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Montenegro - The Country of Undiscovered Beauty

8 Days / 7 Nights

Kotor, Zabljak, Budva

Travel and LeisureFodorsUSA TodayNew York TimesNational GeographicWashington PostVogue

See the outstanding beauty of Montenegro on this custom tour that combines the coastal delights of Kotor, Budva, and Ulcinj with time in the breathtaking Durmitor National Park. Each stop offers a different aspect of Montenegro for you to appreciate. Kotor, on the bay of the same name, was long a safe harbor for the Venetian fleet. Durmitor National Park and the Tara River canyon make for a tranquil break in unspoiled nature. Our itinerary ends with Budva which combines old and new, with a yachting fraternity friendly glamorous side and a cozy old town.

One of our team members in the region will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and spacious apartments. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambience.

Route for Kotor, Zabljak, Budva tour

3 Nights in Kotor

3 Nights in Kotor

4 days in Kotor
4 days in Kotor

3 Nights in Kotor

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

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

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Kotor

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

Evenings in Kotor

Suggestion to explore on your own

Kotor is a charming and vibrant town, so enjoy its scenic coast with an easy walk around its center. If you'd like to stretch your legs a bit more, walk down the 2.5 mile promenade to Dobrota, a cute village that is officially a separate town, but is de facto part of Kotor.

Evenings in Kotor

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Kotor

Kotor Private Walking Tour

Kotor Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

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


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1,5 hours

Kotor Off-Road Photo Safari Private Tour

Miss Photogenic

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

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


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 4 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Kotor

Bay of Kotor Private Half-Day Speedboat Tour

Bay of Kotor Private Half-Day Speedboat Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

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


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 4 hours

All About the Mussels Group Tour

All About the Mussels Group Tour

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

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


Activity Level : Light
Duration : 3 hours

Day 4

Day 4 - Traveling to Zabljak by Private Transfer

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

Zabljak by Private Transfer with stop at Ostrog Monastery and Piva Lake

2 Nights in Zabljak

2 Nights in Zabljak

3 days in Zabljak
3 days in Zabljak

2 Nights in Zabljak

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

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

Day 4

Day 4 - Arrival in Zabljak

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

Your Date with Nature

Suggestion to explore on your own

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

Your Date with Nature

Day 5

Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Zabljak

Gems of Durmitor Private Full Day Tour

Zabljak's Rugged Highlights

Included in your vacation package price.

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


Activity Level : Moderate
Duration : 8 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Traveling to Budva

2 Nights in Budva

2 Nights in Budva

3 days in Budva
3 days in Budva

2 Nights in Budva

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

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

Day 6

Day 6 - Arrival in Budva

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

Budva Private Walking Tour

Budva Private Walking Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

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


Activity Level : Easy
Duration : 1 hour

The Beaches of Budva

Suggestion to explore on your own

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

The Beaches of Budva

Day 7

Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Budva

Ancient Budva

The small, charming town of Budva is easy to explore on your own. The Old Town is enjoyably explored by foot, thanks in part to its city walls. This storied settlement is more than 2,500 years old, making it one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic, a long heritage you can delve into via the town's small history museum. The town might be small, but it is the most popular destination in all of Montenegro. And no wonder, considering its vivid nightlife and endless beaches, to say nothing of its options for sightseeing and cultural tourism.

Ancient Budva

Day 8

Day 8 - Departure Day

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

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Kotor

3 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Dubrovnik - Kotor Private Transfer
Kotor Private Walking Tour
Bay of Kotor Private Half-Day Speedboat Tour
Kotor - Zabljak Private Transfer with a stop in Ostrog Monastery and Piva Lake

Zabljak

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Gems of Durmitor Private Full Day Tour
Zabljak - Budva Private Transfer

Budva

2 Nights Accommodation
Breakfast (hotels only)
Budva Private Walking Tour
Podgorica Airport Transfer

package excludes:


  • Flights to and from Europe.
  • Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
  • Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
  • Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
  • Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by  an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.
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