The Montenegro Highlights tour offers an opportunity to explore some of Montenegro’s hidden secrets while experiencing some of the most breathtaking sceneries one can imagine. You will witness the UNESCO town of Kotor, the 18th-century village of Perast, and the vibrant Riviera in Budva town. Along with the rich history of rebellion, we cannot miss the stunning Skadar Lake, considered one of the most beautiful sceneries in the Balkans, and the Ostrog monastery, built vertically on the rocks with an air of mystery.
Itinerary Highlights
Localised Food and Wine Tours
Rafting on the Tara River
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
Explore the Boka Bay region
Cruise the largest lake in the Balkans
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
9
Nights
Price Guide
$POA
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Tivat
Day 2
KOTOR & PERAST
Depart from the hotel with the assistance of a guide to go sightseeing in Kotor’s Old Town, one of the most significant old towns in the Mediterranean. The medieval architecture and numerous cultural heritage monuments have put Kotor on the UNESCO list of “World Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites”. Throughout the city, there are interwoven streets and squares with structures that are worth admiring. One of the most recognized symbols of the town is the St. Tripun Cathedral, built in 1166 and a monument of Roman culture.
Other important monuments include St. Luke’s Church (13th century), the Church of St. Anna (12th century), the Church of St. Mary (13th century), the Church of Our Lady of Health (15th century), the Duke’s Palace (17th century), and Napoleon’s Theater (19th century), which represent just one part of the rich treasures of the Kotor tradition. Once you have viewed the beautiful streets and squares of the Old Town Kotor, you’ll travel to Perast, an old fisherman’s village and the town of the first Montenegrin mariners. The most beautiful buildings of this small city were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. In front of this beautiful town are two islands, Saint George from the 12th century and the Church of Our Lady of the Rock, built-in 1630. You can visit the “Lady of the Rock” island and return to Perast. Finally, return to Kotor.
Day 3
Budva Riviera
You will depart from the hotel with a guide’s assistance towards the island of St. Stefan, where you will have a panoramic view of the island and take a fantastic photo break. This island has an unusual appearance and is surrounded by high stone walls. For good reason, it is known as the most beautiful building on the Montenegrin coast. Once a fishing village, it is now a widely known and respected city hotel that leaves no one indifferent.
You will have a photo break there and then walk through Miločer Park, which includes King’s and Queen’s beach. The panorama of Budva Riviera consists of picturesque, natural beauty of towns that permeate and give this part of the coast a unique flair. After viewing the scenery of this beautiful island, you will continue in the direction of Old Town Budva.
Budva is considered one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic, with over 2500 years of history. According to legend, proven in many Greek myths, Budva was founded by Cadmus, the son of Phoenician king Agenon. He was banished from Teba and reached this territory in an ox wagon, where he founded Budva. After visiting Budva, you will head toward Tivat and visit Marina Porto Montenegro.
Porto Montenegro is a luxury development that features waterfront homes, a nautical village, and a superyacht marina, which is starting to be recognized as Montenegro’s premier shopping and dining centre. In the marine village, you will find one of the objects that can rarely be visited – the submarine “Hero.” The group will have a unique experience visiting this real military submarine, going inside, and checking its interior. Reflecting the area’s rich maritime tradition, the Naval Heritage Collection is housed in a beautifully restored building and showcases over 300 artifacts, from Yugoslav submarines to the diaries of Montenegro’s Princess Ksenija, Austro-Hungarian ship equipment, and industrial machines, which you will also visit. You will then overnight in Kotor.
Day 4
Cetinje and Lovcen National Park
Drive to Cetinje, the old capital of Montenegro. You’ll stop at the viewpoint situated on the Braici. There, you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Riviera of Budva. Cetinje was founded in the 15th century by Ivan Crnojevic, the last ruler of the medieval solid state of Zeta, and it was the historical capital of Montenegro for five centuries. Discover the story of Montenegrin history through the riches of historic edifices and museums in the “Valley of Gods”. Cetinje is located in the Royal Palace of the last Montenegro King Nikola from the dynasty Petrovic and Cetinje Monastery. Visit the Royal Palace.
The path leads us through the untouched nature of the National Park to the mausoleum Lovćen, the highest in the world; you’re going to take 461 steps to get to the Mausoleum and get the opportunity to admire the beauties of our country from the bird’s perspective.
Continue to Negusi, an authentic Montenegrin village known for traditional local cuisine, where great Montenegrin spiritual and poet Njegos was born. Arrival in Njegusi. Domestic smoked ham and cheese tasting in one of the national restaurants. Return to the hotel via the old Austrian “hairpin” road, where you can enjoy the spectacular Boka Bay and the charming view. Boka Bay is listed as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
On the return journey, we plan to take a different route that features the famous 25-curved roads, a popular tourist attraction that promises to be an adventure in itself.
Day 5
Lake Skadar
You’ll depart from the hotel with the assistance of our guide and head towards Virpazar, a charming village situated on the coast of Skadar Lake. During the drive, we can enjoy the sightseeing of Budva’s Riviera.
Upon our arrival at Virpazar, we will embark on a boat to see Skadar Lake, the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula and the last sanctuary of pelicans. The lake is a cryptodepression, meaning that in some parts, the bottom of the lake is below sea level. This area is a witness to indescribable beauty, with its overgrown coast, bays, capes, and islands, making it the most unique lake in the entire European continent. This place is also home to numerous monasteries, churches, and holy monuments, and many fortifications on these islands, mostly built by the Turks, stand as witnesses to the wars fought between the two nations. After the boat cruise, we will have lunch in a restaurant near the lake.
Departure to Podgorica and overnight.
Day 6
Podgorica and Wine Tasting
Podgorica is the capital city of Montenegro, and although it may not be a typical European beauty spot, it has several exciting sights worth exploring. Some of these include the modern Millennium Bridge over the Morača River, the old stone bridge over the Ribnica River, and the centuries-old Clock Tower that the Turks and towers over the old town built.
To help you discover the history and stories behind these sights, you can take a walking tour of the Old Town of Podgorica with a local guide. You will learn why the remains of the Ribnica Fortress are so crucial to the locals, as it stands at the crossroads of the Ribnica and Moraca rivers and offers incredible views. You will also discover whether the Ribnica Bridge was built in Roman times and discover that the Clock Tower dates back to the 17th century. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Millennium Bridge and some of the most important monuments dedicated to Podgorica’s rulers throughout history, including the third-biggest Orthodox cathedral in the Balkans.
Another highlight of your trip could be visiting Plantaže Winery, one of southeastern Europe’s most significant grape and wine producers. With vineyards covering 2,310 hectares in Montenegro, the property houses three wine cellars with a capacity of 33 million litres, a rootstock nursery, a peach tree grove, a fish pond producing 100 tonnes of California trout annually, and different retail and catering facilities. The company operates under international quality standards, producing about 22 million kilograms of grapes annually, launching 17 million bottles into the markets, and exporting 2000 tons of grapes for fresh consumption to over 35 countries worldwide.
Plantaže Winery’s wines have won over 800 awards at wine contests, competitions, and wine fairs. Your local host can take you through three different cellars, wine boutiques, and restaurants of Plantaže, where you can experience the authentic aromas and flavours of the Montenegrin area. You can also enjoy the impressive ambience of the unique wine cellar in Europe and indulge in the unforgettable scents and tastes of the “bouquet” of our region.
Day 7
OSTROG MONASTERY
Drive from the hotel to Monastery Ostrog, considered the Montenegrin equivalent of Greece’s Meteora. This miraculous monastery is a stunning combination of nature and human architecture, carved almost entirely into a vertical mountain cliff. From here, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Bjelopavlica Valley. The monastery is the pearl of Montenegrin spiritualism and attracts more than a hundred thousand pilgrims worldwide and of all religions yearly. Once you arrive, you can visit the monastery, Montenegro’s most famous pilgrimage site.
The monastery was founded in the 17th century by Vasilije, the Metropolitan Bishop of Herzegovina. He died there in 1671 and was later glorified. His body is enshrined in a shrine in the cave church dedicated to the Presentation of the Mother of God to the Temple.
The Orthodox Monastery of Ostrog is one of the most frequently visited places in the Balkans. It is unique because it is seen by believers from all parts of the world, representing a meeting place for all confessions, including Orthodox, Catholic, and Muslim. According to pilgrims’ stories, many have been cured and helped in lessening the difficulties in their lives by praying by Vasilije’s body. Near the monastery, there are billets, which, together with the abbey, nature, and the springs of holy water, create an unforgettable atmosphere. Make sure to visit the monastery to experience it all for yourself! Overnight in Podgorica.
Day 8
Rafting in Tara Canyon
Depart from hotel early in the morning. The participants arrived at Scepan Polje, and breakfast was in the restaurant on the river bank. Driving with terrain vehicles to the Brstanovica (the rafting starting point). Preparations for rafting (providing participants with instructions, life belts, helmets, and appropriate waterproof clothes and shoes). Rafting through the most attractive rapids on Tara River. During rafting, there will be breaks for taking photos and swimming.
During rafting, we will see Tepca village (famous for old wire bridge and attractive rapids; also the spot where the canyon is the deepest), Bajlovica Sige, Gornje and Dolje Nozdruc rapids, the gorge of Susica, Prodrtu Usov (significant and attractive rapid), Brstanovica camp and Brstanovica rapids, Varda, Celije, Vjernovica Buk…. The Tara Canyon is sky-diving into the depths of the earth, a furrow deeply cut between sky-high mountains, one of the deepest canyons made by river erosion forces, the deepest canyon in Europe, and possibly the most beautiful in the world. Arrival at Scepan Polje, the end of the rafting. Lunch in the restaurant on the riverbank.
Overnight in Podgorica
Day 9
Durmitor National Park
Durmitor National Park, located in the Dinaric Alps, is undoubtedly Montenegro’s most stunning natural reservoir. This limestone massif was formed by glaciers and is crisscrossed by beautiful rivers and underground streams. It is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the Balkans, featuring amazing glacier lakes, also known as “mountain eyes”, pine forests, and a wide range of endemic flora. Tara Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in Europe, is also located in the park.
When you visit the Durmitor National Park Visitor Centre, you can learn about the UNESCO World Heritage Site and its plants and wildlife preservation. The park is home to various species, such as the griffon vulture, the brown bear, and the golden eagle.
After your adventure exploring the park, you can spend the night in Podgorica.
Day 10
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $POA
When to travel
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Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months of June to August, temperatures range from 23°C to 29°C. September and October are also warm with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 24°C. The winter months of November to February are usually mild with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C. In March and April, temperatures start to rise again, ranging from 14°C to 19°C. May is a pleasant month to travel to Montenegro with temperatures ranging from 19°C to 23°C. Overall, Montenegro has a pleasant climate throughout the year with warm summers and mild winters.
The average temperature in Montenegro during January is around 7°C, with highs of 11°C during the day and lows of 3°C at night. It's typically quite rainy during this time of year, with an average of 13 rainy days throughout the month. It's important to dress warmly and bring an umbrella if you plan to spend time outside, as the weather can be unpredictable. Despite the rain and cooler temperatures, January is still a beautiful time to visit Montenegro and explore all this stunning country offers.
In February, the weather in Montenegro can still be quite chilly, with an average temperature of around 8°C. The highs can reach 12°C during the day, but the lows can dip to 4°C at night. It's also quite rainy during this month, with an average of 12 rainy days throughout February. It's important to pack accordingly and bring warm clothing and an umbrella if you plan on exploring the country during this time of year. Montenegro still offers many breathtaking sights and experiences despite the cooler temperatures and rain.
In March, the weather in Montenegro starts to warm up a bit, with an average temperature of around 11°C. The highs can reach 15°C during the day, while the lows can dip to 7°C at night. It's also a bit less rainy than February, with an average of 10 rainy days throughout March. Nonetheless, it's still advisable to bring warm clothing and a light jacket in case of sudden temperature drops. Despite the cooler temperatures and occasional rain, Montenegro remains a beautiful destination to explore during this time of year.
In April, Montenegro experiences a pleasant increase in temperature with an average of 14°C. The highs can reach up to 19°C during the day, while the lows can dip down to 9°C at night. It's also a relatively dry month with an average of 8 rainy days throughout April. However, it's still advisable to bring a light jacket for the cooler evenings. Overall, Montenegro in April offers comfortable weather for exploring this beautiful destination.
In May, Montenegro sees a significant increase in temperature with an average of 18°C. The highs can reach up to 23°C during the day, while the lows can still dip down to 13°C at night. It's also a relatively dry month with an average of 9 rainy days throughout May. It's a great time to visit Montenegro and enjoy the beautiful weather while exploring all that this stunning destination has to offer.
In June, Montenegro experiences warmer weather with an average temperature of 22°C. During the day, highs can reach up to 27°C, while the lows can still be as cool as 17°C at night. It's also a relatively dry month with an average of 7 rainy days throughout June. Montenegro is a great destination to visit during this time of year, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities in the sunshine.
Montenegro experiences even warmer weather in July with an average temperature of 25°C. During the day, highs can reach up to 31°C, while the lows can still be as cool as 19°C at night. It's also a relatively dry month with an average of 6 rainy days throughout July. Montenegro is a great destination to visit during this time of year, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities in the sunshine.
In August, Montenegro experiences warm weather with an average temperature of 26°C. The highs during the day can reach up to 32°C, while the lows can still be as cool as 20°C at night. This month is also relatively dry with an average of 5 rainy days. August is a great time to visit Montenegro, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities in the sunshine.
For the month of September in Montenegro, the weather starts to cool down a bit with an average temperature of around 22°C. During the day, temperatures can reach up to 27°C, while at night, the lows can drop to around 17°C. September is also a relatively dry month with an average of 4 rainy days. Although it may not be as warm as August, it is still a great time to visit Montenegro and enjoy outdoor activities in the pleasant autumn weather.
In October, the weather in Montenegro starts to get cooler with an average temperature of around 16°C. During the day, temperatures can reach up to 20°C, while at night, the lows can drop to around 11°C. October is also a relatively wet month with an average of 9 rainy days. While not as warm as September, the pleasant autumn weather is still ideal for outdoor activities in Montenegro.
In November, Montenegro experiences a significant drop in temperature compared to the previous months. The average temperature is around 10°C, with highs during the day reaching up to 14°C and lows dropping to around 6°C at night. It is also a relatively wet month, with an average of 12 rainy days. While it may not be the best time for outdoor activities, the crisp autumn weather is perfect for cozy indoor activities such as enjoying local cuisine and exploring historic sites.
In December, the weather in Montenegro becomes even colder than in November. The average temperature drops to around 7°C, with highs during the day reaching up to 10°C and lows dropping to around 4°C at night. It is also a relatively wet month, with an average of 14 rainy days. Despite the chilly weather, December is a great time to visit Montenegro if you enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, as the country's mountains receive plenty of snow during this time of year.
Add on’s
There are many add-on holiday options to this Montenegro itinerary; for example, you could head to Croatia, a beautiful country with stunning beaches, national parks, and historic cities like Dubrovnik. Albania is another hidden gem with gorgeous beaches, rugged mountains, and ancient ruins. Bosnia and Herzegovina are must-visit destinations for their rich culture, diverse cuisine, and historical landmarks like the Stari Most bridge in Mostar.
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