Discover Montenegro: 9-Day Road Trip to Podgorica, Budva & Kotor

Suggestion For The Day:

• From Budva, drive approx. 1 hour to Lovćen National Park for a day of natural beauty.
• If you’re active, hike up to the Njegoš Mausoleum, perched high atop Mount Lovćen, for spectacular 360° views.
• Prefer a slower pace? Drive through the park, stopping at scenic viewpoints and taking short walks through untouched nature.
• In the evening, head back to Cetinje for dinner and a relaxed exploration of its quaint Old Town before returning to Budva for the night.

Suggestion For The Day:

• Start the day wandering Budva’s Old Town, with its narrow stone alleys, Venetian architecture, and peaceful squares.
• Visit the Citadel and Maritime Museum to learn about Budva’s past, then climb the city walls for stunning views over the Adriatic.
• In the afternoon, head to the beach. Choose Mogren Beach for its sheltered coves or Jaz Beach for a larger, livelier atmosphere. Swim, relax, or try water sports like paddleboarding or jet skiing.
• As evening sets in, stroll the Budva Riviera promenade, then enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.

Today, you’ll drive to Kotor (a scenic 40-minute drive from Budva), a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled between the majestic mountains and the sparkling waters of Boka Bay.

Suggestion For The Day: 

• After check-in, start with a walk along the city walls – climb the ramparts for breathtaking views over red rooftops, the glittering bay, and surrounding mountains.
• Uncover Kotor’s maritime past at the Maritime Museum, with displays of nautical tools and historic model ships. Then, visit St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, a Romanesque gem featuring a richly decorated façade, ancient frescoes, and a treasury of sacred relics.
• In the afternoon, wander through lively squares, explore tucked-away courtyards, and soak up the Old Town’s charm. Stop by local craft shops, try a traditional Montenegrin pastry, or unwind at a café with a view.
• Optional Add-on: Climb the Clock Tower for more panoramic views or visit the Naval Heritage Collection tucked within the city walls.

Suggestion For The Day: 

• If you’re in the mood for a mountain escape, consider a full-day adventure to Durmitor National Park, about 3 hours from Kotor - a journey well worth the effort.
• Start your day in the alpine town of Žabljak, where you can stroll through the quiet streets, grab a coffee, and stop by the Visitor Center for trail maps or local tips.
• From there, head to the serene Black Lake (Crno Jezero) - a picture-perfect glacial lake surrounded by forested trails and dramatic peaks. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, rent a small rowboat, or find a quiet spot for a picnic with a view.
• Feeling adventurous? You could hike the Bobotov Kuk trail, the park’s highest peak, or book a white-water rafting tour along the Tara River Canyon, the deepest canyon in Europe - a thrilling, seasonal experience that’s sure to be a highlight of your trip.
• Return to Kotor in the evening for a relaxed dinner and time to unwind after a day in the wild.

Suggestion For The Day: 

• Today, explore the hidden gems along Boka Bay - just a short, scenic 20-minute drive from Kotor lies Perast, a charming baroque town steeped in history. Park by the waterfront and take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque promenade, where palaces, bell towers, and elegant stone villas create a timeless atmosphere.
• From Perast, hop on a boat to Our Lady of the Rocks, a fascinating man-made islet crowned by a stunning church and museum. Discover the captivating legends surrounding this unique site and soak in breathtaking panoramic views of Boka Bay from the water.
• After a scenic boat trip, enjoy a leisurely lunch with stunning bay views in Perast, savoring local specialties. Then, continue your drive to Prčanj, a tranquil coastal village known for its graceful 17th-century architecture and the impressive Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• Return to Kotor in the afternoon to unwind and enjoy a relaxed evening. For dinner, consider Ladovina Kitchen & Wine Bar or another restaurant with a terrace overlooking the bay, perfect for savoring your final night in this enchanting area.
   

Today, return to Podgorica from Kotor (about 1 hour and 40 minutes).

Suggestion For The Day:

• Spend your afternoon at the City Gallery or marvel at the unique Branko’s Bridge Mosaic – perfect for art lovers.
• If you prefer tranquility, unwind at Njegošev Park or King Nikola’s Park, ideal for reading, journaling, or simply relaxing under the trees.
• As the day winds down, revisit Hercegovca Street for more evening delights – perhaps a glass of Montenegrin wine, live music, or a spot of shopping.
• Make the most of your final evening in the capital before tomorrow’s return flight.