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

8 Nights

Trip Code: #10413

8 Nights: Discover the best of Montenegro with this curated itinerary, highlighting the country's best sights.

Trip Code: #10413

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Trip Code: #10413

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Road Trip

Trip Code: #10413

Best Price Guarantee

Customize and Book with an Expert

(857) 214-2664

Offline

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Day By Day Itinerary

9-days itinerary trip visiting 1 country and 3 cities

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

Day 1Welcome to Montenegro!
Arrive at Podgorica Airport, pick up your rental car, and drive directly to Budva (approx. 1 hour). Check in at your hotel and take some time to relax and settle in.

Suggestion For The Day:

Take a leisurely walk along Budva’s Riviera, enjoying the Adriatic views and Mediterranean atmosphere.

Stroll through the Old Town, admire the Venetian architecture, and wander through peaceful squares.

Visit the Citadel if time allows, or simply relax at a waterfront café.

Sample the local food scene with fresh seafood, ćevapi, or pljeskavica, finishing with baklava.

In the evening, enjoy a walk along the promenade or attend live music or a theatre performance, depending on your mood.
Day 2Optional Day Trip to Lovćen / Cetinje
Today is dedicated to exploring Budva and optionally visiting Lovćen National Park or Cetinje, Montenegro’s historic heart.

Suggestion For The Day:

Start with a leisurely morning wandering Budva’s Old Town, exploring its Venetian architecture, peaceful squares, and historic Citadel.

Optional: Take a day trip to Lovćen National Park (approx. 1 hour), hike to the Njegoš Mausoleum for panoramic views, or drive through scenic viewpoints at a slower pace.

Optional detour to Cetinje: visit Cetinje Monastery, the King Nikola Museum, and the National Museum of Montenegro.

Enjoy lunch in Cetinje or Budva - try punjene paprike or cheese-filled pljeskavica with local wine.

Return to Budva in the evening for a relaxed dinner and night in town.
Day 3History & Beaches of Budva
Suggestion For The Day:

Fully explore Budva’s Old Town, climbing the city walls for panoramic views over the Adriatic.

Spend the afternoon at Mogren Beach (quiet coves) or Jaz Beach (larger, livelier). Swim, sunbathe, or try water sports such as paddleboarding or jet skiing.

Walk the Riviera promenade in the evening and enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.
Day 4Drive to Kotor
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.
Day 5Durmitor National Park Adventure (Optional Day Trip)
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.
Day 6Villages of Boka Bay & Hidden Gems
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.
Day 7Drive Back to Podgorica
Today, return to Podgorica from Kotor (about 1 hour and 40 minutes).

Suggestion For The Day:

Spend the afternoon at the City Gallery or admire the Branko’s Bridge Mosaic.

Relax at Njegošev Park or King Nikola’s Park.

In the evening, revisit Hercegovca Street for dinner, wine, live music, or shopping.
Day 8Podgorica & Surroundings
Suggestion For The Day:

Explore more of Podgorica or take a short excursion to nearby Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans.

Stroll along the lake, enjoy a boat ride, or stop at a local winery for tastings.

Return to Podgorica for your final evening, savoring local cuisine and soaking in the city’s atmosphere.
Day 9Return Flight Home
Suggestion For The Day:

In the morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take some time for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping.

Afterward, drive to Podgorica Airport, return your rental car, and check in for your flight.

We hope you had an unforgettable time in Montenegro - safe travels and until next time!

Itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless clearly stated.

Why We Love This Deal

A Perfect Blend of Experiences:
This 9-day Montenegro road trip blends history, coastal beauty, and mountain adventure into one unforgettable journey - from the sun-kissed shores of Budva and the timeless charm of Kotor Bay, to the breathtaking peaks and national parks that lead you to the capital, Podgorica. You’ll discover medieval towns, sparkling lakes, and dramatic mountain landscapes, all connected by scenic roads that reveal Montenegro’s rich diversity.

Freedom to Explore at Your Own Pace:
With your rental car and a thoughtfully crafted itinerary, you’ll have the freedom to experience Montenegro your way - pause for panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor, enjoy a lazy lunch by the Adriatic, or detour into hidden mountain villages and quiet monasteries tucked deep in nature.

Authentic Local Highlights:
Go beyond the postcard views and experience the true Montenegrin spirit - stroll through Budva’s old town, sail across the Bay of Kotor to Our Lady of the Rocks, explore the royal history of Cetinje, hike through Durmitor National Park, and kayak on Biogradska Lake before ending your journey in Podgorica, a city that blends modern energy with a proud cultural heritage.

Effortless Planning, Maximum Enjoyment:
We’ve taken care of the details - from comfortable hotels and rental car arrangements to suggested scenic routes and must-see stops - so you can simply relax and enjoy Montenegro’s ever-changing landscapes and warm hospitality.

Ideal for Nature Lovers, Culture Seekers & Coastal Dreamers:
Whether you’re drawn to the beaches of Budva, the history of Kotor, or the wilderness of Durmitor, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation - a journey that captures the essence, rhythm, and charm of Montenegro from coast to capital.

Make It Truly Yours

Want a few changes? Our team can adjust flights, hotels, and activities to fit you perfectly.

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

Trip Code: #10413

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