attraction here is the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos. Accessed via a very long undercover staircase, it’s seated high in the mountains and often shrouded with mist as a result. The Mausoleum itself features two larger-than-life granite statues and a burial chamber. Out the back, you can find amazing views of the mountains from a 360-degree viewing platform.

Clearly we didn’t get much of a view at all on the evening we visited (!), but on a clear day, you can see as far as Albania and Croatia.

Driving the Kotor Serpentine

If your will is strong and you’re feeling confident with your driving abilities, the Kotor Serpentine is Montenegro’s most spectacular stretch of road. With no fewer than 16 hairpin bends, it’s a nail-biter for sure, but the views you get of the Bay make it worthwhile.

The best vistas are on the way down, so plan your journey accordingly. We set off in the late afternoon and drove back down just as dusk was falling.

On a clear day, you get perfect views of Kotor, Tivat, and the entire Bay, edged by unreal-looking pleated mountains. There are designated viewing areas all along the road where you can stop for a photo. Use caution when stopping on the road shoulder, and drive safe!

Day 4: Sveti Stefan to Kotor

• Distance covered: 32 km / 20 miles
• Total drive time: 1 hour
• Recommended route: E80

On day four of our Montenegro road trip we finally reached the Bay of Kotor. Our first stop was the old town of Kotor, the Venetian settlement that gives the bay its name.

We decided to stay the night in Kotor, which gave us two full days to explore. We could easily have stayed longer!

Kotor is an old Mediterranean port encased in lofty fortifications built during the Venetian period. It is part of Montenegro’s oldest UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor (inscribed in 1979). A sea of orange-roofed houses and meandering stone streets, Kotor Old Town is one of the prettiest of its kind in Europe. Exploring the narrow alleyways is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Montenegro.

In recent years, cruise ships have transformed Kotor from a quiet little bay into a tourist mecca. It can get very busy, especially when there’s a ship in port, so I recommend staying at least one night and getting up early to explore the Old Town.

Things to do in Kotor

• Hike the Ladder of Kotor to visit San Giovanni Fortress. In days gone by, Kotor and Cetinje used to be connected by long a stone road. The portion that remains today, a steep uphill path along the old city walls, connects Kotor Old Town with Kotor Fortress (AKA San Giovanni Fortress). From the top of the fortress, you can peer directly down onto the triangle-shaped Old Town. If you’re trying to save cash, there’s back way you can go to avoid paying the castle entrance fee (but you didn’t hear that from me).
• Take a guided tour of the old town. You can easily follow your nose and get lost in the rambling back alleys of the UNESCO-protected Old Town. If you prefer a more organised approach, this private 90-minute tour focuses on Kotor’s architectural heritage, while this alternative walking tour of Kotor includes a wine tasting.

• Visit the morning market. Running along the sea-facing outer wall of the Old Town, Kotor’s food and fish market is a hive of activity on weekends.
• Take a boat tour to the Blue Cave. The largest sea cave on Montenegro’s Luštica Peninsula, the Blue Cave is famous for its lustrous blue waters created by light reflections on its sandy bottom. Boat trips to this popular cave and smaller caves around Kotor last for around 5 hours. This itinerary is one of the best because it includes a full 3 hours on the water for snorkelling, swimming and cliff jumping.
• The waters around Kotor are particularly calm and good for water sports. You can take a boat cruise or try stand up paddle boarding .

There is a lot more to love about Kotor – I realise now that we didn’t have enough time to do it justice. Discover more Kotor must-sees – you’ll soon see why you should stay longer than one night!

Days 5-6: Kotor to Perast & Risan

• Distance covered: 23 km / 14 miles
• Total drive time: 30 minutes
• Recommended route: E65 / E80

On day five, we continued winding our way north along the Bay until we reached the lovely town of Perast . Perast is the place I most enjoyed visiting in Montenegro, and it’s definitely one of my favourite small towns in the Balkans.

We stayed in Perast for two nights, taking our time to wander the silent streets on foot and absorb as much of Perast’s fascinating history and architecture as we could.

Much like Kotor, Perast flourished as port city under Venetian rule in the 15th century. The settlement was first established much earlier by Ilyrian tribes. Of all the towns on Kotor Bay, Perast is perhaps the most unique. That might be because it’s the most autonomous. Perast has its own local traditions, its own culture and festivals – oh, and it’s own special dessert, Perast cake!

Things to do in Perast

• Wander the waterfront. Perast is tiny, with one main street that runs along the length of the waterfront and a number of narrow alleys that track inland up the hill. An hour or so is enough time to take in all the beautiful Venetian mansions, plazas and Catholic churches whose bells toll no longer.
• Visit the Perast Museum. This small institution presents a collection of historical objects. The main attraction, however, is the front balcony, which affords stunning views of Perast harbour.
• Take a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks and tour the church. One of two islands just off the coast of Perast (the other island is closed to the public), Our Lady of the Rocks supports an exuberant Catholic church. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Balkans and well worth the short boat ride out.

For more great things to do in Perast (including a detailed guide to the palaces), see my Perast guide .

Where to park your car in Perast

If you’re only visiting for the day, there are designated parking bays (called ‘Perast parking’ on Google Maps) at the top and at the bottom of the main street.

A short drive (less than 10 minutes) from Perast north along the Bay, Risan is a small town that’s worth visiting as a side trip. It’s biggest draw is a collection of Roman floor mosaics that date back to the 2nd and 3rd century AD.

Once part of a large and apparently very opulent private villa, the intricate black and white and coloured mosaics have been well preserved by a team of archaeologists. An open-air museum has been erected around the site. Entrance costs a few Euros.

While you’re in Risan, I recommend grabbing a bite to eat at Hipnos Restaurant , a very reasonably priced Balkan-style eatery on the waterfront. You can park your car there, or at the supermarket nearby.

Day 7: Perast to Podgorica via Niksic & Ostrog Monastery

• Distance covered: 160 km / 99 miles
• Total drive time: 3.25 hours
• Recommended route: P11 / M6 / E762

The last day of this Montenegro road trip has the longest drive. From the Bay, start heading inland, tracing the Bosnia and Herzegovina border before veering east to Niksic, Montenegro’s second-biggest city.

Along with the road from Rijeka to Virpazar (day two), the first part of today’s drive inland is one of the most beautiful stretches in Montenegro. When we were there, it was desolate – for a while we wondered if we were going the wrong way or might eventually come to a dead end. But no, the road continued on, carving a flat passage between soaring mountains and sprawling fields with their little farm houses tidy in a row.

We only had time for a quick stopover in Niksic. There was plenty of free parking on the main street, so we grabbed a quick breakfast at one of the al-fresco cafes there and pushed on.

Ostrog Monastery

From Niksic, we continued south to Ostrog Monastery. The most important pilgrimage site in Montenegro for Orthodox Christians, Ostrog is the country’s most recognisable religious landmark. It’s located roughly one-third of the way between Niksic and Podgorica, making it an ideal final pit stop on your way back to the airport or the city.

The uphill drive to reach Ostrog is very long – so be prepared for that. When you finally arrive at the complex, it’s not immediately clear where you can park or how far up the mountain you can actually drive. There are huge lots staggered up the hill. We chose a park then walked up a flight of stairs only to realise we could have driven up even further. But no bother, the path is shaded and it’s quite a nice place to stretch your legs. Parking and admission to the monastery is free.

Ostrog is set in a rock face, its glimmering white profile almost flush against the cliff. Inside, there are grottoes, open-air terraces and chapels, some decorated with brightly coloured mosaics applied directly to the rock.

After you’ve walked through the monastery, it’s time to head back down the mountain. Stop off at the point marked ‘Ostrog Monastery approach’ on Google Maps, where there’s a small viewing platform with front-on views of the monastery in the distance.

Extend your Montenegro trip: More things to see & do

Turn this into a 10 day Montenegro road trip by adding another destination or two. Depending on the season, I suggest either continuing into the mountainous interior or making a detour to the southern coast.

Durmitor National Park & Bobotov Kuk (add 2-3 days)

125 km (78 miles) north of Podgorica, Durmitor National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Montenegro and a must-visit for nature lovers. Unfortunately the season wasn’t quite right for us – it was still too cold in the mountains, and we already shipped our winter gear home! Durmitor is an easy add-on if you want to extend your trip and spend 10 days or even two weeks in Montenegro.

The town of Zabljak is the main centre of the park and the best place to stay, with no shortage of sweet cottages and mountain chalet-style hotels . Give yourself at least 2 full days to test out a few of the hiking trails . There are a dozen or so day hikes in total to glacial lakes, mountain peaks and viewpoints where you can look over the Tara Canyon.

The easy 1.5-hour hike to Black Lake (Crno jezero) is a great choice if you only have a day. The most famous hike in Montenegro, the Bobotov Kuk summit , is a challenging 11.5 km round-trip hike taking 6-7 hours. If you plan to attempt it, make sure you have proper shoes and gear.

Tara River Canyon (add 1-2 days)

The deepest canyon in Europe (the second deepest in the world, dwarfed only by the Grand Canyon in Colorado), Tara River Canyon stretches out for more than 80 kilometres between Bistrica in Montenegro and Hum in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

This is a very popular option in the Balkans for white water kayaking . If your timing is right ( summer is the best season for water sports, with tours available between May and June), it’s a great add-on for a bit of adrenaline and adventure. The whitewaters are most ferocious and fun in May, with the levels slowly dwindle as summer progresses.

Most kayaking and rafting tours originate close to the border in Plužine . There are two ways to incorporate this into your itinerary: You can either spend an extra night in Kotor and book a full-day tour with transfers , or make the most of your car and drive yourself to Plužine after Durmitor and spend a few nights exploring the canyon and surrounding areas.

Rafting Blue River Tara has a perfect location on the canyon and offers tranquil accommodations and professionally organised rafting/kayaking expeditions.

Bar & Ulcinj (add 1-2 days)

If beautiful beaches are more your style, you can find sandy beaches in the far-south of Montenegro near Ulcinj . It might not be as picturesque as the Albanian Riviera , but there are some nice sheltered coves and picturesque coastal towns around.

We spent a night in Ulcinj on our way out of Montenegro and thoroughly enjoyed it. With its large Albanian community , it has a very different feel to other places in Montenegro. Just south of the small city, Miami Beach and Long Beach are two popular public beaches in close proximity to the city – but I suggest you try to find a more tranquil cove near Ulcinj, or drive all the way down to Bojana Island where it’s a little quieter.

Ulcinj is a 60-minute drive from Petrovac, so it makes the most sense to incorporate some beach time higher up in your itinerary.

On your way down, be sure to stop off in Bar for a few hours. The older part of the settlement, Stari Bar , is nestled in the hills behind the sea. The beautiful old town is utterly charming, with a few local restaurants, an Ottoman aqueduct and other ruins scattered amongst ancient olive groves .

Montenegro road trip FAQ

What is the best month to visit montenegro.

High season in Montenegro is June-August. During the summer months, it’s a lot more crowded and prices do go up – especially in the port cities along Kotor Bay, (particularly Kotor and Budva).

Spring or autumn is the best time for a Montenegro road trip. Late May/early June and September are ideal if you still want to hike in the mountains or swim.

You’ll find that the roads are a lot quieter, it’s easier to find a car park, and you’ll have more options available for accommodation. Best of all, car rental prices are significantly lower in the shoulder seasons , up to 50% lower in May versus July.

Local Rent has a handy graph on their website you can use to compare prices.

How many days is enough for Montenegro?

7 days is the minimum amount of time for Montenegro if you want to get a good overview of the different landscapes. With 10 or more days, you’ll have plenty of time for special activities such as hiking.

Montenegro is a tiny country (the second-smallest in the Balkans after Kosovo), but don’t let that fool you – there is an awful lot to see and do.

My itinerary shows you the best way to fit a lot in even if you don’t have much time. I felt satisfied by the end of my trip, but I know there’s a lot I missed (and a lot of reasons to go back!).

Is it easy to drive around Montenegro?

For the most part, yes. I personally found Montenegro very easy to drive in, especially because I was there in shoulder season when the roads weren’t too busy. 

If you have no experience driving in Eastern Europe, the driving style and road conditions in Montenegro might come as a bit of a shock. Remember to be patient and take your time. Don’t overfill your itinerary or try to rush from place to place.

The main highway around the Boka Bay is the one place where I didn’t feel safe. The roads are very busy and people drive extremely fast, so it can definitely be more challenging to navigate this area. Try to avoid the main highway or set off early in the morning when there are fewer cars. Definitely don’t drive this road at night – I made that mistake, and I still get flashbacks.

Be sure to read up on my top tips for driving in Montenegro to learn about the road rules, driving style and quirks that you need to be aware of!

Do you need a car in Montenegro?

While a car is not totally essential for Montenegro, it will open up a lot more opportunities for you . Yes there is an extra cost (and potentially extra stress) in hiring a car, but the payoff is totally worth it in my opinion.

Driving is the most efficient and easiest option if you want to go off the beaten path in Montenegro. If you’re happy to settle with the main attractions, you can feasibly use public transportation to get around. After the conclusion of our road trip, we took a train and a couple of buses to travel onward to Kosovo – it was a fairly easy process.

Onward travel from Podgorica

When we arrived back in Podgorica, we returned our car and got a lift back into the city with one of the staff from Green Motion. We spent our final night doing washing at the city’s only coin laundromat – actually the perfect way to end a Montenegro road trip!

The next morning, we boarded an early train for Bar , where we explored the old town and ate a delicious lunch before taking a bus to Ulcinj. From Ulcinj, we cut through Albania to Pristina to start our 10-day trip around Kosovo .

This corner of the Balkans – southern Montenegro, northern Albania and Kosovo – is one of my favourite parts of the region. Combining these three countries into one itinerary (maybe 10-14 days) would be a wonderful introduction to the Balkans.

Keep the road trip going! Here is my round-up of the best self-drive itineraries in the Balkans.

Are you planning a Montenegro road trip? If you have any questions about this our week Montenegro itinerary, leave a note below and I’ll try to help out where I can!

More Montenegro travel resources

Here are more Montenegro blogs I’ve written to help you plan the perfect trip.

• 15 best places to visit in Montenegro
• 21 essential things to know before you visit Montenegro
• Essential tips for driving in Montenegro
• The best things to do in Kotor
• The best things to do in Perast
• The best things to do in Stari Bar

Montenegro essentials

Here are my favourite resources to help you organise your visit to Montenegro.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Montenegro on Skyscanner .

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

CAR HIRE: Use Local Rent to hire a budget-friendly car from a local agent (prices start from 15€/day) or jump on the Discover Cars website to hire a car through an international company.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel and apartment deals on Booking.com , the most popular booking platform in Montenegro.

TOP-RATED MONTENEGRO DAY TRIP: Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Monastery (from $60/person).

MORE TRAVEL TIPS: Check out this post – 21 things to know before you visit Montenegro .

Montenegro road trip: Pin it!

13 comments.

I recently found your site and have found all the detailed information on here super helpful. Thanks so much for all of this!

Wanted to ask what month you went to Montenegro? I am thinking of visiting mid-June and concerned about rain after reading this.

Hi D – I was there in early April. I think the weather is more stable in summer, and certainly June is a lot drier!

I hope you have a terrific trip!

Thanks for a very cool blog with beautiful photos. It is very informative.

We are going to Montenegro next month and also have decided to do a road trip. Our problem is we are a group of 6-7 people and we are hesitating between renting 2 small sedan cars (like sedan) or renting an SUV or a van (Renault traffic). I am not sure if driving an SUV or a van is actually practical for navigating through the cities there. Also, we want to drive from Rijeka Crnojevića to Virpazaar through the same route as on your day 2. However, we see that some parts are tiny two-way roads and are afraid that it might not be possible with an SUV or a van especially if there is a car coming from the other direction. Would it be possible for you to share some thoughts about this? what kind of car did you drive?

Thank you in advance, Top

Hi Top, we drove a sedan in Montenegro. I would probably suggest two smaller cars just because of the narrow roads (the one you mentioned, plus some streets in cities such as Kotor are also very tight – we had a nightmare experience with our car on a narrow street!). Another factor to consider is parking – you would need to make sure your accommodation has two spaces for you.

Hello Emily , Thank you for the detailed travel guide . I am planning to go in Montenegro next week . Was thinking to stay at one place for 5 nights as checking in n out wastes a lot of time . Which part will be best to stay , kotor , Budva , perast or podgorica ??

Hi Kathrine, I think either Kotor or Perast would be the best place to base yourself. Enjoy!

Hi Emily! I love your blog and have used it extensively to plan travels all around Europe. I wanted to give you a heads up – I booked a stay at the guesthouse that you recommended in Rijeka Crnovika. I paid online ahead of time and when I showed up at the property it was closed. The owner has refused to give my money back and it has really left a sour taste in my mouth. I know that a lot of people read your blog and I worry that this will happen to someone else.

Hi Kourtney, oh no, so sorry to hear that! I’ve tried to keep on top of hotel closures but it’s been almost impossible to catch everything.

Did you apply for a refund through Airbnb?

I will add some alternative options to the list. Thank you so much for the feedback and apologies again!

Thanks for the reply & added guidance, much appreciated. I was expecting due to your love of Perast that you’d suggest this as the ideal location as a place to work from! As we’re looking for a super chilled 4-5 days would you also suggest Perast as a worthy potential option? Thanks again Ben

Your travel guide-shared experiences are super helpful as we look to piece together our next adventure.

After reading your Montenegro overview I thought I’d look to connect. My partner & I (both also Australian) are heading to the area (2week hike – peaks of the balkans) but are adding on 2 weeks beforehand (5-6days travel + 1 week working). If we do decide to spend the pre hike time in Montenegro questions like best place to base ourselves whilst working + must sees when not etc. come to mind.

Any advice would be welcomed. If preferred feel free to reply via email. Thanks in advance. Ben

Hi Ben, terrific! I’ve heard great things about that hike. Of all the places I visited on the bay, Herceg Novi definitely stood out as the most ‘livable’. That’s where I would go to work. As for other things to do, I really loved doing the train down to Bar and enjoyed Ulcinj as well!

Thanks for the prompt reply & added guidance, much appreciated. I was expecting due to your love of the place that Perast would be the ideal location to bed down to work from (5 days). Would Perast also be suitable from your experience in the region? Thanks again Ben

Yes certainly, I think Perast would be a nice option too – it’s a lot smaller of course and there are fewer food options, that would be my only concern. I can’t remember if there’s a grocery store in the town, possibly not. But I’m sure you would enjoy lingering there for a few days regardless if you can find a suitable apartment. As I mentioned it’s really nice in the evenings once the tour buses have left!

Let me know where you end up landing!

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Arzo Travels

Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

MONTENEGRO ITINERARY FOR 1-10 DAYS

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MONTENEGRO IN 1-10 DAYS

Table of Contents

Are you planning your Montenegro itinerary and wondering about the best places to visit in Montenegro? Then you might feel overwhelmed. At least, I felt overwhelmed when I planned my trip. Whether you stay one day, three days, five days, one week, or ten days  in Montenegro – I am happy to share my experiences and recommendations.

Find out about the best places in Montenegro, what to do, how to get around, and more travel tips with this itinerary for Montenegro.

Is Montenegro Worth Visiting?

Often referred to as one of the most beautiful countries in Europe , Montenegro is a must-see place. Especially if you are a nature lover who wants to experience outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, zip-lining, and more. But Montenegro is also home to charming villages and towns. And if you are looking for a more off-the-beaten-path type of place, Montenegro is the country to visit.

Don’t get me wrong – Montenegro is surely no hidden gem . Within the last few years, it has become very popular. People from all over the world flock to Montenegro – but compared to other European destinations, it is still not that well known .

Montenegro is stunning (as a regular Switzerland visitor, I have pretty high standards). It is also relatively affordable (again, as a regular Switzerland visitor, I am used to different prices), so a trip to Montenegro is even more fun!

How Many Days in Montenegro?

For a comprehensive exploration of the country’s main sights and attractions, I recommend a minimum of 5 days in Montenegro. However, extending your stay to 7 days in Montenegro allows for a more relaxed experience. But if you have the chance to spend 10 days in Mauritius, you can delve into the diverse landscapes, historic sites, and cultural offerings of this beautiful Balkan nation.

A 10-day Mauritius itinerary allows for a balanced trip, incorporating both popular destinations and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR MONTENEGRO ITINERARY

Montenegro (Black Mountain) is a small country in the Balkans bordering  Croatia , Bosnia-Herzegovina , Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania .   It became an independent state only in 2006. Before that, it was part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia . After the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1992, Montenegro remained part of a smaller Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, along with Serbia.

With a bit more than 620,000 inhabitants, Montenegro is a comparatively small country in Europe.  

How to Get to Montenegro

• BY BOAT : Many people arrive via boat cruises to Kotor. It is a convenient way to arrive if you have only one day in Montenegro, but if you stay longer, then getting here by car, bus, or plane would be the best way to get to Montenegro.
• BY PLANE:  There are two international airports in Montenegro – Tivat (near the border to Dubrovnik/Croatia and the famous Kotor) and Podgorica, which is also the capital.
• BY BUS:  There are buses from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Kotor. So you can visit Montenegro easily from any of these countries.
• BY CAR:  I suggest (though it is not very environmentally friendly) getting to Montenegro by car. You will need to have an insurance card – a green card/paper – if you get here in your own car or in a rental car, which you will most likely have to present when crossing borders.

Road Tripping Montenegro

I only drove in Montenegro and did not use public transportation. I am always in a quandary as I try to be environmentally friendly, but this is my pet peeve. I suggest not staying in one place. Unless you are in Montenegro for two or three days only, I suggest changing hotels every or second night , so you do not have to drive so much.

To be honest, driving in Montenegro is pretty amazing . Given its small size, it is very easy to get around – although driving in the mountains is time-consuming. The roads in Montenegro are usually in excellent condition –  some of them tend to be very narrow, though. I should mention that some mountain roads are a bit dangerous . Unlike in places like Italy , southern Germany, and Switzerland, not all mountains are protected by a net, so I saw smaller and bigger rocks lying on the streets – and swerving around them meant having to be 100% alert. Also, the drivers in Montenegro are more reckless than in Croatia .

Some streets are closed due to weather conditions for most of the year – like the P14 from Pluzine to Zabljak (only partially open, more on that later).

Public transportation in Montenegro : I did not get to use any public transportation in this country, but it is supposed to be okay/good. You can use buses to get from one main place to another, and buses run within the cities.

Taxis are quite cheap in Montenegro, so they are a good option if there is no bus available.

Hitchhiking is very common in Montenegro – whether you’re young or old. I have never seen so many people hitchhiking. However, I am not a fan of this, to be honest, especially not for solo female travelers.

Money / Currency / Costs in Montenegro

• Even though Montenegro is not part of the European Union, the currency is the euro .
• Many places do not accept credit or debit cards (including apartments), so I highly suggest having enough cash on you.
• Montenegro is quite affordable – not as cheap as Bosnia-Herzegovina , but cheaper than Croatia , and definitely cheaper than Western European countries.
• Kotor is probably the most expensive area to stay in and eat, but you can get a vegetarian dish, including a non-alcoholic drink, for around 10€ in a restaurant in the old town.

5 DAYS IN MONTENEGRO ITINERARY

Okay, here are some of the best places to visit. So, of course, tweak the itinerary, so it is the best for you, but these activities give you enough ideas to spend up to two weeks in Montenegro.

1 DAY – Kotor + Perast

If you have only one day in Montenegro , then I highly suggest visiting Kotor and the Kotor Bay area.  It is located near the Croatian border and is also a popular day trip from Dubrovnik.

Kotor is situated in the southeastern part of the Bay of Kotor, beneath the limestone cliffs of Mt. Lovćen. It is a small town with only around 13,000 inhabitants. However, it might be small population-wise, but it impresses with its stunning scenery and general cuteness.

So, the best thing to do is to hike up St. John´s Fortress. It is a tedious 45-minute hike up (as it includes many stairs), but the views are one of a kind. Looking down at Kotor’s town and the Bay of Kotor will probably be one of your Montenegro highlights. 

Hiking up should take about 2-4 hours (including breaks and some rest). Then, you have more time to explore the small town center with several Romanesque churches, walk the city walls, and stroll the port.

• Head to my Kotor post  for more detailed tips.

PERAST / OUR LADY OF THE ROCKS

Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island created by a bulwark of rocks and sinking old and seized ships loaded with rocks. It houses the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, which   you can visit .  There is also the natural island of St. George, which houses the St. George Monastery  that you can also visit. To get there, you can hop on a boat in Perast (a roundtrip ticket is about 5€).

Perast is a wonderful last stop if you head to Croatia afterward or fly out from Tivat airport.

If you have a full day in Montenegro and come from Croatia, then make Kotor and Perast your priority.

WHERE TO STAY IN KOTOR / PERAST

• Check out this great-rated hotel in the heart of Kotor.
• Here is a great place to stay in Perast.

With 2 days in Montenegro, I would focus on the area of Kotor so you avoid too much time in the car.

1 DAY – Lovcen National Park

Montenegro has five national parks: one of them is Lovćen .   This national park is conveniently  located quite close to Kotor which is why I would visit it on day 2 in Montenegro.

I had my car crash that day, so I spent a lot of time with other things and was short on time. After paying the National Park entrance fee (3€), I parked my car at the parking area, ready to climb the stairs. But my time was limited, and the mausoleum was about to close.

However, the chapel is supposed to be the most impressive part of Njegoš Mausoleum.  It is nine meters high with an arch covered in a mosaic with 200,000 gold-plated tiles. Oh, yes, the views from there are supposed to be spectacular, too!

WHAT TO DO IN MONTENEGRO IN 3 DAYS

So, if you have 3 days in Montenegro, I would get in a car and explore some of the most stunning landscapes in the north of Montenegro.

1 DAY – Ostrog Monastery

• Dress appropriately.  The signs did not specifically say whether you have to wear long sleeves, but they did say that you should not wear tank tops.

According to tradition, pilgrims are supposed to walk 3 km from the lower monastery to the upper monastery barefoot. I did not see pilgrims doing this, but you might experience this in busier times, so don’t be surprised. From there, you also have fantastic views, and Montenegro´s scenery will – once again – amaze you.

HOW TO GET THERE:

• From Rijeka Crnojevića to Ostrog Monastery, it takes about 90 minutes by car. Even though it is only about 60 km, the narrow streets make the drive quite time-consuming.
• Actually, driving the last 8 km to the Ostrog Monastery is one of the craziest drives I have done so far, and it shows exactly what mountain driving  means.
• Warning : It is not for inexperienced drivers, and after that drive, I actually had a headache because I was concentrating so hard while taking the hairpin turns (I did not count them, but there were quite a few).

I would try to visit this place if you have 3 days in Montenegro or more time. I loved it, though getting there was a bit nerve-wracking. It will probably not take the full day – so, you can have a nice dinner in this area or slowly head back.

HOW TO SPEND 4 DAYS IN MONTENEGRO

So, with 4 days in Montenegro, it is time to get even more north. And the best is yet to come!

1 DAY – Lake Piva / P14

Okay, it is time to talk about the most beautiful place in Montenegro.  I was blown away. I was speechless. I was unprepared. This real hidden gem made me believe that Montenegro MUST be one of the prettiest countries in the world!

Here is another tip for your Montenegro itinerary: If you have a car and want to see a different side of the country, I suggest driving the P14.  Driving in this part of the country was fun! Seriously, I really enjoyed the scenery, which was different from the rest of the country. The weather was not so good, so I did not manage to take good pictures!

I actually was about to drive from Pluzine to Zabljak and could not find any information about whether the mountain pass was closed or not, so I just drove – and I felt like I was in Iceland or somewhere completely out of this world.  Parts of the streets were closed due to snow.  They are actually closed most of the year and most likely open in June for only a few months. Luckily, I still drove the P14, and even though I had to turn around at some point, it was a unique and gorgeous drive.

Make sure you plan in enough time for this drive, but I think that one day for Lake Piva and driving (parts) of the P14 is fine.

AN AMAZING 5 DAYS IN MONTENEGRO

With 5 days in Montenegro, you can head to another national park.

1 DAY – Zabljak & Black Lake at Durmitor National Park

Plan half a day for hiking around Black Lake and a short time for Zabljak town. You can visit many areas of the national park for free, but if you want to hike around Black Lake, you have to pay a small entrance fee (plus a parking fee if you park your car near the lake).

Zabljak (1450 meters above sea level) is the center of the park – a popular place to visit in the summer and winter months (winter sports are big here). The town center is not that special, BUT what really stood out were the houses with the pointed roofs that came in various colors.

Black Lake is located at the foot of the Medjed mountain and consists of two smaller lakes: Big and Little Lake, which are connected by a little strait (in summer, it dries up, and then it is actually two separate lakes). The largest of 18 glacial lakes in Durmitor National Park offers more than 3 kilometers of long walking paths around the lake.

You could also rent bikes and explore the park by bike!

The above-mentioned places make a wonderful 5-day Montenegro itinerary. But if you are lucky, and have time to spend one week in Montenegro (or even longer), keep reading to find out more.

THINGS TO DO IN 7 DAYS IN MONTENEGRO

If you have 7 days in Montenegro, I recommend staying another day at the Durmitor National Park and then visiting a place close by.

1 DAY – Bobotov Kuk at Durmitor National Park

If the weather had been better, I surely would have hiked the Bobotov Kuk – the highest mountain peak in Montenegro . You can choose between the longer and shorter hikes , but I would probably plan one day for either one. The images looked amazing. A day hiking Bobotov Kuk is probably a good idea for those who like to be a bit more active.

With one week in Montenegro, you should add this stunning place to your itinerary.

1 DAY – Tara River Canyon

The Tara River runs through Tara River Canyon – and is also known as the Tara River Gorge in Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina . It is extremely popular as it offers quite a lot for adventure seekers.

Whitewater rafting is big here, and so is ziplining . While I personally did not do any of these activities, I saw prices as low as 10€ for ziplining. It seems like a pretty good deal, and you get a lot for your money in this part of the world. The canyon stretch within Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage site , is protected as a part of Durmitor National Park. After the Grand Canyon, it is actually the second-longest canyon in the world – and the longest in Europe.

The Đurđevića Tara Bridg e, with a length of 365 meters, is one of the most famous landmarks in the country – and is located at the crossroads between Mojkovac, Žabljak, and Pljevlja.

If you are an adventure seeker or hiker, then you could spend some of your days here. If you are not, then a few hours, or just driving through this part of the country, is surely enough!

So, this was my amazing “Montenegro itinerary for 7 days” but if you stay longer, then add these places to your trip.

10 DAYS IN MONTEGERO ITINERARY

With 10 days in Montenegro, explore a place that is quite under the radar. For this, it is time to head back south first.

1 DAY – Lake Skadar / Rijeka Crnojevića 

1 DAY – Lipa Cave and Cetinje

So, here are two other places to visit in 9 days – Lipa Cave and Cetinje.

• The guided tours take about 1 hour – and include a short ride on the mini train (included in the price of about 11€).

Adventure seekers who are fit enough can also do an extreme tour that will lead you through the more hidden passages. The cave is located a bit remote , and you have to drive down some narrow roads to get there, but if you did Ostrag Monastery, this will be easy for you!

TIP: This is also the perfect activity for hot days, as it is always chilly in the caves. However, if you are in only 5 days in Montenegro (or less), I would probably not make it a priority to visit.

From the Lipa Cave to Cetinje, the former royal capital, it is just a few minute’s drive. So if you are ready to explore more towns, this is the city to add to your Montenegro itinerary.

1 DAY – Budva and Sveti Stefan

So, it seems you are a lucky person and can stay 10 days in Montenegro. If that is the case, I would visit these two places on day 10.

Budva is a coastal town on the “Budva Riviera,” on the Adriatic Coast. Budva’s Old Town lies on a small peninsula and is home to many beautiful and historic buildings . It also has some nice beaches and a fun promenade lined with restaurants and cafes! 

However, if you want to have a beach vacation, this is your place, and you might want to add another day or two here.

• Check out my quick Budva guide for more information.

SVETI STEFAN

The island of Sveti Stefan is one of the most famous places in Montenegro and is now known as a fashionable summer resort.

With 10 days or less in Montenegro, I would not spend too much time here (unless you stay overnight, of course) and just plan for a short break.

If you do not road trip, take the bus from Budva. There is a bus stop near the Hotel Adrovic for a great view from the top. You can then walk down or take the next bus to get to Sveti Stefan.

CONCLUSION: ITINERARY FOR MONTENEGRO

Montenegro – a picturesque Balkan country on the Adriatic Sea, boasts stunning landscapes, historic cities, and a rich cultural heritage. With a small population and diverse geography, including mountains and coastline, it offers a unique blend of nature and history, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and exploration.

There are places I have not been able to visit myself (especially in the south of Montenegro) that I would like to visit one day.   However, I still believe that this Montenegro itinerary – whether you are 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days in Montenegro will help you discover the country of the most beautiful place.

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10-Day Montenegro Road Trip Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide

Road-tripping through Montenegro is one of the best ways to see this beautiful and unique country. Recently, Montenegro has been on the rise as a popular travel destination but luckily it is not overrun with tourists quite yet. Places like Kotor and Budva have captured the attention of the travel world, and visiting these places before they hit their tourism peak is a must.

The best thing about planning a road trip through Montenegro is that it is a small country so you will not be stuck in a car for dreadful hours on end. The driving will consist of short distances to simply get around with ease to all the beautiful hidden spots within the country. There is so much to discover in Montenegro and this road trip itinerary will ensure you hit all the best places, attractions, and hidden gems of the country.

Best time to visit Montenegro

The best time to visit Montenegro is typically in the summer months of June – August. During these months the beaches are ready for visitors, the sun is always out, and all the tours and shops are in full swing. However, this time of year also welcomes significantly more tourists.

If you are looking to travel to Montenegro when there are fewer people, then the shoulder seasons are a great time to go. 

Getting to Montenegro

• By plane: The easiest way to get to Montenegro is by plane. There are two airports in Montenegro, one in Tivat and one in Podgorica and you can easily start a road trip from either place. However, you can also fly into Dubrovnik, Croatia, and drive down from there to Montenegro. This airport is very near to the border and offers more flight options.
• By bus: Taking a bus is a very cost-effective option if you are in a nearby Balkan city. There are buses from Bosnia , Serbia, Croatia , and more that run often. 
• By car: Rent a car from anywhere around Montenegro and drive across the borders to enter the country. 

Tips for renting a car in Montenegro

When renting a car for a Montenegro road trip be sure to keep these tips in mind.

• Car rental is quite inexpensive in Montenegro, you can expect to pay 30 € / day.
• Fuel will cost around 100€ for this 10-day trip outlined below
• Rent a smaller vehicle as the roads in Montenegro are quite narrow
• If you are not a comfortable driver be careful. The roads are very windy, people drive fast, and it can be quite intense.
• If you are leaving from a different airport than the one you arrive at you can bring the car, but you have to pay an additional fee. Plus, if you arrive at a different country’s airport then you have to pay an extra €5 per day.

Montenegro Travel Information

• Language: Croatian/Serbian
• Currency: Euro
• Religion: Orthodox Christian
• Price for food per day: 20-40 € depending on whether you eat out or buy groceries 
• Price for accommodation per day: 20 € + per night 

Montenegro Road Trip Itinerary

Bay of kotor.

Time needed: 3-4 days

The beautiful Bay of Kotor is the perfect first stop for your Montenegro road trip if you are arriving from the North. Whether you fly into Dubrovnik airport in Croatia or take a bus from a different beautiful Balkan country , the quaint and beautiful city of Herceg Novi is a great place to start.

Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi is located at the top of the Bay of Kotor and very near to the Croatian border. It is a small town that is relatively untouched by tourism and has a very authentic local charm.

This is the perfect place to begin your journey to get a feel for Montenegrin life. Herceg Novi is best known for its old fortresses, a plethora of beaches, and a medieval old town. Spend some time at the beach and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Catovica Mlini & Perast

A short 30-minute drive from Herceg Novi along the coastal highway is a famous and unique restaurant called Catovica Mlini. This restaurant is on the route toward the next stop Perast and it is the perfect place to stop for a nice lunch. It is often visited by famous Serbians and Montenegrins like Tennis player Novak Djokovic.

After stopping here, you can continue your journey to Perast which is a small town along the Bay of Kotor that offers peaceful coastal vibes. From Perast you can go on a boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks which is a famous island in the middle of the Bay of Kotor which holds one church.

What’s interesting about this island is that it is man-made from people throwing rocks and sinking ships!

Kotor is only 20 minutes from Perast and a visit here warrants a full day of your itinerary. This is the most popular city in Montenegro and the most touristy by far. There are so many exciting things to do in Kotor that make it so lust-worthy, the main thing being hiking the Kotor Fortress.

The hike up the Fortress is a grueling 1300 steps but from the top, you can see the most awe-inducing views of the entire city of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor. The views are spectacular and something you do not want to miss in Montenegro.

Just be warned, in the summer months cruise ships arrive in Kotor every day which makes it very busy.

Ostrog Monastery & Podgorica

Time needed: 1 day

Beyond the Bay of Kotor in the middle of Montenegro lies the capital city Podgorica and a significant religious place called Ostrog Monastery. Both destinations are full of history and the drive to the destinations is stunning. Podgorica is not the most popular city in Montenegro but a nice place to set a base for exploring the surrounding areas. 

This part of the road trip itinerary is for visiting an interesting and significant religious place in Montenegro called Ostrog Monastery. This is a Serbian Orthodox church built almost vertically into the mountain and can be reached in two hours from Kotor.

This is not only a religious place but also a historical and cultural one that attracts thousands of visitors a year. A visit here is well worth it to see the stunning architecture and experience an important part of Montenegrin history. 

Just 30 minutes from the Monastery is Podgorica which you can stay the night and explore with what time you have left in the day.

Skadar National Park

Just 20 minutes from Podgorica is Skadar National Park, which is a lush green national park you cannot miss. This park is where you can find the green horseshoe bend views and green-covered mountains.

It is the perfect place to take a hike, or a boat ride and enjoy the natural beauty that is Montenegro.

Adriatic Coast

Time needed: 4 days

Ulcinj is the most southern place on this itinerary and is located just a short distance from the Albanian border. The drive from Podgorica to Ulcinj is around an hour and a half and will bring you on a route down the coast. Ulcinj is an off-the-beaten-track stop on this road trip itinerary and is one of the least touristy places you can go to.

The undiscovered nature of it makes it even more enjoyable to visit to get a very authentic Montenegrin experience. Ulcinj is a great place to enjoy quiet Adriatic beaches and relax in your own secret paradise. 

Also read: How to make the most out of your Albania trip

A short 30-minute drive from Ulcinj is the town of Bar which is another coastal town with its unique offerings. The main attractions of Bar are its old town, the stone arc bridge, and the old olive tree. The old town of Bar has settlements dating back to 800 BC and is a historic area, to say the least.

The stone arch bridge is a huge bridge that crosses a valley and is wonderful to photograph and admire. More so, Bar is home to a 2,200-year-old tree which is the oldest tree in Europe!

Heading North, and before the next destination, Petrovac deserves a stop too.

Sveti Stefan & Budva

Sveti Stefan is a unique postcard-perfect place to visit in Montenegro. It is a small island connected to the mainland by a small strip of land and it is only 40 minutes from Bar. Sveti Stefan is a great place to stop and visit for a few hours before heading to Budva, 15 minutes away. Take some time at Sveti Stefan to capture some photos, walk the old streets, and swim in the water.

A visit to Budva requires at least two days to fully see and appreciate the city. It is probably the best city to visit in Montenegro because it has everything, sun, sea, city, and adventure. Budva is perfect because it is a coastal town with tons of beaches, it has a stunning medieval old town, and it is also the best city for lively nightlife in Montenegro.

There are also a ton of things to do in Budva, especially in the summer months, and a nice place to explore in a few days.

Related read: Best Montenegro Summer Festivals

The last place along the Adriatic coast and back into the Bay of Kotor is the city of Tivat. Tivat is a short 35-minute drive from Budva and is an interesting and unique city in Montenegro. Unlike the other cities that boast their old towns and authentic architecture , Tivat is a more modern city, with new buildings, piers, and exclusive beach clubs.

Tivat is the main yacht port of Montenegro and the marina is always full of magnificent superyachts to be admired. This is a great place to enjoy a new side to Montenegro and go to the Porto Montenegro beach club for a luxurious pool day experience. 

This entire road trip should take around 10 days to complete. However, you can adjust the travel itinerary to your preferences to make it work for your travel style.

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• Top Montenegro Tours
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Montenegro in 10 days.

“Montenegro Discovery Tour” - Montenegro’s scenic Adriatic coast & country’s hidden w ...

Flights & transport:, itinerary focus:.

• Exceptional walking and cultural discovery in Montenegro
• Cetinje, the Old Royal Capital of Montenegro & Lovcen National Park
• Montenegrin metropolis of tourism Budva
• Kotor Bay, small baroque town Perast & “Our Lady of Rocks” church
• Bar and Old town of Bar
• Skadar Lake National Park
• Biogradska Gora National Park & Durmitor National Park and its glacial lakes

Epic Montenegro Adventure - 9 days

• Feel the charisma of Kotor’s Old Town – one of Europe’s “must-see” destinations
• Embrace the serenity of Skadar Lake National Park
• Explore the unbelievable and the last conquered canyon in Europe – Nevidio
• Feel the power of nature on your rafting adventure on the Tara River

Walking in Bosnia & Herzegovina

• Climb majestic Maglić, the highest mountain in Bosnia
• Hike in the Bjelasnica mountains, home of the 1984 Winter Olympics
• Walk a section of the Via Dinarica, one of Europe’s great hiking trails
• Take a city tour of Sarajevo to learn more about its complex history
• Tour Mostar and visit the iconic Old Bridge

Western Balkans Uncovered

• Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction, who would want to let it go?
• Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik (of Game of Thrones fame) and Montenegro’s Kotor as you walk along their ancient city walls.
• Sit down for a fresh farm-to-table lunch experience in Fishte in the midday Albanian sun. Enjoy local produce, wild fish and organic meat, all prepared on-site with the freshest local ingredients.
• Enjoy walking tours with local guides who have all the insider knowledge in Prizren, Berat and Tirana.
• Venture out to Matka Canyon, a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River and explore this beautiful natural area on foot and by boat.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Humana Zagreb. Donations help provide job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textiles for people with disabilities.

Discover the Balkans

• Visit the stunning plitvice lakes national park
• Explore the ancient town of mostar and the stari most (old bridge)
• Take a tour of the "tunnel of life" in sarajevo
• Spend a couple days on the bay of kotor

Bosnia & Beyond

• Discover a mix of Balkan countries with beautiful scenery and fascinating cultures
• Explore Sarajevo, the cosmopolitan and historic capital of Bosnia
• Visit enchanting Mostar with its iconic bridge
• Admire the beauty of the sparkling Adriatic in Kotor, Montenegro
• Walk the pristine marble streets of Dubrovnik
• Enjoy gentle walking in Durmitor National Park

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Journey Through the Balkans

• Discover the contrasting landscapes and cultures of four varied countries
• Visit little-known yet fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Enjoy gentle walks with spectacular mountain and coastal views

Explore the Balkans

• Delve into the communist past and progressive present of the Pearl of the Danube - Budapest, a city often underrated by travellers
• Visit Novi Sad on the banks of the Danube River and maybe explore the Petrovaradin Fortress – one of the most important landmarks in the city with a great view over the river. Then, immerse yourself in the edgy street scene of Belgrade's Bohemian Quarter.
• Explore the sobering Tito’s Bunker in Mostar – an underground facility that served as Yugoslavia's ‘Atomic War Command,’ designed to house a skeleton government who would manage the country in the event of nuclear war.
• Admire the restored architecture of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kotor in Montenegro on a climb along the ancient city fortifications. Then, discover the glittering Bay of Kotor in your free time.
• Hit the historic hotspot of Dubrovnik along Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline. With medieval walls, Game of Thrones tours, hidden swimming coves and alleyway restaurants, this is the perfect spot to end your adventure.

The Balkans Real Food Adventure

• Experience an authentic taste of the Balkans and a look at local life when you dine in family homes in Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Dihovo.
• Take in a cooking demonstration in the village of Dolno Dupeni, then get a fresh taste of homemade North Macedonian cuisine.
• See behind the scenes of local produce when you visit a centuries-old smokehouse, an olive mill, an apple farm and meet a local beekeeper for a honey tasting.
• Explore the stunning landscapes and charming cities of the region, discovering the legendary Rozafa Fortress and going on guided tours of Prizren and Skopje.
• Try the most iconic foods of Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo, including smoked and barbecued meats, cheese, honey, apples and locally produced wine.

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Southern Europe: Croatia, Montenegro & Ancient Greece

• Take a scenic drive along kotor bay with a stop in perast
• Walk to kotor fortress at sunrise
• See skadar lake
• Take advantage of a free day in corfu
• Visit the magnificent monasteries in meteora
• Experience the delphi ancient ruins with your ceo
• Embark on a highlights walk of athens and lay your eyes on famous landmarks
• Grab a drink at a g adventures-supported café
• Travel through miles of beautiful coastal scenery

Essential Southern Balkans

• Head to seldom-visited Gjirokaster in Albania and get your caffeine fix with a taste of the local Turkish coffee made ‘on the stone’ with a local guide.
• Walk the walls of the Old City of medieval Dubrovnik and spot the film locations that have been used in worldwide blockbusters (if you loved Game of Thrones, this place might look a little familiar).
• Explore the Albanian Riviera, which gives any coastline a run for its money, and float in the sparkling waters of Dhermi Beach. Then, kick back in stunning Corfu – one of Greece’s famed islands. Explore the rocky landscapes, take part in some water sports or just relax on one of the island’s beaches.
• Descend into one of the world’s most peculiar contemporary art museums in Tirana – housed in an underground bunker built for the Albanian political elite.
• Discover the walled cities of Kotor and Stari Bar, teeming with history from a bygone era. With a local leader who knows all the hotspots and heaps of free time to explore on your own, you’re bound to find all the best bits!
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Amurtel, who provide a safe space for refugee women and children in Greece. Donations help them provide antenatal and postnatal care programs run by qualified midwives.

Dubrovnik to Athens: Beachfronts & Fortresses

• Soak up the sun on corfu’s beaches
• Discover enigmatic albania
• See a different way of living in charming old villages
• Party in historic athens

Hiking the Balkans: Via Dinarica

• Hike one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges and discover the history, culture and landscapes of not one, not two, but four southern European countries – Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania.
• Watch herds of wild horses galloping freely with majestic peaks behind them and rugged mountain terrain beneath them in the countryside near Cincar Mountain.
• Embark on a scenic hike to the highest and most remote village in Bosnia – Lukomir, where you’ll meet the locals, learn about their way of life and share lunch, laughs, local cheese and, of course, Bosnian coffee together.
• Hike through Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, that will leave you awe-struck by the vistas across countless glacial lakes and never-ending pine forests.
• Enjoy a ferry ride across Komani lake that proves that it’s just as much about the journey as the destination as you cruise across the turquoise waters framed by towering mountains that seem to plumet directly into the water below.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Humana Zagreb. Donations help provide job opportunities and education programs in sustainable fashion and textiles for people with disabilities. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Best of the Balkans

Balkan Delight

• Dubrovnik: Gain a deep appreciation for Croatian hospitality as you meet the Knez family for a heart-warming Be My Guest experience in their tavern overlooking the Dubrovnik Hills.
• Split: See the ancient fortress built in Split as a retirement residence for Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century.
• Zagreb: Spend the day discovering the diverse cultures and traditions of Zagreb.
• Zagreb: Take in the scenic landscapes of Zagreb.
• Sarajevo: Discover the history of the Bosnian war tunnel in Sarajevo.
• Sarajevo: Discover the wonders and hidden treasures of Sarajevo.
• Mostar: Discover the magnificent coves and cliffs of the Dalmatian coast as well as the monumental Mostar Bridge.
• Dubrovnik: Explore the Pearl of the Adriatic with your Local Specialist during a sightseeing walk in a small group. Walk the stone-paved streets of the Old Town to see Onofrio's Fountain, Rector's Palace and the medieval city walls.
• Kotor: Take in the stunning surroundings of the Bay of Kotor.
• Split: Discover the rich history of Split on a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist.
• Trogir: Enjoy the Renaissance art and the Romanesque architecture on the island of Trogir.
• Mostar: Mostar Coppersmith Workshop: Meet Denis, one of the last traditional coppersmith artisans in Mostar. Learn about the techniques required to design elaborated copper jewellery and appreciate the importance of this traditional craft during a lively demonstration. This experience advances UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• Plitvice Lakes National Park: Admire the irresistible beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO-listed protected area and home to bears, wolves and many rare bird species.
• Explore Zagreb, Sarajevo, Mostar, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Split, Trogir, and Plitvice National Park with a Local Specialist
• Visit the War Tunnel in Sarajevo and Diocletian's Palace in Split
• View the Cathedral in Zagreb, the Rector's Palace and city walls in Dubrovnik and the lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice National Park

Serbia & Montenegro Adventure - 11 days

• Experience the essence of the everyday gourmet life in Belgrade
• Seize a moment and enjoy the picturesque meanders of the Uvac river (guarded by the Griffon Vulture)
• Walk through the true oasis of nature in one of the oldest European rainforests at Biogradska Gora NP

Balkans Discovery (2024)

• Save up to 32% off trips to every continent on earth
• Redeem anytime before 2023. Last minute changes OK.
• Get a full refund.

Balkan Essentials - 10 days

• Experience the welcoming vibes of Belgrade
• Walk across the bridge over the Drina, described by Nobel Prize winning writer Ivo Andrić
• Feel the charm of Kotor's Old Town - one of Europe's ""must-see"" destinations
• Listen to the peaceful sounds of the stunning waterfalls of National Park Plitvice Lakes

Balkan & Adriatic

• Take a look at the fascinating turquoise colour of the Neretva river from the Old Bridge in Mostar
• Discover new flavours of wine at one of Fruška Gora's most prominent wineries
• Seize the opportunity to visit 7 UNESCO protected sites on only one tour
• Take a break and listen to the Sea Organ, the world's first musical pipe organ played by the wind and sea in Zadar
• Explore the hidden gems of Dubrovnik's Old Town

Three Country Kayak Adventure

• Visit the Adriatic Sea is like a dream, with glistening azure water, white-sand beaches, subtropical vegetation, and sunshine that wraps you in its warm embrace. 
• Enjoy the fresh local cuisine and a glass of regional wine as you relax and unwind in this Mediterranean paradise.
• See lush valleys of olive and fig trees, vineyards, and citrus groves.
• Visit two of the lake’s 14th century monasteries nestled beneath the backdrop of the grand Accursed Mountains.

Related Trips & Tours

Montenegro reviews & ratings, why travelstride, additional details, what you should know before going on a montenegro tour, where is montenegro.

Montenegro is located in southeastern Europe , or commonly known as the Balkans, on the Adriatic Sea coast . Montenegro is surrounded by other Balkan countries of Croatia, Albania, and Serbia.

Is Montenegro Safe?

In one word, yes. Montenegro is very safe for families and solo travelers alike. Also, the people of Montenegro are known for their warm and friendly nature to all visitors.

Montenegro has a very rich religious history and some of its most historic sites are churches and mosques. It’s recommended to when visiting religious buildings to dress appropriately out of respect.

Also, as Montenegro has some very popular tourist sites, you should be aware of pickpocketers in the busier areas.

Montenegro Weather

Montenegro has two main landscapes, the coast and the mountains, that affects its climate. The coastal regions of the country have a typical Mediterranean climate with dry, warm summers and cool winters.

If you are traveling farther inland and visiting the mountainous regions of the country, you should expect cooler climates all year round with snow during the winter. Skiiers and snowboarders will enjoy the snowy mountain resorts of Kolasin and Zabljak.

The shoulder seasons, spring and fall, are also determined by the terrain. Shoulder seasons on the coast are very mild, while the mountains are cooler and rainier.

A Few Travel Tips for Montenegro

The Euro isn’t used in most of the countries in the Balkans with the countries retaining their own national currency. However, Montenegro does use the Euro. If you are on a tour of the Balkans and Montenegro is included, make sure to bring along some Euros for your time in the country.

With Montenegro using the Euro, the price of food and hotels are higher priced than other Balkan countries, but are still low compared to Western Europe .

Montenegro is very mountainous. Two of the countries most famous cities, Kotor and Budva, are both at the base of mountains next to the water. The Montenegro culture is intertwined in this dual landscape with their culture being derived from the sea and mountains.

For those who do get motion sickness, it is recommended to pack any medication to help if your tour will be driving through Montenegro from the surrounding countries.

While Montenegro is a Balkan country, the Montenegro culture is heavily influenced by Italy . The Venetian and Roman Empires both had a strong hold on this are of Europe, and had a hand in building some of the most famous sites in Montenegro.

Montenegro Arrival Registration

While most citizens of countries don’t need a visa to visit Montenegro up to 90 days, you do have to register with the authorities. You have 24 hours after your arrival to register with the local government or there is a possibility you may be fined or deported. Also, included in the registration is a fee for how many days you will be in Montenegro.

If you are staying in a hotel, the hotel will register for you. However, if you are arriving early before your tour, you will need to register yourself at the local government office.

Double check with your tour company before you arrive to see if you will need to register yourself or if your tour company or hotel will register for you.

Best Time to Visit Montenegro

July to August has the best weather to visit Montenegro. The temperature is above 85 degrees with plenty of sunshine. However, this is also when the cities and beaches will be the most crowded. Montenegro is a very popular cruise destination and the late-summer is one of the busiest times of the year for cruises.  

One of the best times to visit Montenegro is in May and the early part of June.  The weather will be warm, but the crowds will be less, making it the perfect time for a getaway! This is also the best time to visit Montenegro on an active tour. The cooler temperatures are ideal for hiking and bike riding through the mountains of Montenegro.

Who will like Traveling to Montenegro?

Nature enthusiasts will have a hay day in Montenegro. The entire country is a postcard waiting to happen. While some countries have metal skyscrapers, Montenegro has the Dinaric Alps stretching to touch the clouds.

But don’t forget about the water! Montenegro has 182 miles of coastline with Budva and Kotor providing some of the best coastal views in all of Montenegro.

Montenegro is also perfect for the active traveler. With its rugged terrain, Montenegro is the ideal destination for hikers and bicyclists looking to an enjoy an adventure holiday.

History lovers will also enjoy the medieval old towns of Kotor and Budva. These historic little cities are filled with small shops, cafes, and plenty of Byzantine churches to visit.

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Top Montenegro Attractions

Budva Old Town

Kotor Fortress Walls (San Giovanni Fortress)

Our Lady of the Rocks

Sveti Stefan

Ostrog Monastery

Top Activties in Montenegro

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My 10 Day Montenegro Itinerary

In this post, I’m sharing my 10-day Montenegro Itinerary. This guide will help you plan the ultimate trip and make the most of your time in Montenegro.

Read Next | Renting a car in Montenegro

This itinerary is going to be for spending 10 days in Montenegro. Of course, you can cut some things out and see less or you can extend and spend a few extra days in certain places, depending on what type of trip you are looking for. Or depending on how much holiday time you have right now. 

10 day Montenegro Itinerary

Day 1 of my 10-day itinerary to montenegro .

Start the trip by flying to the Tivat airport. When you arrive, you can take a taxi to Kotor and stay in the old city for 2 nights. If you arrive in the morning, then you’ll have the whole day to explore, however, if you are arriving later in the day, just grab some food and wander the old city for a bit before calling it a day. You’re getting up early for day two! 

Day 2 Full day in Kotor

Wake up early today because you’re going to climb the fort before the suns up. I love doing this because it’s so quiet, it’s still cool outside and chances are, you’ll have the whole place to yourself. I recommend starting the hike up around 7am but if you’re really eager to spend some time up there, you can start earlier. It takes about 45 minutes to get all the way to the top of the fort and a little less time than that to come back down. 

It officially opens at 8am but I’ve never had any trouble hiking up early. You just pay the entrance fee when you come back down. Grab someone from your hostel to hike up there with! Chances are, lots of people will be interested in doing that with you. 

Once you are back in the city, grab a coffee and breakfast. There’s an amazing cafe with over 15 vegan options. Search that out and eat them all. Trust me. Luckily, you’re still going to be one of the only people up in the city so take this as a chance to explore and take photos of the empty old city. 

After the city starts to fill up, skip out of the old city and go see some of the beaches surrounding Kotor. The water is so warm, I loved swimming around Kotor. Some of the beaches are a bit dirty, but the further you go from Kotor, the nicer they are. 

After your day at the beach, you can head home, get cleaned up, have dinner and pack for your checkout the next morning. 

Day 3 – Overnight in Bar 

Check out from Kotor and take the bus to Bar. Bar has the nicest beaches in Montenegro, they’re really stunning. That’s why I’d recommend going for a beach day there instead of Budva. You can spend the whole day at the beach, swimming and having a drink. I’d recommend staying overnight in Bar so that you really have the day to explore. 

Day 4 – Overnight in Zabljak 

On day 4 you’re going to be busy. You need to get up and take the bus to Budva. There you can rent a car from the bus station. With your car you are going to have to drive the longest distance of your trip. You’re heading to the Durmitor National Park when you’re going to be spending a couple of nights exploring that region of Montenegro. 

It’s going to take you around 4.5 hours to get there from Budva, so the earlier that you can pick up the car, the better off you are going to be. Driving in Montenegro is super straightforward, my biggest advice is to make sure that you always go the speed limit and drive safely, regardless of the Montenegrins all around you. But more on that here.

Chances are you are going to get to Durmitor pretty late in the day. You should head straight to your accommodation and get settled in. Once you’re settled in, you can just go for a walk, find some dinner and call it a day. You should get up fairly early for everything you’ll be doing the next day.  

Day 5 – Overnight in Zabljak

Another early morning! Get up with the sun and drive into the Durmitor National Park. Pick one or two hikes and spend the day in the mountains. We thought it would be nice to pack a picnic and eat at the Black Lake (Cnro Jereno) right at the entrance to the park. 

You can talk to your accommodation and plan your day out before you get there. Then all you have to do is show up and look for the right signs, pointing you in the direction of the hikes you wanted to do. 

In the late afternoon, you should get back to the car and give yourself time to drive to the Đurđevića Tara Bridge. It’s about an hour from Zabljak so I would say you should drive there, see the views, do the zipline and then drive back to your accommodation for the night. It’s a really cool bridge, which is why I’d say you should still drive there in the evening. 

After you’ve seen the bridge, you can head back to Zabljak for the evening. Tomorrow you’ll have a long drive ahead of you, but you don’t have to rush! So stay up, have a glass of wine and enjoy your evening. 

Day 6 – Overnight in Virpazar

Make your coffee extra strong this morning because you’ve got a 4-hour journey to your next destination. You’re headed to Skadar Lake where you’ll be able to stay for the next couple of nights. 

Once you get to Skadar Lake, you could go have dinner by the river in Rijeka Crnojevica. It’s a stunning, small town with a famous bridge and a couple of cute restaurants where you can have dinner after your drive. From there, you’re going to need to drive to Virpazar where you’ll be staying for the night. 

Check out the Pelican Hotel for your accommodation! It’s so cute and it’s named after the famous Dalmation Pelican that can be found at Skadar Lake during certain times of the year! (Summer is not a good time to see the Pelican – I found that out too late unfortunately because I was really looking forward to seeing the Pelican)

Day 7 – Overnight in Virpazar

Have an easy morning! You’re going to be spending the day at Skadar Lake and it’s going to be an amazing day, believe me. I did a ton of research before going to Skadar Lake because I wanted to do some hiking in the area. But from what I could tell, everyone was mainly just hanging out on the lake, no one was hiking! 

I found this to be weird and was determined to get to the bottom of it when I got there. I started my day out at the Information Center where they told me that the best way to spend the day would be on the lake. They highly recommended that I spend at least 3 hours exploring the northern part of the lake. 

And just like that, I was convinced. The best place to book a boat tour is actually recommended by the Information Center. To find them, you head across the bridge and walk straight to the green building across from the bridge. There Alexandra will help you book a tour onto the lake with their captain, Alexander! 

It was such a beautiful day, we saw tons of birds, swam in the warm lake waters, and saw tons of amazing lily pads and other plants that grow on the lake. That’s why I recommend booking a tour of the lake as well. 

After you’ve explored the lake by boat, there are plenty of walks that you can do around the lake. For finding a hike to do, I would just recommend that you go to ask the information center. They’ll give you a map with directions for different hikes to small waterfalls and other small towns around the lake. 

Day 8 – Overnight in Lovcen National Park

Today you are checking out of your hotel at Skadar Lake and heading to the last National Park that you will be staying at on your trip! You’re headed to Lovcen National Park today! It’s not too long of a drive today so on the way, you can make a lot of stops at the various viewpoints around the lake.

Then you’ll be making your way to Lovcen National Park where you’ll be able to stay in Cetinje. I found my favorite Airbnb in Cetinje, I’ll link it here and if you don’t already have an account, join today and get $35 off your stay! 

Grab a bottle of wine, make dinner, and have a wonderful evening out on your balcony while the sunset tonight. Don’t stay up too late because tomorrow you have to get up fairly early to avoid the crowds. 

Day 9 – Overnight in Tivat

Wake up early because you really want to beat the crowds today! Pack up your bags and check out of your hotel. It’ll take you about an hour to drive to the Vidikovac viewpoint where you can see the city of Kotor hanging out below! It’s such a stunning view and the drive is probably the best one that I had to do. The road was the nicest (smoothest and largest) that I drove on in any of the National Parks. 

After that though, you’ve got a windy, trippy road down to Kotor. It’s a serpentine road that’s going to blow your mind! I couldn’t believe how many twists and turns the road down had. And believe me, this is why you want to get up early and give yourself plenty of time. It took me 2 hours longer than I thought to get down that road, just because of the traffic and buses trying to get UP that road. It’s mental. 

The views are stunning though because you can look out over Kotor the whole way. 

Once you get to Tivat, you’ll be able to return the car and head to Tivat for the night. I loved walking along the pier area in Tivat. It’s very fancy, with lots of Yachts and rich people but it’s clean and beautiful. You can sit down and have some wine while the sunsets and think back on the amazing trip you’ve had. 

You’ve got one full day left of your trip but it’s going to be a relaxing one, so really enjoy your evening and spend some time down by the ocean before heading home for the night. 

Day 10 – Last day in Montenegro 

Good morning! You’re flying today so depending on what time your flight is, you can structure your day around that. A taxi from Tivat to the airport is going to cost you around 10 Euros and only take you about 10-15 minutes. 

If you’re got the whole day and you’re not flying until the evening, then I would recommend going back down to the city, enjoying the sun and having a coffee at one of the nice cafes along the water. Then you can hang out and have some Aperol at the beach. You’ve deserved it! 

You’ve made it through your trip through Montenegro! And if you found the roads as terrifying as I did, you’ll be thanking your lucky stars that you survived the trip!

Are you ready to book your trip to Montenegro? Find flights to Montenegro today .

I can assure you that you won’t regret a road trip through Montenegro!

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• Highlights of Montenegro (without a car) – Travel guide and 14-day itinerary

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Map of accommodation, points of interest, eateries and transport, key things to know (in alphabetical order), electricity, oneadaptr oneworld135 international adapter.

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Public holidays, travel safety, best time to visit montenegro, how much to budget for montenegro, how to get to montenegro, how to get around montenegro (without a car), train travel in montenegro, bus travel in montenegro, taxis in montenegro, what to pack for your montenegro trip, bar to belgrade railway journey: is it worth it, ultimate montenegro itinerary: explore the highlights in 14 days (or more), find the best deals on a rental car with discover cars, tivat airport to kotor, kotor to cetinje, cetinje to bar.

• Bar to Kolašin or Mojkovac
• Kolašin or Mojkovac to Žabljak
• Žabljak to Podgorica Airport

Where to stay in Montenegro

Accommodation in kotor, accommodation in cetinje, accommodation on the southern adriatic coast (bar, ulcinj and vranjina).

• Accommodation in Žabljak (Durmitor National Park)

Food and restaurant recommendations

Where to eat around the bay of kotor, where to eat in cetinje, where to eat in bar, ulcinj and around skadar lake.

• Where to eat in Žabljak

What experiences and accommodation would you recommend after exploring Montenegro?

Author: sandra rosenau.

If a country has mountain in its name you can guess what its main topographical feature is… Well, that and stunning lakes, deep river gorges and the Adriatic coast. Welcome to Crna Gora or Montenegro (which means Black Mountain).

Today’s article is jam-packed with all the key things you need to know to explore this fascinating country – at your own pace and without a car. We even put together an itinerary that takes you to all our favourite spots, in 14 days (or more). Whether you love the great outdoors, history or delicious food, Montenegro has something for everyone – guaranteed.

As travellers, we should all be aware of our travel behaviour and its environmental, economic and social impact; and make conscious decisions about it. Too often, we hear negative stories in the media about tourists behaving badly.

Here is your chance to tick some boxes and check out what it really takes to travel with a sustainable mindset.

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Below is a map of the recommended accommodation, points of interest, eateries and transport terminals/stops mentioned in this article.

Like other countries in mainland Europe , Montenegro uses a plug with two round pins (Output type: C / F). The standard voltage is 230 volts and 50 Hz. If your devices are not European and you need an adapter, we use and recommend the OneAdaptr OneWorld135 International Adapter .

The OneAdaptr OneWorld135 International Adapter is the world's most powerful travel charger/adaptor. It can quick charge up to five devices: laptop, tablet, smartphone, USB mobile device and AC appliances, all at the same time, all over the world!

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Visiting Montenegro often only requires a valid passport, as in many countries’ citizens can stay visa-free for up to 30 days. For up-to-date requirements relating to your country check out Montenegro ’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website .

The country’s official language, not surprisingly, is Montenegrin. To a large extent, it’s the same language that is also spoken in Slovenia , Croatia , Bosnia and Herzegovina , and Serbia . You will see both the Latin and Cyrillic alphabets being used, though Latin is more prevalent. Near the border to Albania, street signs are bilingual: Montenegrin and Albanian.

If you want to learn a bit of Montenegrin before your trip check out these tutorials:

• 21 essential phrases you’ll need in Montenegro
• Learn Croatian/Serbian/Bosnian/Montenegrin in 7 lessons

For full imersion, we recommend Live Lingua .

When planning your trip, be aware that some services won’t be available on these public holidays .

Apart from the occasional scam and pick-pocketing, Montenegro is a safe country to visit. Check out our general tips on how to stay safe while travelling and what to do if something goes wrong .

If you’re looking for a country with fast and cheap mobile internet , Montenegro is the place to be. The Telekom Tourist prepaid SIM is the ideal option when traveling to Montenegro . You get a local number and an impressive 500GB or 1 TB of data.

Montenegro , like all Balkan countries , is heaven for smokers . According to MacroTrends , the most recent study showed 31.40% of the populaiton smoked. This means us non-smokers have trouble finding a place where we can breathe unencumbered. Since August 2019, smoking has been banned in all closed public places, including restaurants and cafes, although casinos have received an exception to the new rules. That said, you will see smokers lighting up in cafes wi little regard for the law.

Likewise, sustainability is still in its infancy : plastic bags, plastic straws, no garbage separation, etc are the norm. Do your bit by trying to avoid plastic/packaging in the first place.

There is no garbage separation in Montenegro , so do your bit by avoiding packaged food in the first place

When to visit Montenegro generally depends on where you want to go:

• If you want to explore the Adriatic coast, avoid the European summer holidays, especially July and August when Serbian and Russian families flock to the Adriatic (and you have gazillion cruise ships anchored in the Bay of Kotor ).
• If you want to hike in the mountainous national parks, avoid the winter months (November to March) as trails will be inaccessible.

Great months to explore the whole country are May, June and September. Temperatures are pleasant, there is a good chance for clear sunny days, and there are fewer crowds.

For year-round weather information check out Weather Spark ’s website. You can choose your destination on the top right and even switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Spring is an excellent time to visit Montenegro and enjoy pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and blooming wild flowers

If you want to explore Kotor and the surrounding area you may want to time your visit when there are no cruise ships in port or at least only one. The old town of Kotor is very small, and it’s a very different experience sharing it with thousands of cruise ship tourists to only sharing it with locals.

Despite travelling in peak season, we found Montenegro to be quite an affordable destination – certainly more affordable than Croatia or Slovenia . For a full download on what to consider for accommodation, food, transport, etc check out our Montenegro travel costs .

The money museum is a well kept secretwellsorth visiting in Cetinje

Montenegro has two international airports – in the capital Podgorica and in Tivat (near Kotor):

• Podgorica Airport / Аеродром Подгорица ( Official website , IATA: TGD, Google Maps location ) is serviced year-round by non-stop flights from all over Europe .
• Tivat ( Official website , IATA: TIV, Google Maps location ) is more seasonal, with year-round non-stop flights only from Belgrade. Between May and October however, there are frequent non-stop flights from a number of European destinations, including Germany (Frankfurt, Hanover, Leipzig and Munich), England (London and Manchester) as well as Belgium (Brussels) and France (Paris).

For the best prices on airfares, we recommend Skyscanner to review what flights are available.

While Dubrovnik‘s airport is also close by (less than 20km from the Montenegrin border), we do not recommend flying into or out of Dubrovnik. The bus service between Dubrovnik and Montenegro is not the best, and long delays are very frequent. We even encountered a bus driver who smoked while steering the bus. Not much fun.

Unlike elsewhere in Montenegro , smoking is not allowed on buses - though this Jadran Ekspres driver didn't care

You don’t need a rental car to explore Montenegro . While the country is mountainous and therefore journeys take longer, travelling around Montenegro by train and bus is actually very feasible and has the added benefit that you can fully enjoy the stunning scenery.

Let’s start with the easy one. There are only two train lines currently operating in Montenegro , both are run by state-controlled rail transport operator Željeznički Prevoz Crne Gore ( ZPCG ):

• the railway that connects the seaside town of Bar and Montenegro ’s capital Podgorica with the Serbian capital Belgrade (in the summer full of Serbian families going on or returning from holiday), and
• the railway between Podgorica and the town of Nikšić.

For up-to-date timetables (and fares) check out the ZPCG website . You can buy tickets at all train stations and from the conductor on the train.

Train travel in Montenegro is surprisingly comfortable

We found Busticket4Me most useful when it came to finding timetables and fares. You can even book bus tickets online through the website. Just be aware that you still need to

• check-in at the bus station (and pay a station fee);
• print off your bus ticket if you have ordered it online; and
• pay a luggage fee if you put your luggage on hold.

The station and luggage fees are only a Euro each (per person and per item, respectively).

Buses stop frequently and can be waived down at stops along the roadside. In this case, you pay your fare (including the luggage fee) on the bus.

All taxi services in Montenegro only accept cash payments and no credit or debit cards.

It may not be the most modern but Montenegro has an extensive bus network | Photo by Victoria Kure on Unsplash

Given Montenegro ’s topography, temperatures can vary significantly depending on where you go. We visited the country in July with 30+ degrees Celsius along the Adriatic coast but temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius in Durmitor National Park. Check the Weather Spark website for your destination.

If you want to be prepared for any weather and still pack light you may want to check out our recommended carry-on packing lists .

Budget travellers can travel from either airport to Kotor by public transport

Our itinerary takes you from the fjord-like Bay of Kotor and Montenegro ’s old capital of Cetinje to the coast of the Southern Adriatic, and the water lilies and bird life of Skadar Lake, before heading inland on a breath-taking rail journey through the deep river gorges, and high up into majestic mountains with crystal-clear lakes, and challenging hiking and mountain bike trails.

For this itinerary, we recommend flying into Tivat Airport / Аеродром Тиват ( Official website , IATA: TIV, ICAO: LYTV, Google Maps location ) and out of Podgorica Airport / Аеродром Подгорица ( Official website , IATA: TGD, ICAO: LYPG, Google Maps location ). You can do the itinerary solely by bus and train . A rental car is not required, though we do recommend renting a car for a day or two in Bar as it allows you to explore a bit more of Lake Skadar.

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You can travel by bus , taxi or private shultte (see below options). Both take about 15 minutes through the road tunnel that connects Tivat and Kotor.

Intercity Buses from Bar, Budva or Podgorica to Kotor (via Tivat) generally stop at Tivat Airport. Bus fares cost around EUR3.00. A taxi between Tivat Airport and Kotor costs around EUR10.00.

There are frequent intercity buses between Kotor and Cetinje via Budva. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes. For the day trip to Lovćen National Park and Lipa Cave, we recommend hiring a bicycle. Your accommodation may even provide one for free.

To visit Ostrog Monastery on a day trip from  Cetinje , you need to first take an  intercity bus from Cetinje to Podgorica (45 minutes) and then the ZPCG train from Podgorica towards Nikšić, getting off at Ostrog (another 45 minutes).

From the Ostrog station, it’s a steep hike of just over 2 kilometres / 280-metre elevation gain to the lower monastery (and an additional one kilometre / 280-metre elevation gain) to the upper monastery.

It is possible to overnight at the monastery and experience the first service at sunrise. There are dorm rooms at both the lower and upper monasteries. You can even sleep in the courtyard of the upper monastery if the weather allows and you bring your own sleeping bag/mat.

You can visit Ostrog Monastery on a day trip from Cetinje or overnight at the Monastery to experience the sunrise service

The bus journey takes approximately 2 hours. Once in Bar, we recommend hiring a rental car for a day or two. However, if you prefer public transport, there are frequent

• bus connections between Bar and Ulcinj (taking around 30 minutes), and
• train connections between Bar and Virpazar on Skadar Lake (taking 25 minutes).

If you do hire a car be aware that Montenegrin drivers (or Serbian drivers on holiday) are not the most courteous, and secondary roads tend to be skinny, requiring frequent stops to let oncoming traffic pass.

Bar to Kolašin or Mojkovac

The journey from Bar to the north of the country is one of the most amazing train journeys on earth. After crossing Skadar Lake and leaving the capital Podgorica the train slowly ascends through deep river gorges into the mountains – over myriads of viaducts and the 200-metre-high Mala Rijeka Bridge.

There are only two trains a day, one in the morning, another one in the evening. To experience the stunning scenery the train travels through you’ll need to take the morning train. The journey to Kolašin takes 2 hours 15 minutes (though often it’s delayed by at least 30 minutes), and 15 minutes more to Mojkovac.

As for where to get off the train, it’s really your choice: Kolašin is the more interesting one of the two, but if you want to add a few nights to explore Biogradska Gora with its virgin forests Mojkovac is closer to the park.

Don't miss it: The journey on the Bar-Belgrade Railway in Montenegro is one of the most amazing train rides on earth

Kolašin or Mojkovac to Žabljak

There is no direct bus connection between Kolašin/Mojkovac and Žabljak. You need to change buses at Đurđevića Tara. The famous Tara Bridge is a masterpiece of engineering and well worth the stopover. Not including the stop at the bridge, the journey takes 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Žabljak to Podgorica Airport

Frequent buses connect Žabljak and Podgorica, taking approximately 2 1/2 hours.

Between Podgorica town and the airport, however, there is no easy bus connection. From Podgorica, you can take a ZPCG train to Aerodrom Station which takes 7 minutes (costing EUR1.20), followed by a flat 10 minutes walk to get to the terminal (use Maps.Me to find your way). Check the train times though as trains are not that frequent. The main bus and train stations in Podgorica are adjacent to one another.

A taxi between Podgorica and Podgorica Airport costs around EUR12.00 and takes about 15 minutes.

A masterpiece of engineering, the Tara Bridge is well worth a stopover | Photo by Alexey Malakhov on Unsplash

Kotor‘s position towards one end of the bay means there are hundreds of accommodation options dotted along the bay, and there are buses that connect Kotor with the villages along the bay shore .

My accommodation recommendations in Kotor are conveniently located near all the sights on this itinerary:

Alternative accommodation options in Kotor are below.

Cetinje is easy to walk or cycle, and you can even explore Lovćen National Park by mountain bike (it is 15 kilometres / 620 metres elevation gain to the mausoleum of Petar II Petrovic-Njegos with 360-degree views). I have therefore included some accommodation options that provide a bike free of charge:

Alternative accommodation options in Cetinje are below.

Cruise ships dominate the kotor skyline

Bar is a port town and not very pretty. We preferred Ulcinj. That said, if you don’t want to hire a car , it is best to base yourself in Bar as it’s easy to visit Ulcinj from there by bus and Skadar Lake by train (each is about 30 minutes away). Below are my recommended accommodation selection.

Alternative accommodation options in Bar are below.

Accommodation in Žabljak (Durmitor National Park)

Žabljak is the gateway to Durmitor National Park, though the park entrance is a 2-kilometre walk southwest of the small town. Keep that in mind when you select your accommodation .

Here are my Žabljak accommodation recommendations:

Alternative accommodation options in Žabljak are below.

In Bar, if you don't have a car look for accommodation in walking distance to the train station and Stari Bar

When visiting Montenegro make sure you try some typical Montenegrin or Balkan dishes, including

• Cevapi (small, minced meat sausages made without skin),
• Burek (filo pastry filled with meat, cheese or spinach) – locals have it with a yoghurt drink
• Ispod Saca (veal, lamb or goat meat slowly roasted under hot coals with potatoes, carrots, and onions)
• Buzara (a seafood stew with red or white wine sauce)
• Gavice (small fried fish)
• Grilled fish from Skadar Lake, and
• the local varieties of cheese (for example, Durmitorski Skorup, and Njeguški or Pljevaljski sir) and ham (the village of Njegusi between Kotor and Cetinje is known for its prosciutto).

Make sure you try some typical Montenegrin or Balkan dishes, including Burek

Kotor is full of tourist(y) restaurants but if you leave the old town you can find a few gems serving local food at local prices, including

• BBQ Tanjga, Kotor
• Buregdzinica AS, Tivat
• Grill Basta Kod Mene, Tivat .

If you dislike the service and prices in some of the more touristy spots in Montenegro you’ll be surprised by the value for money you get in Cetinje :

• Cukarland Café , opposite the National Museum
• Restoran Pečenjara Verige .

Our favourite restaurant in Žabljak was the Durmitor Inn (now permenantly closed) - delicious food, friendly service and very affordable

Narrowing it down to our top three wasn’t easy but here they are:

• Restaurant Cevapdzinica Dino , Stari Bar
• Byrektore Pelivan , Ulcinj
• Macalov Brijeg – small café overlooking Skadar Lake on the road between Rijeka Crnojevića and Virpazar (requires car).

Where to eat in Žabljak

Being more a village than a town, Žabljak doesn’t have that many good dining options. The local bakery was always packed with people but our absolute favourite was a small family business that has since permanently closed:

• Café Paradiso , opposite the bus station
• Pekara bakery , behind the Voli Supermarket.

I wrote this Montenegro Itinerary article based on my own personal experience. If you explored  Montenegro recently and you have something to add, please feel free to contact me. If you liked my tips and found them helpful, I would appreciate if you could share them with your friends and family via the Share buttons below. Even better, link to the page from your personal blog or social media platforms.

Montenegro Tours 2024 | Top Ten Tours & Experiences in Montenegro

Discover the best of montenegro: top ten tours and experiences in 2024.

Author –

Jonathan Howe

These unique Montenegro tours are the ultimate way to discover the true hidden gem of the Adriatic

As 2024 unfolds, we present the  top ten Montenegro tours and experiences , tailored to satisfy the most refined wanderlust desires. In a world of familiar destinations, Montenegro shines as a thrilling enigma, enticing the intrepid traveler with its unmatched charm. From the picturesque coastline to the rugged mountains, these Montenegro adventures will immerse you in awe-inspiring experiences. Picture this: perched on a sun-kissed cliff, overlooking a glistening Adriatic panorama, as the salty breeze tousles your hair. Guided by an expert tour guide, you’ll unveil Montenegro’s hidden gems and closely-guarded secrets. This is more than a vacation or cruise ship experience – it’s your passport to a once-in-a-lifetime escapade. Our selection of tours in Montenegro reveals a wealth of immersive experiences. Explore Kotor’s cobblestone streets with an Old Town Kotor tour, where medieval allure narrates ancient stories. Thrill in rafting the icy rapids of  Tara River Canyon , Europe’s deepest gorge. Savor a candlelit dinner aboard a traditional sailing vessel, meandering through the serene Bay of Kotor. The excitement doesn’t end there. Traverse  Durmitor National Park’s  otherworldly landscapes and marvel at the striking Black Lake. Dive into the Blue Cave’s azure depths, where light creates a surreal underwater haven. Our Montenegro tours cater to cultural enthusiasts, as well. Delve into local winemaking with an exclusive vineyard experience or uncover the history of the enigmatic Ostrog Monastery, a sacred refuge nestled within a cliff. Organize private tours which promise not only Montenegro’s breathtaking wonders but also lasting memories and connections with its hospitable people. Our top ten Montenegro experiences in 2024 cater to adventurers and history buffs alike, delivering the remarkable. Embrace the allure of Montenegro, where ancient history, rugged beauty, and vibrant local culture create a memorable adventure. Seize the opportunity to redefine your travel experience with a  Montenegro tour  in 2024, and don’t miss out on these top experiences that will change your world view. (top budva 4wd tours, top budva half day tours)

Table of Contents

Montenegro’s Top 10 Tours and Experiences in 2024!

1: Montenegro Full-Day Trip from Dubrovnik

Explore the best of montenegro with this full day tour from dubrovnik.

Experience the charm of Montenegro’s stunning coastline on this full-day tour from Dubrovnik. Leave the hassle of navigation to your expert guide as you explore the country’s most captivating sites without feeling rushed. With visits to medieval islands, walled seaside towns, and the enchanting Kotor, you’ll discover the hidden gems of Montenegro in a single day. Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will provide you with historical context and fascinating insights, making this an educational and immersive experience. You’ll see more of Montenegro than you could on your own, making this tour perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their time. As an optional extra, you can take a boat ride to the picturesque Our Lady of the Rocks Island, adding to the day’s adventure. With hassle-free round-trip transportation from Dubrovnik hotels, this is the perfect way to discover the breathtaking beauty of Montenegro’s coast.

2: Full-Day Tour Bay of Kotor – Perast, Kotor and Budva small group from Dubrovnik

1 day montenegro tour – 3 incredible destinations.

Step into a world of history and heritage with this full-day tour of Bay of Kotor, Perast, Kotor, and Budva from Dubrovnik. As a history buff, you won’t want to miss the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor Old Town in Montenegro, and with this tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit another country in a single day. Leave the hassle of car hire behind with included round-trip transport, letting you sit back and admire the stunning coastal scenery without any worries. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll discover the rich history and cultural significance of each stop on the itinerary, from the captivating Bay of Kotor to the charming seaside town of Budva. As you explore the cobblestone streets of Kotor’s Old Town, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. The tour is perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their time on the Adriatic Coast and want to skip the stress of driving. Experience the beauty and history of the Bay of Kotor, Perast, Kotor, and Budva with ease on this small group tour from Dubrovnik.

3: Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave – Kotor Boat Tour

This montenegro boat tour shows you the best of montenegro from the water.

Experience the best of Montenegro’s natural wonders on this Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave Kotor boat tour. Discover the highlights of the stunning Bay of Kotor on a boat tour that takes you to some of the region’s most picturesque destinations. Unlike sightseeing cruises that merely pass by, this tour allows you to engage with your surroundings fully, giving you the chance to swim in the iconic blue cave and explore the centuries-old Our Lady of the Rocks church. As you travel through the bay, your expert guide will provide you with fascinating historical details and information about the area that you might otherwise miss. The tour also includes hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring that your day is stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the blue cave, accessible only by boat, and soak up the beauty of Montenegro’s coast. Step ashore to explore the ancient island church of Our Lady of the Rocks, where you’ll be captivated by the history and charm of this unique destination. Join us for an unforgettable boat tour of the Bay of Kotor, combining natural wonders, fascinating history, and exceptional scenery.

4: Kotor: Private Walking tour with Wine and Food Tasting

This montenegro tour combines the magic of ancient kotor, with delicious wines.

Get a taste of Kotor’s rich history and delicious cuisine on this private walking tour with wine and food tasting, recommended by Rick Steves. The tour is perfect for foodies and history enthusiasts alike, as you’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Kotor old town while learning about the city’s unique culinary traditions. As you stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of the old town, your expert guide will share anecdotes and curiosities that bring the history of Kotor to life. You’ll visit a locally loved eatery, where you’ll sample smoked ham, cheese, and wine while chatting about the city’s gastronomy with your guide. This private walking tour offers a personalized experience, ensuring that you can make the most of your time in Kotor. Discover the city’s hidden gems and cultural heritage while indulging in delicious local food and wine. As a Rick Steves recommended tour, you can trust that you’re in good hands. Book your Kotor private walking tour with wine and food tasting now and savor the flavors of Montenegro.

5: Blue Cave & Lady of the Rocks 3 hrs private tour (up to 5 persons)

Explore the beauty of boka bay with a private montenegro boat tour.

Embark on a personalized adventure of Montenegro’s Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks church on this three-hour private tour. With a private guide by boat, you’ll have the opportunity to see the two landmarks in a more intimate and personalized way than a standard group tour, giving you the chance to discover more at your own pace. This tour follows a carefully planned route that ensures you get the most out of your experience, without the rush of a standard group tour. Along the way, you’ll soak up breathtaking coastal views and have the opportunity to stop and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. With a private guide, you’ll have the freedom to tailor the tour to your preferences, ensuring that you get the most out of your time on the water. This private tour is perfect for groups of up to five people, giving you the opportunity to share this unforgettable experience with your loved ones. Experience the beauty and wonder of Montenegro’s Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks church in a personalized and intimate way on this private tour.

6: North Montenegro, Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Tour

This north montenegro tour will show you the real heart of the country.

Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Montenegro’s landscape with ease on this full-day group tour of North Montenegro, Durmitor, Tara, and Ostrog. Depart in a comfortable minibus and journey through the stunning coastline of Kotor, the rugged Durmitor Mountains, and the impressive Tara River Canyon. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll learn about the area’s rich cultural history and fascinating landmarks. Experience the natural beauty of Montenegro’s stunning landscape on a hike around the picturesque Black Lake. You’ll be amazed by the crystal-clear waters and mountainous views that surround you. Learn about the history of the famous Ostrog Monastery, an iconic destination that has drawn pilgrims and travelers for centuries. As you journey through Montenegro’s stunning landscape, your guide will provide you with fascinating insights and historical context, making this an educational and immersive experience. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to explore Montenegro’s natural wonders with ease and without any hassle. Join us for an unforgettable full-day group tour of North Montenegro, Durmitor, Tara, and Ostrog.

7: Private full day Montenegro tour from Dubrovnik

Visit the highlights of montenegro with a private tour from dubrovnik.

Experience the best of Montenegro on this private full-day tour from Dubrovnik. Visit the charming medieval city of Perast, wander the historic Kotor Old City, and take stunning photos at Fort Vrnac. You’ll also have time to explore the beautiful beach town of Budva, all in just one day. This private tour is perfect for travelers who want to discover Montenegro’s top destinations without the stress of planning and navigating. With a private guide, you’ll have the freedom to tailor the tour to your preferences, ensuring that you see the best of Montenegro in a personalized and intimate way. Experience the rich history and cultural heritage of Perast’s medieval city, and discover the beauty of Kotor’s Old City, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take in the panoramic views from Fort Vrnac, a historic landmark that provides breathtaking views of the Bay of Kotor. Finally, explore the beautiful beach town of Budva, with its stunning coastline and charming town center. This private tour is the perfect way to experience Montenegro’s highlights in just one day, with the added benefit of hassle-free transportation back to Dubrovnik in time for dinner. Join us for an unforgettable private tour of Montenegro, tailored to your preferences, and experience the beauty and history of this stunning country in style.

8: From Cavtat to Montenegro including a boat Cruise in Kotor bay

Enjoy the highlights of montenegro with this land and sea tour.

Explore the stunning Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a must-visit for travelers to Cavtat. Skip the hassle of self-driving across borders and parking in this popular region, and relax on this convenient door-to-door tour, available in small-group or budget options. This tour includes a visit to the charming town of Perast, where you’ll board a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks (entrance at your own expense). The boat cruise is a highlight of the tour, providing breathtaking views of the bay’s coastline and revealing hidden gems that are only accessible by water. As you arrive at Our Lady of the Rocks, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this unique destination and discover its fascinating history. Then, explore the captivating Kotor Old City, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a must-visit on any trip to Montenegro. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the region, making this an educational and immersive experience. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to explore Montenegro’s stunning coastline without any of the hassle. With door-to-door transportation and expert guidance, you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Kotor in style. Join us for an unforgettable boat cruise in the Bay of Kotor and discover the hidden gems of Montenegro’s coast.

9: Private boat tour Kotor – Our lady of the rocks & Blue Cave up to 6 passengers

Experience the wonders of montenegro’s coastline in the luxury of a private boat tour..

Embark on a private boat tour of Montenegro’s stunning coastline, with the opportunity to explore the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks and the mesmerising Blue Cave. This three-hour tour is perfect for up to six passengers, giving you the chance to explore Montenegro’s history and culture from a unique perspective. As you sail through the Bay of Kotor, your expert guide will provide you with fascinating insights and historical context, giving you a firsthand appreciation of the close connection that the people of Montenegro have with the sea. Discover the hidden gems of the Bay of Kotor, soak up the stunning coastal views, and learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage. Stop at the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks, a centuries-old church built on an artificial island in the bay. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the church and learn about its fascinating history. Then, continue to the mesmerizing Blue Cave, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters and experience the natural beauty of Montenegro’s coastline up close. This private boat tour is the perfect way to explore Montenegro’s stunning coastline and experience the area’s rich history and culture. Join us for a personalized and intimate tour that you’ll never forget.

10: Private Kotor Bay Speed Boat Tour and Blue Cave Adventure

This private montenegro boat tour comes with history, natural beauty and exhilaration included.

Experience the beauty of Montenegro’s Boka Bay on this private speed boat tour and Blue Cave adventure. Explore the stunning bays at Kotor, Herceg Novi, and Tivat, and soak up the breathtaking coastal views from the comfort of your private speed boat. As you cruise through the bay, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the medieval churches and towering cliffs that make Kotor so unique. Visit the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks Church, located on an artificial island, and discover the fascinating history of this centuries-old landmark. Stop at the mesmerizing Blue Cave in Herceg Novi, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters and experience the natural beauty of Montenegro’s coastline up close. Throughout the tour, stay shaded and hydrated as you enjoy the stunning scenery and panoramic views. This private speed boat tour is the perfect way to explore Montenegro’s stunning coastline and experience the area’s rich history and culture. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll learn about the region’s fascinating landmarks and cultural heritage, making this an educational and immersive experience. Join us for an unforgettable private speed boat tour of Boka Bay and Blue Cave adventure.

Don’t Miss Out, Book Your Montenegro Tours Today!

In conclusion, Montenegro’s natural beauty and cultural heritage make it one of the most unique and captivating destinations in Europe. With our carefully curated list of the top ten tours and experiences, you can explore the very best that Montenegro has to offer, from the stunning coastline to the rugged mountains. Our handpicked selection of tours offers something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a food lover. Our expert guides will provide you with fascinating insights and historical context, making your trip to Montenegro an educational and immersive experience. So what are you waiting for? Book your Montenegro tour today and discover the beauty and history of this enchanting country for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Booking Tours in Montenegro

How many days are enough in montenegro.

Five days or longer is the ideal length of time to explore the coastal towns, relax in Kotor, and venture inland. However, whether you have one day or several, there are plenty of great ideas for how to fill your time and make the most of your visit to  Montenegro .

Is Montenegro expensive for tourists?

Montenegro is a reasonably priced destination, with accommodations and food offered at affordable prices. Budget Your Trip estimates that total holiday costs will amount to €84 a day, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Even luxury holidays are a fraction of the cost in comparison to other European countries.

How to spend 4 days in Montenegro?

Follow this itinerary for the perfect Montenegro trip: Day 1: Visit Kotor. Day 2: Take a Perast and Kotor Bay boat tour. Day 3: Explore Budva, Sveti Stefan, and spend a day at the beach. Day 4: Visit Lovcen National Park.

How to spend 7 days in Montenegro?

Montenegro itinerary highlights: Day 1: Explore Kotor. Day 2: Visit Durmitor National Park. Day 3: Spend a day in Durmitor National Park. Day 4: Visit Mrtvica Canyon and Lake Skadar. Day 5: Spend a day at Lake Skadar. Day 6: Visit Stari Bar and Ulcinj. Day 7: Travel from Ulcinj to Kotor.

Which month is best for Montenegro?

The best time to visit  Montenegro  is between June and August, when the weather is warm and dry. July is the hottest month of the year with an average daily maximum of 31 C and an average low of 22 C.

What is the best town to stay in Montenegro?

The best towns to stay in  Montenegro  include Tivat, Kotor and Perast, Budva, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Bar, and Ulcinj, each offering their own unique charm and attractions.

Can I use euros in Montenegro?

Yes, the official currency of  Montenegro  is the Euro, and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.

Which country is cheaper, Albania or Montenegro?

The cost of living in Albania is similar to the  living costs in Montenegro .

Why is Montenegro so famous?

Montenegro  is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including the deepest canyon in Europe, Tara River Canyon, the southernmost fjord in Europe, and the longest sand beach on the continent, Ulcinj. Additionally, Montenegro is the seventh country in the world with the largest number of UNESCO protected areas per square meter. (Miro and sons. Queen mary tours.)

Is Tivat worth a visit?

Tivat is definitely worth a visit for its rich history and scenic location. Follow our guide to plan the ultimate itinerary and experience the magic of this town for yourself.

What is the cheapest month to visit Montenegro?

April is currently the cheapest month to fly to  Montenegro , so plan your trip accordingly to save money.

How do you get around Montenegro without a car?

Getting around Montenegro  is easy with its decent bus network, and companies like  GetYourGuide  offer plenty of day tours and excursions from popular towns like Budva and  Kotor .

How many days are enough in Budva?

One to two days is enough time to enjoy the day trips and attractions close by. However, if you are planning a party or beach trip, extending your stay to five or six days will give you plenty of time to enjoy the sun and the different locations  Budva  has to offer.

Is driving in Montenegro easy?

Driving in Montenegro  is a safe and pleasurable experience. It is easy to get around, and the country offers stunning roads and views that can’t be beaten!

Montenegro Featured Tours and Activities

• Top Ten Tours and Experiences in 2024
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Budva Guides

• 15 Best things to do in Budva, Montenegro
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Lustica Guides

• 8 Best things to do in Lustica Bay, Montenegro
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Montenegro General Knowledge Guides

• Discover the Hidden Gem: Where is Montenegro? Your Guide to the Jewel of the Balkans in 2024
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• Getting Around Made Easy: Your Guide to Taxis in Montenegro for Beginners in 2024

Montenegro border webcams – live traffic at the Montenegrin border checkpoints

• Guide to weather in Montenegro and things to consider

Guide to Montenegro for Beginners

Airport transportation in montenegro – going to or from montenegro airports.

• Airline directory in Montenegro (Airlines with offices in Montenegro)
• How to get married in Montenegro
• Is Montenegro Safe?
• Best Internet Providers in Montenegro
• Montenegro Visa Guide

Montenegro Car Rental Guides

• Montenegro Car Rental
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• Reasons to Rent a Car in Montenegro
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• Montenegro Car Rental Guide

Kotor Guides

• 5 Best Montenegro Tours in Kotor
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• Travel guide to Kotor Old Town in Montenegro

Guide to our lady of the rocks in Perast, Montenegro

• 9 Best things to do in Perast, Montenegro
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• 6 Best things to do in Kolasin, Montenegro During Winter
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Podgorica Guides

9 Best things to to in Danilovgrad, Montenegro

• Discover the Hidden Gems of Podgorica, Montenegro: The Ottoman Empire’s Legacy, Scenic Rivers, and More

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North Montenegro Guides

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Main Montenegro Tours Page 10 Day Balkan Tour Travel Guide Best Balkan Cities to Visit

• 2 Week Balkans Itinerary
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Discover Montenegro’s tranquil beaches, medieval cities, rugged landscapes, and vibrant culture on our expertly curated tours. Book now to explore the Adriatic’s hidden gem!

Monday, April 10

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Discover the best Montenegro car rental options and secure the best deals for your journey. Rent a car in Podgorica, find cheap car rentals, and explore Montenegro’s beauty with ease.

Friday, April 22

Relocation Services In Montenegro

We offer all the services you need to relocate to Montenegro. House purchase. Montenegro Temporary Residency. Montenegro Company Formation. Car rental in Montenegro. Property Management in Montenegro. Real estate in Montenegro. Tours in Montenegro. Montenegro lawyers and accountants.

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THE 10 BEST Montenegro Multi-Day Tours

Multi-day tours in montenegro.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Montenegro in 3 Days: A Journey Through Natural Wonders

2. Montenegro from Albania: A Day Tour full of discoveries

3. 5-Days Hiking Tour to the north of Albania

4. Dubrovnik to Tirana; Tour of 5 Balkan countries in 8 Days

5. Balkan trip

6. Balkan Tour

7. 8-Day Private Sailing Tour from Split with Meals and Pickup

8. The Best of Montenegro 6 nights / 7 days

9. Private 8-Day Hike Kayak and Raft in Montenegro Serbia

10. Balkan Jewels: Montenegro, Albanian, Kosovo & N.Macedonia

11. 2 Day Guided Montenegro and Korcula Combo Tour

12. 5 days, 4 nights in Montenegro

13. Tour of Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo in 4 Days from Dubrovnik or Kotor

14. Albania & Montenegro - 2 Days Private Tour from Dubrovnik

15. Tour of Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, N. Macedonia & Kosovo

16. 8-Day Tour Montenegro Durmitor Mountain and Adriatic Coast

17. Dubrovnik to Athens or Corfu: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

18. Tirana to Dubrovnik /Split; Tour of Enchanting Balkans in 8 Days

19. Secret gems of Montenegro in three days

20. 7 Days Balkan Tour Bosnia Croatia Montenegro Albania N.Macedonia

21. Mini Montenegro Tour Package 3 nights / 4 days

22. Three day Tara River Rafting and Jeep Safari Durmitor Tour

23. Grand Odyssey: Enchanting Balkans & Central Europe in 14-Days

24. Grand Balkan Tour

25. Visit Albania and Montenegro

26. Tour from Split to Athens or Corfu: 7 Balkan countries in 14 days

27. 3 Days Tour of Kosovo Montenegro & Macedonia from Tirana & Durres

28. 5-Day Private Tour - Experience UNESCO's Montenegro

29. Bosnia Croatia Montenegro - 7 Days Balkan Tour

30. Albania & Montenegro Tour - 9 Days

What travelers are saying.

Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

Top Things to do in Montenegro | One Day Trip Itinerary + Guide

Are you considering a day trip to Montenegro? Look no further, as I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about embarking on this unforgettable journey. A day trip to Montenegro is a dream come true for travellers seeking a taste of this beautiful Balkan gem. 

Whether you visit Montenegro on a boat trip from Dubrovnik or a bus tour with fellow adventurers, Montenegro offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural richness that makes it a must-visit place even on a short 3-day trip to Dubrovnik. 

In this article, I will take you through the essential details, including how to get to Montenegro, the must-visit attractions, best things to do in Montenegro and what to expect during your Montenegro day trip. Get ready for an extraordinary journey to a country that’s as beautiful as other Balkan countries but yet so different from them in terms of its people, culture, and infrastructure! 

–  Written by Vrushali Ketkar from Couple of Journeys

PS – Useful Travel Resources to use while heading to Montenegro to experience the Best of Montenegro in One Day – 

• Book your Europe train tickets at Omio or Trainline
• Book your Rental Car in Montenegro on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
• Book the best Montenegro Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
• Book the best Culinary / Food Experiences in Europe on EatWith
• Book your Accommodation in Montenegro on Agoda or Booking.com
• Book the cheapest flights for your trip to Europe on Kiwi.com
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to Europe, and enjoy free access to premium Airport Lounges.
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Europe.

Kotor Old City

Best tours in montenegro, crazy tourist traffic, dilapidated yet charming old towns, mind-blowing scenic beauty, peculiar way of living, should i take a montenegro day trip when i visit dubrovnik, is montenegro as beautiful as croatia, how should i visit montenegro, is just a one-day trip to montenegro enough, share this:, montenegro day trip itinerary.

Pin this Montenegro Trip Planner featuring the Best Things to do in Montenegro

Most day trip journeys to Montenegro follow a fairly standard itinerary. The order of visit to the various places may change depending on the company, but the places covered remain fairly standard. 

Here are all the places that you will visit on your trip to Montenegro, and which are a part of the Top Rated Montenegro Day Trip Tours from Dubrovnik.

Kotor Bay | Photo by Faruk Kaymak on Unsplash

Nestled between towering mountains and the sparkling Adriatic Sea, Kotor Bay is a place of unparalleled natural beauty and historical significance. It keeps you company practically throughout your road journey through Montenegro. 

As you approach the bay, you’ll be greeted by the imposing mountains that seem to cradle the shimmering waters. The bay is renowned for its serenity and picture-perfect landscapes. It is also famous for being a vacation place for many celebrities. 

Handy Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the waterfront.
• Capture the stunning bay views with your camera.
• Enjoy a leisurely meal at a local restaurant, savouring fresh seafood dishes. (if you’re visiting by yourself and can keep your schedule flexible) 

Perast | Photo by Vladan Raznatovic on Unsplash

Nestled on the shores of the mesmerizing Kotor Bay, Perast is a charming coastal town. This town is usually the first proper stop on your trip to Montenegro. 

Perast is renowned for its well-preserved Baroque architecture. As you wander its cobblestone streets, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. One of the town’s standout attractions is the Church of St. Nicholas, a stunning example of Baroque architecture with a bell tower that offers panoramic views of the bay.

From here you can take a boat to visit the Our Lady of The Rocks Chapel. The chapel is just a short boat ride away but during touristy peak seasons can take longer to reach due to the wait times. The chapel itself is fairly simple and not quite worth the visit. 

You can hear about its legends, click pictures from the shore in front, and skip visiting it. 

• Wear comfortable footwear for exploring the town’s charming streets.
• Be sure to visit the Church of St. Nicholas to appreciate its historical significance and architecture.
• If you decide to visit Our Lady of the Rocks, manage your time wisely. You are usually only allocated 30 minutes to explore. 
• Don’t miss the opportunity to savour local cuisine at one of Perast’s waterfront (only if you have enough time and a flexible schedule) 

Photo by Joachim Lesne on Unsplash

The next stop on your daytime outing to Montenegro is the Kotor Old City. It’s a place where time seems to stand still amidst medieval walls and charming streets. 

The Old City of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to centuries of history. Begin your journey at the Sea Gate, the main entrance to the city, and venture into the labyrinthine streets. Marvel at the old architecture, the churches, and the squares along the way. 

A must-visit is the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, a Romanesque and Gothic masterpiece. Climb its bell tower for panoramic views of the Old City and the bay. The climb takes a bit of time and the road is not quite even throughout. But it’s worth it for the stunning views of the entire Kotor region. 

• Be mindful of your stuff. Pickpocketing is common here. 
• If you have limited time, start with a climb to the top of the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. 
• Once you’re back, spend time exploring the alleys. Have lunch at one of the restaurants in the Old City. The pizza served here is delicious. But the prices are hefty as tourism is the only source of earning.

Sveti Stefan Island, Budva | Photo by Mika Ruusunen on Unsplash

Budva is a vibrant and lively coastal town. Even though situated just about 40 minutes away from Kotor, it feels a lot lazier and slightly less touristy and is often the final stop on your outing to Montenegro. 

Budva is famous for its picturesque Old Town , enclosed by medieval walls. As you stroll through its ancient streets, you’ll encounter charming squares, centuries-old buildings, and bustling cafes. Be sure to explore the citadel and the famous Budva City Walls, which provide panoramic views of the town and the Adriatic Sea.

For beach enthusiasts, Budva boasts a string of beautiful beaches. Slovenska Plaza and Mogren Beach are popular choices for soaking up the sun and taking a refreshing dip in the clear waters.

• Just like Kotor Old City, Budva is also a hub of pickpocketing. Be mindful of your stuff especially when at the beach. 
• Carry aquashoes as the beach here, just like the many beaches in Dubrovnik is full of pebbles. Alternatively, walk along the even promenade. 
• Since there isn’t much to see in Budva, it’s best to visit Budva post lunch for a lazy afternoon. 

Now that you are aware of what you’ll end up seeing if you sign up for a Full Day Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik or a Full Day Montenegro Day Trip from Tirana , we’ve curated a lost of some of the best tours in Montenegro, which you could sign up for, if you want to design your own Montenegro Trip Itinerary, which can compliment this 10 Day Balkan Travel Itinerary perfectly.

Great Montenegro Tour – Lovcen NP,Mausoleum Lovcen,River of Crnojevic,Sveti Stefan

Montenegro: Black Lake and Tara Canyon Day Trip

The Great Montenegro Tour from Kotor

North Montenegro, Durmitor, Tara & Ostrog Tour

3 Hour Kotor Food Tour – Rick Steves’ Recommended

Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave – Kotor Boat Tour

1-Hour Guided Lipa Cave Adventure in Montenegro

How to go on a day trip to Montenegro?

When it comes to reaching Montenegro for your day trip from Dubrovnik , there are various options – 

If you’re all about the freedom to explore at your own pace, hopping into a car is a fantastic choice. You can hire a car with a driver or rent a self-driven car . 

The scenic drive from Dubrovnik to Montenegro, which is one of the Most Scenic Road Trips in Europe , is a treat in itself, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. Just ensure you have the necessary documents, like your passport, valid driver’s license, and insurance to produce at the border crossing. 

Nationals of some countries even need a Montenegrin visa as well as a multi-entry Croatian visa to come back at the end of the day trip. 

For those who prefer a more relaxed and cost-effective option, taking a bus is the way to go. Several bus companies operate routes between Dubrovnik and Montenegro, making it convenient to plan your day trip. 

Sit back, enjoy the journey, and let the driver handle the winding roads. A trip guide will also tell you the significance and history of the places you are visiting to help you maximize your day trip. 

Some tour operators also provide an option of sailing to Montenegro. While this is not the best way to explore a new country as a first-timer, if you don’t want to visit the country for its touristy attractions, but more as a day outing to enjoy views and the drinks onboard – a boat trip to Montenegro makes sense.  

What to expect on a day trip to Montenegro?

Dubrovnik has seen a massive boom in tourism thanks to the popularity of Game of Thrones . More and more companies are entering the Dubrovnik travel market and offering day trips from Dubrovnik. 

Montenegro has become one such popular outing and during peak travel season, lots of buses wade tourists to Montenegro. This results in major traffic congestion at the border causing delays. 

The beauty of Kotor Old Town | Photo by Dragisa Braunovic on Unsplash

The two main areas you visit on your Montenegro day trip are the Old Town of Kotor and the walled city of Budva. If you want to enjoy your experience at Kotor and Budva, do not compare it with the Old Town of Dubrovnik. 

The Old Town at Kotor is much smaller with tiny lanes laced with souvenir shops and cafes. The steps leading to the bell tower at the top are broken at numerous places. Although not as beautifully maintained as the Old Town of Dubrovnik, the Old Town of Kotor and the walled city of Budva manage to charm tourists with their ‘raw’ vibe.

Montenegro’s strength lies in its scenic beauty. When you enter Montenegro, you will find lovely black mountains on your left which stand in perfect contrast against the stunning Adriatic sea on the right. 

A little while later, the vast Bay of Kotor will welcome you. The expanse and the color of the Bay of Kotor are so mesmerizing that even the dullest souls will fall in love with it. Similarly, views of the Adriatic Sea spread out around the chic city of Budva will be etched in your hearts forever. The landscape of Montenegro will not give you a chance to put down your camera.

Scenic Beauty of Montenegro | Photo by Radik Sitdikov on Unsplash

As a traveler, I have always believed that one-day trips to a place provide almost no cultural insights. This belief was proved wrong on my Montenegro day trip. 

The moment you enter Montenegro, you will find yourself transported to a world drastically different from most European countries. You will find vehicles overspeeding and notice people smoking everywhere. 

The fact that the Montenegrins disregard the law will become obvious. 

It won’t take you much time to notice that Montenegrins hate hustle. They lead a slow, leisurely life. While most people are warm and hospitable, the sights of kids begging inside the Old Town of Kotor are heartbreaking and bitter reminders of the hardships the Montenegrins continue to go through.

Frequently asked questions about a day trip to Montenegro

Finally, here is a quick round-up for you in the form of a QnA about a day trip to Montenegro:

Yes, if you want to see a charming country that’s quite unlike the rest of Europe.

Ideally, you shouldn’t compare two countries. Nevertheless, the Montenegrin landscape is absolutely breathtaking and worth a visit.

If possible, rent a private car and experience it at a leisurely pace. If not, go on a guided bus tour. 

A day trip to any country is never enough if you want to experience its essence. If possible, stay longer and explore the country thoroughly. 

However, something is better than nothing, and experiencing Montenegro in a day will educate you a bit about the beautiful country and its people.

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10 Day Albania and Montenegro Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 10 day Albania and Montenegro tour with TourRadar. Choose from 16 trips with 28 customer reviews, that range from 8 up to 10 days.

16 Albania And Montenegro 10 day tour packages with 28 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking

Peaks of the Balkans tour in 10 days – Choose Balkans Route

It is hard to express how close I feel to the people at Choose Balkans. I got in touch with them about this hike 3 years ago before the pandemic limited all my travel for an unfathomably long time. We finally got to go in sept 2022. Throughout those years I stayed in touch, often trying to plan again and never being able to. Every time they were kind, patient and honoured my initial deposits! We we finally got there (me and 9 other hikers) we had a meet up with the Choose Balkans team and they are all kind, funny, and well informed. My great thanks to Alban for his generousity and local knowledge on that night out especially. From then on it was hiking time! Our guide Erwin has global hiking and mountain climbing experience but it was clear his heart is in the balkan alps. He is a tough, capable guide but also a caring, intelligent, funny teammate. I cannot reccomend him enough. The hike was hard but exceptionally beautiful and I plan to go back another time as the changing scenery, weather, flora and fauna mean you would need years to see and do all there is to see and do. We have hiked mountains around the world, and these ones, while lower, are just as tough and in many ways more beautiful and mysterious. With choose balkans, and Ervin as your guide, you are in good hands no matter what happens on tbe trail, or off it, unrelated to them i needed to make some itinerary changes and despite our remoteness, transport, accomodation, opportunities were magicked out of this air. A really flexible and versatile team In short, i cant reccomend them enough. They bring trust, calm and humour, you just need to bring a sense of adventure

Peaks of the Balkans Tours in 10 days – Classic Route

Peaks of the Balkans Three-Country Trek

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Visit Albania - North Macedonia - Kosovo - Montenegro

We had the pleasure to visit Albania and Ervin was so accommodating and wonderful to travel with. He was very thorough and explained to us each site we visited. We would recommend tour to anyone looking to peak of Balkan history.

• Mountain Hikes

Peaks of the Balkans – Small Group Tour in Albania, Kosovo & Montenegro

We want to thank you and Adventure & Fun Albania for the wonderful opportunity we had to travel with Ben on our Hiking and sightseeing tour in Northern Albania. The trip was really amazing and we felt so relaxed and well looked after. We were delighted with each accommodation and the meals were delicious. Thank you for your assistance with all of our needs and the excellent communication with the company.

• €29 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Essential Southern Balkans

• Food & Culinary

Albania & Montenegro Tour

An excellent tour. Leo great tour leader and Albania a terrific country. Tour itineracy perfect. Hotel room in Tirana on 1st night just too small. Other hotels excellent

Peaks of the Balkans - Hike Beyond Borders in Albania & Montenegro (8 day)

This tour was very well planned from beginning to end. They also tailored it to our specific needs ( 2 people had to leave 2 days early, so they arranged transfer to hotel etc. but we didn't have to miss a day of hiking!). All we had to do was follow our guide, Ina, wherever she led. Which often led to patches of blueberries, wild raspberries or strawberries. It was a great week. Despite the sometimes tough walks - it was thrilling to be up in the mountains with the quiet, sheep and stars. WE loved it and are going to do another trip with Zbulo. Sally & John Bentley Benson, Paris, France.

Peaks of Balkan - Mountain Hiking at its Best with Ascent of Trekufiri (2366 m)

• Coastal Walks

High Trails of the Balkans

• River Cruise
• Ocean Cruise

The Treasures of the Adriatic: Croatia, Greece, Albania and Montenegro (port-to-port cruise)

Self – Guided Peaks of the Balkans tour in 10 days

Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 8 days – Choose Balkans Route

Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 8 days

• Intl. Flights Included

Balkans: An Impression

• Flights included

What people love about 10 Day Albania And Montenegro Tours

Totally worth it! I enjoyed everything

Our tour guide was excellent and informant and was always very professional. He seems always helpful and friendly even after hours. Ervin were one of the best of not the best guides that we experienced in our 35 years of touring the world. Thanks Ervin.

Professionally run company with all details of the trip taken care of from the moment I booked, My guide, Denis, was brilliant ensuring my safety and setting a pace I could handle. The scenery is spectacular and every day was different. The guest houses were comfortable and the food provided was very good and plentiful. A memorable hiking experience I highly recommend.

• MartinTheVlogger

• Dec 15, 2023

BOOK NOW: 2024 Can-Am Adventure Tour 10 Days - Lets rYde MONTENEGRO Together (08. Sept - 17. Sept)

Early Bird Discount - ALL BOOKINGS until 28.Jananuary 2024 will automatically get:

10% Discount on Tour packages

5% Discount on Rental packages

Prices below in description are without implemented discounts (they are full prices)!!!

Montenegro, a picturesque nation nestled along the Adriatic coast, beckons adventure seekers with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. 

Book your ticket here: https://www.martinthevlogger.com/product-page/10-days-lets-ryde-montenegro-together-with-martinthevlogger-september-2024

and join us for an unforgettable 10-day Can-Am SPYDER / RYKER journey through Montenegro, where we'll explore hidden gems, conquer challenging roads, taste local food and immerse ourselves in the captivating beauty of this Balkan gem.

You can enter this amazing tour with your own Can-Am SPYDER / RYKER or rent one from us.

Lets rYde MONTENEGRO Together 2024 - Key Information:

Rider "Skill" needed: Semi or Advanced Rider*

Meeting Day:  Sunday 08. September

Meeting Place:   Hotel SAHAT***** , Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Distance to ride on tour:  1400-1600 km in 8-days of riding

Tour End:  Tuesday 17. September at Hotel SAHAT***** , Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina (easy access to get back home to all different directions such as SVK, CZ, DE, HU, PL, AT and more)

Closest International Airport:   Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina - click here

List of Accomodations:

Hotel SAHAT***** , Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina / breakfast included /08-09.September

Hotel Mepas*****, Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina /breakfast included/ 09-10. September

Hotel Kadmo**** , Budva, Montenegro / HALF-BOARD included / 10-13.September

Two Bedroom Villas - SOA Village , Zabljak, Montenegro / breakfast included  /13-16.September

Hotel SAHAT***** , Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina / breakfast included  /16-17.September

*Semi or Advanced Level of rider:

Riders with experience are welcome to join our Montenegro motorcycle tour.

This tour is designed for riders who have a basic understanding of motorcycle riding and are comfortable operating Can-Am Spyder or Ryker bikes. If you own Spyder or Ryker at home its no brainer. If you dont, you will be all fine - If you have experience riding motorcycles or have the ability to adapt to new bikes.

We recommend riders who are familiar / or are willing to learn group riding etiquette and can respect the safety of other riders in the group.

Please note that this tour is suitable for riders who are comfortable riding for medium or longer distances, as we will be covering approximately 150-250 kilometers per day.

We are confident that our experienced guides will ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for all participants.

Pick up of rented Can-Am motorcycles:

Option A:  Sarajevo - pick up on 8. September and return on 17. September

Option B: Bratislava, Slovakia (close to Vienna International Airport / VIE ) - pick up on 6. September and return on 18. September)

Tour Package Options:

One Rider with One Can-Am / single room = 2199,- Eur

One Rider + Passenger with One Can-Am / double room = 2599,- Eur

Two Riders with Two Can-Am / double room = 2899,- Eur

In 2024, in order to deliver top quality service to our guests we have only 13 packages available for you to book on this Montenegro tour.

Rent of Can-Am:

Riding alone

RYKER 900 or 900 Rally /One up riding/ = 1560,- Eur

SPYDER F3s Special Series /One up riding/ = 2400,- Eur

SPYDER F3 Limited Special Series /One up riding/ = 2400,- Eur

SPYDER RT20+ Limited/Sea to Sky /One up riding/ = 2700,- Eur

Riding with Passenger

SPYDER F3 Limited Special Series /TWO UP/ = 2800,- Eur

SPYDER RT20+ Limited/Sea to Sky /TWO UP/ = 3150,- Eur

*When Renting Can-Am price of the Tour is Calculated as TOUR PACKAGE OPTION + RENT OF Can-Am.

**You can choose between pick up in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina and renturn in Sarajevo or Pickup and return in Bratislava, Slovakia

***Insurance of 30,- Eur per day per motorcycle with damage responsibility up to 750,- Eur is not included in the rent fee.

Daily Itinerary:

Day 1: Meeting in Sarajevo, Collection of Rental Can-Am, Walk & Dinner at Old Town

Your Montenegro adventure begins as you arrive in the charming city of Sarajevo. After gathering at our hotel lobby, you'll meet your experienced tour guide MartinTheVlogger and other fellow riders. Together, you'll receive a warm welcome and embark on a walk through the historic streets of Sarajevo immersing yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. In the evening, you'll gather for a welcome dinner at a traditional Bosnian restaurant in the Old Town, where you can savor the flavors of local cuisine and connect with your fellow riders.

Day 2: From Sarajevo to Mostar: A Journey of Discovery (day ride 200-240km)

Depart from Sarajevo and embark on a scenic journey towards Mostar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its iconic bridge and captivating cultural heritage. Wind your way through picturesque landscapes, taking in the breathtaking views of the Bosnian countryside. In the evening we will explore the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town, marvel at the architectural splendor of Stari Most (old Bridge), and savor the authentic flavors of traditional Bosnian cuisine. Experience the unique blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan influences that have shaped Mostar's cultural tapestry.

Day 3: From Mostar to Budva: Welcome to Montenegro (day ride 230-240km)

Bid farewell to Mostar and embark on a mesmerizing journey towards Budva, Montenegro's captivating coastal gem. Admire the natural splendor of this scenic route, where every curve reveals a new vista of breathtaking beauty. After a delightful ride, check into our hotel in Budva, where we will spend the next three nights. Settle into your comfortable accommodations and prepare to explore the enchanting town of Budva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 4: Unveiling the Beauty of Skadar Lake and Sveti Stefan (day ride 150km)

On the morning we will go on journey towards Skadar Lake, Montenegro's largest and most pristine natural wonder. Wind through picturesque roads, surrounded by lush greenery and abundant wildlife. As part of this day's adventure, hop aboard a boat and embark on a leisurely cruise across the tranquil waters of the lake. Our last stop of the day will be at the renowned Sveti Stefan beach, where we will soak up the sun's warm rays, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and marvel at the island's unique architecture.

Day 5: A Serene Escape in Kotor Bay and an Ascend to the Njegoš Mausoleum / Relax Day (day ride 150km)

Delve into the charming ambiance of Kotor Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of Kotor Bay. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, admiring the medieval fortifications and the vibrant atmosphere. Afterward, embark on an exhilarating ride along the iconic Kotor Serpentines, a winding road that climbs towards the majestic Njegoš Mausoleum. As we ascend, we'll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of Kotor Bay and the surrounding mountains. This day is also designed as a relaxing interlude, allowing you to soak in the tranquility of Montenegro and enjoy some personal time.

Day 6: A Journey to the Durmitor National Park and Osrog Monastery (day ride 210-240km)

We will say GoodBey to See and we will hit the road towards Drumidor National Park. Along the way, we will make a stop at the sacred Osrog Monastery, a testament to Montenegro's rich religious heritage. Admire the monastery's architectural beauty and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this spiritual haven. Upon reaching Zabljak, we will check into our Villa "Village" where we will stay for 3 nights and prepare to explore the park's breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders.

Day 7: Unveiling the Beauty of Tara River and Lost Roads of Durmitor National Park (day ride 200-240km)

We will start our day on lost roads where we will try not to get lost as we embark on a thrilling adventure through Durmitor National Park, starting with a heart-stopping zip line experience - for brave ones only :) at the Đurđevića Tara Bridge. Soar above the Tara River Canyon, the world's second deepest, and marvel at the breathtaking views.

Later in the day we will continue on twist and turns combined with epic views from the hilltops of the national park. On the way back, we will travel along one of the clearest and most azure water you can experience in your life.

Day 8: Thrill-Seeking Adventure in Durmitor National Park (km - depends on your prefference of the extra experience)

On this day you can choose between three activities and experience Montenegro little bit different way. Off-roading and Rafting on Tara River are not included in the Tour Package:

Off-roading (200-250,- Eur / 5-6 hours):  

Rafting on Tara River (120,- Eur p.p / 8 hours):  

Ride around Durmitor National Park (free of charge / full day):

Day 9: A Day to Live for - Conquering Prevoj Sedlo and Unveiling the Piva Canyon (day ride 220-230km)

This day its one breathtaking journey. One of the best you can experience in your life. Start with the iconic Prevoj Sedlo road, a serpentine route that winds through the majestic peaks of Montenegro. As you ascend, the breathtaking views of the Piva Canyon will unfold before you, revealing the canyon's sheer depth and the turquoise waters of the Piva River.

Our captivating adventure concludes as we return to Sarajevo, the city where our journey began. As we bid farewell to Montenegro's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, we gather for one last dinner together.

Day 10: Farewells and New Beginnings

As our journey ends, we embark on our own unique paths. For those who have traveled on their bikes, the road back home awaits, filled with memories and the anticipation of new adventures.

For those who have rented our bikes, we will wish you a safe journey as you fly back to your homes or continue your European explorations. May the memories you will create in Montenegro inspire you to seek out new horizons and experience the world's wonders.

Book your spot here: https://www.martinthevlogger.com/product-page/10-days-lets-ryde-montenegro-together-with-martinthevlogger-september-2024

In case of any questions write us an email: [email protected]

or connect with us via phone / we use whatsapp +421 902 944 669

About MartinTheVlogger

I am crazy motorbike rider, who wants to travel the World with his bYke also known as "TheBeast" [BRP Can-Am Spyder F3s].

In my vlogs you will find interesting places, epic drone videos, crazy moments and lot of fun and relax atmosphere.

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or [email protected]

www.MartinTheVlogger.com

• Can-Am Zone

Recent Posts

2024 Lets rYde SLOVAKIA Together 11-18 August - CanAm Spyder and Ryker Motorcycle Tour

Wells Fargo Championship 2024 Friday tee times, PGA Tour pairings and how to watch

A fter a first-round 7-under 64, Xander Schauffele holds a three-shot lead over Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa and Alex Noren at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Schauffele's stellar day at Quail Hollow Club was aided by a fortunate drop from the woods that sent social media into a frenzy .

McIlroy, the 2010, 2015 and 2021 Wells Fargo champion, is rounding into form just in time for the year's second men's major championship next week.

The purse at the Wells Fargo Championship is $20 million with $3.6 million going to the winner. The winner will also receive 700 FedEx Cup points.

Wells Fargo : Odds, picks to win

From tee times to TV and streaming info, here's everything you need to know for the second round of the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship. All times listed are ET.

Friday tee times

How to watch, listen.

ESPN+ is the exclusive home of PGA Tour Live . You can also watch the Wells Fargo Championship on Golf Channel free on Fubo . All times ET.

Friday, May 10

Golf Channel/ Peacock : 2-6 p.m

Sirius XM: 12-6 p.m

ESPN+ : 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m

Saturday, May 11

Golf Channel/ Peacock : 1-3 p.m

CBS: 3-6 p.m.

Sirius XM: 1-6 p.m

ESPN+ : 7:15 a.m.-6 p.m

Sunday, May 12

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Wells Fargo Championship 2024 Friday tee times, PGA Tour pairings and how to watch

Watch CBS News

Prince Harry and Meghan visit Nigeria, where the duchess hints at her heritage with students: "I see myself in all of you"

By Charlie D'Agata

Updated on: May 10, 2024 / 10:40 AM EDT / CBS News

Their first trip to Nigeria together might have been called a mini royal tour, but for the fact that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, haven't been "working royals" for a few years.

The couple — now California residents — received a warm welcome to the massive African nation on Friday. They were gifted traditional Nigerian necklaces of wooden beads and then treated to a dance routine by students at their first stop, the Lightway Academy in the sprawling capital city of Abuja.

There, Harry addressed one of his biggest causes: mental health.

"If you take anything away from today, just know that mental health affects every single person," he told the students. "The more you talk about it, the more you can kick stigma away."

Their visit to the West African country takes on added meaning for Meghan, who not long ago said on her Archetypes podcast that a genealogy test had revealed she's "43% Nigerian." The couple have both referenced her Nigerian descent since that revelation, and Meghan voiced her hope to "dig deeper" into her roots.

"My daughter Lili looked at me and said she could see her reflection in my eyes, and said, 'Mama, I see me in you and you in me,'" she told the students in Abuja on Friday.

"As I look around this room, I see myself in all of you as well," she added, drawing a round of applause from the crowd.

Harry and Meghan are in Nigeria at the invitation of the country's military, visiting to discuss the future work of the prince's Invictus Games Foundation. The charity helps wounded servicemembers and veterans through sport. Nigeria has a similar program and collaborates with Invictus.

The visit to Africa comes just days after Prince Harry was in London — on his own — to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. The stop in his old hometown prompted a flurry of speculation about a possible reconciliation with the rest of his royal family in Britain.

But it wasn't to be . He neither met with his brother, Prince William , nor his father, King Charles III.

At one point, the father and son were a mere two miles from each other, attending separate events. According to a statement from the Duke of Sussex, a meeting was unfortunately not possible due to "his Majesty's full program" on the day. It added that Harry hoped to see his father again soon.

King Charles is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, but he has resumed some of his public duties , saying this week that he'd, "been allowed out of his cage."

Harry and Meghan were to wrap up their Nigerian tour on Sunday, following a cultural reception and charity polo match for wounded war veterans.

• Prince Harry Duke of Sussex
• Meghan Duchess of Sussex

Charlie D'Agata is a CBS News senior foreign correspondent and has been based in London since 2000. He's spent more than two decades covering international news for CBS.

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Jason Day draws more attention with another unique Malbon look

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jason Day has three top 10s this season and is contention halfway through this week’s Wells Fargo Championship, but his play has not been the focus this year. It has been his wardrobe.

Day became Malbon Golf’s first ambassador this year, and while terms of the deal were not released, it seems that the streetwear company is getting its money's worth. Day’s polarizing outfits have been a source of constant publicity. Many are reminiscent of the baggy fits and cotton fabrics that were popular in the 1990s, which were not known as a bellwether era of golf fashion. Some love the vintage look while others seem to be aghast. The debate drives attention, though.

Friday at the Wells Fargo Championship did little to calm the rhetoric. Day wore baggy, crème-colored pants and a button-down, short-sleeved shirt that featured brown-and-white vertical stripes and a chest pocket. Day was at a loss for words when Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis asked him to describe the look.

Jason Day looks over an upcoming approach shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the Wells Fargo Championship. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

“I honestly don’t know,” he said before calling it, “Late '90s, early 2000s Tiger on the bottom and Mr. (Ben) Hogan up top.” The baggy pants were reminiscent of what Woods wore early in his career, while the shirt looked like it came from middle of the 20th century.

Earlier this year, Day told PGATOUR.COM that the looser fit was something that appealed to him as he entered his late 30s.

“I’m just looking for a bit of change and this is it,” he said.

Day drew plenty of TV time Friday because he also was near the top of the leaderboard. Day, the 2018 Wells Fargo winner, shot 67 on Friday and, at 7-under 135, is tied with Rory McIlroy for second place. Xander Schauffele (64-67) was four shots ahead of the pair.

Day, who wore Nike and Adidas clothes for much of his career, said he has not tired of the constant inquiries into his clothing choices.

“It’s been nice to be able to wear some stuff that looks a little different to the norm out here,” Day told Golf Channel. “Whether you like it or not is totally your opinion.”

Sean Martin is a senior editor for the PGA TOUR. He is a 2004 graduate of Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo. Attending a small school gave him a heart for the underdog, which is why he enjoys telling stories of golf's lesser-known players. Follow Sean Martin on Twitter .

Join Minitex for Doors Open Minneapolis and tour MLAC's subterranean cavern

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Minitex and the University of Minnesota Libraries are partnering to participate in Doors Open Minneapolis on Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19. From 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day, we'll invite the public into the Minnesota Library Access Center (MLAC) and the Maxine Houghton Wallin Special Collections Research Center.

The Minnesota Library Access Center (MLAC) is a cavernous engineering marvel situated 82 feet beneath Elmer L. Andersen Library, on the West Bank Campus of the University of Minnesota. It is operated by Minitex and functions as a high-density storage facility for Minnesota libraries. MLAC's subterranean 17-foot-tall shelves store more than 1.5 million volumes. Visitors who join us for Doors Open Minneapolis will have the opportunity to descend into the cavern (very safely, in an elevator) and also to visit the above-ground Maxine Houghton Wallin Special Collections Research Center , along with an exhibit space on the main level of Andersen Library.

Also of interest, Hennepin County Library's Minneapolis Central Library is also participating in Doors Open Minneapolis this year. Minneapolis Central Library was designed by world-renowned architect César Pelli. During Doors Open, visitors will be offered self-guided tours of the building, including historical displays on past central libraries in the Special Collections department. On Sunday, the Library will not be open until 12:00 pm.

ABOUT DOORS OPEN MINNEAPOLIS

Doors Open Minneapolis , produced by Rethos, is your chance to explore the buildings that tell our city’s story. From theaters to business hubs, sacred spaces to private clubs, sports complexes to engineering wonders, historical gems to not-even-open-yet buildings, Doors Open Minneapolis will give you a FREE behind-the-scenes look at dozens of exciting venues. Building owners and caretakers will provide unique perspectives that illustrate why these venues, people and businesses, are central to our city’s identity. Learn more on the Doors Open Minneapolis website.

High-density storage for academic, public and governmental libraries

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

The White   House Announces Public Tours and Media Preview of the White   House Gardens on Mother’s Day   Weekend

The White House will continue the tradition of welcoming members of the public to tour the White House Gardens and South Grounds. This spring the White House Gardens Tour will take place during Mother’s Day Weekend, with tours available to the public from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM ET on Saturday, May 11 th and Sunday, May 12 th . 

2024 White House Gardens Tour The White House Gardens Tour is free and open to the public; however, a daily timed ticket is required for all attendees, including small children. The National Park Service (NPS) will distribute free, daily timed tickets at a tent stationed outside the White House Visitor Center (1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) each tour day (May 11 th and 12 th ) beginning at 8:30 AM ET, while supplies last. The tour entry point for all guests will be located on 15th Street, NW between E Street, NW and Constitution Avenue, NW. Advance reservations are not available. The ADA entrance will be located at 15th Street, NW and Alexander Hamilton Place, NW.

Media Preview The White House will host a media preview of the White House Gardens and South Grounds on Friday, May 10 th at 12:30 PM ET. This media preview will be open to pre-credentialed media. For interested media, please RSVP  HERE  by Thursday, May 9 th  at 3:00 PM ET. 

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China's Xi leaves Hungary as he concludes a 5-day visit to Europe

Chinese President Xi Jinping has left Hungary, concluding a tour of three European nations meant to reinforce China’s growing influence on the continent

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Chinese President Xi Jinping left Hungary on Friday, concluding a tour of three European nations meant to meant to reinforce China’s growing influence on the continent.

Xi’s plane took off from Budapest airport on Friday evening, after five days in Europe that began with a visit to France and then Serbia.

Earlier on Friday, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on the social platform X that Xi had concluded his three-day state visit to Hungary, the last stop on his Europe visit, hailing the development of the two nations’ “strategic partnership.”

During the visit, Hungary and China signed a number of new agreements on deepening their economic and cultural cooperation. During a news conference on Thursday, Orbán praised the “continuous, uninterrupted friendship” between the two countries since his tenure began in 2010, and promised that Hungary would continue to host further Chinese investments.

Xi began his visit with a meeting earlier in the week with French President Emmanuel Macron. Their talks focused on trade disputes — including lifting tariff threats on Cognac exports — and Ukraine-related diplomatic efforts.

He next went to European Union candidate Serbia, where the two nations signed an agreement to build a “shared future.”